Just thinking that we really miss out on a lot, by not seeing the great exhibitions of past it fighters. Fights which lets fans see guys styles, in the flesh, even if these guys are past it. Like the Tunney corbett sparring, the Johnson Jeanette exhibition and many many others which are lost to the archives of history. So i am wondering what great exhibition fights or fighters would you like to see go on today. How about Holmes vs Wlad, over a couple of rounds, with Wlad going easy, but holmes sticking out the great jab in his face? Or Tyson Vitali having a bit of spar. Or perhaps Tyson Tua, a fight that never was. Maybe a Lennox lewis vs Riddick Bowe. Or maybe some of the other weight classes. Perhaps a Hagler v Leonard II would still be interesting (as a spar). Between two old guys who i could be wrong, but i imagine them both still in half decent shape. What about seeing Hopkins in against both these great middleweights. Nothing needs to be necessarilly competitive but wouldnt it be great to see some of these greats go at it? Any other blasts from the past people would like to see?
Joe Louis built a fair resume in exhibitions. He knocked out: Elmer Ray (twice) Nino Valdez Rex Layne (acording to some sources)
Holmes is an experienced hand at exhibitions, and has a style well suited to performing them. Terrell did exhibitions as well, and seems to be in reasonable shape for 70. (71 on Sunday.) Kids today might learn something watching the two of them exchanging jabs. Camacho and SRL might be able to provide a decent show today. Hector has also done exhibitions, and both know how to entertain a crowd. Putting Hagler in with Ray for an exhibition is a bad idea. I like the idea of Hagler and Hopkins though. I think there's some appropriate mutual respect there, and they might produce an instructive display. Another good potential pairing between former rivals might be Hagler and Willie Monroe. It's been a few years since I last saw The Worm referee a match, but he still looked to be in very good shape. Marv is actually somebody I'd feel comfortable sparring with. Before his rubber match with Seales, he laced 'em up in the WCVB TV studios for fun with the late "Good Day!" Boston morning program co host John Willis. (Do any New Englanders here remember this comedic event?) After a few moments fooling around and Marv unable to control his laughter, former amateur boxer Willis tapped him on his bald pate, and Hagler went tumbling backwards as Willis raised his gloves in mock triumph! (Years later, Marv also had trouble keeping a straight face on SNL.) It might surprise a lot of people to know that Hagler can actually take it easy with the gloves on, but I'd never expect to count on him doing this with SRL.
How about Holyfield vs Haye? If Holmes sparred with Vitali, Vitali would look horrible... Nothing against Vitali, I just think he would be taking it too easy.. Holmes would probably be going on and on about how he beat up the robotic Ukranian.. Of all champs, why does Holmes have to be so bitter toward the old champions? was it because he was criminally overrated? You would think someone like Bowe or Lewis would be like that, but it's Holmes.. :huh
