CANELO VS. THE GREATS
of the Four Kings during much of the 1980s, but the iron- willed technician from Jamaica earned his flowers during a brilliant middleweight run from 1989-1991 – during which time he scored victories over Herol Graham (SD 12), Steve Collins (UD 12), Michael Watson (KO 11) and Sumbu Kalambay (SD 12). McCallum’s success led to a showdown with James Toney in late 1991, and the 35-year- old veteran held the emerging middleweight king to a split draw in a brilliant 12-round battle. Toney won the rematch by majority
incredible chins. Considering both fighters’ ability to withstand punches, I am going to assume this fight heads to the scorecards. I think the volume of The Bodysnatcher, as well the body work he so often delivers, would be enough to earn a razor-thin decision over the Mexican legend.”
accurate power shots.
the damage will add up over time. I think Canelo actually gets a stoppage win at some point late in the fight.”
Bottjer: “A classic. Canelo takes a lead after 10 rounds and Monzon storms back. Both men are down in the final five rounds and Canelo gets a well-deserved decision that is controversy-free.” Mizzone: “I would have to lean towards Canelo in this one. I think he fought better opposition, which would help him win a 12-round unanimous decision against Monzon.” Rotonda: “Such an interesting fight – guaranteed action for however long it lasts. Monzon has an incredible jab that could be an issue for Canelo throughout the fight, while Canelo’s speed and explosiveness could be a problem for Monzon. Carlos is incredible at measuring distance and using his jab to pick apart his opponents, but I just can’t help but to think that standing directly in front of Canelo will backfire here. Canelo’s speed advantage and countering will allow him to get off on Monzon, and
Canelo 3-0
CANELO vs. MARVIN HAGLER (at middleweight)
Canelo 2-1
Hagler established himself as the best 160-pounder in the world during the late 1970s while avoided by the titleholders who succeeded the great Carlos Monzon. The aggressive switch- hitting power boxer bested Philadelphia contenders – Eugene “Cyclone” Hart (TKO 8), Willie “The Worm” Monroe (TKO 12, TKO 2), and “Bad” Bennie Briscoe (UD 10) – as well as 1972 Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Seales (TKO 1, UD 10) during the time that Monzon retired and the title passed from Rodrigo Valdes to Hugo Corro to Vito Antuofermo. By
CANELO vs. CARLOS MONZON (at middleweight)
Considered one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time, Monzon, already a veteran of 79 fights,
which produced one of the finest jabs and most lethal right hands of the modern era. He etched his name in boxing history by winning world titles in five weight classes (all the way up to light heavyweight), and he achieved immortality with his bold stand against Marvin Hagler during their three- round middleweight war. However, The Hitman’s peak years were spent in the junior middleweight division, where he exhibited the skills to outpoint boxing savant Wilfred Benitez and the devastating power to ice the great Roberto Duran in two rounds. Bottjer: “Hearns tarried in this weight class less than four years, but they were good years. Ask Duran and Benitez. Against Canelo, Hearns gets off the deck to box his way to a competitive decision.” Mizzone: “I think that Hearns would give Canelo a lot of problems early in the fight with his height and his jab, but in the end, I think Canelo would break Hearns down to the body and win a
significant height and reach advantage here. Canelo has his work cut out for him in this one. It’s obvious that for Hearns to win this fight, he must fight long and tall for 12 rounds. He cannot let Canelo work through his jab. I don’t think that he can stop Canelo, considering the incredible chin that he possesses, but I do think he will frustrate Canelo with his size, speed and long punches en route to a decision win.”
decision. McCallum would go on to win a light heavyweight title, but his prime years were spent in the 154-pound division. From 1986-1987, the ring-savvy stoic notched knockout wins over Julian Jackson (TKO 2), Milton McCrory (TKO 10) and Donald Curry (KO 5). McCallum was a complete boxer with an excellent jab, power in both hands, a great chin – never stopped in 55 pro bouts – and a debilitating body attack that earned him “The Bodysnatcher” nickname. Bottjer: “McCallum is an all-timer on anyone’s ‘underrated’ list. Good enough – and not popular enough – for the Four Kings to avoid. As a junior middle, Mike only had 23 fights, none of them signature wins. Canelo wins a tactical match that is close on the cards.” Mizzone: “I think that Canelo’s pressure may be too much for McCallum. I do think McCallum will hurt Canelo to the body, but Canelo would make the adjustments and win a 12-round split decision.” Rotonda: “Two fighters with equally
emerged from South America to dethrone Nino Benvenuti via 12th-round stoppage in 1970. The 6-foot-tall Argentine retired as champion after making 14 title defenses – a division record that stood until 2002 – during a seven-year reign. Monzon was known for his toughness (he was never stopped in 100 pro bouts), stamina (he thrived in the 15-round championship era) and his mean streak, but he possessed underrated skills. He knew how to box tall, stick and move behind a piston- like jab and set up
Hearns 2-1
CANELO vs. MIKE McCALLUM (at junior middleweight)
12-round unanimous decision.” Rotonda: “Hearns will have a
McCallum fought in the shadow
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