Picking out the technical shortcomings as compared to modern boxing - McFarland-Welsh

Yeah, won't get much back on your money for that one.

 

Thanks for the extra info Senya.

 

Still waiting on McGrains analyisis I see.

 

I agree, he looks like a Ruiz-ish type "stinker" - just trying to make the fight as awkward/ugly as possible, and content to get a gift decision on his home turf.

I'm much more impressed with Willie Ritchie, who looks like he belongs in the modern era:

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This is one of my favorite LW fights of all time, BTW.

 

I think an ideal guard is one in between, neither strictly high nor strictly low - such as the one Ritchie used in the footage I posted above. I think keeping either a low or high guard creates weaknesses in a fighter's style. A high guard, like the one Winky Wright uses, may make a fighter better adept at blocking punches, but it can take longer to get their hands back into position to actually throw punches - hence the reason Winky could be outworked.

 

That was typical Freddie Welsh (that's why he was hated). But as a defensive fighter he was one of the best of all-time, no doubt.

 

Great fight, one of the best in my collection, and McFarland is one of the slickest LW's I've seen in any period. it goes to show as well that there was a plethora of different styles, variations........ And there is nothing now that has developed independently of this time, we just see bits of this guy,... that guy.... and jumbled recycled and there will always be long guys, short guys....... I don't think I've seen a LW in a while that could beat McFarland, he nullified most of Welsh's attacks..... not Freddie's best night.

 

Welsh was mostly known for his defense, not his offense. But the thing is Packey made almost everyone he faced look amateurish and silly. Time after time you read before the bout experts' opinions that this or that fighter is scientific and skilful enough (based on their performances against other fighters) to give McFarland a hard fight, and time after time he polishes them off easily.

 

From what you know about McFarland's amazing record, were there many disputed decisions.... many close fights ??....... That record gives the impression that he did make fighters look bad........ there are few careers without decision controversies...... Imagine the guy who can give him a lot of trouble !!!,....... one of my favourites for sure. Here's Packey with a knockdown of Britt ,... one my favourite photos..

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The only shortcomings regarding ability I see are those of the cameraman due to his archaic equipment.Both these guys are masters of their trade.

 

Some of the spectators thought that Freddie Welsh deserved a draw in their bout at Milwaukee on Feb 21, 1908.
Welsh did get a draw in the rematch, with Packey being too passive major part of the bout, but making a very strong finish.
Dave Deshler got a draw, some thought McFarland had a slight edge on points.
Ray Bronson got a draw, but the reports in two local newspapers gave McFarland the lead by rounds, non-local wires agreed that Packey was better.
The draw in the 3rd match with Welsh was considered a robbery even by British press.
Jack Britton held him to a draw, seemed to be a lot of rounds which were considered even, some thought Packey carried Britton. McFarland said he was weakened by making low weight.
A no decision bout with Ginty was called a draw, due to Ginty's strength and aggressiveness, by the only report I was able to find on that bout.
No-decision bout with Eddie Murphy in Indiana was called a draw by a couple of wires, but the majority gave it to McFarland.
No-decision bout with Ray Bronson in Indianapolis was called a draw by one local paper, even though Packey had the bout 5-1-4 by rounds in their report. The rest of the reports gave it to McFarland.
Bat Masterson from Ny Morning Telegraph called the bout with Jack Britton, on March 7, 1913, a draw. The rest gave it to McFarland, some almost by a shutout.
The majority of reporters gave the bout with Mike Gibbons to McFarland, but plenty disagreed.

 

Bump. Required reading.