James Scott vs. Matthew Saad Muhammad

As seen by EMM's no effort in Rahway - it could be tough. I think Saad would roll him inside or out however.

 

Scott's heart was questionable, tbh.

Saad drowns him late.

 

Questionable by what standard exactly.

 

Saad wins. Either by UD or most likely late stoppage.

 

The little I saw of Scott doesn't match up to Saad's endurance and punching power, I would expect him to fade late as Saad came to life with both guns firing as so often was the case.

 

Depends when they fought. Pre 1981 and I'd go with Saad, after I'd pick James Scott.

 

I'll take Scott all day, every day, as much as I like MSM. The Martin fight was a fluke, and rewatching it you can see Scott had plenty of heart fighting back from two early 9 counts to win the late rounds clearly. As it was, had it been a 12 round fight, Scott would have made the full comeback to win on the cards. Scott could keep distance in the late rounds and wouldn't get caught and I think would've either diced him up on cuts or won on points.

 

Saad on pts

Unlike Mustafa, he can move laterally to stymie Scott's advances. And, in 1980, pre Lopez war, he still was at his peak re physical strength. Scott cannot roll over him. This versatility will serve him well. Also, I can't see Saad rattled by the venue. Scott has great heart and endurance, but cannot match Saad's power and versatility.

It would be a tough fight and would take something out of Saad. He would take much more punishment than in the two defenses combined-against Conteh and Pergaud, that he had in that time period. So, when Lopez turned it on in the 8th round of their rematch, Saad may have not survived.

I have to say Scott really earned a title shot and is probably the best LHW of the last 40 years not to get one. Mustafa and Lopez are major league scalps.

 

Martin was very physically strong and Scott's straight ahead approach played right into Martin's mauling style. He absorbed Scott's strength and exposed Scott's lack of versatility

 

I was James Scott's warden at Rahway State Prision and helped him start the Boxing Vocational Training Program there. Not only was James the uncrowned light-heavywieight champion he was devoted to helping youner inmate boxing program students become all that they could be. Dwith Braxtn's brother, a student in the program, got his boixing start in the program nder Scott's guidance.

Fianally, there is no doubt in my my that he would have beaten Muhammed anytme, or anywhere they fought!!!!!!

 

That was a unique and successful program. Scott certainly earned and deserved a shot. While I disagree about your views on a fight with Saad, I do think he would have beaten the WBA champ Victor Galindez if they'd fought in 1979 when Scott was the no. 1 WBA contender. It seems in stripping Scott of his ranking, they were trying to protect Galindez. Since you were intimately involved, do you have any memory of the boxing politics that surrounded the issue of Scott fighting for a World title.

 

https://www.thefightcity.com/scott-vs-gregory-james-scott-eddie-gregory-rahway-state-prison-boxing/

Here's a great article on Scott's rise to the top of the WBA rankings.

 

I need to rewatch that fight .. interesting the this is being claimed to be very close .. I remember watching it and being shocked to see Scott lose ... Scott also fought a very close fight w Dwight Qwai as well , coming on towards the end .. want to reach both ..