in a microcosm,thats an example of how the RING has far too much credibility and influence.'Bible of boxing?'Barbara cartland of boxing.
I suppose they thought Mesi was the new Tyson, Harrison was the new Lewis & Guinn was the new warrior Holyfield. :nut Hindsight is always 20/20
It's not really hindsight though. Mesi is alright but obviously no Tyson. anyone who knew what they were talking about would've told you Fraudley was a china-chinned joker long before he got exposed and started losing. Comparison with Lewis as for Guinn...he never looked like much either. Folks were just desperate for the next big American heavy.
Although I agree with all of that, I can see where The Ring might have been a bit too optimistic. Mesi destroyed TOS with such ease that he could've been seen as the next Tyson with his power, aggression & smallish stature. Audley was a talented, tall, hard punching HW with a good jab which does sort of fit the Lennox description. Guinn KO'd Grant and had an exciting punch for punch war vs. Dokiwari where he proved he had a great chin & determination to go with his inside fighting ability & combinations. It's hard to defend this cover but I see where they were going...................who could've known they'd all turn out to be busts.
Fraudley was a near certainty to be a big bust, to anyone with their eyes open. In relative terms he was not talented or a power puncher at all. Guinn's 2 big wins were hardly stuff to get excited about. China man Grant and donkey Dokiwari. I've always rated Mesi...he's a good fighter.