............I recently fell upon a cache of Pedroza videos on youtube, and just got done rewatching this match from June of 1985. I remember watching it as a 17-year old live; it was aired on ABC TV a bit later than a fight would normally be shown here, just before prime-time, so I knew it was a big deal. I had seen a good deal of Pedroza, and a couple McGuigan fights befoe this, and knew from my boxing magazines what Battlin' Barry meant to his people. It was indeed an intiguing match.....the young, powerful, transcendant Irishman against the long-reigning featherweight champ, so full of guile and experience. Pedroza at the time was the longest reigning champ in boxing, making his 20th title defense against the Clones Cyclone, who had become a unifying presence in his native land. "Leave the fightin' to McGuigan" was the saying at the time, and this fight meant EVERYTHING to them. It was a big deal here, too. The American media picked up on McGuigan swiftly, and made him their darling, but it paled to what he meant across the pond. As descibed by the superlative Al Michaels on ABC, this was the biggest gate in european boxing history at the time. Back then, I was rooting hard for Pedoza, always a fan of the underdog. He fought bravely and well, but McGuigan was simply a machine that night. He simply would not tire, would not relent. It was more than Pedroza's aged legs could overcome, and the torch was passed in a truly electric evening. If you have some spare time, do youself a favor and watch this; the emotion and anticipation is palpable in this broadcast. It was, along with Hagler-Hearns, Spinks-Holmes, and Curry-McCrory a real highlight of an amazing boxing year. And, for those across the pond who remember it or feel the ramifications even today, I'd love to read your thoughts on it as well. [yt]xpC9_kgOD-o&feature=related[/yt] [yt]jidoTyIKMe0&feature=related[/yt] [yt]73l5IpIyGq8&feature=related[/yt] [yt]jidoTyIKMe0&feature=related[/yt]
..............Sorry there seems to be some mixing up and omission of certain rounds in the video clips; the cocksucker who posted them on youtube couldn't be bothered with labelling them. :-(
It was a big deal to me! I live in the states but half Irish descent.Thanks for posting this. I was a Sanchez guy, but of course he was 3 years gone by then. I admired Pedroza but was definitely on the McGuigan bandwagon. I was rooting for McGuigan but I knew he had his flaws and had seen Pedroza win so many fights. But ultimately, you could tell as the rounds ticked off that Pedroza wasn't going to pull this one out. Barry had a nice little run. Stopping Bernard Taylor in 8 was a nice result. Actually catching up to Taylor was not easily done. I think he could have held the title a little longer if not matched with Cruz (a texan) in the blazing sun in Vegas. I don't think Barry would've gotten past Esparagoza if he'd have fought him.
I was there that night as a 10 year old, it was an occasion no doubt. Pedroza was brave as hell, but the fight became one sided by the middle rounds. Although I think 25,000(+?) were there, it was no where near the gates that used to show up at the old White City; they would compete number wise with the baseball stadium shows in the States (80,000+). Loftus Road is a dump and the fight should of happened in the Island of Ireland, but I understand why Pedroza did not want that. It was the first time I ever saw my Dad drunk and I think I would of enjoyed it a lot more if I was 18 myself. Barry of course was never the same fighter post Pedroza, the Taylor fight was considered at the time very disappointing, although with hindsight it was hardly a shocker. McGuigan should despite all the things that were happening still of beaten Cruz, it hurt his legacy a lot that he could pull that one out. And like what was suggested, I to, do not see him beating Esparragoza, although he would of been a warm betting favourite, as few knew of how good Antonio was at the time.
I just watched this fight recently again aswell...Barry looked excellent that night albeit against a fading Pedroza.
