Eddie Machen Today

[evrenb]

I have always held Eddie in high esteem. He had a sound boxing technique, was solid as a rock. Decent power and could mix it too when needed. On the downside he was a bit temperamental and quite 'small' for a Heavyweight.
Today he would be a good sized Cruiserweight and I think he would have done exceptionally well. He could deal with the bigger guys alright, so he had strength, his speed and ability were excellent. I see him as a champion today!
His only bad defeat was against Ingemar who caught him with a 'perfect punch' - he somehow managed to get up but I wish he hadn't as he was subjected to the most brutal of beatings by an extremely redundant referee. Awful.
I would certainly favour him over Yoan Hernandez and I think Huck though that would have been a tough fight.

[Saurfang]

I'd favor him over any of the cruiserweight champions easy.

[dempseyfire]

He'd beat any HW today too besides Wlad.

[pound per pound]

He'd beat any HW today too besides Wlad.

Machen was a tough defensive minded counter puncher. I'd pick Povektin to beat him and Wilder to beat him too. Maybe Fury.

If Eddie was around today, I think he could have a Chris Byrd like career. He would be in the top ten.

[dempseyfire]

He'd beat any HW today too besides Wlad.

Machen was a tough defensive minded counter puncher. I'd pick Povektin to beat him and Wilder to beat him too. Maybe Fury.

If Eddie was around today, I think he could have a Chris Byrd like career. He would be in the top ten.

In his prime (around 1956-1962) he was also a knockout hitter; not huge one punch power, but he packed far more power than Byrd (and was naturally bigger). At his best he'd outbox Povetkin fairly easily . . Wilder would be hitting air all night. I won't even comment on Fury . . .

[Tuan_Jim]

Eddie Machen losing to Deontay Wilder?

It's scary when they somehow escape Current Scene. Mods, please review security.

[evrenb]

Eddie had some terrific performances in his career ; He beat Howard King, Julio Mederos(twice), A big guy in Nino Valdes (twice), Johnny Holman, Johnny Summerlin, Joey Maxim (twice) Big Bob baker, Hurricane Jackson, A first round knockout over Pat McMurtry, Mike DeJohn twice (watched that the other night) , Brian London, Doug Jones, Took Joey Orbillo's unbeaten record, Took Jerry Quarry's unbeaten record - had a draw with Zora Folley and Cleveland Williams. His worst performances were against Ingo , he was also widely outpointed by Floyd Patterson. He hung tough with Liston when no one else could, he fought tough against Frazier in a really good battle...he was finished by then.
His only title shot was against Ernie Terrell where he lost unanimously though not totally dominated in a dull match. He was a tormented soul I think.
But what a good fighter - I heard he wasn't always the most diligent of trainers but not sure I can believe that looking at his chiseled torso - think he liked the nightlife though !!

[Tuan_Jim]

The chapter in 'Boxing Babylon' on the strangely entwined lives of Eddie Machen and Zora Folley is absorbing.

[evrenb]

The chapter in 'Boxing Babylon' on the strangely entwined lives of Eddie Machen and Zora Folley is absorbing.

I must get that book !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jaclem]

......ezzard charles thought he was one of the best and underrated heavyweights when machen was at his best...

[evrenb]

......ezzard charles thought he was one of the best and underrated heavyweights when machen was at his best...

I think perhaps that there have been many that have had the ability ; but a combination of hard luck, mis-management and sometimes that little extra something is what makes the difference between contender and champion (in those days, now there are as many champions as challengers!)

[dempseyfire]

Check out Machen's fight with Billy Hunter . . think it's been posted on Youtube. Machen was EXPLOSIVE with his shots; incredible snap.

[evrenb]

Check out Machen's fight with Billy Hunter . . think it's been posted on Youtube. Machen was EXPLOSIVE with his shots; incredible snap.

I like his fights with summerlin , London and valdes very much...Great technical fighter.. Wonder how he would have fared against Frazier nearer his prime. Quite early in Joes career too saying that... Great fight that...

[dempseyfire]

I don't see Machen ever beating Frazier, but a prime Frazier breaks down most heavyweights in history, so that's not a knock on Eddie.