Whom do you see emerging victorious in this one over 15? More importantly, how do you see the fight playing out? I think Vicious Victor has a style that would give a guy like Saad absolute hell. If Saad was busy with the jab and boxed more patiently (as he was perfectly capable of doing, but so rarely did) then it's better for him, but as we know he seemed to thrive on instances where his opponent was committed to the attack, and Galindez was so herky-jerky and unpredictable; very tough matchup here. I have to go with Galindez by close, somewhat disputed points win, as Saad can't solve the rhythm of Galindez's attack.
I can't argue with you here ssfan, I pick Galindez...he was too strong and crafty a counterpuncher..a very close but deserved decision over 15.
I have to admit; I used to just hate the guy's style, but I suddenly realized I was watching a lot of Galindez's fights, and that they were mostly very interesting to watch. Still kind of frustrating to watch on some levels; I thought with just a little more work Eddie Gregory would have outpointed him, but he just didn't throw enough.
Galindez would give you the impression, from just a cursory glance at him, that he'd be a wild, caveman-type slugger, as he was in the title winning Len Hutchins bout...but no, that wouldn't be true. He was a patient, clever, savvy counterpuncher with great strength, who was very adept at winning those 15 round decisions. His fights were interesting to watch..and I caught all of the defenses he had that were televised back in the mid to late 70's.
Another one of the 7 years of the great LtHvywt fights that should of occurred. Bring back Sat. afternoon CBS Sports Spectacular with Tim Ryan & Gil Clancy, and let the fisticuffs begin.
To me, he was utterly unique. One writer described his peculiar brand of counter brawling as "steel chinned guerrilla warfare." This is why I tend to favor Matt over Victor. Galindez wouldn't enjoy his usual edge in stamina, and Matthew would never fail to throw enough to pull off a decision. I do think Saad Muhammad would apply his underrated boxing skills in this instance to deal with Victor at range. However, this is very close, and on other days I could easily favor Galindez. Trying to attack Matt early failed more than once, as his victims gassed, and movement couldn't be sustained as necessary though the championship distance. I don't see Victor making either mistake. The championship rounds would make for a helluva closing battle.
That's what makes this such an intriguing matchup; the potential for Saad to box, which usually brought good results.
I would've LOVED to have watched this fight. One of the best "could haves" that never happened. Saad was so much better skilled than people give him credit for. I'm drunk as hell. Sorry. Took me like 10 minutes to edit that. red cobra's a great poster,
I'll go against the grain and pick Saad, who tended to gain steam as the fight wore on. He wasn't shy about throwing punches late in a fight and I don't think Galindez got hit as hard as Saad would hit him. I could see both guys bleeding all over hell, too.
Galindez was very comfortable fighting off the ropes and liked to lure his opponents over there in order to counterpunch at close range,and someone like Saad never really had an issue with forcing the action and taking the fight where his opponent wanted it,so I see Galindez having success earlier on in the fight with Saad withstanding the heavy,clubbing overhand rights and hooks(Galindez had a deceptively quick left hook) and gradually breaking Galindez down with a good body attack. Galindez never demonstrated any real issues with his chin or stamina(until a little later in his career,perhaps) but I have more confidence in Saad's durability,endurance and ability to fight at great pace down the long stretch. Saad had a good,consistent jab,too,and Kates and Rossman had alot of success with that particular punch against Galindez,so that may have igured at some point.
If we are taking both men at their best I`ll side with Matt, his late round stamina being the main X-factor swaying my vote. Matt was one of those rare fighters who seemed to increase his punch output with each passing round and who could keep up a high pace even in the championship rounds, and Galindez for all his skill and ability I do not see matching Saad`s pace late in the bout. I do think this would have been a tactical affair for the most part, with some seriously violent exchanges though throughout when one or both men would look to stand their ground. Galindez was a damn good puncher himself and he could put some serious hurt on Matt with his counterpunching, but Matts seemingly inhuman ability to absord and withstand punishment would see him thru. If Matt doesn`t neglect that long jab of his and uses it to good effect against Galindez as he should to make the bout easier on himself then he wins it for sure imo, but knowing Saad he will abandon that once the fireworks begin more than likely, but hell I wouldn`t have complained! Saad by tough decision.
Great matchup, but considering the intangibles, the fight would end up a disputed draw. Galindez would control early, Muhammad late, with just enough of a rally to keep it honest.
