Say the Curry that had those tune-ups at 154 faces off against the world champion version of Kalule at 154, what happens?
As long as it's the Curry from the Green, Baez tune-ups or McCallum fight(not the one from santos or Montgomery) he should grind out a win with his superior handspeed and offence.His more methodical textbook sharpshooting approach probably lends itself more to a decision with a few big rounds or knockdowns than a KO.It wouldn't be an easy fight though, against the early 154 Kalule that still had the abiity to dictate range with bounce in his legs.
79-81 version of Kalule was a difficult very strong opponent. Kalule defended the belt 5! times in 1980, he wasnt a crushing puncher so he took all 5 opponent the distance, wearing them down, winning big decisions. His fight against the Jugoslav Benes was very brutal, that combined with the drain he suffered from that many defences in one year probably weakened him prior to his fight with Leonard...It would have been interesting to see how the fresh 79 version of Kalule would have done against Leonard...
If we're talking about the pre-fall of 1980 version of Kalule,then I'd favour him.But anything following that season then I'd favour Curry,as the unfortunate aids virus had started to weaken Kalule by this point. You need to watch Kalule at his very best to appreciate what a truly great fighter he was.Those magnificent performances against a truly determined,resilient Japanese warrior that was prepared to "fight to the death" rather than hand his title over in such a feeble manner.Or his comprehensive,one-sided shutdown of the precision-punching maestro that was Marijan Benes.
Ray Leonard had problems against Ayub at 154, and Donald Curry did not have several of the strong points that Ray had. I think Ayub at his best does enough to frustrate Donald and win an upset decision.
