Tony Canzoneri: In Summary

An old post of mine on Canzi is below. Nice thread Will. You seriously need to look into the British 1930s era though. It was an extremely tough, colourful and talented time. It was mostly poor / corrupt methodologies that lead to there being less World Champs from Britain in that era than there should've been (in my opinion). Many underappreciated fighters.


Tony Canzoneri vs Lou Ambers 1

I refrained from scoring as there are missing rounds. Also interesting how the projector can play some rounds at normal speed, but fast forwards others, though it wasn't a problem. The quality was very good. I enjoyed Jacobs commentary on this one. He seemed very impressed with both, especially in comparison to fighters like Corbett from earlier.

Two legends in the ring. I am not well versed on Ambers, but it seems he tries to emulate his idol(?) Canzoneri too much in this bout, though he has picked up some of his shifty tricks, and his rhythmic foot movement is awesome to behold. Both employ ridiculous fight IQ. Ambers did better the longer the fight went on. He had success with lead rights.

Canzoneri was an absolute master at subtle positioning to gain the advantage. Perhaps the master. The slight pivoting, shoulder feints and decievingly open guard truly confuses even a great like Ambers, though he held his own, and allows for those cat like counters. He always stood in front on Ambers because of this, regardless of how Ambers shuffled around. The positioning of tha overhand knockdown was truly terrific. The deliberate squaring to smash the overhand in at a direct angle was genius. Of course, Ambers was a genius too, but he could not compare with Tony in the end. Canzoneri was truly one of a kind in regards to boxing development. He was like a Bebop deviation to the classical, fundamental boxing style 'evolution'. I think he'd confuse today's fighters even more than in the previous era. I also appreciate his parrying ability, which he showcases very well with the right hand against Ambers left. Very subtle. If there's one punch Tony was open too though, it was the left hook. Ambers seemed to catch him with it several times, and I also saw Ross catch him with it. McClarnin too. Not many fighters in any era could pull of headmovement and feints like these guys.

Canzoneri (and Ambers) are proof that a hands down, classical style is not ineffective, outdated or disfunctional in comparison to modern fighters. Of course, it must be performed correctly, and positioning, IQ and intent are paramount. Very no risk, no reward. Very great results, or not so great at all!

This bout will definitely be getting several re-watches to see all the tricks and positioning battles clearly.

 

An atg. End of. Great thread and contris, Lads.