Zanon was awkward, pretty quick of hand and gave fits to the top fighters he fought until his fragile mandible got in the way. He gave Norton, Quarry and Larry Holmes trouble but couldn’t avoid their heavier artillery long enough to pull it off. I think he showed in those fights he couldn’t be dismissed out of hand, and he stands a chance (in his prime) against some of the 1980s lazy, overweight, coked-up generation guys had fate, timing and fortune been in his favor as to when he came along.
He was a slight cut above some of the other Euro champs of the time — beat Evangelista twice, I think he split two fights with Lucien Rodriguez, winning the second. Drew with Alfio Righetti. Kind of a mainland Europe gatekeeper who beat some of the up-and-comers on the continent who might otherwise have risen to the top of that heap (only to get swatted down when they ventured to the world level). Seems like he could sort of mesmerize those top fighters he fought for a while at least … he wasn’t hurting them but he was pecking away and competing, maybe even winning his share of rounds (shut out a shopworn Quarry til he got caught) before they put their foot on the gas and made a fight of it. Then his whiskers betrayed him.
Could to read about fighters who aren’t mentioned that often. Thought not great, they’re all part of the fabric.
Don't think I've seen that before, good effort by Zanon- although he didn't really enhance the 'horizontal' reputation European heavies had at that time.
I like the structure in those days, which was more regional in nature. If you were the best (or even one of the best) in your weight class in Europe or even a national champion or just the best in the California scene or whatever, you were eligible to challenge for the world title. You didn’t have to win he WBC Silver Diamond Tupperware title by paying a fee and fighting someone’s ‘favorite son’ for kickback purposes, you just had to distinguish yourself in your particular pond and maybe the opportunity would present itself. I mean, that should to some degree be what the world title is about — if you’re the best in the world, why not see if the best of Europe or South African or Asia or New York can test or beat you? Especially when it sometimes meant venturing out from home sweet home and fighting … around the world.
Interesting fighter. I wonder how he would of done against Damiani ?? Also Masons power against Zanons speed
Beg yours, but did you just you say “Fightin’ Around The World?” Yeah, I think you did. Great. That’s all I needed: - This content is protected
