Great stuff Flea. had a quick look there(i'll watch it properly later) and one thing that jumps out is being remembered just how much Chionoi had declined by the time he had his legendary fight with Ohba. He was clearly quicker, more active and sharper in the mid-late '60s.A fight between this Chionoi and Ohba could be awfully tough for Masao, as Chionoi has the activity and greater overall sharpness to better follow up Ohba's trouble with his height and awkward right hand punching. Chionoi's not the most skilled or polished Fly and sometimes he looked terrible, but i've grown to appreciate his awkward blend of stand up boxing and slugging more over the years.Really intimidating Fly physically too. Burruni just seems to have lost a certain drive and x-factor at this stage, though he looks fine from the minute or two i looked at.Three non-title losses in the space of about 6 months against the better fighters he taking on, a safer title fight against Gatellari, before losing his title to McGowan.
I've gotta' say my theory is that Burruni lost the fire soon after he won the belt and refused to fight Accavallo (or rather defend against him, proven a good decision when the Argie beat him). Maybe he thought McGowan would be a soft touch too as he'd already beaten him. Had similar tendencies to Locche it seems in non-title tilts; World class ability used to make up the numbers and put in enough effort defensively whilst not taking chances and letting his hands go. He's chuffed after Chionoi is given the decision Top drawer was Burruni, but a true world class champion could've beaten the guys he lost to even in first gear. Not Chionoi of course, he was hassle for anyone. Chionoi is a weird case. The Muay Thai fighters of the time where very much influenced by boxing of the time period (as time has gone on they are definitely not) and someone like Pone received pure boxing schooling from a chap who was a deputy at Stillmans I think. Chionoi is different. He learned his trade in the army cadets, and had no Muay Thai experience. So I think his rudimentary skill was complimented by his natural strength and gusto essentially, which as he became more shopworn manifested itself in some really instinctive performances with little thought of putting thought into it or using any of his nous. I mean here he looks a decent enough punch-picker at times, which is impressive considering Burruni was a slick customer.
Flea, I was very impressed with the Burruni jab and can give him some slack seeing as how he was in his early 30s with a lot of fights behind him at this stage. Also impressive was how Chionoi walked him down and the apparent effects of his body blows. Truly an excellent find of two great campaigners.
Cheers! I honestly cannot remember whether I got this from ragingbull or not! As always, thanks to him if so. Also, I see what you mean, but Burruni still looked very sharp here IMO.
