Billy Graham a terrific welterweight, good enough to concede 6lbs to Joey Giardello and beat him,good enough to beat Carmen Basilio in one fight and draw in their second fight ,[all the press went for Graham]. According to legend he was robbed against Kid Gavilan in their intial bout the press voted 12-3 for Graham. Was Graham as near great as you can be without actually being a great? I think so.
Top fighter. I think it was the third fight that was controversial. Not big hitting but an excellent boxer with a great chin and skills.
I have a soft spot for him. How much differently does history look upon him if he gets the Gavilan and Basilio decision, especially if he retired or was more inspired post Basilio? He also overlooked because of his low knockout style.
Anytime mate. I watched a bit of it last night and tbh The Kid seemed mostly in control. Searched the net a bit (and here) and the majority that score it now usually have Gavilan ahead comfortably but the odd credible guy scores it for Graham still. Saw one claim Gavilan was a mafia controlled fighter at the time and Graham said no to them and promises of a win prior to this fight. Of course this doesn't mean Gavilan didn't win. Have a look at the fight sometime on youtube if you get bored. I will add there's probably no substitute for good sound and actually being there for scoring.
My score. I did think Graham got robbed on this one. Kid Gavilan - Billy Graham III Round 1: Even Round 2: Gavilan Round 3: Graham Round 4: Gavilan Round 5: Gavilan Round 6: Graham Round 7: Gavilan Round 8: Even Round 9: Graham Round 10: Graham Round 11: Graham Round 12: Graham Round 13: Even Round 14: Graham Round 15: Graham 8-4-3 Graham
Here's an old thread from here that had some scoring input https://www.boxingforum24.com/threa...graham-why-is-this-fight-controversial.73159/
In terms of abilities, yeah absolutely. Who in history would have had an easy time with Graham at his cagey best? Not anyone I can think of.
Irving Cohen managed both Rocky Graziano and Billy Graham. Graziano obviously was more colorful and a far better gate attraction than Graham, but I consider Graham to be better than Graziano as a fighter. Moreover, Graham appears to have faced better opposition overall. - Chuck Johnston
Yes, I think "near- great" catches the essence of his talents quite nicely. Also terms like "near champion" or "uncrowned champion" or "master boxer."
