Terry Marsh: What's his story?

[overhand_right]

As always Bennie, your overviews are invaluable. I've never looked too much into Marsh, so this gives me a clearer idea of what he was. But do you rate Joe Manley at all? He doesn't look that great from his record, but records can be deceiving.

Manley looked great in winning the IBF title from Gary Hinton in an absolute war and was a big betting favourite against Marsh with the British bookies, which shows you how little they understood Terry. The steely Basildon man proved a cut above and proved yet again that there is no advantage like home advantage. Manley was never in the hunt.
Nevertheless, the American was a fine ring mechanic with good power who would have gone to the 1980 Olympics (along with the likes of Don Curry, Richie Sandoval and Johnny Bumphus) but missed out due to the American boycott of the Games, which pretty well summed up much of his later boxing career. He turned pro in 1981 and lost crucial early fights to Harry Arroyo and Gene Hatcher - both of whom went on to win world titles. Manley was left behind. It looked grim when he was outscored by Ronnie Shields in a 12-rounder in 1985 because he now looked a bit of a choker. He had his moments against Shields (and against Arroyo and Hatcher) but overall was too cautious.
However, Joe began to fight with real devil in 1986 and scored a big win over Howard Davis in Atlantic City, dropping the veteran contender twice on the way to an exciting 10-round decision and that earned him a surprise crack at southpaw Hinton in October 1986, who was clearly expected to win but found himself on the floor in the second round and couldn't hold off an inspired challenger in a thrilling, punishing affair full of magnificent rallies from both men. Finally, Manley nailed the champion again in the 10th and this time Hinton was all through.
Manley came out of relative obscurity to win the title and fought with an intensity never seen from him before and good luck to him -he really went for it. Unfortunately, his reign proved to be desperately short-lived as Marsh, his first challenger, showed the same intensity five months later.

Brilliant! Thanks so much Bennie, you are invaluable here.

[Ruthless-RKO]

What's with BoxRec adding 'Marine' in front of his name?