I'm becoming more and more intrigued about Mike Gibbons. Oh sure, I could research what's available about him on You Tube and other places on the net, but what I want is opinions from the learned historians here in this forum.
I know he was seen as a defensive genius, very elusive and supposedly light on his feet. I'm not an expert on him by any means and the only footage I've seen is his ND fight with Packey. I wonder if more footage of him exists.
I have recently improved my rankings of Gibbons based on the strength of his movement and durability. I had him placed at 16th but mistakenly had Williams in my top 10 (not seen enough Williams so not show how he slipped the net) I've upgraded him to tenth. I see him as a Kalambay with a chin.
Yes, you're right. It was a while since that thread so it must have slipped my mind. Haven't been to check hook it a long time, just not enough activity.
He was an immensely important figure in the first half of the 20th century in boxing and arguably the most influential in terms of moving boxing style forward. He was considered the greatest fighter P4P for years and was revered, particularly in the midwest. They used to say that his footwork was so perfect and so subtle that he looked like he was gliding around on roller skates. His timing and punch combinations were impeccable. His impact is largely forgotten today but it shouldnt be because fighters from Canada all the way down to New Orleans and over to New York were influenced by his style for several generations to come whether they knew it or not.
Tbh he looks good enough on film t still be considered an elite talent today. Honestly you could imagine him bewildering Golovkin and taking a decision.