Couldn't see a thread about this bout. Old time excellence with two unique ATGs. Very interesting to compare to modern mindsets on boxing technique. Any thoughts? Edit: replaced dead link. This content is protected
My post from the scorecard thread. '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 Canzoneri (and Ambers) are proof that a hands down, classical style is not ineffective, outdated or disfunctional in comparison to modern fighters.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.'
I believe Ambers was Tony's longtime sparring partner and,after beating him[Tony took him to school in their first fight,] his he said something like ,I guess Ive served my apprenticeship? Two greats!
Thanks Rough, I'm going through my 1930s playlist (hence the theme in the scorecards at the moment) and this is on it. Will definitely get to it soon!
Just posted my scorecard in the scorecard thread. EDIT: posting it here too. Tony Canzoneri v Lou Ambers 1 Excellent technical battle between two ATGs. This was a very high level fight which was mostly fought at range and was relatively clinch free. Canzoneri's head movement and anticipation in this one were other worldly at times. His feinting and double feinting followed by sharp counter jabs were a riddle Ambers tried to solve and in the middle part of the fight he just couldn't. But to his credit, Ambers kept trying to come up with strategies to unlock the traps being set and had a measure of success in the later rounds. My scoring here is a touch speculative due to the nature of the shortened rounds filmed here so is based on what I saw. Nor sure what the official cards had for this one beyond a UD but there was no question that Canzoneri won this. 1 9-10 (close. Quality sticking and moving by both fighters) 2 10-9 (Ambers getting caught more as he comes in) 3 10-7 (I was thinking how well Canzoneri was timing Ambers in this round when he punctuated it by dropping him with a perfect overhand right. The follow up KD was a result of the previous punch and Ambers was lucky it was the end of the round) 4 10-9 (shortened round. Amber started well, particularly considering the way the previous round had ended but Canzoneri started timing him again as the round wore on) 5 10-9 (another shortened round Canzoneri is a nightmare to face - defensively he's like Niccolino Loche but with a punch) 6 9-10 (close. Better round from Ambers) 7 10-10 (clever from Ambers, who was getting outjabbed so starts leading with the left hook and straight right instead. Canzoneri still having success though) 8 10-9 (a bit rougher and more clinching as both fighters try to land uppercut in close but this suits Canzoneri better) 9 10-9 (Ambers struggling to crack Canzoneri's code) 10 9-10 (close. Could have gone either way) 11 10-9 (Canzoneri getting the better of Ambers on the outside) 12 10-9 13 10-10 (Ambers has his moments and puts Canzoneri under some rare pressure but Tony holds his own) 14 9-10 (better round from Ambers) 15 9-10 (close. Ambers may have just edged it) Canzoneri 145-140 Ambers Canzoneri wins by 8 rounds to 5 with 2 even on my card.
Rough diamond, you might consider following this thread up with a Canzoneri-McLarnin post. It may have already been done, but the posters here have been pretty good, so it would be interesting to read what the same group has to say about that fight.. I'm not much into starting threads.
