In light of the spirited feud that seems to be taking place forever in this forum, Id like to see who the consensus is on this "real" fantasy fight. Daniel Mendoza, the bareknuckle champion of the world, Vs Sam McVey One of the best fighters never to win the Coveted world championship. To even things up a bit, rules will be straight out of the Mendoza era and McVey will step straight out of a time machine, not being aware of the background of Mendoza or being given time to consider the different tactics that were around in the time of Mendoza. Hopefully, some of our better bareknuckle posters can give us some insight as to some of the tactics (legal and/or illegal) and styles that someone like Mendoza might employ. Will also be interesting to see who our two ESB posters side with on this one too.
I actually think McVey would outbox a Medoza. But Mendoza would never admit that it happened because this would enhance the legacy of Jack Johnson. Ergo the best Mendoza can get is a draw - and is liable to produce a newspaper to the effect that he wasn't in his own prime.
I'll have to look at his manual again, along with some modern interpretations of his style and another manual I've run across somewhere or other before I give a more complete analysis, but... Mendoza has a slight advantage in the clinches, but McVey outweighs him by well over 40 pounds. McVey also fights under rules somewhat similar to Mendoza's--unlike, say, Tyson or Ali. Mendoza also came along just before the "golden age" of bareknuckle fighting, and might not have been as well trained or able to spar with as wide a variety of fighters as McVey did. Mendoza's foremost victory is against Humphries, who was roughly comparable in size. Against John Jackson, he faced a heavier man and got pummeled. If Sam McVey figures out that he's allowed to grab Mendoza's hair and hammer him a la Jackson, this could get very nasty very quickly. Incidentally, Mendoza might have some trouble with his extended guard against McVey's hooks--although by the same token, McVey might end up with a broken knuckle from Mendoza's elbow blocking. First impression: McVey by KO, probably early. Mendoza doesn't come out after the twelfth or thirteenth knockdown.
Jack Johnson [am I allowed to say that name here]? Said that McVey was his toughest opponent, "of all the tough babbies I fought ,the toughest was old Sam Mcvey". There again Johnson was a lying **** ,he probably was more respectful of Langford but didnt want to give him credit ,as they hated one another. I must go for Mcvey,with his juggernaut attack and his sweeping left hook. Odds even up a bit if Mendoza shaves his hair off
Yes they were. Johnson and Mcvey were from the same state. They were friends. Mendoza was a middle weight, and much better pound for pound fighter. If you ever read Mendoza's book, it will only take a few minutes to conclude that he was far more important to boxing than McVey was, and of course he was much smarter too.
There was a list of the "most influential Jews in history" not so long ago, and Mendoza was on it! Not our Mendoza. The fighter.
Johnson paid for McVey's funeral,he was not often generous to fellow pugilists,whatever their colour,he refused to put in the hat for a benefit for Jack Blackburn when Blackburn came out of prison for knifing a man. Both Jack's detested one another, Johnson because Blackburn had embarrasssed him in sparring years earlier.Blackburn because of Johnson's lack of support when he was released from jail. Johnson was extremely jealous of any praise and plaudits heaped on another coloured fighter ,especially a heavyweight one, he made a point of mentioning how he had run a young Harry Wills out of his training camp."he proved entirely unable to withstand the punishment I meted out." Mendoza is historically far more signifcant than McVey ,who was usually perceived as the lesser of the black challengers to Johnson.
How can one choose. Different rules sets. There is no film on Mendoza. It should be noted that Mendoza beat many bigger fighters, and was known for his skill.
