Dick Tiger vs. Carlos Monzon

Monzon would beat Tiger by a decision over 15. Keeping his distance, utilizing the jab and just generally outboxing the Tiger man. No big fireworks, but a methodical display of conservative boxing smarts from Monzon. Carlos would take whatever Tiger had to dish out, but wouldn't put himself in harm's way too often. Ring generalship, his reach advantage and wise use of the jab would be the key for Monzon here.

 

Monzon wins this with the jab, keeping range and movement, Tiger would give him a hard hard fight and pushes him all the way though

 

Monzon UDs Tiger. Without too much trouble.

 

Monzon liked to keep things at range; polish combinations off with the jab, consider his shots, but it was in his absolute refusal to be bullied that made his boxing so formidable.

When you pressed him, which Tiger would inevitably do, he'd seize his feet and let loose with thudding blows before coolly relapsing into that callous and ambiguous manner.

Tiger could give as good as anyone toe-to-toe but with Monzon it was always a perfect blend between the toughness and the trickery, predominant in one area or the other depending on who stood before him.

With Tiger we would likely get a commanding boxing lesson like the one we saw applied to Briscoe; sturdy and smart through 15 to exact an overall brilliance over a tremendously game, but somewhat out of sorts Tiger.

 

I like Monzon by a close UD

 

Agree with the consensus. Tiger is very strong (and good) and could press a harder fight than Briscoe or Valdez (IMO) but Monzon has more tools given his style and physical attributes of height and reach. Monzon clear UD.

 

I really want to hear McGrain's case for Tiger, despite him telling me he's told me it before.

 

I know but my heid is mince.

 

I think that Tiger could shorten Monzon up and successfully pressure him very well. Monzon isn't the fastest guy out there, and if you can parry and slip well I think a fighter on the level of Tiger could eke out a decision. The size disparity is an issue but Dick has the style and ability to be a handful for many LHWs(something Monzon could have been easily). I'm not exactly sure how well Monzon would handle Tiger's middle/close range assault.

 

Tiger was one tough customer and just might be able to take home a win. I think the middleweight division was alot tougher in the 60's than the 70's and Tiger fought better opposition than Monzon did. Griffith was past it when he fought Monzon. The rest of Monzon's opponents don't compare to Tiger's of the 1960's; Giardello, Hank, Fullmer, Fernandez, a younger Emile Griffith, Carter etc.

 

I have Monzon