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Yeah, hadn't heard of this, going to read a few more, very cool. Whenever people talk about the 80's and the fab four as if that was some different era as far as mentality and the willingness to make fights, Mike McCallum is the only evidence you need to the contrary. He had every chance in the world of beating all those guys imo, and the fights were never made because they didn't need him. Margarito and Paul Williams literally would have been sparring partners for the guy, he was a monster.
It's exactly the same just more dramatic with the responses now. Leonard was a "bitch" and a "ducker" who was. "Afraid " of ........ It's laughable now but people believed this back then.Quote:
Originally Posted by p4pking
Hah yes, I suppose the internet has a lot to do with it. Imagine the kind of shit the would flood the main board of this place before and after Leonard-Hagler huh;D
The internet and the quality of writer. Now the media outlet determines too much . For example I have nothing personal against Dan Rafael but I don 't think his opinion should have near the weight it does. But he has ESPN behind him so his opinion has merit.Quote:
Originally Posted by p4pking
People might think this is crazy but IMO McCallum beats Duran, Hearns and SRL at 154-160. I don't think he would beat Hagler at 160 but IMO it would be very close.
Interesting what about Floyd at 154.?Quote:
Originally Posted by Beanflicker
I think you are in a very small minority. Sadly this was the fight where McCallum was given the chance to become a Boxing Superstar, and he blew it. Kalambay was better than most thought, but McCallum still should of won convincingly. Actually are you mixing the first and second fights up?Quote:
Originally Posted by Beanflicker
He was never quite the same after this. If The Bomber had concentrated a bit more, and not goofed around and lost a point, he would of beat McCallum. There was clearly something wrong with Watson when he fought The Bodysnatcher. Although the underdog, Watson should of been competitive but McCallum borderline humiliated him.
Collins at that period of his career, was still in his cutie style of boxing phase, and as a virtual novice compared to McCallum, was outclassed. McCallum still had enough then to IMO edge the first Toney fight, and was considered a real threat when he first stepped up to 175lbs.
And even near the end, he was creating history, I believe due to a row, Jones/McCallum was judged by six judges, thus he is the only fighter to lose a six way shut out!
But seriously he was excellent, for starters for all the good I mentioned, every bit of that was when he was past his pomp.
McCallum is probably the best 154lb ever so he would beat Floyd who is not the best at this weight. Noriss and Winky are up there to challenge him but would fail.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dia bandoInteresting what about Floyd at 154.?Quote:
Originally Posted by Beanflicker
Bodysnatcher beats Duran, Leonard but it would be great to see him against Hearns and I could see him beat Tommy like he did McCrory.
I think he'd probably edge Floyd out. It's a tough fight for both guys.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dia bando
Quote:
Originally Posted by BeanflickerI think he'd probably edge Floyd out. It's a tough fight for both guys.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dia bando
I would bet on McCallum in that one. Not that Floyd is inferior to Mike, just that Mike was a big 154 pounder and a solid pro. Floyd's speed and defense would give him some issues, but Mike isn't Canelo or Cotto, he was more experienced and versatile than Canelo and more durable, larger and better suited for 154 than Cotto. I also think that Mikes body attack would've presented Floyd with some unique challenges and would have been suited well for Floyd's style/defense.
I think Mike was too big for Duran at 154 and would've won that fight, but I think Leonard was just a little too fast and too good for him. Hagler and Hearns would've been great match ups for him, but both would've had to rely on speed to beat him. Maybe prime Hagler could've won a 12 or 15 round war, but he would've been better served to box in that one and not stand for to toe. The Tommy fight is fascinating in that I think Tommy's reach and speed would've really bothered McCallum, but I think Mikes durability, chin, underrated boxing skills and body attack would've had him coming on strong late in the fight. Not sure if Tommy had the stamina and chin to survive the distance in that one.
Does anybody remember when McCallum declared war on Kronk? He was a member of Kronk for awhile but left angry because he thought that he was being ignored, that Hearns was being given preferential treatment. Specifically, he wanted the Duran fight that Hearns got. When he left Kronk he declared war. Look up how many Kronk fighters he beat while with Duva, and watch those fights. McCallum directs a lot of anger at Emmanuel.
There is no doubt in my mind that Hearns was kept away from McCallum; he couldn't win that fight unless he did so in the first round or two, and then McCallum would have put a life altering beating on Tommy. Leonard 'didn't duck anybody' but he sure never fought McCallum. Same with Duran. You know why?
Nigel Benn sparred with McCallum and later said that he was the only man he was afraid to fight. Because McCallum hits you in the body and then keeps hitting you in the exact same place, Benn said, and he was convinced that that sort of thing can kill you.
I remember he wanted Duran and was annoyed that Hearns got him first because the bodysnatcher would have become a big star.
Leonard certainly was selective when he came back after beating Hagler and certainly avoided Mike.
I think Watson said he could not breath in the first few rounds because of the body shots.
[QUOTE=mikeeod;1269778]Yeah that's what I was thinking. Floyd is the better fighter p4p but not at 154.Quote:
Originally Posted by Beanflicker
Doesnt sound like Duran to duck anyone.
Regarding Watson, he recently said on BoxNation he had an issue (nose broken?)