How good was Gary mason

In this Era he'd beat likes of Povetkin and be a legit test of the brothers. A good fighter!.

 

Never quite had it at the very top. But a very solid chin and nice clubbing power gets you far as a Heavyweight, no matter what the era.

Initially overshadowed by stablemates Bruno and Notice, he looked very good flattening in particular Jess Harding on the way up. But when he stepped up to the next level it became more of a battle.

The win over Biggs looks very good on paper, and yes it was a good win, but Mason struggled for periods and Biggs looked at times like he might sneak it, as Gary seemed too one paced and running out of ideas.

The Wills, Martin and Pritchard wins should not be sneezed at, they are fair names and tests at the time. But again all three showed up Mason's 'one paceness' and lack of snappy power. Also some questioned Gary's conditioning.

I went to the Lewis fight and thought Mason was going to win, but my friends laughed at me and all went for Lewis pre fight. With hindsight Gary showed good heart and was competitive, without ever quite looking like he was going to win.

 

Well depending on what context a 'title fight' meant, that could at best be seen as a backhanded compliment...

But I think I understand what Buncey is trying to say.

If Mason was around in this era, he would get press. But I do not think he would be at or near the very top of the division. He would stand up and take his licks against the Klitschko brothers, and may even give Vitali a tough half dozen rounds. But he would be remembered for the brave defeats.

He would be too slow for Haye, and probably Fury would edge a brutal fight. Price should have the discipline to beat him, but Price's chops would mean Mason would always have a chance. Mason should comfortable beat what is left in the UK, and indeed set up a bit of a highlight reel of KO's.

 

He was a better boxer than cyclist.

 

atschatsch

 

Wish he'd never boxed Lewis,as I think the injury he got was what finished him as a boxer.I believe he was cycling to a day job when he was killed.Came across as a good guy with a nice sense of humour.Was a good heavy in his day and would do very well today.

 

:roll:

 

Really nice guy too!

I met him when I boxed for Medway, had time for us kids and gave good advice.

 

A big slugger with serious pop if a bit one dimensional.

 

Good, heavy handed slugger with a bit of craft. Patient but persistent in attack, mixed it up well to body and head, solid chin and decent head movement for a big guy, never seemed to look for that one big punch at the expense of his general game. Limited, but by no means an easy night for anyone. Nice guy from what I've heard.