Azumah Nelson vs Barry McGuigan 126 pds 1985-86

[f read]

I believe that Nelson has too much overall for the game Barry. He should score an overwhelming late round stoppage over the game McGuigan. It is too bad this fight never happened it would have been a great fight for boxing.

[Woldemar]

Nelson by TKO 12

[Bodyshot3]

Sadly we'll never know but I would go with Barry in 1985 and Nelson in 1986.

The McGuigan camp - I recently read Barry's book again - genuinely thought Pedroza was actually the way tougher nut to crack at the time and also Eastwood thought about the better money too.

Personally speaking if the fight had been made in 1985 I would go with the Clones Cyclone on points. He beat Laporte, Pedroza and Taylor in one season and was on fire. McGuigan at this point was exceptionally strong and confident.

He was right at the top of his business in 1985 and the pressures of becoming public property and beginning to get a wee bit tight at the weight would kick-in 1986.

The title defence against Cabrera in Dublin in early 1986 was when McGuigan began to worry.

He did not rate the guy in the slightest and thought he was a level below Laporte, Taylor and Pedroza but because he needed to train in a very deliberate way (and because of his stardom could not) he lacked the edge he needed.

McGuigan is very honest in his appraisal of his career - he was super-hot in 1984/5 and felt he could beat anyone put in front of him including Nelson - but it was a short peak and the Cruz debacle ripped away his confidence.

[Nile4000]

Barry was probably scared of Azumah. He loses to Nelson by 11th round kayo after a prolonged beating.

[AngryGoon38]

Sadly we'll never know but I would go with Barry in 1985 and Nelson in 1986.

The McGuigan camp - I recently read Barry's book again - genuinely thought Pedroza was actually the way tougher nut to crack at the time and also Eastwood thought about the better money too.

Personally speaking if the fight had been made in 1985 I would go with the Clones Cyclone on points. He beat Laporte, Pedroza and Taylor in one season and was on fire. McGuigan at this point was exceptionally strong and confident.

He was right at the top of his business in 1985 and the pressures of becoming public property and beginning to get a wee bit tight at the weight would kick-in 1986.

The title defence against Cabrera in Dublin in early 1986 was when McGuigan began to worry.

He did not rate the guy in the slightest and thought he was a level below Laporte, Taylor and Pedroza but because he needed to train in a very deliberate way (and because of his stardom could not) he lacked the edge he needed.

McGuigan is very honest in his appraisal of his career - he was super-hot in 1984/5 and felt he could beat anyone put in front of him including Nelson - but it was a short peak and the Cruz debacle ripped away his confidence.

Barry McGuigan fought Stevie Cruz with a bad cold,and possibly a nasty flu. He also had a high fever that day. 102 degrees.
Also,he was mentally messed up from his dad's passing and his home and precious belongings(Trophies and old Photos) getting destroyed. Barry was half himself,at best, that day. Cruz would've been no more than a halfway decent sparring partner For Barry otherwise.

McGuigan vs Nelson, prior to that very unfortunate time period, would've been certainly a battle for the ages,as the ole saying goes. I see it being very back and forth,regardless of the bout's particular location. I'm going to have to conclude that this type of showdown excgravaganza would basically overall look like an even match(Draw),because they were Both, That Good. The judges would be the ones to ultimately decide who "They Prefer" to be The Victor though. Or just be rationally minded and declare that neither should take the L.

[Evander]

Nelson KO 10