BoxRec

Argentinian Carlos Monzon stands alongside the very best middleweights the world has ever seen. He retired as undefeated champion after 13 successful defences of a title reign spanning almost 7 years between 1970 and 1977.

His full record stands at 87-3-9 with one no contest. His only defeats came within his first twenty fights, all completed with a year and a half. Thereafter, he went a further 80 fights and 13 years undefeated.

His private life sadly wasn't as successful. In 1989 he was convicted of the murder of his wife and sentenced to 11 years in prison. In 1995 on return to prison after a weekend's leave he crashed his car and was killed instantly - some have speculated that it was suicide.

In boxing terms at least he remains one of the all-time greats and I would argue that he narrowly beats Roberto Duran for the accolade of fighter of the 1970s.

Anyone agree?

Monzon was a great fighter no doubt but I think that Duran pips him for ability pound for pound... there was also Ali whoi despite being on the physical wain in the 70s still really dominated boxing and performed some amazing feats in the 70s... so all in all I wouldn't pick a number one from these three but would say all three Monzon, Duran and Ali were the outstanding champions of that decade... in a class of their own. 8)

In terms of achievement over the whole of the 70's, i'd pick Monzon over Duran, with Arguello (who was at his best during the mid to late 70's) and Cervantes fighting it out with Ali for the other top five places.

Monzon had more title fights over the decade, despite retiring before the 10 years was up, and remained unbeaten within the time span, so that's enough for me to rank him higher than Duran, who did suffer the one defeat. Close though.

It was 14 defences, mate.

Monzon was an incredible fighter along with Duran and Ali but whom is better in terms of P4P and best fighter of the 70's is impossible to say the least!

glittermonkey wrote: It was 14 defences, mate.

You're right! I must have hit the wrong key.

bollocks wrote:Once saw a pic of Ridrigo Valdes on all fours on the canvas after being put there by Monzon in their second? fight. The material holding the ropes in place which is on some rings, is tangled around Valdes' face. Very undignified pic of Rodrigo

What was Monzon doing on weekend leave? The guy was a vicious convicted murderer

Presumably some sort of training for freedom programme. Although, knowing Monzon's status as some sort of national hero in Argentina, I doubt if all convicted killers were accorded the same treatment.