Archie Moore v. Sugar Ray Robinson, May 1959, 15 rounds

[raylawpc]

I like hypothetical fights could have really happened.

In early 1959, a bout between Archie Moore and Sugar Ray Robinson nearly came off. Although both men were a bit long in the tooth, they were riding a wave of popularity at that time; Robinson had just won the middleweight title for a record fifth time with a decision win over Carmen Basilio, and Archie had just snatched victory from defeat by climbing off the deck to kayo Yvon Durelle. A match between the two veterans would have been very popular.

A promoter (I forget who) had met with Robinson in early 1959 and offered to match him and Moore for a large purse ($500,000 each, I think). Robinson invited Moore to dinner so they could discuss it. But they couldn't come to terms because Robinson wanted the purse in cash, and Moore insisted that they negotiate to receive part of their purse in stock of the theater company that the promoter wanted to telecast the fight on closed circuit. (Robinson - always short on cash - wanted the money, but Archie believed the stock was more valuable because it would pay them dividends for years.)

But let's assume they worked out their differences and met in May 1959. Who do you think wins?

[BoxBuzz]

I believe this would have been a very good day for Archie Moore. Sort of glad it didn't happen since these were two of my favorite fighters. And although Archie would have won, I don't think it would sit well with many. He'd have a lot to lose and not much to gain on many levels. Ray does not lose points for losing to Archie, but Archie gains little in popularity or regard from the boxing enthusiasts for beating the well liked SRR. I'll bet Archie could have made this fight had he wanted it bad enough. I think he may have had this on his mind when he failed to press it forward.

Ray could have been bought. But I think Archie was too sharp to attempt to meet his price.

[yancey]

I believe this would have been a very good day for Archie Moore. Sort of glad it didn't happen since these were two of my favorite fighters. And although Archie would have won, I don't think it would sit well with many. He'd have a lot to lose and not much to gain on many levels. Ray does not lose points for losing to Archie, but Archie gains little in popularity or regard from the boxing enthusiasts for beating the well liked SRR. I'll bet Archie could have made this fight had he wanted it bad enough. I think he may have had this on his mind when he failed to press it forward.

Ray could have been bought. But I think Archie was too sharp to attempt to meet his price.

If there was really 500k for each man in '59 dollars, it is hard to understand why this one didn't come off.

[raylawpc]

I believe this would have been a very good day for Archie Moore. Sort of glad it didn't happen since these were two of my favorite fighters. And although Archie would have won, I don't think it would sit well with many. He'd have a lot to lose and not much to gain on many levels. Ray does not lose points for losing to Archie, but Archie gains little in popularity or regard from the boxing enthusiasts for beating the well liked SRR. I'll bet Archie could have made this fight had he wanted it bad enough. I think he may have had this on his mind when he failed to press it forward.

Ray could have been bought. But I think Archie was too sharp to attempt to meet his price.

If there was really 500k for each man in '59 dollars, it is hard to understand why this one didn't come off.

As I wrote above, I'm not absolutely sure if it was $500,000 each. It might have been have been they were to split a $500,000 purse. But either way it was a large sum for a non-heavyweight title fight in 1959.

[jezzamundo]

I'm glad this didn't happen - Robinson would have outboxed Moore, but wouldn't have been able to hurt him and would have eventually been worn down and stopped. Moore was a HARD punching light heavyweight who went on to knock out heavyweights. Robinson had a remarkable chin, but never faced anyone with Moore's power.

[Crease]

Moore vs Robinsons is 1959 huh?

To be honest I never even knew that a fight between these two was even being discussed... It would have been a great fight if it could've happened at ome sort of catchweight between them and both fighters in their prime.

But as it stands, of May 1959 I would have said that Moore beats him. But Robinson shows glimpses of what he could do.

[BoxBuzz]

He'd have a lot to lose and not much to gain on many levels. Ray does not lose points for losing to Archie, but Archie gains little in popularity or regard from the boxing enthusiasts for beating the well liked SRR.

These are words that resonate.

lol

[Ambling Alp]

Guess I pretty much agree with what others have said. It would have been an interesting fight. you can't ever count Robinson out, but Moore probably would have gradually worn him down. Moore would not have got a lot or praise for the win; he would have been expected to win.

[Giancarlo]

Interesting topic

[Rover]

Moore by late stoppage.

[Nile4000]

Archie by close decision, Robinson long gone by then.

[elmersalsa]

The great Archie Moore would have been stronger even at 43 years of age. Some say by 1959 he was 46. But it would have been a very interesting bout, but by 1959 both were over the hill. The great original Sugar Ray loses this one by decision. Moore wins.

[gilgamesh]

I'd take Moore to win this one. Not sure if he'd win on points or stoppage, but I feel he had a little more left than Robinson did in '59.