Two British based top 154lb'ers who enjoyed success in the division, both Southpaws and both British Commonwealth and European Champions, Hope of course fully established himself going on to win and defend a world title, apart from a very early educational points loss, Hope was not defeated at 154 until losing his title to the now mature maestro Wilfred Benitez curtesy of a big 12th round right hander, hope had an earlier one-fight flirtation at middleweight but was slapped back down to 154lb by the often excellant Bunny Sterling thereafter Maurice stayed at 154lb and made his mark, his initial title try came against Eckhard Dagge, he was given a Draw for his trouble, it was in Dagge's own Berlin Backyard. Hopes victim's list also included stoppage victories over tough guys Vito Antefermo and Rocky Mattioli (twice) Herol of course more that Flirted with the Middleweights, he moved up full time, but the 154lb defensive wizzard appeared to forget to pack some 160lb spells, his experiances in top class were not great, the world title seemed to be Herols "Heartbreak Ridge" as the Stunning Jackson loss exemplifies, but at 154lb the elusive Graham was unbeaten and a genuine ghost of a boxer. Maurice, stylewise seemed to favour the come forward face-first aggressor who he could time and matador, he would not get this from Herol Graham, But Herol did specialise in capitalising on his Frustrated opponents wild wings and hesitancy, how would he fare against the composed, smooth and patient Hope ? Has Mo' Hope got No Hope ? or would Herols topline Jinx strike again ?
Hope was a bit one-paced and relied a bit much on an opponent being stood in front of him. Graham was a multi-paced, multi-stanced ring mover
Mind you Hope had a good long stiff hard right jab that could be useful against Graham and winging long hooks that would be useful against Herol's style, too. But nah, Graham just too good for him.
