The Offical BGOL Boxing Dream-matchup thread.

[merce77]

First off I want to give props to all the cats who contribute daily to the boxing thread I started, with news, views, commentary or fight links. Especially Ready2Rumble and TP2001. Let's get to it....

So the purpose of this thread is to give hardcore BGOL boxing fans a place where we can discuss, debate and breakdown dream matches with fighters of any era and any weight class. For example, I'm sure brothers have asked themselves how a fight between Ali and Joe Louis would've gone down. Your going to have different opinions and viewpoints, some cats think Ali's boxing and foot movement would have been too much for Louis, some cats would like Louis' power and ring saavy. We welcome anybody's dream matchups just a couple things before we begin, please don't come into the thread and tell cats you'd love to see a fight between Sweet P Whitaker and Roy Jones jr. Those cats weight disparities are huge and they never fought in the same division. Also a small career summary (win/loss record, opponents faced, belts won) and pics of both fighters would be appreciated.For a dream match to be considered the two opponents have to at some point in their careers been in the same weightclass and the talent disparity can't be so huge where there is no real doubt in the outcome - for example Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Mickey Ward. I liked Mickey but no way in hell does he beat Floyd so there isn't much of a debate. We will also assume that the two fighters being matched against each other are in their primes. With all that being said, let's get started.....first matchup -

"Sugar" Ray Leonard vs Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker

"Sugar" Ray Leonard
(Ray Charles Leonard)
BORN May 17 1956; Wilmington, North Carolina
HEIGHT 5-10
WEIGHT 141-168 lbs
MANAGER Mike Trainer
TRAINER Angelo Dundee
RECORD 36-3-1 (25 KO)

Leonard was an extremely talented boxer who had ring "savvy" along with boxing skills and fast hands - loaded with a good punch; He engaged in a limited number of fights - but they were enough to convince observers that he was one of the best ever; "Sugar" Ray met many of the best of his time and won most of the battles

During his career, Ray defeated such men as Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Donnie Lalonde, Wilfred Benitez, Floyd Mayweather, Ayub Kalule, Dave Green, Armando Muniz, Tony Chiaverini and Pete Ranzany

Herb Goldman ranked Leonard as the #2 All-Time Welterweight; Ray was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997
_________________________________________________________________

Pernell Whitaker
("Sweet Pea")
BORN January 2 1964; Norfolk, Virginia
HEIGHT 5-6
WEIGHT 138-155 lbs
MANAGER Shelley Finkel
TRAINERS George Benton, Lou Duva
RECORD 40-4-1 (17 KO)


Whitaker was a defensive specialist, as good as there ever was; He was not an over-powering hitter on offense but applied a steady attack while, at the same time, being extremely slippery and difficult to hit with a solid blow; He lost but four bouts - three taking place during his last four fights

During his career, Pernell won the WBA Light Middleweight Championship of the World, the WBC Welterweight Championship of the World, the IBF Light Welterweight Championship of the World, the WBC Lightweight Championship of the World, the WBA Lightweight Championship of the World, the IBF Lightweight Championship of the World and the NABF Lightweight Championship

He defeated such men as Azumah Nelson, James "Buddy" McGirt, Julio Cesar Vasquez, Roger Mayweather, Greg Haugen, Jose Luis Ramirez, Gary Jacobs, Jake Rodriguez, Harold Brazier, Wilfredo Rivera, Rafael Pineda, Leo Lomeli, Miguel Santana, Jorge Paez, Policarpo Diaz, Anthony Jones, Freddie Pendleton, Diosbelys Hurtado, John Montes, John Senegal and Rafael Williams

Many boxing historians rank Whitaker among the All-Time Top Ten Lightweights; Whitaker was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007

This FIFTEEN RD. fight will be fought at the Welterweight limit of 147 lbs....

SO WHO YA'LL GOT? WHY? AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE FIGHT PLAYING OUT?
I'll wait for some responses and then give my take on the fight.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Glad to see it got started. Imma have to come back with my take on this one. It's a tough one to decide.

 

[merce77]

Glad to see it got started. Imma have to come back with my take on this one. It's a tough one to decide.

Me too, I keep seeing shades of DeLaHoya/Whitaker.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Alright, after much consideration, I'm going to have to say that Sugar Ray wins this one via unanimous decision. Simply put, I feel Leonard would have been too big and too quick for Sweet Pea. Whittaker wouldn't have enough to keep Ray off of him, and when Leonard didn't respect someone's power, as I suspect he wouldn't have respected Pernell's, he jumps all over em throwing those rapid fire combos. While Pea did have one helluva defense, a fast, accurate, combination throwing fighter like Leonard is a nightmare for a defensive wiz. At times I see this fight being a little boring in some patches with a lot of missing and dancing, but at the end of the day Leonard does enough to take the desicion.

I'll think of another dream matchup in a bit.

 

[merce77]

Alright, after much consideration, I'm going to have to say that Sugar Ray wins this one via unanimous decision. Simply put, I feel Leonard would have been too big and too quick for Sweet Pea. Whittaker wouldn't have enough to keep Ray off of him, and when Leonard didn't respect someone's power, as I suspect he wouldn't have respected Pernell's, he jumps all over em throwing those rapid fire combos. While Pea did have one helluva defense, a fast, accurate, combination throwing fighter like Leonard is a nightmare for a defensive wiz. At times I see this fight being a little boring in some patches with a lot of missing and dancing, but at the end of the day Leonard does enough to take the desicion.

I'll think of another dream matchup in a bit.

Yeah, I'm going to have to go with you on this one, Leonard would be just too much offensively for Sweet P. Leonard was slightly less speedy than Pernell but fast enough that he wouldn't miss as much as other fighters did against Pernell. But since I'm almost certain Leonard would have been the aggressor, that would be another edge for him going to a decision. My guess is that Leonard's offense and ability to cut the ring off and take it to levels other fighters couldn't, would have gotten him a split decision, just for the sake of argument perhaps one judge would've favored Pernell's ring generalship and defense over Sugar Ray's offense and constant pressure. So me and Ready pick Leonard, anybody else is welcome to throw in their two cents..

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

I'll let TP2001 get a hold of this one before I post another potential dream matchup.

 

[merce77]

I'll let TP2001 get a hold of this one before I post another potential dream matchup.

 

[tp2001]

Man I was seriously considering picking Whitaker on this, but Leonard would get the upper hand on this match. While Sweet Pea would probably frustrate Sugar Ray on this matchup, making him miss more than Leonard would expect, he wouldn't do enough on offense to take most of the rounds from the judges...And since I wouldn't be one of those judges...

merce77, this could remind you a bit like De La Hoya/Whitaker, but the thing is that Leonard would be more skilled against Sweet Pea than Oscar was. That would give him more of an advantage...

Now since Ready2Rumble82 has a dream match up on slate, I will hold mine until then...

 

[merce77]

Man I was seriously considering picking Whitaker on this, but Leonard would get the upper hand on this match. While Sweet Pea would probably frustrate Sugar Ray on this matchup, making him miss more than Leonard would expect, he wouldn't do enough on offense to take most of the rounds from the judges...And since I wouldn't be one of those judges...

merce77, this could remind you a bit like De La Hoya/Whitaker, but the thing is that Leonard would be more skilled against Sweet Pea than Oscar was. That would give him more of an advantage...

Now since Ready2Rumble82 has a dream match up on slate, I will hold mine until then...

Yeah, I felt the same way about this match until I really thought about Leonard's offensive capabilities, if one guy could get to Sweet it would be Ray. I only mentioned the Oscar match because it was a match at 147 where Pernell was going up against a bigger welterweight who was fast and had a great offense, but I agree Leonard was a bit more skilled and more accurate than Oscar and he had the intangibles that make a truly great fighter. Plus I only threw in that one judge for the sake of argument because you know how it is now, you hardly ever see a UD in big fights anymore..

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Wilfred "El Radar / Bible of Boxing" Benitez vs Julian "The Hawk" Jackson

Name: Wilfred Benitez
Career Record: won 53 (KO 31) + lost 8 (KO 4) + drawn 1 = 62
Rounds Boxed 486 : KO% 50
Alias: El Radar / Bible of Boxing
Nationality: Puerto Rican
Birthplace: Bronx, NY, USA
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Born: 1958-09-12
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5′ 10″
Managers: Bill Cayton and Jim Jacobs
Trainers: Gregorio Benitez, Emile Griffith (Carlos Palomino bout)

Benitez - the self-styled "Bible of Boxing" - was a defensive wizard who claimed to have rarely ever trained for a fight; He was a young, fighting prodigy who boxed well, hit effectively and had a natural "savvy" directing him - what to do and when to do it

During his career, he won the WBC Light Middleweight Championship of the World, the Welterweight Championship of the World and the WBC Light Welterweight Championship of the World.

He defeated such men as Roberto Duran, Carlos Palomino, Antonio Cervantes, Maurice Hope, Tony Chiaverini, Bruce Curry, Pete Ranzany, Tony Petronelli, Randy Shields, Angel Robinson Garcia, Lawrence Hafey, Johnny Turner, Carlos Santos, Kevin Moley, Mauricio Bravo, Harold Weston and Paul Whittaker

Herb Goldman ranked Benitez as the #5 All-Time Welterweight; Wilfred was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996


_________________________________________________________________

Name: Julian Jackson
Career Record: won 55 (KO 49) + lost 6 (KO 6) + drawn 0 = 61
Rounds Boxed 232 : KO% 80.33
Alias: The Hawk
Nationality: Virgin Islands (US)
Birthplace: St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Born: 1960-09-12
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5′ 10½″
Reach: 183

Julian Jackson is regarded as one of the all-time great punchers; he put opponents to sleep with either hand. But like so many of history's hard hitters, his chin didn't equal his knockout punch.

He had many of his early fights in Puerto Rico, where he lived for a short period of time, with victories over the likes of Ron Warrior in 1984, and had a shot at the WBA junior middleweight title in August 1986 against champion Mike McCallum. Jackson hurt the defender on a couple occasions in the first round, but McCallum came storming back with a barrage that forced the referee to stop matters in the second round. Jackson then had his second crack at the title in November 1987 on the Chávez-Rosario undercard, and left the ring this time with a belt around his waist - the same WBA 154 lb (70 kg) title he had failed to win from McCallum the previous year.

Julian's rival in the late 80s was Korean Baek In-Chul, who was disposed in three rounds. In-Chul would eventually win the WBA super middleweight title a year later. Jackson then made three inside-the-limit defenses of his crown, against former IBF world champion Buster Drayton (TKO 2), Francisco DeJesus (KO 8), and future WBC champion Terry Norris (TKO 2). Jackson then vacated his crown, moved up to 160 lb (73 kg), and was pitted against Herol 'Bomber' Graham for the middleweight division's vacant WBC title in Spain.

Graham was putting on his typical savvy performance against Jackson: countering, slipping, and dancing out of the way. After being consistently beaten to the punch for three and a half rounds, the champ unleashed one of the immortal right hands of boxing. It was the kind of knockout that gets shown over and over again in the replays. Spark out before he hit the canvas, Graham was unconscious for five alarming minutes before he was revived.

Defenses against Dennis Milton (KO 1), Ismael Negron (KO 1), and Ron Collins (TKO 5) ended quickly, but Thomas Tate would make Jackson work longer and harder in their August 1992 encounter - Julian had to go to the scorecards for the first time in a title bout in winning a 12-round unanimous decision. At this point Jackson was in the middle of the pound-for-pound rankings.

That would lead to his showdown in May 1993 with Gerald McClellan. This time the challenger prevailed, flooring Jackson twice in the fifth round, the second knockdown which prompted the referee to stop the fight and award the belt to McClellan. Jackson had another shot at the title in May 1994 in a rematch with McClellan, but was knocked out in the first round. Jackson would then have a second but brief reign as WBC middleweight champion again, beating Agastine Cardamone by knockout in March 1995 to win the same belt vacated by McClellan, but then promptly losing the title in his first defense against Quincy Taylor in August of that year by a ninth-round knockout. Jackson's career would then go into a tailspin, finishing up with a negative streak whose most important bout perhaps was a ninth-round knockout loss to Verno Phillips in January 1998.



Weight: 154 lbs.
Rounds: 15

Have at it, Gents.​

 

[merce77]

Whew! That's a tough one......I'm gonna break out the archives, analyze and come back.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

I've already got my decision...i'll post in a bit.

 

[merce77]

I see Benitez boxing technique which is superior to Jackson's in every respect would be a big problem for Jackson. Though I'm not implying Jackson's skills were weak, just that Benitez's were that great. Assuming that we're talking about a well trained Benitez(and that's alot to assume)he would give Jackson fits with his constant movement and defense for about the first 7 or 8 rounds and he'd be landng some crisp combinations that would possibly stun or wobble Jackson. But Jackson would apply a steady attack though and would probably land something big through Benitez guard along the way(even a grazing punch from Jackson could put u out)and Benitez would wobble or even go down. But Benitez having a good chin would probably not go out for the count but the starch would be gone from his punches and even though I would love to pick the boxer over the puncher, in this case the punchers incredible power I think would prevail. I see Benitez winded by the 13th from having to be on his bike so hard and trying to fight off the ropes and doing well but the stronger Jackson would probably land one monster shot through his defense and down goes Benitez as the ref waves his arms to stop it. Jackson by tko in the 13th.

I'm basing this on the fact that alot of the 154 lb fighters that Benitez beat were smaller junior middleweights, Jackson was a very natural 154lb fighter and strong as an ox. Benitez had trouble with the big, strong punching 154lb fighters like Hearns and Davey Moore, and even more trouble when he tried to go to 160 against Hamsho. Jackson would have been just too strong and too powerful, The Hawk was TRULY a beast.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

I see Benitez boxing technique which is superior to Jackson's in every respect would be a big problem for Jackson. Though I'm not implying Jackson's skills were weak, just that Benitez's were that great. Assuming that we're talking about a well trained Benitez(and that's alot to assume)he would give Jackson fits with his constant movement and defense for about the first 7 or 8 rounds and he'd be landng some crisp combinations that would possibly stun or wobble Jackson. But Jackson would apply a steady attack though and would probably land something big through Benitez guard along the way(even a grazing punch from Jackson could put u out)and Benitez would wobble or even go down. But Benitez having a good chin would probably not go out for the count but the starch would be gone from his punches and even though I would love to pick the boxer over the puncher, in this case the punchers incredible power I think would prevail. I see Benitez winded by the 13th from having to be on his bike so hard and trying to fight off the ropes and doing well but the stronger Jackson would probably land one monster shot through his defense and down goes Benitez as the ref waves his arms to stop it. Jackson by tko in the 13th.

I'm basing this on the fact that alot of the 154 lb fighters that Benitez beat were smaller junior middleweights, Jackson was a very natural 154lb fighter and strong as an ox. Benitez had trouble with the big, strong punching 154lb fighters like Hearns and Davey Moore, and even more trouble when he tried to go to 160 against Hamsho. Jackson would have been just too strong and too powerful, The Hawk was TRULY a beast.

You know Merce, sooner or later we'll disagree on a fight...but this one isn't it. I pretty much see it the exact same way.

Benitez' has enough skill to give Jackson fits for most of the fight. Jackson was outboxed for many rounds by several fighters in his career, but the fact of the matter is that sooner or later he caught them with the big one and stopped them. In all of Julian's 6 losses, they all came from guys that were able to knock him out, not guys that were able to outbox him. Benitez at some point would trade hooks with Jackson and that would be the beginning of the end. Jackson had the power to stop Benitez and later on in the fight I see Wilfred staying on the inside a little too long and getting rocked by The Hawk.

 

[merce77]

You know Merce, sooner or later we'll disagree on a fight...but this one isn't it. I pretty much see it the exact same way.

Benitez' has enough skill to give Jackson fits for most of the fight. Jackson was outboxed for many rounds by several fighters in his career, but the fact of the matter is that sooner or later he caught them with the big one and stopped them. In all of Julian's 6 losses, they all came from guys that were able to knock him out, not guys that were able to outbox him. Benitez at some point would trade hooks with Jackson and that would be the beginning of the end. Jackson had the power to stop Benitez and later on in the fight I see Wilfred staying on the inside a little too long and getting rocked by The Hawk.

Exactly, that's the most important point, guys like McCallum and McClellan didn't outbox him, they outpunched and ko'ed him. Good matchup, tp2001 you're up to bat next brother...

 

[merce77]

Fuck it, ya'll just post your matchups and whichever one cats are commenting on, they can just quote it..... I'm sure your matchup is good tp but I just gotta post this one now brother Me and my brother spent too mch time arguing over this one today...

Salvador "Chava" Sanchez vs Erik "El Terrible" Morales

Name: Salvador Sanchez
Alias: Chava
Nationality: Mexican
Birthplace: Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico
Hometown: Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico
Born: 1959-01-26
Died: 1982-08-12
Age at Death: 23
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 67½"
Career Record: 44-1 32KO


IN THE case of Salvador Sanchez, the boxing world will forever wonder, what if? A slick and gifted boxer with poetic moves. Slipped punches as few fighters can. Had average power, but threw lots of combinations. Solid chin, though dropped a few times. Became the first Mexican since Ruben Olivares to win the featherweight title. During his brief career, he fought and beat the likes of Danny "Red" Lopez, Juan Laporte, Azumah Nelson and Wilfredo Gomez. The Mexican warrior may best be remebered for his 1981 fight against Wilfredo Gomez, the WBC junior featherweight champion. Gomez was unbeaten in 33 fights with 32 knockouts. Still, Sanchez decimated the future Hall-of-Famer. He dropped Gomez in the first round and maintained a consistent attack until the fight was stopped in the eighth round. Died August 12, 1982, when his white Porsche was hit head-on by a truck as Sanchez attempted to pass another truck in front of him.

Name: Erik Morales
Alias: El Terrible
Birth Name: Erik Isaac Morales Elvira
Nationality: Mexican
Birthplace: Tijuana, BCN, Mexico
Hometown: San Ysidro, California, USA
Born: 1976-09-01
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 72"
Career Record: 48-6 34KO


Erik has been successful at the highest levels of competition for almost a decade, and was universally recognized as one of the best boxers in the world at any weight, "pound-for-pound." He has also been one of the most exciting pugilists, and fought in several of the most sensational battles of recent years.
The former WBC super bantamweight, two-time featherweight, and super featherweight world champion, Erik became only the second fighter from Mexico to win world titles in three weight divisions -- Julio Cesar Chavez was the first. Like Chavez, Erik is a certain future Hall of Famer.
During his illustrious career "El Terrble" foguht and beat some of the biggest names of the lower weight classes including Junior Jones, Kevin Kelley, Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao. But he will forever be remembered for his violent trilogy with Barrera.

This bout will be fought at the featherweight limit of 126lbs and is scheduled for 15 rounds.

Ya'll have at it or we can wait for tp's post or whatever, just trying to bump the thread...This one is more difficult to pick than you think, they're so evenly matched....

 

[tp2001]

Actually, I had one match up at 140 in mind, but I pulled a switcheroo at the last minute...

Therefore, I bring in this matchup...

Carlos Monzon

Record: 87-3-9 with 59 KOs

Defended the WBC and/or WBA middleweight titles from 1970 until 1977

Defeated Nino Benevuti (x2), Emile Griffith (x2), Jean Claude Bouttier (x2), Rodrigo Valdez (x2)

Was a crazy dude in and out of the ring

Monzon steps into the ring to face none other than...

"Marvelous" Marvin Hagler

Record: 62-3-2 with 52 KOs

Defended the WBC and WBA middleweight title from 1980 to 1986 and was the undisputed champ from 1983 to 1986

Defeated Thomas Hearns, John "The Beast" Mugabi, Roberto Duran, Mustafa Hamsho (x2), Juan Domingo Roldan

Very high KO percentage (77.6%)

 

[merce77]

Actually, I had one match up at 140 in mind, but I pulled a switcheroo at the last minute...

Therefore, I bring in this matchup...

Carlos Monzon

Record: 87-3-9 with 59 KOs

Defended the WBC and/or WBA middleweight titles from 1970 until 1977

Defeated Nino Benevuti (x2), Emile Griffith (x2), Jean Claude Bouttier (x2), Rodrigo Valdez (x2)

Was a crazy dude in and out of the ring
Monzon steps into the ring to face none other than...

"Marvelous" Marvin Hagler

Record: 62-3-2 with 52 KOs

Defended the WBC and WBA middleweight title from 1980 to 1986 and was the undisputed champ from 1983 to 1986

Defeated Thomas Hearns, John "The Beast" Mugabi, Roberto Duran, Mustafa Hamsho (x2), Juan Domingo Roldan

Very high KO percentage (77.6%)

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout .....and btw that nicca Monzon was crazy, u gotta be to throw your wife off a balcony!

In this matchup I'm going to have to go with Marvelous by a close UD. Marvin in his prime could move and box better than alot of people remember and especially counterpunch. I think Monzon as great as he was technically, possibly superior to Marvin boxingwise, he was a little too slow of foot and hand to take the initiative and beat Marvin to the punch. Plus coupled with the fact that Marvin took punches from some great punchers like Hearns, Duran, Mugabi and Leonard so this would probably be a give and take war, with the faster footed and handed Hagler getting the best of most of the exchanges. I love Monzon as a fighter and he was one dude that my uncle used to show me a lot of film of when I was boxing, dude was mad technically sound, but I gotta pick Hagler by close 15rd (i'm assuming) decision. Good matchup, and one that I've heard alot of heads debate.

Oh and lol at the etch a sketch in the background.

 

[tp2001]

I'm going to agree with you on this one due to the fact that I would place Hagler with the technical advantage (slightly) and the ability to take a punch. Not only that, but he wouldn't be lulled into a slugfest which would give Monzon a chance to KO him. A 15 rounder would be a great one for the fans to see, but I would give Hagler a slight advantage...

For that Sanchez/Morales bout, I got Sanchez...For some reason, if Morales fought someone with an unorthodox style or great defense or great power, he'd have lots of trouble against them...Sanchez would have the potential to frustrate him with his defensive skills and catch him good with his power. Morales would have to use his his slight height advantage to have a shot, but if he gets into a slugfest (which could happen if Sanchez slips his jabs), then forget about it...

 

[merce77]

I'm gonna have to take El Terrible on this one, Sanchez at 23 had already proven that he was a star, but to be truly, truly great takes a lil' more time. By the time Morales had trouble with punchers it was after he had warred with Barrera and was starching himself to make 126. I think Sanchez would have had trouble with a guy who was just as dynamic as he was but had more power. Both Morales and Sanchez could get on their toes and box, both had excellent technique as far as ring generalship with Sanchez being the better defenseman. But Morales big edge in reach, his height advantage, and power advantage would give Morales the edge in this fight in my humble opinion. His famous straight right would shoot over that Sanchez jab, a 72" reach for a featherweight is unheard of. I just think that none of the big names that Sanchez beat were as complete fighters as Morales.

Morales tarnished his image by fighting longer than he should have and taking fights he didn't have to(Raheem), kind of like Mosley did with the Vernon rematch and the two Winky fights, and imo Morales was also robbed against David Diaz. But when he was young he was just as great as any Mexican that ever fought, including Sanchez. Neither Laporte(who like Pernell, was robbed against Cesar Chavez but much later in his career), Lopez, Wilfredo Gomez or Azumah Nelson were as dynamic as Morales was at the same age(Azumah went on to be great but Gomez to me as great as he was, was more brawler than boxer, smaller even than Sanchez and his chin was kinda suspect). A pre-worn-out Morales coupled with a prime Sanchez would make for WWIII, possibly even better than Morales/Barrera but I see Morales getting the 15 round decision due to landing the harder, more memorable shots.

 

[merce77]

Fuck it, throw some more fights in the queue......whatcha got? I'm just bullshittin', I just wanna bump the thread...it makes a nice little couple with the fight link thread If Ready too slow (just fuckin with you)I'll be back with another later.....what was that 140 matchup you had in mind tp?

 

[merce77]

Mike "Bodysnatcher" MCallum VS Ronald "Winky" Wright


Mike "Bodysnatcher" MCallum

birthdate - 1956-12-07
Division - Jr.Middlewight, Middleweight
Nationality - Jamaican
Alias - Bodysnatcher
Residence - New York, New York, United States
Birth place - Kingston, Jamaica
Stance - orthodox
Height - 5'11½"
Reach - 78“
Record - 49-5-1 36ko

As a professional he fought almost exclusively in the USA. He first became a world champion in 1984 by defeating Sean Mannion to win the WBA junior middleweight title. McCallum would defend that title six times, winning all six fights by knock out.
His first prominent opponent was current Hall of Fame boxer and then undefeated challenger Julian Jackson, who McCallum fought in his third title defense. McCallum survived some punishment in the first round and came back to stop the undefeated Jackson in the second round.
McCallum really came to prominence in later bouts by knocking out two contenders that had been highly regarded welterweights, former WBC welterweight champion Milton McCrory and former welterweight champion Donald Curry. Curry was ahead on all three scorecards going into the fifth round when McCallum knocked him out with what some have called a "perfect" left hook. McCallum was known as "bodysnatcher" because he specialized in body punching, but unlike most other body punchers did not take head punches in return. He is perhaps best known for his wars wth Jmes Toney. His greatest professional problem was that the great welterweights and middleweights Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas "Tommy" Hearns and Roberto Duran knew of his achievements and declined to face him without pecuniary rewards that his own promoters were unwilling to meet. Hence he only achieved stardom at the tail-end of his career, retiring with a record of 49-5-1 (36 knockouts). He was never knocked out himself.


Ronald "Winky" Wright

Born - November 26, 1971
Nationality - African American
Division - Jr.Middleweight, Middleweight
Alias - Winky
Stance - southpaw
Height - 5'10-1/2"
reach - 72"
Resides - St. Petersburg, Florida
Born - Washington, D.C.
Record - 51-4-1 25KO

An underappreciated defensive genius who is feared by many fighters for his skill more than his ko punch. The early part of his career saw him touring through Europe beatng the best competition available to him. Wright was seen as being too dangerous and not attractive enough fiscally to get a big fight against the big names at Jr.Middleweight. Then in March '99 he was pitted against a young, up and coming Fernando Vargas. Though many boxing experts felt that he deserved the win, Winky was saddled with a controversial split decision loss. Then in 2004 Winky finally got his chance on the big stage against the great Sugar Shane Mosley. Round after round saw Winky consistently beating Mosley with his jab and straight left hand, and he was given a unanimous decision victory. He was now the first undisputed Jr.Middleweight champion in 29 years. After beating Mosley in a rematch, Wright moved up to middleweight where he beat the great Felix Trinidad by lopsided decision, drew with the much bigger Jermain Taylor in a fast paced slugfest and was beaten in a close fight by the great Bernard Hopkins. Though he remains one of boxings best p4p fighters, Winky's style and experience also make him one of it's most feared, a big reason why he has trouble getting fights to this day.

 

[tp2001]

Before I jump into that McCallum/Wright match (and my pick may surprise you), here is the 140lb. bout that was requested by merce77...

Coming to you from Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas, we have what is sure to be a slugfest of sorts. Be sure to get close to the TV for this one...

On the blue corner, we bring to you...out of Philadelphia, PA...with a record of 38 wins, 20 by KO, 8 defeats, with one draw...

He is the former IBF light welterweight, and the former WBA welterweight...champion of the wooooooooooorrrrrrrrrllllllllld....

Mellllldriiiiiiiiick Taaaaaaaaylorrrrrrr!!!!!

In the red corner...he hails from Cincinnati, Ohio...his record...39 wins with 35 coming by way of knockout, and only one defeat...

He is the former IBF light welterweight, and the former WBA light welterweight...champion of the wooooooooooorrrrrrrrrllllllllld....

Aaron...The Hawk...Pryyyyyyyyyyyyyyorrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!

"Now gentlemen, we reviewed the rules in the dressing rooms. I expect a tough, clean fight. Obey my commands at all times. Touch gloves..."

"Let's get it on!!!"

 

[merce77]

Before I jump into that McCallum/Wright match (and my pick may surprise you), here is the 140lb. bout that was requested by merce77...

Coming to you from Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas, we have what is sure to be a slugfest of sorts. Be sure to get close to the TV for this one...

On the blue corner, we bring to you...out of Philadelphia, PA...with a record of 38 wins, 20 by KO, 8 defeats, with one draw...

He is the former IBF light welterweight, and the former WBA welterweight...champion of the wooooooooooorrrrrrrrrllllllllld....

Mellllldriiiiiiiiick Taaaaaaaaylorrrrrrr!!!!!

In the red corner...he hails from Cincinnati, Ohio...his record...39 wins with 35 coming by way of knockout, and only one defeat...

He is the former IBF light welterweight, and the former WBA light welterweight...champion of the wooooooooooorrrrrrrrrllllllllld....

Aaron...The Hawk...Pryyyyyyyyyyyyyyorrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!

"Now gentlemen, we reviewed the rules in the dressing rooms. I expect a tough, clean fight. Obey my commands at all times. Touch gloves..."

"Let's get it on!!!"

You must be psychic tp, because me and my brother highly dispute this fight all the time. Meldrick was great, boxing ability, speed, could take a punch(too well) thrwe combinations very well, wasn't the biggest puncher but he'd accumulate shts and wear dudes out. On the other hand, Aaron Pryor was like a black Duran, he never stopped coming forward, he never stopped punching with everything he had, and you had to hit him with a tire iron just to slow him down.

I loved Meldrick and the fact that he didn't have a conservative style and would give 110% of himself in the ring, but in my opinion this would have worked against him vs The Hawk. I see a hard fight with Taylor showing movement and throwing combos from all angles and frustrating Aaron for two maybe three rounds. Aaron would never stop coming forward and eventually he would get inside on Taylor and Meldrick would start to go to war with Pryor, which on his part would be a bg mistake. Where Meldrick could move and potshot the slower footed and handed Chavez, the very quick Pryor would be a different story, I see him possibly wearing Taylor down late in the fight and then punching power would be the telling factor once Meldrick was slowed down enough. The fact that the hard punching Arguello couldn't hurt Pryor makes me skeptical that Meldrick could have a chance to really hurt Pryor. I don't think the way to beat Pryor was boxing, to beat Pryor you'd have to be a boxer/puncher like Leonard or Duran, who probably wouldn't have let Pryor back them down. I just don't think Meldrick had the pop to stand shoulder to shoulder with Aaron and stop Pryor, which in my eyes was really the only way to beat him, either be Floyd Mayweather or Sweet P and just completely outbox him or you had to hurt him and KO him. Aaron Pryor by TKO in the 13th round.
Nice touch with the Mills pic.

 

[merce77]

I'm still debating that McCallum/Wright fight. That's one matchup where I have to say to myself, 'I don't know'. I mean who do u pick, the 'bodysnatcher' or the 'bodydefender'? I'm leaning tho, I'm gonna have to come back with my call on that one....

 

[tp2001]

Mike McCallum vs. Winky Wright

Well, for the McCallum/Wright match, I would have to pick...

McCallum. He would have the height and a significant reach advantage, something that Wright utilzes against shorter opponents (Mosley, Quartey) with his jab. Would Winky be able to keep McCallum off his offense with his jab or will Mike walk through it to get at Winky with harder punches?

I would say that after a few rounds of feeling Winky out, McCallum would get to Winky in the ring ropes and well on his body. While the punches may not exactly land, it could still score points on the scorecard. Most likely he would be the busier fighter, giving him the advantage.

Aaron Pryor vs. Meldrick Taylor has the potential to be slugfest city...Meldrick did have the skills to beat almost anybody during 87-89, but Aaron Pryor was a killer. Dude had speed and power with his punches, and could bob and weave with the best of them. I don't think Taylor could stand up to that...Pryor by KO in the 10th round.

 

[merce77]

Well, for the McCallum/Wright match, I would have to pick...

McCallum. He would have the height and a significant reach advantage, something that Wright utilzes against shorter opponents (Mosley, Quartey) with his jab. Would Winky be able to keep McCallum off his offense with his jab or will Mike walk through it to get at Winky with harder punches?

I would say that after a few rounds of feeling Winky out, McCallum would get to Winky in the ring ropes and well on his body. While the punches may not exactly land, it could still score points on the scorecard. Most likely he would be the busier fighter, giving him the advantage.

Aaron Pryor vs. Meldrick Taylor has the potential to be slugfest city...Meldrick did have the skills to beat almost anybody during 87-89, but Aaron Pryor was a killer. Dude had speed and power with his punches, and could bob and weave with the best of them. I don't think Taylor could stand up to that...Pryor by KO in the 10th round.

Yup, you hit it right there, Wink is just not active enuff offensively. Mike would look like the more agressive fighter because of this, even if he didn't land anything flush all night, the judges usually favor the aggressor. As much as I love to watch a defensiv specialist at work, it's offense that scores points with the judges.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Man, i'm gone for a day and a half and yall set it off up in here! Imma have to be back to weigh in on all these.

 

[merce77]

"The Prince" Naseem Hamed vs Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao

THE CHALLENGER

Name - Naseem Hamed
Birthdate - February 12, 1974
Alias - The Prince, Naz
Division - Super Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight
Born - Sheffield, England
Nationality - British/Arabic
Height - 5' 4.5"
Reach - 63"
Stance - southpaw
Record - 36-1 31ko

A highly unorthodox southpaw who possessed some of the best speed, reflexes and power ever seen in the lower weight classes. Hamed developed his unusual 'hands down' approach at Brendan Ingle's famous St. Thomas Boxing school gym in Wincobank, Sheffield, England. However, it was also strongly influenced by the gym's star fighter in the mid-1980s, Herol 'Bomber' Graham. Hamed started boxing professionally at Flyweight in 1992. He soon began rising through the ranks as he knocked out a series of opponents in the opening rounds. Hamed, employed spectacular entrances in which he began somersaulting over the top rope and entering the arena to Here Comes the Hotstepper, knocked out increasingly good opposition such as Jose Badillo and Juan Polo Perez.
From 1995 to 2001 Hamed faced and beat such names as Puerto Rican great Wilfredo Vazquez, Wayne McCullough and Cesar Soto. In '97 he flew to the US to face two time featherweight champion Kevin Kelley, in what would become Ring Magazine's FOTY. Despite being dropped 3 times by Kelley, Hamed put Kelley down a 3rd and final time in the 4th round. Naz had finally arrived on U.S. soil in spectacular fashion. He spent the next 3 years beating the aforementioned champions and a slew o other lesser opponents. Hamed finally lost on April 7, 2001 at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas. His record at the time was 35-0 and his opponent, Marco Antonio Barrera had a record of 52-3. Barerra put on one of the great boxing clinics of the era, taking advantage of Hamed's hands down approach, beating him to the punch and rocking Hamed several times. It was to be the Prince's only loss. He would fight and win one more bout before retiring in '02.
_________________________________________________________________

THE CHAMPION

Name - Manny Pacquiao
Birthdate - December 17, 1978
Alias - Pacman
Division - Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, suerfeatherweight, lightweight
Born - Kibawe, Phillippines
Resides - General Santos, Phillippines
Height - 5'6.5 "
Reach - 67"
Stance - southpaw
Record - 46-3-2 35ko

A very fast, power punching whirlwind of a fighter, Manny burst onto the world boxing stage in 2003 when he knocked out the great Marco Antonio Barrera who was, at the time, considered the best featherweight in the world and was a 4-1 favorite. Then in May of 2004 he fought to a 12-round draw in an IBF/WBA Featherweight World Title Challenge against defending champion, Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao scored three knockdowns in the 1st round. In spite of Marquez's badly injured and bleeding nose during most of the fight, he showed tremendous heart and determination and gradually recovered and boxed effectively for much of the fight. He rocked Manny and cut him over the right eye in the fifth and staggered him in the sixth. The momentum went back and forth in an exciting second half of the fight. Pacquiao landed the harder punches but Marquez kept a busier pace. But in March 2005 Pacquiao would suffer his 3rd career defeat at the hands of legendary Mexican fighter Erik "El Terrible" Morales, Manny was simply outboxed and outfought by Morales in one of the most exciting and bloody battles of the year. But Pacman would go on to KO Morales in both the rematch and rubber match. He won a disputed rematch against Marquez earlier this year and recently added David Diaz's lightweight title to his collection, becoming the first Filipino boxer to win titles in 5 different weight classes. With the retirement of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Ring Magazine now has Pacquiao ranked as the #1p4p fighter in the world today.


Tonights match is set for 12 rounds for the undisputed featherweight championship of the world.

 

[merce77]

Now you got three fights to score Ready

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Salvador "Chava" Sanchez vs Erik "El Terrible" Morales

Man, this would have been a great fight between two of the greatest featherweight fighters of all time. Good choice.

After thinking about it I take Sanchez in a decision. Especially considering it would be fought as a 15 rounder. At times Morales could run out of steam while it seemed as though Sanchez always had an extra gear in reserve. I could see Sanchez having the skill to outbox Morales while have the toughness to exchange when Morales brought out his full arsenal. At times it's a boxing clinic with other times Erik forcing a string of memorable phonebooth type exchanges. But ultimately Sanchez uses his skill to take the decision.

I'll be back for Monzon-Hagler.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Actually, I had one match up at 140 in mind, but I pulled a switcheroo at the last minute...

Therefore, I bring in this matchup...

Carlos Monzon

Record: 87-3-9 with 59 KOs

Defended the WBC and/or WBA middleweight titles from 1970 until 1977

Defeated Nino Benevuti (x2), Emile Griffith (x2), Jean Claude Bouttier (x2), Rodrigo Valdez (x2)

Was a crazy dude in and out of the ring

Monzon steps into the ring to face none other than...

"Marvelous" Marvin Hagler

Record: 62-3-2 with 52 KOs

Defended the WBC and WBA middleweight title from 1980 to 1986 and was the undisputed champ from 1983 to 1986

Defeated Thomas Hearns, John "The Beast" Mugabi, Roberto Duran, Mustafa Hamsho (x2), Juan Domingo Roldan

Very high KO percentage (77.6%)

The first thing that came to mind was what version of Monzon showed up that night. At times he was brilliant, other times he could under-train and party too hard with it's effects apparent come fight night.

The way I see it is that Monzon has the skill to make things difficult for Hagler during the early rounds of the fight. But as mentioned before, while Hagler is known for his sheer strength his handspeed has for some reason been forgotten. Hagler does enough work in the middle rounds to be able to get inside on Monzon and close the gap. Hagler really comes on during the later rounds of the fight. Both are greats, but the ultimate deciding factor of Marvin's super-human will to win. This is a true pick em fight, but I'd go with Hagler in a razor thin decision.

 

[merce77]

The first thing that came to mind was what version of Monzon showed up that night. At times he was brilliant, other times he could under-train and party too hard with it's effects apparent come fight night.

The way I see it is that Monzon has the skill to make things difficult for Hagler during the early rounds of the fight. But as mentioned before, while Hagler is known for his sheer strength his handspeed has for some reason been forgotten. Hagler does enough work in the middle rounds to be able to get inside on Monzon and close the gap. Hagler really comes on during the later rounds of the fight. Both are greats, but the ultimate deciding factor of Marvin's super-human will to win. This is a true pick em fight, but I'd go with Hagler in a razor thin decision.

Good point, I think the main reason for this is that he's still remembered for his wars with Hearns and Mugabi, so he's gotten the rep for being a brawler, but anybody who saw his fights with Monroe knows he was a real boxer and counterpuncher with speed.

 

[tp2001]

I see Benitez boxing technique which is superior to Jackson's in every respect would be a big problem for Jackson. Though I'm not implying Jackson's skills were weak, just that Benitez's were that great. Assuming that we're talking about a well trained Benitez(and that's alot to assume)he would give Jackson fits with his constant movement and defense for about the first 7 or 8 rounds and he'd be landng some crisp combinations that would possibly stun or wobble Jackson. But Jackson would apply a steady attack though and would probably land something big through Benitez guard along the way(even a grazing punch from Jackson could put u out)and Benitez would wobble or even go down. But Benitez having a good chin would probably not go out for the count but the starch would be gone from his punches and even though I would love to pick the boxer over the puncher, in this case the punchers incredible power I think would prevail. I see Benitez winded by the 13th from having to be on his bike so hard and trying to fight off the ropes and doing well but the stronger Jackson would probably land one monster shot through his defense and down goes Benitez as the ref waves his arms to stop it. Jackson by tko in the 13th.

I'm basing this on the fact that alot of the 154 lb fighters that Benitez beat were smaller junior middleweights, Jackson was a very natural 154lb fighter and strong as an ox. Benitez had trouble with the big, strong punching 154lb fighters like Hearns and Davey Moore, and even more trouble when he tried to go to 160 against Hamsho. Jackson would have been just too strong and too powerful, The Hawk was TRULY a beast.

That's what I was thinking at first when looking at this bout. Benitez was very skilled (had to be to win a belt at 17) and could give Julian fits. However, Julian would be able to swing through his guard and hurt Benitez in the later rounds...Then he would work on the body a little to drop the guard of Benitez, and that's when he catches him with a hook...TKO 11 Jackson.

Now on that Hamed/Pacquiao battle, it would have the potential to make fireworks like Taylor/Pryor. I don't like either fighter, but I know that if these two were matched up, it would make for a great fight...

Hamed would probably razzle and dazzle for a bit, dodging a few of Pac's punches, but Manny has too much power behind them. Hamed's wild style could prove to be his downfall in this one as Pacquiao just keeps coming at him. This one could end sooner than expected...Pacquiao KO 8.

 

[merce77]

That's what I was thinking at first when looking at this bout. Benitez was very skilled (had to be to win a belt at 17) and could give Julian fits. However, Julian would be able to swing through his guard and hurt Benitez in the later rounds...Then he would work on the body a little to drop the guard of Benitez, and that's when he catches him with a hook...TKO 11 Jackson.

Now on that Hamed/Pacquiao battle, it would have the potential to make fireworks like Taylor/Pryor. I don't like either fighter, but I know that if these two were matched up, it would make for a great fight...

Hamed would probably razzle and dazzle for a bit, dodging a few of Pac's punches, but Manny has too much power behind them. Hamed's wild style could prove to be his downfall in this one as Pacquiao just keeps coming at him. This one could end sooner than expected...Pacquiao KO 8.

I have a different take on the Pac/Hamed fight. Only one fighter was able to beat Hamed, and he was a highly skilled master boxer, any fighter who ever went directly at Hamed and went to war with him, which is no doubt what Pacman would have done, got KO'ed with one big shot. Pacman comes in too straightforward and doesn't have the skills required to step away from Hamed's power and circle him and counterpunch. Pacman knows one way - straight forward. I see Pac putting down the off ba;ance Hamed once or twice and then jumping in like he does and getting caught with one big shot like he did in 2 of his 3 losses. As hard as Pacquiao hits, he doesn't hit as hard as Hamed, I just can't see him hitting Hamed flush enuff to seriously hurt him, no other fighter ever did, as many times as Hamed was down in his career, I never saw him hurt. Pacman is perfect for Hamed, he runs in head first, with Hamed's lightning reflexes, it'd be a wrap once Pac gets hit. It's like the Julian Jackson factor - pure power, I'll take Hamed by a 9th round, one-punch ko.