Ike Williams vs. Tony Canzoneri

I would go with Williams, he's a bit bigger, and Canzoneri's a good inside technician, meaning Williams has chances to launch rapid shots close, that carry much weight.

 

Williams, comfortably, but not easily.

Canzoneri was naturally smaller of course, but he was very strong and rugged for his size - evident in that it took a massive puncher (Al Davis) to eventually hand Canzoneri his first knockout defeat, and that was in the last fight of his career. I think he could take Williams' punches.

What would be his downfall is his own bravery and stupidity. Canzoneri could box the boxers and outslug the sluggers, and very often did, just to prove how good he was. But that was against the contenders of the time - Williams is one of the top all-time lightweights with a spearhead jab.

You would think that Canzoneri, standing at just 5ft 4in, would make for a difficult target, but he often fought with his chin right up in the air. His awkwardness would help him avoid a lot of jabs from a consummate Williams, but being consummate, he wouldn't often follow up to get countered. Canzoneri liked to counter, either with a jab or another punch from an unorthodox angle since he dived about a fair bit but had the quickness to compensate, like a stouter Willie Pep. Agile fighter, very fit fighter... Great fighter physically all-round. That's what would keep him in the fight.

Williams would just be too strong however, not in muscle, but in his punches which would be thrown from a ruthlessly tight guard. Like many great fighters, Williams could look average against a no-name boxer who didn't ask much from him, but on the night it mattered, he'd blitz them.

Canzoneri would likely bounce from his corner with sprite and vigor as the first bell sounded, but Williams, unless really pushed, wouldn't have engaged in too much slugging with the stockier fighter. He'd jab, jab, keeping the distance as much as he could, but rip in uppercuts where necessary. If Canzoneri started to weaken at any point I'm sure Williams would pounce and hurt him, but I wouldn't predict a stoppage.

Canzoneri would get in his fair share.

 

williams but close enough for a rematch

 

I don't quite see it personally, but interesting that you do though. Canzoneri was a true great, he'd certainly have the heart.

 

Williams was more well-rounded IMO and had the physical advantages. I think he's able to make more of his fight and keep from getting suckered into Canzoneri's, and wins a fair decision.