Jerry Quarry vs Oscar Bonavena?

This would've been an excellent fight, but I can't decide yet, I'll have to watch more Bonavena. I wish it happened though.

 

I would have loved to see this bout in 1968, afters Oscar Ringo Bonavena's title bout against champion Smokin Joe Frazier, on Dec 10th, won by Joe, by unanimous 15 round decision. This would have been before Joe Frazier fought and defeated Jerry Quarry, on June 23 1969, by TKO 7. Jerry was a very good counter puncher, Ringo was very strong, as a bull, in his victory over Karl Mildenberger in 1967, as part of the WBA Tournament, he decked Karl, during that contest in winning a unanimous decision over an opponent that was favored to win the tournament. Oscar would try to fight Jerry at close quarters, trying to smother his counters. They would be exchanging punches during this fight, as they would stagger each other. Quarry cut, over the eye would find the range as he did in his close victory over former champion Floyd Patterson. Jerry realizing the seriousness of the cut, begins to back up Bonavena to earn a razor thin decision victory. Jerry, Karl Mildenberger and Muhammad Ali, were the fighters that Joe Frazier's trainer Yank Durham did not want Joe to fight in 1967.

 

This would have been a cracking fight. Bonavena was extremely strong but very crude technically. People often remember Quarry for his power and courage but forget what an accomplished Boxer he was. Oscar used the cross armed guard a lot of the time which suits a Fighter with an effective hook. Quarry also had a very good jab and was a hugely skilled counter puncher.
This has all the makings of a full on battle of attrition and neck and neck for 6 rounds or so but eventually I can see Jerry using his skills to exploit Oscar's growing fatigue to grab a late stoppage.

 

Loaded Glove, I really like your assessment of this match. Oscar did tire against Muhammad Ali in round 15 of their Dec 7 1970 bout, Ali decked Oscar 3 times forcing the stoppage by referee Mark Conn.

 

Would have been an entertaining fight for sure. Quarry to me is one of the most underated fighters and a guy that had a few things that stacked the deck against him like his lack of size and that he cut easily. If he fought in an era when the Cruiserweight divison was around I have no doubt he would have been a truly great champion. I like Oscar's toughness but Jerry was such a great counterpuncher and definitely the more skillful fighter between the two. Loadedglove pretty much nailed my thoughts on this fight with his post. Quarry by decision in a close thriller.

 

This is a fight I’m surprised didn’t happen. I wonder if it almost did at some point? I’d pick Quarry by UD.

 

Quarry by close decision,faster hands and better counterpuncher ,but it wouldnt be any walk in the park for Jerry.

 

This fight was signed a couple of times but never came off/. I think its a total pick em. Bonavena was not as crude as someone above said. He had an odd rhythm but he was a very smart fighter who could both pressure and counterpunch. His stamina was a lot better than Jerry's as well. I think its a total pick em fight. I could see it going either way depending on how each guy fights.

 

Bonavena was a rhythm breaker strong like hell i pick him by sd

 

He showed unexpected boxing nous against Chuvalo.

 

Cheers Richard. Much appreciated.

 

This would be a good battle- both men had good chins and power- I think the crowding style of Oscar causes Jerry some issues and may be some head bumping in a rough housing fight-

Jerry could handle the plodders and big slow guys- Oscar threw from weird angles so a different fight.

I may lean with Quarry because I seen him handle Lyle, Foster, Shavers and a few others - Oscar was strong but I remember him when he was training in the 28th st. gym in NYC for Floyd P and he loved to clown around - He was a bull but could have trained harder.

Either way a close decision but not an easy fight for either man because of Styles, solid chins and Oscars 5'10 size may actually help him in this match up

This one should have been made

 

A matter of styles I would say Mac. George wasn't exactly a riddle was he ?

 

He was for Quarry. I would say Jerry wasnt exactly a riddle either. Bonavena was able to score consistently on men better than Jerry in terms of defense and just in general.