If you had... (NO HEAVYWEIGHTS)

Only problem there is we would have to lie, my parents taught me not to, so no can do buddy

 

If it’s the final matchup in history, I don’t want to risk it being a chin-stroker; I want all-out warfare.

For some reason the matchup that keeps popping in my head is Ray Mancini v Aaron Pryor at a catchweight of 137.5 pounds in 1982 when both were at their peaks.

 

If fighters are told that they have to weigh more than 200 pounds to be heavyweights, then heavyweights will weigh more than 200 pounds. If the are told 224 pounds, then all heavyweights will be 224 pounds plus. If Rocky Marciano, as an example, was fighting today, I believe he'd be a 200 + pounds heavyweight. If the idea that a heavyweight has to be 224 pounds catches on more, I imagine The Rock would have been a bridgerweight, or cruiserweight. I don't see him being effective at 224 plus, but I do believe 200 plus would have been doable for him today. That is one example. Jack Dempsey would be another, IMHO. And there are others from the past. If Bridgerweight catches on, then we're left with Primo Carnera, Jess Willard, possibly Jim Jeffries, and some other Lineal Champions from the past, who would still be considered Heavyweights, or able to compete above bridgerweight in modern times.

Interestingly, my Granddaughter, who is 50 years younger than me, believes that boxers are not as good today as in years past. She argues that, when the talent pool is not as good, in general, then larger people will rise to the top. I believe there is some truth in what she believes, but she takes it a little further than I do. But I do certainly respect her boxing knowledge and opinions on the sport. So much for favoring the boxers of your youth: Joe Louis retired 23 years before my Granddaughter was born, and yet she still ranks him as her #1 all time Heavyweight.

 

Hagler vs Monzon. Prime vs Prime.
Let’s see once and for all who the best MW that ever walked the earth really is

 

Hi Buddy.
So you like your match up to be short and sweet yes ?

 

Hi Vic.
A certain SRR might have something to say about that !
As for your pick, I bow to no one in my admiration for Monzon, he shaped my early boxing life, couldn't wait to get my Boxing News to see how he got on his his numerous defenses, BUT and there is a but, if they had fought ( and they didn't miss by much ) my feeling would be that Hagler would be too mobile, too quick hitting, and altogether too everything, and can envisage a UD over 12 or 15 any distance you like, sadly Carlos was a tad methodical, and one paced to keep step with Marvin, late rounds would be the danger rounds for Hagler as Monzon was a very slow starter, but a good 15 rounder as shown many times. just my opinion Vic.
stay safe chat soon.

 

Well, I think Mancini wouldn’t do too badly although Pryor would be favourite but I’d rather have 6-8 rounds of back and forth than 12 rounds of science for the final match in history.

 

On board buddy, agree entirely, prob be a tad more action than a Johnny Nelson fight .
stay safe amigo.

 

Hi Mike…I’ll be honest…I didnt think about SRR, but seeing as it’s him, and because he was a bit good, he can fight the winner haha!
In the case of Hagler vs Monzon, I never saw Monzon at his brilliant best, though my dad did and rated him the greatest fighter he ever saw outside the heavyweights. Hagler was my era and one of my all time favourites, so I won’t argue with your opinion. Chat soon

 

Thank you for the response, you've made some excellent points. Your granddaughter is wise and makes excellent points herself, it's good to see families that still enjoy the sweet science. My best memory in all my years as a fight fan, was going to see Leonard - Hearns 2 on closed-circuit in Atlantic City with my dad (who unfortunately passed not too long afterwards). We both thought Hearns won by a very slight margin.

I enjoy your contributions and appreciate the accumulated experience that you share here. Stay happy & healthy!

 

Joltin Jeff Chandler vs Lupe Pintor

 

And you as well. All the best to you and yours!