Ayub Kalule 'Should Have Been A Champion In December 1977'

[orbtastic]

I've heard it said that he struggled to make 154 for large portions of his career, any idea why his management would make him fight there if so?

[Rover]

I read Pat Putnam's March 1981 story about the WBA that highlighted what was done to Kalule. Disgusting.

[Rover]

I read Pat Putnam's March 1981 story about the WBA that highlighted what was done to Kalule. Disgusting.

Pat Putnam did a Great Job on his reporting, but I added some 'fine tuning'.......

I appreciate your detailed reporting.

[Rover]

The Kalule saga gets even more pathetic when Kudo wins the title.

[Rover]

Had Ayub Kalule got his 'deserved' WBA Light-Middleweight challenge in late-December 1977 or
WBA Mandatory by February 9, 1978 -

There is no doubt that he would have 'skewered' Eddie Gazo, most likely by a TKO no later than
Round 7.

Next up, would have been the 'next' highest ranked WBA Challenger, South African - Gert Steyn.

Most likely a May 1978 'Title Defense'- and again with Ayub Kalule ripping apart his opponent, and with
another TKO in 7.

Sounds about right; he got screwed.

[Rover]

In the early days, Ayub Kalule was a 'busy fighter'.

In the the fantasy run,

Ayub would have fought and {KO'd} Milton 'Black Widow' Owens in his '2nd Title Defense' in July 1978.

And then a Unanimous {W Dec 15} over Masashi Kudo in September 1978.

Where did Owens come from?

[Rover]

Milton 'Black Widow' Owens,

A pretty good fighter out of Miami, Florida.

A 5' 11' Southpaw, who built up his record in the Florida 'club-fighting circuit'.

Had problems with his left hand, which be broke twice {March 1976} and {April 1977}
which hampered his career.

Good boxer, with good power {against 'B-Level' opponents}.

By August 1978, the 24 year-old got to 26-0-0 {12 KO's}, and was ranked as the #17 Middleweight
in the World Rankings. Though he could make 154 lbs. - Milton fought mainly at Middleweight.

In July 1978 he was also ranked as the #10 WBA Light-Middleweight.

In early August 1978, and with only 5-Days notice, he was offered a bout with Ayub Kalule.
in Denmark.

On Thursday Night - August 10, 1978 - he was {TKO'd in 6} by Ayub Kalule in Copenhagen.

12 KOs in 26 wins doesn't sound like a big puncher.