My prediction? I think it would be a dull fight. Close decision that could go either way, but at the end the crowd would be the losers. McCall could take one hell of a shot and he had power (Seldon, Lewis, Maskaev, and Akinwande for example) but usually he didn't throw many punches and could be outworked. He's not going to knock out Bugner. Bugner was also pretty boring but was big and strong and could take a good shot. I'd prefer a McCall win.
I lean towards Bugner if Joe is in one of his Rare(ish) determined moods, Ala The Joe Frazier, Fight, Even in the form when he let the Lyle fight slip away, should be enough to scape by a McCall who has Flare-up Moments...then more lengthy Mundane Periods, Olin Norris, Tony Tucker, And James Douglas all outmaneuvered Oliver, A Bugner not even trying to achieve anything dramatic, But Jab Grab and Move...Repeat Prescription.. should be able to bag the lions share of the points, Bugners no Meercat when allowed to fight at his own pace and is granted escape routes, The Atomic Bull get Frustrated by the Bug.. Joe on Points ...Maybe thanks to Oliver Himself.
I agree that Joe had the ability to win this one. As has been said,though,it very much depends on his mood. Bugner could have edged Ron Lyle out but he let it slip.
McCall floors Bugner, presses 4ward, outpunches him and also holds his own jabwise. Maybe he stops Bugner, maybe not, but it was Bugner whom always found a way 2 lose. Better question wud b if Bugner cud last d distanc wiz Bruce Seldon or a draw+ vs Jesus Ferguson.
points win either way Bugner took a good shot and McCall no master boxer I think its close SD type of fight unless McCall lands another LL bomb
That was the first fight that came to my mind when I opened the thread. Lyle was a more aggressive fighter than McCall and damn near blew that fight. Bugner was not known for his tenacity by any means, but he was notorius for making good fighters look unimpressive. This is a toss up for me and will depend on weather or not Bugner decides to play it safe or if McCall goes into sparring partner mode. God help us if both of those things happen simultaneously though.. Be worse than sitting through an insurance seminar for hours.