This was a fight that looked like it was on the cards in 1984 but Mancini managed to lose to Livingstone Bramble in June that year. Let's imagine though that he hadn't lost and the fight went ahead in late 1984 for Pryor's IBF light welterweight title. Would it be a one-sided domination from the already slipping Hawk or would Mancini be able to put in one last great performance and take Pryor's title?
Thread already created back in 2008: https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/aaron-pryor-vs-ray-mancini.111727/ Anyone's views on this changed over the last 10 years?
Mancini was only 24.. I wouldn't say he was past his best because he lost to Bramble .. Ray came out of retirement after a 4 year lay off, and fought the undefeated almost prime Camacho to a very close SD loss, no tune -ups Mancini would have to move up and Pryor is the better boxer .. However , they are equal in toughness. If Arguello couldn't move up and get it done here at Super against Pryor, either is Mancini .. Ray's toughness keeps him in it for about 9 rounds .. Pryor TKO 10
Mancini by stoppage. Pryor fell off a cliff as a fighter. Even if you were able to drag him out of the Crack House at that time he was already gone mentally and physically he had aged.
Just finished watching Mancini's fight against Kim and they were already talking about a potential matchup against Pryor (who'd beaten Arguello the day before) and showed Aaron watching the Kim fight. Both from Ohio too so it was a natural fight to make. Real shame it never happened. I was thinking that Pryor would win but at that point it's hard to know exactly what shape Pryor would have been in around this time because of the drugs. I do feel Mancini might have been in better condition so I'm edging towards Mancini... but then he lost to Bramble so maybe not. Definitely a tough fight for both of them.
He cried also after his payday went away with SRL too after Ray's injury .. I feel bad for Pryor, just couldn't catch a break for so many years
