BoxRec

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.

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

He'd beat any HW today too besides Wlad.

dempseyfire wrote: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.

pound per pound wrote:

dempseyfire wrote: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 . . .

Eddie Machen losing to Deontay Wilder?

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

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 !!

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

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

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

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

Jaclem wrote:......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!)

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

dempseyfire wrote: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...

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.