Huge height differences in boxing
Unlike many, I'm not exactly overjoyed at the thought of Fury vs Usyk. Part of it is Fury himself... and his ability to make any fight into an ugly affair (see Fury-Wlad). But another reason is the height disparity. Throughout my years of enjoying boxing, I've always thought of huge height differences as a minus. Was thinking of examples from the past that I could mention...
Any fight with Nikolai Valuev, for instance. I always considered Valuev as nothing more than a freak show. Had he been any good... he'd probably be considered an ATG when talking about heavyweights. I remember early Thomas Hearns. When he faced Pipino Cuevas, for instance. That was a 5-inch height difference and it looked even more than that. Cuevas got KTFOed in 2 rounds. Duran was even shorter than Cuevas at 5'-7". So there was a 6-inch difference between him and Hearns. He was KTFOed in the 2nd round also.
I'm sure there are plenty of other examples... but the point is these fights are not aesthetically pleasing to me. Sebastian Fundora is what... 6'-5"... for crying out loud? With an 80-inch reach?? And he's at super welter?? I mean, hell... if he can continue making the weight, that's fine I guess. But it makes for ugly, uneven looking fights. I know boxing is all about the weight... but for my personal preference, I like a little parity in height as well. Three... four inches... ok sure. But you get above 6-inch territory and it begins to look freakish.
The difference in height between Fury and Usyk is 6 inches.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
I've said all along if it happens I reckon Fury v Usyk will be an awful spectacle.
Usyk ain't going to go in close and engage is he - unless he borrows Khan's boxing brain for the night
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Tyson v Tyrell Biggs, Tucker and Carl Williams had about 6 inch height difference and they were good fights for the shorter man.
Floyd v Corrales looked a big height difference and Mayweather looked good winning.
Baby Jake" Matlala was 4ft 10 and beat some "taller" boxers.
I know it is rare but the shorter guy can win.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Who did that lanky American heavyweight, ex basketball player , white guy, lose to and it was a big shock because the Americans thought he was gonna be something special?
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Who did that lanky American heavyweight, ex basketball player , white guy, lose to and it was a big shock because the Americans thought he was gonna be something special?
Was this recent or 1970's?
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Master
Tyson v Tyrell Biggs, Tucker and Carl Williams had about 6 inch height difference and they were good fights for the shorter man.
Floyd v Corrales looked a big height difference and Mayweather looked good winning.
Baby Jake" Matlala was 4ft 10 and beat some "taller" boxers.
I know it is rare but the shorter guy can win.
Mike Tyson was a freak of nature. At his peak, he launched bombs from all angles... and was incredibly adept at hooking upstairs (with power) while both feet were off the ground.
Not a good example.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
You know who is slightly underrated in stature, Orlin Norris. 5,9 at early heavy logging late 80's versions of Page, Snipes, Ferguson, and NC to Tubbs, loss torn knee to Cooper and then beats McCall. Thought he beat Tucker for minor title next but 'hey hello Don King' ;D. Drops to 190, long win streak and then wins cruiser title. Loses after handful of defenses and then back to heavyweight. The title fight with freaky tall Henry Akinwande was like something out of a 50's sci-fi show. Baby Jake Matlala could possibly fit in a shoe box but he could absolutely fight his 4'10 arse off first bell to last.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Master
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Who did that lanky American heavyweight, ex basketball player , white guy, lose to and it was a big shock because the Americans thought he was gonna be something special?
Was this recent or 1970's?
Sorry, I was being lazy. I was thinking of Tye Fields.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
king ry would have a decent height advantage over tank if their fight happens
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TIC
king ry would have a decent height advantage over tank if their fight happens
True. Four and a half inches. Tank is kind of shrimpish for a lightweight... whereas Ryan could easily be a welter with that height.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Master
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Who did that lanky American heavyweight, ex basketball player , white guy, lose to and it was a big shock because the Americans thought he was gonna be something special?
Was this recent or 1970's?
Sorry, I was being lazy. I was thinking of Tye Fields.
;D great flashback.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TIC
king ry would have a decent height advantage over tank if their fight happens
Might prove more of a problem considering he never ever moves his head ;D.
What about Rey Vargas today? Rangier longer doesn't make you 'bigger' but all about how you use it. Rey able to do both mostly.
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
For many years the Bob Foster v Dick tiger was the biggest height difference in a title fight.
6'3 - 5'8
Re: Huge height differences in boxing
