BoxRec

Maybe the two best Heavyweights of the 1970's that never won the title so who do you think would win between these two tough counterpunchers if the fight took place in the mid 1970's?

Jimmy Young
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000276

Jerry Quarry.
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009385

Jimmy Young at his peak presented an almost un-hittable target. While he wasn't much of an offensive fighter, he had an excellent jab, very good hand speed, and usually worked the body very effectively. I would see this matchup as Young controlling the ring as Quarry would be put in the position of forcing the action. Young uses his superior hand speed, defense and reflexes to score a pretty easy UD.

By the mid 1970s Quarry was soft in the belly and past his best, though still dangerous.

Young was in his prime, and a very difficult fighter to face.

Young by a clear UD.

Prime for prime its a tougher call, b/c Quarry was pretty fast himself and had an excellent work-rate and stamina, which would be the keys to defeating a fighter like Young.

I agree that by the mid '70's, Quarry was past his prime...Quarry of '67-'71 would present some problems for Young...but I would pick Jimmy in a close decision...assuming he was in shape, focused, and not using drugs...Young definitely wins in the mid '70's by a wide UD...in the mid '70's Young was outstanding...if only he could have gotten by Norton...hard to believe he could handle Foreman, but not Norton...of course, there are those (including one of the judges) who thought he did beat Norton...

I think some of our brothers here have pointed out that by the mid-seventies Jerry was well past his prime. With both in their prime a very tough call. Styles make fights after all. I'd say if Jerry was to fight his usual style (agressive, good counter punching) he wins. If he is anything but that and lays back like he did against Jimmy Ellis, Jimmy Young wins. I would also have to say regrettably this could have been an incredibly boring fight.