They fought in the same era, but never met in the ring. Very similar styles and arch rivals of Marvin Hagler. Who takes this fight? I think it could go either way, but my gut tells me Hamsho is a little tougher and would edge Vito in 12. But what do you guys think?
Strictly because of size, I would lean toward Hamsho. Tough, rugged, dirty fight for both, but Vito was a little on the small side for a middlweight (he made a comeback in the mid-80's as a junior-middle), while Hamsho was a very strong, more natural 160-pounder. Plus he hit a little harder, for whatever that's worth in a fight like this.
Vito was better defensively, and had quicker hands. Neither had anything to trouble the other with in terms of punching power. "They're only southpaws until you get 'em inside," was a favorite saying of Antuofermo's, and he showed more than once that he could deal with southpaws. Of course there was Hagler I and Minter I, where both opponents could be argued as superior to Mustafa. In March 1974, John L. Sullivan was a 22-0-0 up and coming southpaw MW when Vito battered him with right leads and right-left combinations en route to a virtual ten round shutout. On the negative side of the ledger, he did lose those back to backs to southpaws Wissenbach and Hope in 1976, but Wissenbach was an eight rounder in the German's native Berlin, and he was reportedly weight drained for Hope (who can be argued for as superior to Hamsho anyway). Hamsho did beat Curtis Parker twice, and Parker is probably the closest infighting opponent to Vito stylistically that the rugged Syrian took on his his career, but Parker wasn't in the same class with Antuofermo. Take cuts out of the equation, and my best guess is that Vito gets under Mustafa's lefts, inside, then can out-quick Hamsho with shorter punches at close quarters, but I wouldn't put money on it. Nobody ever took a decision over prime Hamsho, but unlike Czyz and Parker, I think Antuofermo had the physical strength necessary to stand up to Mustafa.
I agree with Duo. Vito for me is simply the better fighter. I can't see Hamsho's arm punches cutting him, just have to watch the butts.
an extreme test for Vito. Hamsho thrived on top competition sorry but too many variables in this one so I wouldnt touch it. its anyone's guess
The last time this one came up, I said it would come down to who inflicts the most damaging cut. Both combatants were prone to cutting.
Good answers, guys. It's a shame this never happened...would've been sloppy as all hell but entertaining.
