Purely in terms of ability, who was better at their peak: Oscar or Mike McCallum?

De La Hoya had fantastic ability; he was a true all-rounder, he could box on the backfoot, had a great jab, fast hands, fast feet, power in both hands and a 'granite' chin.

McCallum was similar. I don't think he had as fast hands but of course he is the bigger man. I feel McCallum was better defensively and had a more varied attack. I also feel that he grew better with age.

Of course this is about 'peak'. I would go for McCallum. His destruction of Julian Jackson (slightly premature but watch how all of Jackson's weapons are taken from him within two rounds) is as good a dissection of a dangerous opponent you will ever see.

McCallum, for me. Close in terms of all-round ability.

But I would say without a doubt that mcCallum is a far more 'reliable' fighter, if that makes sense.

 

i think de la hoya was the better athlete and showed the quicker combo`s for the tv cameras but mccallum for me gets the nod for just an alround better boxing set of skills. he just went about his job in a less spectacular fashion than de la hoya