BoxRec

I'd like to hear the board's thoughts on this bout.

Haven't watched it for years but will give it another watch. I do remember this much :

Zarate was 36 at the time and clearly passed his best. Particularly when you factor in that it included a 7 year retirement.

I was surprised Fenech didn't twist his ankle when he slipped at the very beginning of the fight. Some saw that as a knock down. I didn't.

Fenech was well ahead on all the cards when the fight was called to a halt due to what the referee determined was a head clash.

Will take another look :TU:

I remember that Fenech dropped Zarate with a right hand but then picked up a cut and was pulled out, prompting jubilant celebrations from Zarate. The Mexican great quickly discovered that boxing had changed from the 1970s.

I always think Fenech might be the most underrated great from the 1980s.

Ezzard wrote: ↑23 Nov 2023, 09:44 I always think Fenech might be the most underrated great from the 1980s.

I recall Zarate graciously saying afterwards that he thought Fenech would have beaten a younger version of him as well. That sort of praise is so rarely given under those circumstances I was shocked to hear it.

Ezzard wrote: ↑23 Nov 2023, 09:44 I always think Fenech might be the most underrated great from the 1980s.

He was one of my favorite fighters of that era, but he gets a little overlooked because he got absolutely jobbed by the judges of his signature win against his best opponent, Professor Nelson, in their first fight in 1991. He beat a few good opponents, a lot of mediocre ones, but the Nelson win was the big one for his legacy, IMO. Three-division belt-holders, which used to be rare, are now not so much (more than 50 now I think), and none of his title wins were against big-name opponents. Nelson would have been and gotten him wider recognition

Fenech is severly underrated. The way he destroyed two ferocious punchers in Payaroon and Callejas was brutal especially against Callejas whose left hook was a thing of beauty. He also beat tough future champions Zaragoza and Villasana with ease. The Nelson draw was his best fight. Travesty he didn´t get the decision. Considering his style, competition and moving up 4 weights it´s astonishing how long he lasted. If he were an American or Brit he´d probably get more recognition.