Fighting Harada : Does he fit into a top 50 ranking ?

He got the better of Jofre(who is raved about) quite clearly, i think. He looks very, very, very good on film

 

He certainly could, though he has a relatively short prime, lack of great dedication and the resulting handful of upsets in or near his prime to go against him.

On the other hand he was a great talent with a number of top-notch wins and is still one of the best lower division weight jumpers(for those who love that kind of stuff).

 

Yeah, he certainly looks amazing on film, it's just up to how we assess his achievements really.

 

Jofre x2
Rudkin
Medel
Caraballo
Herrera
Aoki
Ebihara
Kingpetch x2 (I'm being self-indulgent here)
Famechon (aaaand again)

Throw in the other numerous beaten contender types with this lot and you have something big imo. Over 3 original weight classes, no less, and with such a short prime to boot. Even if lack of dedication caught him out a time or two or even if there are top end CV's that outstrip his, I'd still rank him as one of the very greatest fighters I've ever seen on film and a probable h2h monster. If he were active today I wouldn't bet against him winning titles in about 8 divisions (if he could stay focused and motivated, that is).

Top 50 ever? I hate lists, but yeah, why not? The bloke was a bloody marvel.

 

Were it not for the screwy refereeing job of Willie Pep, Harada would have been a 3 division champ...Armstrong style..no junior divisions. That would make the thread question academic, IMO.

 

I thought Famechon won their first bout, I know I'm in the minority here, it was a very close bout and could have went either way though.

Apart from that, I do think Harada is a top 50 fighter. He has some superb wins and looks amazing on film, actually on film he consistently impresses me more and more, with every viewing.

 

I consider him a 3 weight champ..And to become a 3 weight champ in those days is huge. Plus he 'beat' quality fighters all the way up.

He deserves a spot among the sports top 50 fighters certainly IMO.

 

Havent watched the Famechon bout in a while, its not the flat out robbery i've heard people try and make it out to be, as you said it was a very tight contest. Pep said after the match that it was a great bout and both men deserved to leave the ring champions. I dont think he necessarly scored the bout wrong, but when he incorrectly added up his scorecard he certainly added to the drama of the situation.

Always thought Johnny must have felt horrible to be booed like that by his home crowd.

Harada was a fantastic fighter, one of the most entertaining fighters of all time also imo. He has one of the most beautiful hooks i've seen.

Definately a top 50 fighter

 

Yep.

 

Wow... really?

If you can get a bunch of parochial Aussies to boo a decision for their own fighter, you know you've done something fight.

 

I do know that, I just think it is closer than most think it is. I actually checked my card I had Harada winning on points but Famechon winning more rounds.

 

Maybe you were expecting it to be more one-sided than it was and that slightly coloured your perception of the bout?.It can be tough watching a fight you've heard a lot of strong opinions on already.

I thought it was a fight with a lot of competitive rounds, but where the winner wasn't in doubt by the end.Robbery, but not an easy beating or anything like that.

 

I'll rewatch it at some point soon.

 

100%, I have him at no.40.