If Steve Collins was British (rather than Irish) he would get into a top 20, but not a top 10. Graham didn't really choke in his big fights - that is the wrong word. In terms of style, he was pretty similar to Pernell Whitaker, but had more power, and was therefore not particularly judge friendly. He lost against Kalambay (twice) and McCallum - all on points. All three fights could have gone his way - the first Kalambay fight was in Italy (makes Germany seem fair), whilst he would have beaten McCallum but for a low blow. Everyone has seen the Jackson fight, which he was winning easily - and it is alleged that Hagler wanted nothing of him.
That is what it would suggest - actually there were only three, but anyways....... He is hardly Johnny Nelson, if that is what you mean! Losses....... Kalambay I - in Italy, close points McCallum - SD, point deduction, I felt he won anyway Jackson - chased needless KO up 30-26, stupid Kalambay II - close points, had personal issues Grant - chased KO, had personal issues Brewer - ditto Jackson, got stopped He had a very fragile state of mind despite a strong support group from the Ingles, Johnny Nelson and others - and wasn't well managed.
can somebody explain why steve collins aint hold in high regard? mean two back to back victorys over benn and eubank, the man was tough as nails, his mauling style was actully quite good to watch, why not?
no i admit he wasnt nelson. i know how good graham was, i remember him well and he is certainly the best brit not to win a title although watson pushes him very close. you said it yourself, his mind was fragile
he is held in high regard its just that through no fault of his own he canme good when benn and eubank was on the slide. especially benn, when collins beat him he was a shell of his former self.
Watson does push him very close - probably the night of Watson vs Eubank II was the worst thing to happen to British boxing since WW2. Watson was finished Eubank was never the same
i cant remember the fight with benn well but im sure he hurt his ankle when he went down but im quite sure collins really dominated the fight through brute strength and he was the first person to beat eubank is it the lack of big name opponents on his resume that undermines collins, and did anybody read the interview collins did with boxing motnhyl a few month ago when he went to a post fight interview of roy jones and challenged him?
Top tens are by definition subjective and can be argued until the cows come home.I change my mind on a daily basis but consistantly have Lewis #1 and Buchanan #2, they are the benchmark
he did for the most part. that volley at highbury was sublime and there was that time he gave a prone gary neville **** after scoring a couple of years back but generally he was a BIG GAME CHOKER !