Mike McCallum vs the 5 kings?

I think the notion that they all ducked him is silly. He didn't even become a middleweight until Hagler was retired, so not seeing the logic there.

Leonard no more ducked him than anyone else, and was only doing the superfight thing by the time McCallum came into prominence. Those who couldn't bring multi-million paydays to him need not apply. He ducked McCallum about as much as he ducked Frank Tate in that respect.

Hearns also was cashing in at 160 by the time McCallum was starting to hit his stride at 154, so I think that's just unfortunate timing.

Duran did overlook him, but only so he could face a more renowned killer for more money (Hearns). Anyone else would have done exactly the same.

None of this constitutes anything close to systematic ducking. It's a tired, false narrative.

 

I agree Duran fighting Hearns instead of McCallum is hardly a duck. McCallum just came along overall at the wrong time, and losing in one sided fashion to Kalambay didn't help his cause.

 

Alright, he didn't last too long at that weight, but if you want to use the Duran win as a guide. I'll still go with McCallum.

 

The Duran that savaged Moore at 154 beats McCallum wide UD
Benitez is a tough call, close fight
Hearns was at his peak at 154, takes a UD
Leonard? was spotty at 154 probably takes a disputed decision
Hagler? prime Marvin might stop Mike in a 15 rounder
I believe McCallum is a step below all these fighters , not to say he couldn't catch a win on the right night.
Just not peak for peak

 

Agree with you

 

Speed was what gave Mike problems. Curry was giving him fits with his speed until Mike took him out. Problem is Ray is alot faster then Curry.
Kalambay outclassed Mike the first time and did it very easily. And the rematch could be argued that it could have gone the other way.
Hearns would have smashed Mike at 154lb too fast and hit too hard. At middleweight I like Mikes chances alot better.
Hagler would have stopped Mike at middleweight.
Duran is a 50/50 fight-Duran would have to be in peak shape if he has a chance with Mike- anything less Mike wins.
Benitez I would favor Mike in that one.

This is old. Mike was his own worst enemy as I have discussed time and time again. He was always jumping around from trainer to trainer and manager to manager. Nobody wanted to work with him because he always outpriced himself out of fights. Hell he declined to fight Sugar Ray Seales at one point.
Two instances where Mike literally blew any chance to become a household name: When he fought Mannion it was on HBO and it was being showcased and HBO had shown alot of interest in Mike at that time. Mannion who was his opponent was tough and gritty but had no punch and was not very skilled. Hearns,Hagler,Leonard if matched up with Mannion would have Mannion out of there in 6 rounds.
This was the perfect fight for Mike and what does he do? He lets Mannion go the full 15 in a dull fight where one boxer simply isnt skilled enough and the other just played it safe.
After he beat Curry Mike moved up and go outboxed by Kalambay and rather easily. That took any headway he had made from the Curry fight.
Leonard is simply too fast for Mike and everyone knows that. Hell Leonards movement would have given Mike fits not to mention Ray hits alot harder then a Kalambay.

 

I remember McCallum was asked before his fight with Roy Jones if RJJ belonged in the same class as the 4 Kings.

And you know what McCallum's answer was?

"No. Roy Jones is better than all of them."

 

Roy Jones also considered Sal Sanchez to be the second greatest fighter ever.

I mean, I'm a fan of Sal's and all, but come on.

 

I guess neither are true then. We all know Mike Tyson is the 2nd greatest fighter of all time because nobody says so.

 

Kalambay was suppose to be a routine win for Mike which turned out bad for Mike. Curry had already lost and was never the same boxer again and Milton was on his last legs hence why he went 2-2 in his last four fights. Both Curry and Milton were in no place to command any fights and Mike wasnt either.

 

Becuse they had really no other options at that point in their careers. Nobody avoided Mike with the possible exception of Duran.
Boxing is and always will be a business and for whatever reason Mike failed to understand that. He outpriced himself out of alot of fights.
Hell you saw what Curry was doing to him imagine Ray who is faster with a better chin.