What do you guys think about George Chaplin? Had some good wins ( Mike Koranicki, Bobick, Larry Alexander, Wendell Baily, Lynn Ball, Ernie Shavers), and lost close ones, either split, or majarity dec. vs Greg Page 2X. This guy was a very small heavyweight, very slick, a pleasure to watch. Had a great first round against Cooney. You've got to respect a small guys like this talent .
Chaplin was a very good fighter. At his peak, he was no worse than top-15 in ability, relative to his peers. Chaplin didn't have much of a punch, but he had fast hands and was very tricky. Both of Chaplin's losses to Greg Page were controversial, from what I've heard.
I thought he won both fights with Page. (The first time was by a majority decision in Greg's Louisville hometown.) A highly intelligent stylist, he came to boxing late, after serving a four year hitch in the USAF, and graduating with a PE degree from Morgan State. Worked nights as an orthopedic technician at Lutheran Hospital in Baltimore throughout his boxing career. One of the very few college graduates (if any) to become a heavyweight contender during his era, he also provided for an articulate interview. SI had him at number six among a list of promising young heavyweights in their March 10, 1980 issue, rating him over the then unbeaten Tillis and Marty Monroe (but erroneously listed George as 6'3" in height, three inches too much). While I think he got robbed both times against Page, he did retire Bobick in a huge upset, posted an official win over Shavers, and went the distance with Coetzee. He avenged his first defeat, a decision loss to the 6'4" Mike Koraniki, right before Koraniki ruined Kallie Knoetze. Very adept at outboxing taller opponents. Not much to look at physically, with kind of a sunken chest and protruding abdomen, nor was he much of a puncher, but he would lead beautifully with a long jab against Page, then tie him up to prevent countering. (Considering the fact that Chaplin was just six feet tall, it was a sight to see him outbox the bigger man from full distance.) Already pushing 30 when he squared off with Greg, he's one instance where it might be wondered what he could have done in boxing with an earlier start. (If in his shoes though, I certainly wouldn't trade his background for a total life commitment to boxing. He's far better off today for the smart choices he did make.) Chaplin was a very efficient operator. He didn't expend much energy on footwork (or much else for that matter) as I recall, but was very adept at moving his arms and head in defending himself. Nobody else ever defeated Bobick in an extended match. (And at 208, Duane was in the best shape of his life for Chaplin.) I liked him a great deal. A deceptively tough and cagey performer.
A solid "B" heavyweight of the 80s..... Never a real top-10 contender.... NO!! More like top-15 when he was at his best.... I last saw Chaplin fight in '84 when Cooney waxed him in Arizona inside 2 rds..... MR.BILL
He was a good fighter.Gave Page, Dokes, and later Cooney some fits, though Dokes did floor him in that first round and was not counted for it.
