Great thread idea dpw417...but I'm completely clueless right now...I've got to deliberate on this one...I've never even considered this matchup before..
Ok..I've deliberated a bit...I think it could have very well been a Zale points win...with both men visiting the canvas..as in another thread, I maintain that no one in middleweight history would have ko'ed Griffith...but Zales great positive, all out momentum would have been on his side in their initial fight..there would be probably a trilogy between them..or maybe even 4 fights...all very close. In their first encounter, they would trade knockdowns and Zale would nip it with some high profile action that would catch the eyes of the judges...though Griffith would finish very strong and make it razor close. A rematch would feature Griffith redeeming himself...maybe by just as close a margin..and a rubber match that would go to Emile as well..but it would be a classic disputed decision for the less popular man. Classic Griffith pattern of winning and dulling down the fight to take the nod..going 2-1 in their series. Some fighters you just can't consider in any hypothetical matcjes without bring into the equation a rematch...Emile Griffith is one of these because he was so damned clever and effective in that way of his. The first Griffith-Zale fight would be the most entertaining and exciting (and the only ones with knockdowns) and the two subsequent matches would suffer in comparision.
Yeah Burt, but I think it was a fluke...and that Griffith hadn't grown into being comfortably a middleweight. Rematch them a dozen more times and that Carter ko would have never happened again. Griffith came of age as a middle when he beat Tiger in '66...the same Tiger who dominated and thrashed Carter...and appeared at times to be the stronger man..of course decking Tiger for the first time in his career along the way to a close decision. Those who dispute the decision do so, IMO, because of distaste for Griffith's style..in preference for Tiger's always aggressive style and that old **** of "you've got to go after and destroy" a champion to take his title.
I like Zale by a decision in this tough battle, Griffith strong but Zale was stronger and good body puncher...takes a close but clear win IMO
