Richie Kates vs John Conteh, anytime between 1974 to 1977

[Joson]

I'm talking about that specific window of time. When Conteh was the WBC champ, and Kates was just about everyone's top contender for either crown.

Richie got two chances against WBA kingpin Victor Galindez, but never an opportunity to fight Conteh.

I say this fight could have gone either way. Kates could box, he was strong, and he had a good kick in both mitts. Conteh was a superior boxer overall, but probably lacked a durable chin.

Questions is, I guess, what would have happened if Kates landed his rights to the jaw. It's not unthinkable that Kates might have KO'd Conteh, even if the fight were held in London. Not definite, but it could have turned out that way.

Thoughts?

[scorpio83]

Kates would have his moments by taking the fight to Conteh in the early rounds, but Conteh would start outboxing Kates behind his sharp left jabs and right hands at long range to either take a decision in 15 rounds or late round stoppage.

[Joson]

Kates would have his moments by taking the fight to Conteh in the early rounds, but Conteh would start outboxing Kates behind his sharp left jabs and right hands at long range to either take a decision in 15 rounds or late round stoppage.

You may indeed be correct.

Curiously, what's your opinion of Conteh's durability (during his prime)? Think he'd have no problem withstanding Richie's right hand?

[scorpio83]

Conteh was durable in his prime as he could jab and move while throwing good right hands to go 15 rounds and he could take Kates' right hands, but he would stick his jabs to face to avoid Kates' punches.

[Nile4000]

Conteh would take a close one, especially in London.