Lets say its at Heavy. How would the Mongoose survive the constant aggressive style. Would he wilt like he did against Marciano?
Jirov is not nearly as powerful and strong as Marciano, nor does he have his chin. However he was just as aggressive and had similar endless stamina (over 12). Also the left handed tactics might be very effective on Moore's usual defense, im not sure Moore has ever fought a southpaw on film. Regardless, a careful Moore probes and circles around Jirov until sometime before the 4th he lands a beautiful right while Jirov is flurrying. He finishes off the hurt Jirov with a few more knockdowns.
The "Ole Mongoose" would pick Jirov apart for a late rounds TKO. Neither is really a Heavyweight. They are similar in size. Jirov would plow ahead and throw a lot of punches, but leave himself highly vulnerable to Moore's counters. Moore is much the better of the two defensively. Jirov takes countless flush shots from Moore and eventually wears down and is stopped. Moore would basically do to him what Toney did.
Title Bout Championship Boxing says - Round 1 - Close first round. Moore landed more but Jirov the harder shots Round 2 - Another close round, this one with little action Round 3 - Moore hurt Jirov late in the round. Moore round, first clear round Round 4 - Clear round for Moore. Jirov appears to have not recovered from the punch last round Round 5 - Another clear round for Moore, he's threatening to put Jirov away Round 6 - A close round that Moore probably nicked Round 7 - Bigish round by Moore. Jirov not connecting with much Round 8 - Close Round Round 9 - Jirov landed his best punch since early in the fight but may have still lost the round Round 10 - Jirov's best round of the fight until the end where Moore lands a big punch. Probably Jirov's round Round 11 - Jirov down and up at 4. He survives the round Round 12 - Boring final round that Jirov may have took. Judges Scorecards - 119-109 and 118-109 x 2, Moore Wins My Opinion - I recently watched Jirov-Toney. If we can call that Jirov's prime, I think we can say Moore also beats Toney. I think Moore was too smart for Jirov, who generally had one gear (a very effective one, but still) and I think Moore capitalizes on Jirov's plodding forward. If he doesn't knock him out late he wins a wide UD.
I can't help but feel Jirov is underappreciated on this forum, if for no other reason than no one is even willing to try to play devils advocate for him here. His peak form certainly was not the fight against Toney, but I honestly feel most posting here don't remember the real wrecking ball Jirov was for a time.
These 2 fighters would make one heck of a fight. Jirov is aggressive and could wear down his opponents. But, he does not hit as hard or have the chin Marciano had. It would be an epic battle, but I do believe the Mongoose (who is a superior boxer and hits like a truck) would have Jirov nearly out by mid to late fight, but I also think Jirovs style wears Moore down to the point he cant finish him. To me it comes down to willpower and desire to win. Moore has the heart to go to the end. I would give it to him in a shade.
I know I said the Jirov against Toney was his prime, and I still stand by that, but I can see where you think his best work was before then, obviously. However, Toney is the obvious name that stands out on his record, and Jirov was 29 years old at the time and looking like a world beater at the time. Also, Toney's name just seems to compare well with Archie's.
jirov was a natural light heavy and cruiser. moving up to heavy was not a good move. moore was/is a better boxer and would win. jirov would have his moments. people forget what an awesome body puncher he was. shots to the body would take their toll.
