this fight from the thrilla in manila under card ... it was only holmes 17th pro fight but he already looked a very polished boxer. i believe it was the last fight holmes prepared for as Alis sparring partner. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0gsMlaOc1Q&feature=related[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKlvnjgIGpw&feature=related[/ame] thanks to Erraticboxing for putting this at youtube
I get a kick out of Norton's commentary, especially when he tells Dunphy at the very end that, "I'd rather get him (Holmes) now, rather than later!" Ken shoulda headed him off at the pass.
Angelo Dundee was the Bowlus Bear's trainer and manager and was late to the ring this night. Not saying it would have changed things but Rodney needed all the help he could get here!
I remember Rodney Bobick, pretty sure I saw him lose to another blubbery Heavyweight Raul Gorosito on the Shavers Ellis under-card, Vito Anterfermo was also on that card coming up. Even though Rodney only weighed about 230,I think there was less muscle training back then so fat was just fat, he was never a model of fitness and seemed to lose every-time he stepped up but he did get a decision over 5-4 Mike Weaver who was KO'd by Rodney s brother Duane...I saw him fight int the garden more than once but he was a boring guy to watch and I never saw any potential skill-wise
I saw Rodney from the time he was in the golden gloves and other then adding a right uppercut I never saw any real upgrade in skill. Angelo Dundee was pretty high on Rodney becoming a good heavyweight for him but I was never sure what he saw. Muscle tone and Rodney didn't get along
:desk I'm glad you posted this, because I'm going to have to watch it again, but I'm also filled with dread, because it's yet another fight I'm going to have to watch again, because it's been uploaded, and if I don't watch it while I can, my head will explode. :err
Man, Holmes was pretty skillful even at this stage in his career. He had some fast hands, and he threw some good combinations. But damn, Holmes looks like a light heavyweight in there; he was not a big heavyweight at all.
True. I also like his description of Ali coming to see him in the hospital. I've always found Ken Norton a likable and genuine man.
