BoxRec

Joe.Kelly wrote: ↑27 Oct 2021, 09:30 This is a tough call. But if I had to lean in favor of anyone, it would be Moorer. I'll say Moorer by decision in a close fight.

Bugner had the size and tools to beat Moorer. We know that because of Moorer's struggles with Franz Botha and Axel Schulz, both of whom were inferior to Bugner in ability. However, Joe had a tendency to blow it in big fights. If there was anything consistent about Bugner it was that he choked in many of his bouts, including fights that he won. Therefore, I lean in favor of Moorer.

Another factor to consider here is Moorer's southpaw stance. Two of Bugner's defeats were to southpaws, Dick Hall and Jack Bodell. Aside from his one round blowout of chinny Richard Dunn, I'm not sure Bugner ever proved he could cope successfully with a good southpaw. So, the advantage on this score goes to Moorer.

The bout would definitely go the distance. For those of you who pick Moorer by stoppage, you're all wrong. Bottom line is that Bugner had one of the best chins of any heavyweight who ever fought. On top of that, Joe was quite competent defensively. So no way Moorer gets a stoppage win here.

The final scores would be something like 8-4, or 7-5 for Moorer. He might win it by a comfortable margin, or he might barely take the nod on the scorecards. Bugner, who was bigger and trickier than Moorer, would certainly have his moments. But Moorer probably comes out on top.