James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith vs Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock Primes

Not so sure that Smith was washed up. He gassed early, but I don't think he was in bad shape. His power (aka his main attribute) was still obviously top notch.

 

I think that Smith takes him. I doubt that Ruddock would've survived the first round onslaught he brought to Ribalta- And you also have to keep in mind that James was overweight against Donovan. He was 249 as compared to his usual numbers in the 220s and 230s.

 

Bone crusher takes it . Mid rnds ko . The Smith who beat Bruno and gave Holmes a tough fight is too much. Rudock was a one trick pony.

 

Well let’s take a look at where smith was in that summer of 1989.
- He was 36 years old
- He had been off for a full year
- hadn’t won a fight since 1986
- Was at a THEN career high weight
- Took the fight on a few weeks notice

So what happened ?
Well he decked Ruddock with a big shot in the second round that could have resulted in a knockout with most people. The fight went on until he more or less gassed in the mid rounds.

would things have been any different had this been the smith of 1985-1986 who was younger, in much better shape and regularly beating contenders ? No guarantees that he’d win but it stands to reason that his chances increase exponentially.

 

With all respect, I want to nuance some of your points :
- Smith was a late starter, so I don't think his age was that much of a problem ;
- you rightly pointed out his inactivity, but concerning his recent form, many felt that he was robbed against Rodrigues and he dominated Mike Rouse before the technical draw ;
- about the weight, he carried it very well with no flab and it may have increased his physical and punching power (but diminished his speed).

 

The Rodriguez fight was a full two years earlier. The Mike rouse fight was a year before ruddock and Rouse was a nobody. Smith did not look at all in good shape for that fight and was breathing heavy early. And yes he was a late starter but topped out around 1986. You may have some points but it’s a hard sell to say that he was anywhere near his best

 

Not saying that he was at his best but he wasn't far from it too. But you made good points too.

 

Fair

 

Bonecrusher was more consistent. Ruddock had that great left hook, but his flaws would come ouut in the big fights. I love his Dokes knockout.

 

I think Ruddock would still win. Smith might show up in slightly better from, but odds are he wouldn't land that huge right hand either.