The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Carmen Basilio vs Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega (1961)
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Carmen Basilio, the Upstate Onion Farmer from Canastota, NY is in a comeback trail to win again the Middleweight Championship of the World.
He defeated a welterweight contender in Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega. Now, he is facing another welterweight, former World Welterweight Champion Don Jordan of Los Angeles, CA.
Jordan, 27, was to be believed that he was managed by men involved in mob ties. That he wasn't good enough to ever even challenge, let alone win a world boxing championship. In 1958, Jordan defeated champion Virgil Akins of St Louis, MO to capture the World Welterweight Crown.
But, besides that, what has Jordan ever done in boxing?
Well, before facing Basilio, Jordan lost twice in his first 22 bouts. Then, by the years 1955 to 1957, the boxing trade wasn't good for Geronimo.
But, starting the year 1958, Geronimo won 13 fights in a row, in which he won the World Welterweight Crown along the way. Made two successful title defenses against Akins in the rematch in 1959, and then undefeated and future Jr Middleweight World Champion Denny Moyer of Portland, OR also that year.
But, in December 1959, luckily for Jordan, didn't lose his crown against Panamanian-Argentinian Luis Federico Thompson. Thompson knocked him out in 4 rounds. That was the beginning of the end of his decline. And in May 1960, Jordan lost the Welterweight Crown eventually to Benny "Kid" Paret of Cuba by decision.
Among other highlights, Jordan beat former World Lightweight Champion Lauro Salas of Mexico (twice), Joe Miceli (W10), former World Lightweight Champion Paddy DeMarco of Brooklyn, NY (WTKO5), Orlando Zulueta of Cuba in the rematch (W10), and two huge important wins against Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega of Mexico by decision.
He defeated a welterweight contender in Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega. Now, he is facing another welterweight, former World Welterweight Champion Don Jordan of Los Angeles, CA.
Jordan, 27, was to be believed that he was managed by men involved in mob ties. That he wasn't good enough to ever even challenge, let alone win a world boxing championship. In 1958, Jordan defeated champion Virgil Akins of St Louis, MO to capture the World Welterweight Crown.
But, besides that, what has Jordan ever done in boxing?
Well, before facing Basilio, Jordan lost twice in his first 22 bouts. Then, by the years 1955 to 1957, the boxing trade wasn't good for Geronimo.
But, starting the year 1958, Geronimo won 13 fights in a row, in which he won the World Welterweight Crown along the way. Made two successful title defenses against Akins in the rematch in 1959, and then undefeated and future Jr Middleweight World Champion Denny Moyer of Portland, OR also that year.
But, in December 1959, luckily for Jordan, didn't lose his crown against Panamanian-Argentinian Luis Federico Thompson. Thompson knocked him out in 4 rounds. That was the beginning of the end of his decline. And in May 1960, Jordan lost the Welterweight Crown eventually to Benny "Kid" Paret of Cuba by decision.
Among other highlights, Jordan beat former World Lightweight Champion Lauro Salas of Mexico (twice), Joe Miceli (W10), former World Lightweight Champion Paddy DeMarco of Brooklyn, NY (WTKO5), Orlando Zulueta of Cuba in the rematch (W10), and two huge important wins against Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega of Mexico by decision.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The fight was set at the War Memorial Auditorium, in Syracuse, NY. Carmen Basilio's backyard and favorite place. It was Saturday, March 11, 1961.
Basilio at 34, didn't waste no time for the attack. He knew that he was stronger than Don "Geronimo" Jordan of Los Angeles, CA.
Jordan, 27, the former World Welterweight Champion, was a tall guy with a good left jab. An stylist. He didn't had a wallop punch, but he made it with fast left hooks and hand speed. He moved very well around the ring. He had good lateral movement.
But, Basilio made the fight his. He outworked Jordan. He was the busier man. And it was shown throughout the fight. Jordan wasn't busy enough. I guess that he was just in another payday or simply put, washed up.
The last two rounds, 9th and 10th, Jordan finally got busy. But, it was too late. Basilio made most of the fight. And deservedly, he won comfortably.
The winner by unanimous decision is Carmen Basilio.
The judges scored the following:
Referee Joe Palmer had it 8-0-2, for Basilio.
Judge Artie Aidala, scored it 8-2, Basilio
And judge Lou Goldstein scored it 6-3-1, Basilio.
All American judges. I scored it 7-3 for Basilio.
Basilio improves to 56-15-7 with 27 knockouts. It would be the last win of his stellar career. And now, the doors are open for him to challenge for Paul Pender's World Middleweight Championship next month in April. But, beating two welterweights was enough for Basilio to challenge again for the World Middleweight Championship? Basilio had not really beaten a true full-fledged middleweight. Is Basilio fooling himself?
And for Jordan? It was the writing on the wall for him. It's time for retirement. Since the knockout loss of Luis Federico Thompson of Argentina, Jordan only won 2 of his next 16 fights. He lost his last 8 of 9 fights, ending with a no-contest affair against top contender Battling Torres of Mexico.
Jordan retired in 1962 at age 28 with a record of 51-23-1 with 17 knockouts.
Basilio at 34, didn't waste no time for the attack. He knew that he was stronger than Don "Geronimo" Jordan of Los Angeles, CA.
Jordan, 27, the former World Welterweight Champion, was a tall guy with a good left jab. An stylist. He didn't had a wallop punch, but he made it with fast left hooks and hand speed. He moved very well around the ring. He had good lateral movement.
But, Basilio made the fight his. He outworked Jordan. He was the busier man. And it was shown throughout the fight. Jordan wasn't busy enough. I guess that he was just in another payday or simply put, washed up.
The last two rounds, 9th and 10th, Jordan finally got busy. But, it was too late. Basilio made most of the fight. And deservedly, he won comfortably.
The winner by unanimous decision is Carmen Basilio.
The judges scored the following:
Referee Joe Palmer had it 8-0-2, for Basilio.
Judge Artie Aidala, scored it 8-2, Basilio
And judge Lou Goldstein scored it 6-3-1, Basilio.
All American judges. I scored it 7-3 for Basilio.
Basilio improves to 56-15-7 with 27 knockouts. It would be the last win of his stellar career. And now, the doors are open for him to challenge for Paul Pender's World Middleweight Championship next month in April. But, beating two welterweights was enough for Basilio to challenge again for the World Middleweight Championship? Basilio had not really beaten a true full-fledged middleweight. Is Basilio fooling himself?
And for Jordan? It was the writing on the wall for him. It's time for retirement. Since the knockout loss of Luis Federico Thompson of Argentina, Jordan only won 2 of his next 16 fights. He lost his last 8 of 9 fights, ending with a no-contest affair against top contender Battling Torres of Mexico.
Jordan retired in 1962 at age 28 with a record of 51-23-1 with 17 knockouts.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Carmen Basilio vs Don Jordan (March 11, 1961)
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The great Carmen Basilio, the Upstate Onion Farmer from Canastota, NY uttered that his fight with champion Paul Pender of Brookline, MA will be his last fight win, lose or draw.
He is 34 years old, and he would like to retire on top with the World Middleweight Championship belt in his waist.
Well, on Saturday, April 22, 1961 at the famous Boston Garden in Boston, MA, Basilio goes there to take the crown from the local Pender.
Pender, at 5'10" was a tall and lanky boxer that became a firefighter after his boxing career was over. He was a good boxer with a good left Very articulate and smart. He won the World Middleweight Championship on June 22, 1960 against the great Sugar Ray Robinson on points at the Boston Garden. On June 10th, six months later, he repeated the dosis to Robinson in the rematch again at the Garden.
Pender went undefeated in his first 21 fights winning 20 and drawing once. And then from December 1956 to April 1961, won 14 straight bouts.
Among other great wins, he beat Ralph "Tiger" Jones (W10), future Middleweight World Champion and nemesis Terry Downes of England (WTKO7), and the rematch with former conqueror Norman Hayes (W10) who took his undefeated record.
He is 34 years old, and he would like to retire on top with the World Middleweight Championship belt in his waist.
Well, on Saturday, April 22, 1961 at the famous Boston Garden in Boston, MA, Basilio goes there to take the crown from the local Pender.
Pender, at 5'10" was a tall and lanky boxer that became a firefighter after his boxing career was over. He was a good boxer with a good left Very articulate and smart. He won the World Middleweight Championship on June 22, 1960 against the great Sugar Ray Robinson on points at the Boston Garden. On June 10th, six months later, he repeated the dosis to Robinson in the rematch again at the Garden.
Pender went undefeated in his first 21 fights winning 20 and drawing once. And then from December 1956 to April 1961, won 14 straight bouts.
Among other great wins, he beat Ralph "Tiger" Jones (W10), future Middleweight World Champion and nemesis Terry Downes of England (WTKO7), and the rematch with former conqueror Norman Hayes (W10) who took his undefeated record.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Paul Pender vs Carmen Basilio (April 22, 1961)
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It's Saturday, April 22, 1961 at The Boston Garden in Boston, MA.
Paul Pender of Brookline, MA defends his World Middleweight Championship against the great and former two-time World Welterweight and once Middleweight Champion Carmen Basilio of Canastota, NY.
It was an underrated and terrific fight that boxing fans don't mention very often. Or none at all. Basilio at 34 years of age, looked once again as the Basilio of past fights. In round 2, he rocked Pender with jarring lefts and rights. Pender was ready to go. And the local crowd, surprisingly was rooting for the sentimental favorite Basilio.
Pender won rounds 4 and 5 with stiff left jabs and boxing beautifully, beating Basilio to the punch. The fight was even until round 7.
After round 7, Pender started to outbox the former champion Basilio until round 10. But, Basilio didn't give up. Even though he said that it was his last fight, he wanted to win the crown again very badly. Basilio clearly wins rounds 11 and 12.
But, in round 13, Pender connected a right to Basilio's jaw and Basilio went down for the first time in his boxing career. Well, the first time that he went for an 8-count. Because, remember, the great Gene Fullmer dropped Basilio in their rematch and Basilio went head over heels and the referee didn't give him a count.
Round 14, and Pender used everything of his body against Basilio. He used his physical advantages. He used his left jab, leaned on Basilio in the clinches, and used his superior strength. Basilio looked tired. Pender looks tired, also. It's a fight of wills. Who got much more in the tank left? Who will prevail?
Well, in round 15 and last of the fight, Pender dropped Basilio with a vicious left hook. The crowd went wild. But, Basilio, a man that has the heart of a lion, would not go down by knockout. The fight ended and Basilio was still standing, but very exhausted and beaten.
When the judges gave the verdict, it was very obvious who won the fight outright. Two knockdowns in the favor of Pender sealed the deal.
The winner by unanimous decision and still the Middleweight Champion of the World!: Paul Pender of Brookline, MA!
The judges scored the following:
Referee Eddie Bradley scored it 148-135 for Pender.
Judge Joe Blumsaek scored it 147-132 for Pender.
And the other judge Harry Sundberg scored it 147-138 for Pender.
I think that the fight was much more closer than the scoring suggests. I scored it 146-140 for Pender. The two knockdowns were the evidence of the decision.
Basilio announced his retirement after the fight and retired with a record of 56-16-7 with 27 knockouts. A true all time pound per pound great, showed that with hard work and perseverance and determination, man could get far in boxing. And he did! He was a hell of a fighter! One of a kind!
As for Pender, age 31, who started his career in 1949, didn't had any much time left in the ring. And he knew it. His win over Basilio proved that he was a worthy champion. Pender then lost the crown to nemesis Terry Downes in London, England months later by knockout. But, in 1962, he recovered the title from Downes by decision in Boston and retires for good in 1962 with a record of 40-6-2 with 20 knockouts.
Paul Pender of Brookline, MA defends his World Middleweight Championship against the great and former two-time World Welterweight and once Middleweight Champion Carmen Basilio of Canastota, NY.
It was an underrated and terrific fight that boxing fans don't mention very often. Or none at all. Basilio at 34 years of age, looked once again as the Basilio of past fights. In round 2, he rocked Pender with jarring lefts and rights. Pender was ready to go. And the local crowd, surprisingly was rooting for the sentimental favorite Basilio.
Pender won rounds 4 and 5 with stiff left jabs and boxing beautifully, beating Basilio to the punch. The fight was even until round 7.
After round 7, Pender started to outbox the former champion Basilio until round 10. But, Basilio didn't give up. Even though he said that it was his last fight, he wanted to win the crown again very badly. Basilio clearly wins rounds 11 and 12.
But, in round 13, Pender connected a right to Basilio's jaw and Basilio went down for the first time in his boxing career. Well, the first time that he went for an 8-count. Because, remember, the great Gene Fullmer dropped Basilio in their rematch and Basilio went head over heels and the referee didn't give him a count.
Round 14, and Pender used everything of his body against Basilio. He used his physical advantages. He used his left jab, leaned on Basilio in the clinches, and used his superior strength. Basilio looked tired. Pender looks tired, also. It's a fight of wills. Who got much more in the tank left? Who will prevail?
Well, in round 15 and last of the fight, Pender dropped Basilio with a vicious left hook. The crowd went wild. But, Basilio, a man that has the heart of a lion, would not go down by knockout. The fight ended and Basilio was still standing, but very exhausted and beaten.
When the judges gave the verdict, it was very obvious who won the fight outright. Two knockdowns in the favor of Pender sealed the deal.
The winner by unanimous decision and still the Middleweight Champion of the World!: Paul Pender of Brookline, MA!
The judges scored the following:
Referee Eddie Bradley scored it 148-135 for Pender.
Judge Joe Blumsaek scored it 147-132 for Pender.
And the other judge Harry Sundberg scored it 147-138 for Pender.
I think that the fight was much more closer than the scoring suggests. I scored it 146-140 for Pender. The two knockdowns were the evidence of the decision.
Basilio announced his retirement after the fight and retired with a record of 56-16-7 with 27 knockouts. A true all time pound per pound great, showed that with hard work and perseverance and determination, man could get far in boxing. And he did! He was a hell of a fighter! One of a kind!
As for Pender, age 31, who started his career in 1949, didn't had any much time left in the ring. And he knew it. His win over Basilio proved that he was a worthy champion. Pender then lost the crown to nemesis Terry Downes in London, England months later by knockout. But, in 1962, he recovered the title from Downes by decision in Boston and retires for good in 1962 with a record of 40-6-2 with 20 knockouts.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Now, this is the countdown so far:
100. Jersey Joe Walcott
99. Sonny Liston
98. Vicente Saldivar
97. Gene Fullmer
96. Mike Tyson
95. Eusebio Pedroza
94. Benny Lynch
93. Jack Britton
92. Tommy Ryan
91. Mike McCallum
90. James Toney
89. Tiger Flowers
88. Joe Brown
87. Ted "Kid" Lewis
86. Peter Jackson
85. Beau Jack
84. Lennox Lewis
83. Abe Attell
82. Holman Williams
81. Azumah Nelson
80. Erik "El Terrible" Morales
79. Luis Manuel Rodriguez
78. George Dixon
77. Ricardo "Finito" Lopez
76. Manuel Ortiz
75. Marco Antonio Barrera
74. Bob Foster
73. Pancho Villa
72. Jimmy Barry
71. Packey McFarland
70. Miguel Canto
69. Carlos Zarate
68. Wilfred Benitez
67. Carlos Ortiz
66. Jack "Kid" Berg
65. Freddie Miller
64. Battling Battalino
63. Wilfredo Gomez
62. Fidel LaBarba
61. Maxie Rosenbloom
60. Billy Conn
59. Fighting Harada
58. Barbados Joe Walcott
57. Pascual Perez
56. Jose "Mantequilla" Napoles
55. Carmen Basilio
And now, at position #54 in the countdown, is the great Cuban Bon Bon, Kid Chocolate! Cuba's first boxing world champion!
100. Jersey Joe Walcott
99. Sonny Liston
98. Vicente Saldivar
97. Gene Fullmer
96. Mike Tyson
95. Eusebio Pedroza
94. Benny Lynch
93. Jack Britton
92. Tommy Ryan
91. Mike McCallum
90. James Toney
89. Tiger Flowers
88. Joe Brown
87. Ted "Kid" Lewis
86. Peter Jackson
85. Beau Jack
84. Lennox Lewis
83. Abe Attell
82. Holman Williams
81. Azumah Nelson
80. Erik "El Terrible" Morales
79. Luis Manuel Rodriguez
78. George Dixon
77. Ricardo "Finito" Lopez
76. Manuel Ortiz
75. Marco Antonio Barrera
74. Bob Foster
73. Pancho Villa
72. Jimmy Barry
71. Packey McFarland
70. Miguel Canto
69. Carlos Zarate
68. Wilfred Benitez
67. Carlos Ortiz
66. Jack "Kid" Berg
65. Freddie Miller
64. Battling Battalino
63. Wilfredo Gomez
62. Fidel LaBarba
61. Maxie Rosenbloom
60. Billy Conn
59. Fighting Harada
58. Barbados Joe Walcott
57. Pascual Perez
56. Jose "Mantequilla" Napoles
55. Carmen Basilio
And now, at position #54 in the countdown, is the great Cuban Bon Bon, Kid Chocolate! Cuba's first boxing world champion!
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
#54. Kid Chocolate
Record: 56-16-7 with 27KOs
KO Pct = 38%
Career: 1927-38
World Titles Held: World Jr. Lightweight Champion (1931-33), NY World Featherweight Champion (1932)
Highlights:. As an amateur, it's been reported that this phenom won 100 fights with 56 knockouts, never losing an amateur bout!......Went undefeated in his first 56 professional conteLOSTsts......Won his first 21 bouts........From December 1928 to July 1930, Chocolate won 33 fights in a row!.......Made 9 title defenses of the NBA World Jr. Lightweight Crown.......Was also NY World Featherweight Champion in 1933.......Lost twice in 38 bouts against boxers that were naturally stronger and bigger than he from May 1931 to November 1933 (Record: 36-2, with 8KOs).......Went undefeated in his last 28 bouts........Beat 4 out of 10 world champions. (Record versus world champions is 6-7-1 with 1KO)........Beat 2 out of 5 hall of fame boxers. (Record versus HOFs is 3-6, 1KO).......Was only stopped twice in 152 bouts!
Historical Impact: The Island of Cuba first world boxing champion in history......Became one of the most popular boxers during the Depression Era, who dazzled fans with speed and two-handed punching ability......One of the greatest featherweights and Jr lightweights of all-time.
Defining Fight: WTKO7 Benny Bass...... July 15, 1931....."Became Cuba's first boxing world champion"
Other Defining Fights: W10 Fidel LaBarba, W12 Al Singer, L10 Jack "Kid" Berg, W15 Lewis Feldman, W15 Davey Abad, and L15 Tony Canzoneri
Your thoughts on this great champion from Camaguey, Cuba. He lost twice by knockout in 152 fights. That calls my attention.
Record: 56-16-7 with 27KOs
KO Pct = 38%
Career: 1927-38
World Titles Held: World Jr. Lightweight Champion (1931-33), NY World Featherweight Champion (1932)
Highlights:. As an amateur, it's been reported that this phenom won 100 fights with 56 knockouts, never losing an amateur bout!......Went undefeated in his first 56 professional conteLOSTsts......Won his first 21 bouts........From December 1928 to July 1930, Chocolate won 33 fights in a row!.......Made 9 title defenses of the NBA World Jr. Lightweight Crown.......Was also NY World Featherweight Champion in 1933.......Lost twice in 38 bouts against boxers that were naturally stronger and bigger than he from May 1931 to November 1933 (Record: 36-2, with 8KOs).......Went undefeated in his last 28 bouts........Beat 4 out of 10 world champions. (Record versus world champions is 6-7-1 with 1KO)........Beat 2 out of 5 hall of fame boxers. (Record versus HOFs is 3-6, 1KO).......Was only stopped twice in 152 bouts!
Historical Impact: The Island of Cuba first world boxing champion in history......Became one of the most popular boxers during the Depression Era, who dazzled fans with speed and two-handed punching ability......One of the greatest featherweights and Jr lightweights of all-time.
Defining Fight: WTKO7 Benny Bass...... July 15, 1931....."Became Cuba's first boxing world champion"
Other Defining Fights: W10 Fidel LaBarba, W12 Al Singer, L10 Jack "Kid" Berg, W15 Lewis Feldman, W15 Davey Abad, and L15 Tony Canzoneri
Your thoughts on this great champion from Camaguey, Cuba. He lost twice by knockout in 152 fights. That calls my attention.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
#54. Kid Chocolate
Record: 136-10-6 with 51KOs
KO Pct = 38%
Career: 1927-38
World Titles Held: World Jr. Lightweight Champion (1931-33), NY World Featherweight Champion (1932)
Highlights:. As an amateur, it's been reported that this phenom won 100 fights with 56 knockouts, never losing an amateur bout!......Went undefeated in his first 56 professional conteLOSTsts......Won his first 21 bouts........From December 1928 to July 1930, Chocolate won 33 fights in a row!.......Made 9 title defenses of the NBA World Jr. Lightweight Crown.......Was also NY World Featherweight Champion in 1933.......Lost twice in 38 bouts against boxers that were naturally stronger and bigger than he from May 1931 to November 1933 (Record: 36-2, with 8KOs).......Went undefeated in his last 28 bouts........Beat 4 out of 10 world champions. (Record versus world champions is 6-7-1 with 1KO)........Beat 2 out of 5 hall of fame boxers. (Record versus HOFs is 3-6, 1KO).......Was only stopped twice in 152 bouts!
Historical Impact: The Island of Cuba first world boxing champion in history......Became one of the most popular boxers during the Depression Era, who dazzled fans with speed and two-handed punching ability......One of the greatest featherweights and Jr lightweights of all-time.
Defining Fight: WTKO7 Benny Bass...... July 15, 1931....."Became Cuba's first boxing world champion"
Other Defining Fights: W10 Fidel LaBarba, W12 Al Singer, L10 Jack "Kid" Berg, W15 Lewis Feldman, W15 Davey Abad, and L15 Tony Canzoneri
Your thoughts on this great champion from Camaguey, Cuba. He lost twice by knockout in 152 fights. That calls my attention.
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
I have been studying the career of Kid Chocolate by watching some of his fight films available on YouTube.
There's not a lot of his boxing career video footage, but the little that I have seen, the great Kid Chocolate of Cuba was as true as the old timers advertised.
Chocolate, a black Cuban, was an inspiration and influence to many of the all time pound per pound great boxers that came after him. Especially, an influence in the fighting of some of the great black American boxers like Henry Armstrong, Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore and Sugar Ray Robinson and others.
For some reason, inside and outside the ring, he influenced these great boxers. He was stylish not only inside the ring, but also outside of it. And boy! Was he stylish?
He was a black beauty. Even the white women in America and Europe had eyes on him. And didn't he conquered them? Before Robinson, there was Chocolate. Before there was a Kid Gavilan of Cuba, there was the Cuban Bon Bon. He was one of the great gems of the late 1920s and early 30s decade most famous and colorful champions and characters.
He was a guy that dressed immaculate! Chocolate was ahead of his time.
When I see his boxing style, he was unique! An original. He could bobbed and weave punches while going on the attack. He was slick, fast and had some great ring generalship. The guy could do it all. He was a phenomenal boxer.
I don't see how by watching the films of his fights against the greats Tony Canzoneri and Battling Battalino that he lost to the two of them by decision. In my humble view of what I saw in those clips, Chocolate won outright. And maybe he got to be ranked a little higher in the pound per pound all time rankings.
Albeit, Canzoneri proved that he was better in the rematch by stopping Chocolate in two rounds. Canzoneri was the bigger guy. So it was Jack "Kid" Berg. They were bigger and stronger men than the Cuban Bon Bon.
No matter what, it's a shame that there's not enough video footage of this great jewel of boxing. Kid Chocolate is one of the greatest of all-time!
There's not a lot of his boxing career video footage, but the little that I have seen, the great Kid Chocolate of Cuba was as true as the old timers advertised.
Chocolate, a black Cuban, was an inspiration and influence to many of the all time pound per pound great boxers that came after him. Especially, an influence in the fighting of some of the great black American boxers like Henry Armstrong, Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore and Sugar Ray Robinson and others.
For some reason, inside and outside the ring, he influenced these great boxers. He was stylish not only inside the ring, but also outside of it. And boy! Was he stylish?
He was a black beauty. Even the white women in America and Europe had eyes on him. And didn't he conquered them? Before Robinson, there was Chocolate. Before there was a Kid Gavilan of Cuba, there was the Cuban Bon Bon. He was one of the great gems of the late 1920s and early 30s decade most famous and colorful champions and characters.
He was a guy that dressed immaculate! Chocolate was ahead of his time.
When I see his boxing style, he was unique! An original. He could bobbed and weave punches while going on the attack. He was slick, fast and had some great ring generalship. The guy could do it all. He was a phenomenal boxer.
I don't see how by watching the films of his fights against the greats Tony Canzoneri and Battling Battalino that he lost to the two of them by decision. In my humble view of what I saw in those clips, Chocolate won outright. And maybe he got to be ranked a little higher in the pound per pound all time rankings.
Albeit, Canzoneri proved that he was better in the rematch by stopping Chocolate in two rounds. Canzoneri was the bigger guy. So it was Jack "Kid" Berg. They were bigger and stronger men than the Cuban Bon Bon.
No matter what, it's a shame that there's not enough video footage of this great jewel of boxing. Kid Chocolate is one of the greatest of all-time!
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Now that we reviewed the career of the great Kid Chocolate, at the position #53, we got one of the greatest boxers of the 1980s decade: Michael Spinks!
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
#53. Michael Spinks
Record: 31-1, with 21KOs
KO Pct = 68%
Career: 1977-88
World Titles Held: WBA World Light-Heavyweight Champion (1981-85), Undisputed World Light-Heavyweight Champion (1983-85), and IBF and Lineal World Heavyweight Champion (1985-87)
Highlights:. Burst into the American boxing scene when he won the Olympic Gold Medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.....Won his first 31 fights in 11 years as a professional, winning the WBA World, the Undisputed World Light-Heavyweight, and IBF and Lineal World Heavyweight Championship crowns along the way....Made 10 successful title defenses of the WBA World Light-Heavyweight Crown, and never lost his titles in the ring.......Won his first 15 world title bouts. (Record in world title bouts was 15-1, with 10KOs)......Beat 5 out of 6 world champions he faced. (Record versus world champions is 7-1, 2KOs)........Beat 2 out of 3 Hall of Fame boxers. (Record vs hall of famers is 3-1, 0KOs)......Was stopped once in 32 bouts.
Historical Impact: A brilliant tactician that burst into the scene winning the gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in which among with his teammates, including his brother Leon, Leo Randolph, Howard Davis and the great Sugar Ray Leonard, formed perhaps the greatest US Olympic Boxing Team in history.....The best Light-heavyweight of the 1980s decade, became the first Light-heavyweight king to win the Lineal World Heavyweight Title......... Along with his brother Leon, also became one of the few brothers ever to win world boxing championships at the professional level.....Considered one of the greatest 175-pounders in history.....His "Spinks Jinx Punch" selected him by Ring Magazine as one of the top 100 Greatest Punchers of All-time!
Defining Fight: W15 Larry Holmes...... September 21, 1985....."Became the first Light-heavyweight champion in history to win the Lineal World Heavyweight Title"
Other Defining Fights: WKO4 Marvin Johnson, W15 Eddie Mustapha Muhammad, W15 Dwight Muhammad Qawi, W12 Eddie Davis, WTKO5 Gerry Cooney, and LKO1 Mike Tyson
Your thoughts on this great champion from St Louis, MO who was a terrific puncher and a brilliant tactician.
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Based on current projections it looks like it will be mid-2030 before we get to #1. Hope I live that long. It will be the year of the World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Very good fighter, a top 10 lt.heavyweight, lost his second fight vs Holmes. Not sure he would have beaten a prime Bob Foster or Archie Moore
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
You don't think that Spinks' height and reach advantages would have given guys like Archie Moore and Ezzard Charles or a Harold Johnson lots of problems?giacomino wrote: ↑30 Oct 2024, 14:03Very good fighter, a top 10 lt.heavyweight, lost his second fight vs Holmes. Not sure he would have beaten a prime Bob Foster or Archie Moore
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Moore and Charles were fundamentally better fighters, IMO. I liked Spinks and the Spinks Jinx was real. I just don’t think he beats them. Johnson maybeelmersalsa wrote: ↑01 Nov 2024, 10:22You don't think that Spinks' height and reach advantages would have given guys like Archie Moore and Ezzard Charles or a Harold Johnson lots of problems?
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It was Sunday, May 4, 1980 at the Kiamesha Lake Resort in Kiamesha, NY where Michael Spinks, the undefeated gold medalist of the 1976 Olympics, gets the first big test of his professional boxing career.
His opponent was a modest and future IBF World Super Middleweight Champion Murray Sutherland of Scotland.
Spinks entered the ring with a 11-0, 7KOs record. By this time, his brother Leon, became World Heavyweight Champion two years earlier with only 7 fights upsetting the great Muhammad Ali in 15 rounds.
But, with Michael, he didn't rush things that quick. Although that he was in a lower weight class than his brother Leon, the Light-heavyweight division that he was competing was loaded of magnificent boxers. It was probably the greatest era of the 175lbs division. Probably the 1940s decade, the Light-heavyweight division was as competitive as the late 70s and early 80s decade.
Sutherland, a fringe but clever boxer, was on a mission to beat Spinks, and become a contender for the world light-heavyweight crown.
Starting the first round, Sutherland started good by rocking the Olympic champion. Spinks was more stunned than hurt. But, Sutherland put together a good series of combinations of left jabs and right crosses. They were educated combination punches.
In the second round, Sutherland kept the attack. Spinks was kind of somewhat cold in these two first rounds. Like if he hasn't warmed up. Sutherland in my view, wins the second round.
Well, round 3 Spinks started to work by giving Sutherland punches of his own. He outworked Sutherland on the inside with body punches and overhand rights. From this round on, it was all Spinks. He turned the tide by dishing Sutherland wicked combinations and an underrated body attack. Being taller than Sutherland at 6'2", Spinks used his body length to wear down the Scot.
But, Sutherland was holding his own, even though that he was getting outworked by the bigger for Spinks. He used everything in the boxing book to neutralize Spinks' vicious attack.
In round 8, Spinks took command and a left right combination dropped Sutherland. Sutherland was winning that round, but now that he got dropped the round belonged to Spinks.
Sutherland came back strong in the last two rounds, especially in the 9th. But, well the final bell rang, it was clear who the winner was.
Michael Spinks wins his 12th straight fight and is undefeated in his pro career in a classic performance.
Spinks improves to 12-0, with 7 knockouts.
Sutherland drops to 16-5, with 14 knockouts.
Referee Tony Perez scored the bout 7-2 in rounds for Spinks.
Judge Harold Lederman, the future HBO scoring analyst scored the fight 7-3, Spinks. And judge Eva Shain scored it 9-1 for Spinks.
I scored the fight 6-3-1 for Spinks.
There's a feeling that they will meet again in the future.
His opponent was a modest and future IBF World Super Middleweight Champion Murray Sutherland of Scotland.
Spinks entered the ring with a 11-0, 7KOs record. By this time, his brother Leon, became World Heavyweight Champion two years earlier with only 7 fights upsetting the great Muhammad Ali in 15 rounds.
But, with Michael, he didn't rush things that quick. Although that he was in a lower weight class than his brother Leon, the Light-heavyweight division that he was competing was loaded of magnificent boxers. It was probably the greatest era of the 175lbs division. Probably the 1940s decade, the Light-heavyweight division was as competitive as the late 70s and early 80s decade.
Sutherland, a fringe but clever boxer, was on a mission to beat Spinks, and become a contender for the world light-heavyweight crown.
Starting the first round, Sutherland started good by rocking the Olympic champion. Spinks was more stunned than hurt. But, Sutherland put together a good series of combinations of left jabs and right crosses. They were educated combination punches.
In the second round, Sutherland kept the attack. Spinks was kind of somewhat cold in these two first rounds. Like if he hasn't warmed up. Sutherland in my view, wins the second round.
Well, round 3 Spinks started to work by giving Sutherland punches of his own. He outworked Sutherland on the inside with body punches and overhand rights. From this round on, it was all Spinks. He turned the tide by dishing Sutherland wicked combinations and an underrated body attack. Being taller than Sutherland at 6'2", Spinks used his body length to wear down the Scot.
But, Sutherland was holding his own, even though that he was getting outworked by the bigger for Spinks. He used everything in the boxing book to neutralize Spinks' vicious attack.
In round 8, Spinks took command and a left right combination dropped Sutherland. Sutherland was winning that round, but now that he got dropped the round belonged to Spinks.
Sutherland came back strong in the last two rounds, especially in the 9th. But, well the final bell rang, it was clear who the winner was.
Michael Spinks wins his 12th straight fight and is undefeated in his pro career in a classic performance.
Spinks improves to 12-0, with 7 knockouts.
Sutherland drops to 16-5, with 14 knockouts.
Referee Tony Perez scored the bout 7-2 in rounds for Spinks.
Judge Harold Lederman, the future HBO scoring analyst scored the fight 7-3, Spinks. And judge Eva Shain scored it 9-1 for Spinks.
I scored the fight 6-3-1 for Spinks.
There's a feeling that they will meet again in the future.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15646
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Michael Spinks vs Murray Sutherland (May 4, 1980)
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15646
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
A bigger test came to Michael Spinks on Saturday, October 18, 1980 at the Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ.
This time, Spinks was facing a tall fearsome foe, a 59-fight veteran born in Zacatecas, Mexico, but residing in Stockton, CA, the dangerous contender Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez!
Lopez started his career in 1972. And by 1980, Lopez fought the cream of the crop of the Light-heavyweight division. He challenged 4 times already for the Light-heavyweight crown without success. He had to face outstanding champions like John Conteh of England, Victor Galindez of Argentina and Matthew Saad Muhammad. In all those fights he received the losing end of 0-5, record against them. Hard luck was always on his way.
On his last fight before facing Spinks, Lopez fought for the WBC World Light-Heavyweight Crown held by Muhammad. It was their second meeting. The fight was so fierce and violent that the Ring Magazine called it the Fight of the Year of 1980. And it was a brutal slugfest. Muhammad retained the title by a 14th round TKO.
So facing Spinks was like a crossroads fight for him and an opportunity to fight for a world title for a fifth time. Running out of time to become world champion, Lopez age 29, came to the ring with a record of 49-10, with 33 knockouts.
His most glorious moment was when Lopez beat by decision in 12 top contender and nemesis Jesse Burnett of Los Angeles, CA. In that fight, Lopez regained the California State Light-heavyweight Championship becoming the state champ for the second time, in which he finally beat Burnett.
Other days of glory were when Lopez defeated by knockout in 6 rounds former WBA World Light-Heavyweight Champion, Mike Rossman from New Jersey. Lopez also beat former top contenders like Mike Quarry (W10), Gary Summerhays (W10) and Andy Kendall (WTKO4).
A tough slugger, Yaqui Lopez was ready for the undefeated Olympic champion Spinks.
This time, Spinks was facing a tall fearsome foe, a 59-fight veteran born in Zacatecas, Mexico, but residing in Stockton, CA, the dangerous contender Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez!
Lopez started his career in 1972. And by 1980, Lopez fought the cream of the crop of the Light-heavyweight division. He challenged 4 times already for the Light-heavyweight crown without success. He had to face outstanding champions like John Conteh of England, Victor Galindez of Argentina and Matthew Saad Muhammad. In all those fights he received the losing end of 0-5, record against them. Hard luck was always on his way.
On his last fight before facing Spinks, Lopez fought for the WBC World Light-Heavyweight Crown held by Muhammad. It was their second meeting. The fight was so fierce and violent that the Ring Magazine called it the Fight of the Year of 1980. And it was a brutal slugfest. Muhammad retained the title by a 14th round TKO.
So facing Spinks was like a crossroads fight for him and an opportunity to fight for a world title for a fifth time. Running out of time to become world champion, Lopez age 29, came to the ring with a record of 49-10, with 33 knockouts.
His most glorious moment was when Lopez beat by decision in 12 top contender and nemesis Jesse Burnett of Los Angeles, CA. In that fight, Lopez regained the California State Light-heavyweight Championship becoming the state champ for the second time, in which he finally beat Burnett.
Other days of glory were when Lopez defeated by knockout in 6 rounds former WBA World Light-Heavyweight Champion, Mike Rossman from New Jersey. Lopez also beat former top contenders like Mike Quarry (W10), Gary Summerhays (W10) and Andy Kendall (WTKO4).
A tough slugger, Yaqui Lopez was ready for the undefeated Olympic champion Spinks.