Jeff Fenech versus Carlos Zarate revisited

[goose 5]

I'd like to hear the board's thoughts on this bout.

[Redback Rasta]

Haven't watched it for years but will give it another watch. I do remember this much :

Zarate was 36 at the time and clearly passed his best. Particularly when you factor in that it included a 7 year retirement.

I was surprised Fenech didn't twist his ankle when he slipped at the very beginning of the fight. Some saw that as a knock down. I didn't.

Fenech was well ahead on all the cards when the fight was called to a halt due to what the referee determined was a head clash.

Will take another look :TU:

[bennie]

I remember that Fenech dropped Zarate with a right hand but then picked up a cut and was pulled out, prompting jubilant celebrations from Zarate. The Mexican great quickly discovered that boxing had changed from the 1970s.

[Ezzard]

I always think Fenech might be the most underrated great from the 1980s.

[Redback Rasta]

I always think Fenech might be the most underrated great from the 1980s.

I recall Zarate graciously saying afterwards that he thought Fenech would have beaten a younger version of him as well. That sort of praise is so rarely given under those circumstances I was shocked to hear it.

[giacomino]

I always think Fenech might be the most underrated great from the 1980s.

He was one of my favorite fighters of that era, but he gets a little overlooked because he got absolutely jobbed by the judges of his signature win against his best opponent, Professor Nelson, in their first fight in 1991. He beat a few good opponents, a lot of mediocre ones, but the Nelson win was the big one for his legacy, IMO. Three-division belt-holders, which used to be rare, are now not so much (more than 50 now I think), and none of his title wins were against big-name opponents. Nelson would have been and gotten him wider recognition

[Shotgun Joe]

Fenech is severly underrated. The way he destroyed two ferocious punchers in Payaroon and Callejas was brutal especially against Callejas whose left hook was a thing of beauty. He also beat tough future champions Zaragoza and Villasana with ease. The Nelson draw was his best fight. Travesty he didn´t get the decision. Considering his style, competition and moving up 4 weights it´s astonishing how long he lasted. If he were an American or Brit he´d probably get more recognition.