This one could have happened in the mid 1980s To me, Mitchell is overrated, Lockridge underrated I think, prime for prime, Rocky wins a decision Lockridge faced a very high level of opposition in his career, losing to some great fighters Mitchell had a glossy record, but close examination shows the quality of opposition was somewhat lacking. Mitchell did draw with and decision Tony Lopez, who himself twice decisioned Lockridge. But, Rocky was at the tale end of his career when he faced Lopez. Rocky would get inside and outwork Mitchell on the inside. Neither guy would be hurt. I see Lockridge winning something like 116-112.
I'll take Mitchell. Too slick, and he could both box and brawl as the situation demanded it. He was also famous for adjusting during the course of the fight to what his opponent was doing. He is rated highly for a reason. Brian was at the end of his career when he beat Lopez. He had 2 more fights after that and retired for good. Lopez had 18 more, Boxrec tells me.
Also, most boxing experts were of the view that Mitchell should have won the decision in the first Lopez fight too. Sacramento had had some dodgy judging in the past.
