This fight was scheduled to happen, it was actually promised to the Michael vs. Al Carter winner, but sadly never materialised. Barry had to then move down a division to get a title shot. Can't see him getting stopped, but could Bazza out-hustle or even force a stoppage of Boom Boom? It would've been a guarenteed little barnburner. Shoot fellas. :good
That night in late 1981 when Michael beat Carter I doubt anyone could have beaten Michael. The win taking Michael to 35-7-2. A month later Mancini suffered his first loss, to Arguello, his log going to 20-1-0. Tantalizing prospect Mancini vs Michael! Mancini had a high stoppage rate and it wasn't till mid 1984 that things went sour for him and he went out with 4 more losses. Had wins over Chacon, Ramirez, and tested Arguello. Likewise Michael continued mostly on his winning way until about 1987, and most of us Aussies are familiar with his career. Michael would very likely have stayed on his feet and been there at the end - because he always did. Fascinating fight - perhaps Mancini might out work Michael over the distance - but Michael wouldn't be taking backward steps unless absolutely forced to.
Mancini wins..class above here but is pushed hard by Baz. I thought Mr Michael just got home against Carter..just. Great great fight. He looked unstoppable in the sense he looked like no one could have stopped him but he certainly look beatable.
Mancini wins..class above here but is pushed hard by Baz. I thought Mr Michael just got home against Carter..just. Great great fight. He looked unstoppable in the sense he looked like no one could have stopped him but he certainly look beatable.
Yep, Ray would win a decision. However this would've been a good fight for Baz from a stylistic point and if anyone is getting stopped it was Mancini. Barry looked very good in that Carter fight, he showed different dimensions and don't forget Carter was one of those fighters nobody wanted anything to do with. On his night he could take your off and he wasn't well known, the idea was Carter and Michael would destroy eachother.
Was Carter really this feared contender? I cant see any evidence he was ranked or even that well known at that time..besides in Australian press that seems to laud him as this unstoppable beast. He had really just feasted on mediocre mid-western opponents up until that point...His ability and power were obvious but was he really this hot prospect that the commentators were asserting?
No he wasn't the godzilla he was made out to be by our press. They always build them up to be something they're not and usuallynever were, or they conveniently forget that they may have been 1000 years past their prime Lennox Blackmore stopped Barry Michael. Three years later Lennox Blackmore was KO'd in 2 by Aaron Pryor
