On a few threads (ie Fitz/Duran) some posters go on the record as saying the old school fighter wins because they're stronger and tougher!!!...this may be true in some instances. What are some examples of a fighter with an 'old school' style or toughness, making a mark in the more modern game? Monzon had a somewhat old school punching style...Consisting of a great jab (not exactly 'old school' there I guess) and straight right hand with great accuracy. Monzon fought the same way with his style, toughness, and physical attributes of height and reach, commanding his fights for over ten year stretch. Margarito is running over some top welters nowadays by overwhelming them with pace and strength. Gene Fullmer had the worst looking style in the world...When Teddy Brenner first saw him, he told him, "Go back home to Utah." But with his strength and bull-like style, he dictated the pace of fights more often than not, and had an excellent title run. Jake LaMotta? I'm not going to count him...aside from his reputation...Jake had some slick skills in there with his rolling, bobbing and weaving, and jabbing style...but the 'old school' mentality of being the toughest SOB in the ring was right there. Very nasty dispositon... Are we underrating the old timers? Maybe so??? Fighters with the same attributes as the old timers are still making noise in today's boxing... thoughts? Any more examples?
Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales I is a combination of skill and toughness that cannot be matched. Recently, Lightweight attraction Michael Katsidis said that he was willing to die in the ring. There will always be fighters, ugly or cute, that are willing to go to any length to reach for victory in the ring. Although boxing has changed quite a bit, the 'never-say-die' attitude, synonymous with battle, still resides in many of today's fighters. There are a lot of jokers about, but boxing is the kind of event to encourage that one track mind.
.................I don't think it's as black and white a thing as the thread's title makes out. I don't believe fighters were stronger or necessarily tougher back in the day, but they were undoubtedly more skilled and learned. Fighters of today are just as courageous and full of will as they ever were, but they simply don't have the background of being taught the skills they used to have. It's painfully obvious when you watch what passes for a contender these days.
JOhn Ruiz is the closest thing to an old school style that is fighting today. Hit straight, grab and clinch. Even under todays ruleset, he is very successful, especially with his limited ability. I tend to think that the older style fighting may not be as obsolete as some think it is, particularly if the referees give a lot of leeway.
ill take old school toughness over modern technique anyday..hell id take a 70 year old boxer and his toughness over a 20 year old today haha..i just think that their toughness is something that can not be recreated its not something you can teach its what you have and in todays fight game fighters just dont have it
