I wonder which of “El Torino”Tony Ayala Jr or “The President “ Ike Ibeabuchi is the biggest waste of talent or unfulfilled potential in boxing. Both guys looked like they would not only win world titles but go on to have celebrated reigns. Ike was everything the great Evander Holyfield was as a fighter just bigger, stronger and more powerful at a solid 230-240 pounds. The young Tony Ayala was the closest thing I have seen to Roberto Duran albeit not quite as skillful or as good defensively but then again quite frankly who was in that style.
I knew Tony, met him socially as young men, he was a mean *******. The guy was always going to self destruct.
Really! He seemed a vicious puncher from what I have seen . I suspect he would have beaten Davey Moore similar to Duran though I think Davey Moore gifted amateur that he was basically was rushed into winning the world title before his time without the necessary professional experience and then used as a sacrificial lamb for Duran. I think it was his 7th and 8th fight something ridiculous like that. I think Tony May have come unstuck possibly against McCallum and definitely Hagler but may have been a great fighter.
Back then, the hardcore boxing community was small here in my town, everyone kinda knew the players and fans cause we frequented the same events or same couple gyms. The Ayalas were ghetto as ****, raised around cons and heroin. They could fight, though.
Much respect brother you are from San Antonio! Some real quality fighters have come from there. Remember the late Robert Quiroga another fine fighter from your town. He had that epic battle with my main man Kid Akeem Anifowoshe. Both of them are late now May their souls rest in perfect peace.
Had the pleasure of meeting piquin, Jessie James as well. Been friends with Bam Bam Johnson since we were both teens. I’ve been around boxing for a minute.
Remember Jesse James Leija’s fights with the legendary Azumah Nelson? Azumah looking back said he found it difficult to hurt Jesse James because he was such a nice chap.
Yeah, Jessie is a stand up guy. Active in the community and one of our favorite sons. Gave me a lot to cheer for.
He was elite, would have probably won titles up to welter as he matured. Think of a Vergil Ortiz as far as development stage when he caught his case.
Lol! I thought the poll was going to be for who was the bigger shitbag! Ayala wins either way. Ike was good, but I don't think he would have beaten Lewis. Ayala could have been a multi-division guy. Real sick puppy, though. I remember reading how he didn't even try to flee from the scene after he raped that second woman, and it really not only sickened me, but shocked me a bit. He knew he wasn't mentally right.
I know for a fact that the one guy Lewis Manager Frank Maloney was worried about was Ibeabuchi he was the wrong style for Lennox as it would be Holyfield PLUS.
Exactly. The loss to Yori Boy was an eye-opener. Granted, Ayala was in his late 30s. But it was the first time in his career he was in a fight where he didn't dominate and his opponent was pounding him right back. And Ayala quit. Made everyone wonder if he actually would've won all those belts people thought he was destined to win as a young man. He wasn't going to fight Robbie Epps for a belt.
