Duran goes against the most lethal punching lightweight he has ever faced...Williams possibly hit harder than Ray Leonard at welterweight. 15 rounds for the Lightweight Championship. Who and why?:think
Williams was on televiosn other day, againt Beau Jack. He would have good chance of beating Duran at 135, it would be great fight, tough to pick. I give Willimas a edge on competition level.
I think Duran , he was so good at 135 , I believe his style of fighting was as close to the perfect fighter as can be , the best blend of offense and defense ever . Williams had great power and is one of the very best ever at the weight also , but I dont think he can beat Duran.
For the sake of boredom, I'll rate Duran and Williams in a few categories: Roberto Duran Hand speed: 8.5 Foot speed: 7 Punching power: 8.5 Strength: 9 Durability: 9 Stamina: 10 Determination: 9 Heart: 7 Aggression: 7 Overall intelligence: 10 Defence: 10 Agility: 10 Combination punching: 8 Counter punching: 10 Punch precision: 7 Body punching: 8 Jab: 7 Cross: 9 Hook: 7 Uppercut: 9 Ike Williams Hand speed: 8.5 Foot speed: 7 Punching power: 9 Strength: 8 Durability: 7 Stamina: 9 Determination: 9 Heart: 10 Aggression: 10 Overall intelligence: 6.5 Defence: 6.5 Agility: 7 Combination punching: 10 Counter punching: 6 Punch precision: 8 Body punching: 9 Jab: 8 Cross: 8 Hook: 10 Uppercut: 9 -- So Williams has the better offence - if there was someone standing in front of each fighter waiting to be chopped down, Williams would poleaxe him before Duran would. But Duran is better rounded as a whole; he was superior defensively and was better at using his brain. As it turns out, I believe Williams had the right mix of will power, punching power and feral mindset to startle Duran and take a decision.
Very informative post...Whether you're 'bored' or not :good This is a match-up I have a very difficult time making a choice with...It's safe to say that neither faced anything like the other at 135 lbs. If there is a lightweight would make the aggressive Duran back up..it is Ike Williams...I think he would make Duran back off with his power and accurate punching. Besides being better defensively, and fighting smarter, (which you listed) Duran's edge in durability could be the key for him winning this. I think Duran after feeling Williams power is startled!...and therefore would be forced to box more and 'pick his spots' with his aggression than in any other fight...Duran would clinch exceedlingly,holding and hitting,spinning...trying to impose his strength. All the while, being very wary of Williams. With these tactics, Duran might be able to 'give the impression' that he is winning the fight...without truly engaging with Ike. What would the judges think?:think
This is about the fourth or fifth time, I'd guess. I don't blame anyone, it is a fascinating match-up. Manassa and I have gone round 'n round about three times about it. I like your succinct little contribution to the hypothetical. As for me, I'd take issue with Manassa's scores for Duran's heart and aggression -7 is a bit low. I know Manassa enough to not attribute the heart score to the typical overemphasis on 'No Mas' or backwards analysis, and I'd be curious to hear his comments on that score. If he's reading this, that is. I see Duran testing Ike with aggression early and then realizing that Ike is not one who will wilt. Ike's pride was at least as strong as Duran's. Both fought with controlled aggression -and both could open up very well. Ike's offense is incredibly impressive -even on low quality film. He appled the adage of punching right through the target. If I may don my shrink hat for a moment... Ike fought like a man personally wronged and on behalf of a people historically wronged. Duran fought because he was a sadist who looked at opponents like a redneck does trespassers or a Sicilian does a man groping his daughter. Duran, though, was more complete. He had more in the repertoire and therefore had more answers. If he didn't, Brown would. Duran also, you must remember, could take shots very well -better than Ike. Ike's offensive emphasis would also offer more opportunities for Duran to counter him coming in --and Ike's chin wasn't quite as durable as Duran. ........ Beau Jack on Ike: "I fought him four times and couldn't get past him. The better shape I was in, the worse I got beat. I salvaged a draw in the third bout. He was a great champion." Bob Montgomery on Ike: Harry: Was Beau your toughest opponent? Bob: Oh, he was tough, but Ike Williams was the toughest. Did you ever see anyone better than him? He was a great boxer and puncher. Harry: You beat him once. Bob: I knocked him out on January 25, 1944 at 2:49 of the 12th round. Harry: You have quite a memory of victories. Did you beat him with pressure or was it one shot? Bob: I just kept plowing with a right uppercut. I just kept going until he went down........... These are excerpted from phone interviews with both men in the 80s, I believe.
Bump (as you can see, a well-trodden path ). I guess Stonehands sums it up best: "This is about the fourth or fifth time, I'd guess. I don't blame anyone, it is a fascinating match-up."
