Flicking thru the records, he was right in the middle of a decent generation of Middle/Super Middleweights. Wins over Barkley, Collins, DeWitt and Herol Graham showed his class, plus he was 1-for-1 with the oft-avoided McCallum. His major blot was a 1st round blowout vs. Michael Nunn. But the big question is, did his UDs in Italy distort his record or was he the real deal?
I' m Italian and back in the old days I was able to see Patrizio live, he was a beauty to watch and no, it might sound strange, but he didn't get any hometown decision, a point could be made for the Graham rematch though. But he's been constantly underrated and overlooked by Americans because, like Calzaghe, he only fought at home, and I really think it's a very stupid way of thinking but it seems, even now, that a lot of Americans simply can't learn.
very good from the footage. at the time it seemed he was left out due to his average personality and non flashy style...but that didnt mean he was not good. he fought in a stand up stance and moved to his left snapping out a jab. very familier to ali...just with better technicals. then when they throw a punch in anger he could mix it up with a counter 1-2 or throw a flurry...very smooth, beutiful style. against southpaws he looked awful though as most soutpaws move to there right so with sambu walking to the left eventually they are both walking parrallel to the ropes. this is what happend to him against nunn. he did his stuff then just found himself trapped against the ropes. and even though nunn wasnt that big a puncher...he was a long tall fighter who seemed to be able to hit you miles away. sambu mis judged it and that left went right down the pipe when threw his jab. the italian decisions... i dont think there was much home cooking. he either clearly won or lost by a close fight. he was very good fighter and was very technically adept so i doubt he would lose enough rounds. masssimiliano duran may got a few dodgy decisions but sambu was the real deal. also can anyone tell me if he was 5'9. he looks 5'11 against mcallum and about the same against nunn (who was a tall tall man)
He was a decent, but not spectacular fighter. The real shocker with this guy was how Michael Nunn - not known for his punching power - laid him out cold in a round. Nunn was justifiably the favorite, but no one expected that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shT59e0jeG8 There is his first fight with McCallum. Compare it with Toney's efforts and you'll get an idea of what a good technician Kalambay was at his best.
