James Toney '92 (McCallum rematch) vs. Winky Wright '05 (Trinidad), 160lbs

These dates are the most feasible overlap in weight where both looked very good.

:think

 

He certainly landed harder stuff overall the first time around (but then, so did Mike), but in the rematch the gulf seemed to widen - on more than just the official cards. You don't think James was a good bit more in control? IMO he generaled Mike pretty well - particularly by keeping his shoulder squared up under his nose and pivoting to bang out of those quasi-clinches where McCallum looked kind of helpless.

Those calling the rematch a robbery are basically outing themselves as pure "workrate scorers".

The second performance was the more complete in a boxing sense, even though he probably did more damage a few months earlier. Just my opinion - hence the selection of this one.

Besides, the more disciplined infighting approach is the better tool for the job against Winky than the wide bombs from outside.

Let's also bear in mind that while Winky wasn't natural at middleweight, he dropped an absolute clinic on Tito (who, to be fair, wasn't very natural there either). I certainly think James had more pop than Tito, but Winky just had those iron forearms - and when the stormclouds really started to amass he had perfect instincts as to when and how to move so as not to get backed into in a bad spot. It was really a display of impeccable defense and counterpunching.

This would be really that rare mix of both beautiful and entertaining. My feeling is Toney, but hardly by a shutout.

 

Really, Classic? This fight rocks my socks. :conf

Are people just not taking Winky seriously in this? He's unquestionably the underdog but he'd be competitive in my estimation. He'd make James earn it, every round.