richard dunn 70's british heavyweight

Don't forget Bunny Johnson from that Brit heavy era.Beat Dunn, McAlinden, Aird, Stevens etc

One of the most skilled domestic heavy of the early-mid 70s, but he was really a light heavy, no bigger than Conteh.Moved back down to light heavy towards the end of his career, but he was faded by then.A shame as he might have made a solid interesting 175 contender had he not tried to make it as a heavy, where he just didn't have the size, mobility or firepower.

 

No reason to disbelieve it.

 

It's in Duff's autobiography, "Twenty And Out," a very good read.

 

I enjoyed that book too.

 

:good

 

Understand Duff is suffering pugilistic dementia.
Shame

 

I did not know that, I know his plan was to live out his remaining years in Israel, on some land he had bought.

 

Dunn was a legitimate top-15 or top-20 guy, in terms of talent. To his credit, he overachieved and earned a top-10 rating for about one year, 1975-76. His world rating was based on his victory over Bunny Johnson, through which he won the British and British Commonwealth title. In the '70s, these titles counted for more with the WBA and WBC than is presently the case.

In terms of physical attributes, style, flaws, assets, etc., Dunn was tallish for his era (6'3"), and he had a southpaw's advantage. Dunn stood straight up, European style, and kept his hands busy. He was fairly aggressive, even though he wasn't a big puncher. Lots of guys had trouble with Dunn's right-jabbing attacking style. Amazingly, Dunn even managed to score lots of right jabs against Ali in 1976.

But Dunn had very poor punch resistance. He was constantly getting knocked out or knocked down. Of all the '70s guys who earned worldwide top-10 ratings, Dunn had the weakest chin by far. His lack of durability is why he didn't achieve more in boxing.

Dunn's biggest win, outside of the Johnson victory, was a decision over the very tough American fringe contender Roy Williams.

 

If I remember correctly, Dunn and Bodell were handled by the same manager in England. I don't recall the manager's name.

 

I believe the late George Biddles was Dunn's manager. Not sure if he also managed Bodell.

 

Dunn was a journeyman who had a couple of years when he beat everyone he fought, then moved into world class and was shown up. He might not have been the best boxer ever but he was British, European and Commonwealth champion at a time when all those titles meant something and he gave his all in every fight.