Conteh vs Qawi?

Conteh could very well outbox his way to an uneventful decision. Spinks had real success taking backward steps firing the jab with the charging Qawi resetting all night. Conteh could jab and move with the best of them and had excellent stamina. I dont think he hurts the iron chinned Qawi in the slightest.

I think Conteh doesn't engage winning a wide UD. Fans get no action and after the fight Qawi says all he did was was run. Conteh was primarily a left handed jab fighter (ala Virgil Hill).

Look at the first Conteh vs Saad Muhammad fight. John was on his toes all night shooting a jab well into the 14th 15th rounds. He has the rythm and style to stay on the outside all night. Plus he has a 5 inch reach advantage vs Qawi and can shoot that jab from up high as he is 6 foot compared to Qawi 5'7. Qawi bombed out Saad and Rossman but both those guys loved to mix it up. Conteh is more of a mover and pure boxer.

 

I agree about Conteh's boxing ability and he could stay on the outside, but run?
I'm not aware Conteh ever ran in his life,he could rough it up with the best. In fact at times he was just plain dirty!
If we're talking both prime this one is difficult I might just give a slight edge to Saad.

 

I meant that Qawi who wants to trade would feel a little duped thats all. Conteh is no runner but a tough and talented hombre. I think he would score and move single and 2-3 shots max. Qawi is so strong and a vicious inside fighter you dont want prolonged exchanges with him. This fight is at 175, heck he took Holyfield (@ 190) to hell and back and was smiling at the end. As Saad said about Marvin Johnson - "He bad!!", so was Qawi.

To me Conteh always looked so relaxed and natural. His rhythm looked effortless and aesthetic. His jab flowed so easy from his shoulder very smooth and his balance was on-point.

 

Rafaman, I agree with your assessment of the fight, but one thing about Conteh you mentioned being a one-armed fighter. He wasn't always like that. He broke his right hand in a non-title with Willie 'The Bull' Taylor and then re-broke it again which shelved him for some time. When he came back he seemed to baby the right and use primarily the left. But at his peak he was a two-handed fighter.

 

Thanks for the info. I knew he had hand troubles but didnt know those specfics. Watching Conteh vs Saad Muhammad I always scream at John. Throw that right hand he was in perfect position many times throughout that fight. His hand problems must have been quite severe. Almost one handed he gave Saad fits with his fine footwork and slick defense.

I also think John beats Qawi later in career, even favouring the left arm heavy version of Conteh. That footwork was so
smooth and fluid. John could really box your ears off.

 

Well he did manage to beat Yacqui Lopez one handed.

 

Qawi (Braxton) in his absolute prime was fighting a Jerry Martin who had been stopped by Mustafa and Saad, as well as a past his peak Saad and a solid Eddie Davis. Prime Conteh would be better than these three.

I think Conteh would forge an early lead with his classy boxing. However, Braxton was tight defensively and exceptionally strong. He would begin to bull forward. Conteh stood very straight up and liked to keep his distance, but was not exactly a great mover. I think Braxton would eventually close the distance and begin to rip Conteh with short uppercuts and hooks. Braxton would win a decision or late stoppage, most likely a decision.

 

Bump.

 

Conteh has the left hand and feet to beat Qawi. Conteh by close but clear decision.

 

Conteh by UD, close fight with John having to be on his P's and Q's all times.

 

Qwai beats Conteh seven days a week

 

The" Golden Age of the Lightheavies"....once again being appreciated of all those great fighters.

 

I'm on the fence. Conteh in his short prime was just a beautiful textbook picture perfect boxer IMO. One of the most impressive and underappreciated boxers that I can think of.
Qwai (Braxton) @175 was so damn impressive his use of the jab timing and distance were right on the money. Defensively he was so tight and strong as a powerlifter.
Real pick em fight for me. I'm thinking over 15 I'd favor Braxton (Qwai)

 

Really tough call. I can respect either opinion. But I guess I have slightly more faith in Qawi, who was very tricky to deal with. He described himself as "an aggressive counter-puncher", and his style was unique in that respect. The only guy trickier than Qawi was, unfortunately, Michael Spinks. But I would not be shocked to see Conteh win either, as he was all-around solid.