why isnt MONZON that leagiondary?

[GJC]

Think that perhaps Monzon's under rating might be his lack of fights in America maybe? I know it shouldn't matter but might explain? As for Monzon's style he was a very very solid fighter with little weaknesses. I guess you could say he didn't have a style that stirred the blood as such but would be a match for any MW in history. He wasn't flashy or a one punch knockout artist, what he was good at was systematically beating the other fighter up.
Like I said previously I have him grouped with Ketchell, Greb, SRR and Hagler so not in too shoddy company. I might rate him 5th in that company,probably an old man's bias rather than by any scientefic reason. I will say though that I would not put any money on any MW fighter against him!

[Kid McCoy]

Think that perhaps Monzon's under rating might be his lack of fights in America maybe? I know it shouldn't matter but might explain? As for Monzon's style he was a very very solid fighter with little weaknesses. I guess you could say he didn't have a style that stirred the blood as such but would be a match for any MW in history. He wasn't flashy or a one punch knockout artist, what he was good at was systematically beating the other fighter up.
Like I said previously I have him grouped with Ketchell, Greb, SRR and Hagler so not in too shoddy company. I might rate him 5th in that company,probably an old man's bias rather than by any scientefic reason. I will say though that I would not put any money on any MW fighter against him!

Good post, I agree with most of that. Monzon only fought once in America and only fought a handful of Americans, so it's probably why he isn't as well known in the States, although in my experience he's always been highly regarded in boxing circles.

Monzon was tall and strong, he could box, punch and take a punch, he had a ramrod jab, could fight as the aggressor or a counterpuncher, inside and outside, he was disciplined (in the ring), and a very difficult fighter to beat. And after dominating his closest rival in his final fight, he did something precious few other boxers have managed and retired with his title. For me he's undoubtedly one of the top 2 or 3 middleweights.

[1SILVA]

why? i know many boxing fans have a ton to say about hagler, greb, SRR, and hopkins when it comes to great MW's. but why is carlos monzon almost always looked over? i think he did more then all of them.

is it because of compitition?
because he had very good compitition: emile griffith, nino beuventi, rodrigo valdez, bennie briscoe.

is it because he didnt accomplish enough?
MW champ for 7 years with 14 defenses. a record of 89-3-8 59 ko's.

he always seemed overshadowed by other greats, especially by hagler, but i dont understand why.

What I loved about Monzon was his ability to fight as a tall, rangy counterpuncher. You could not lure him into a brawl. He stood upright and controlled the fight with his steady left jab followed by a very good right hand. He was not spectacular, but he was consistent and piled up points with that jab. He had a great chin and unmatched stamina. He is at no worse the third best Middle of all time

[Mikhnienko]

What's with several posters throwing Hopkins name around? He's a good good fighter but to be mentioned in a top 6 all time is beyond laughable. It's very debatable whether or not he's top six in his own era

Toney
Jones
Nunn
Mcclellan
Benn
Eubank
McCallum
Watson
Collins
Jackson

Hop could step in the ring with anyone and put up a respectable performance but he'd get beat by any true great Fitzsimmons Greb Langford Ketchel Monzon (Honorable mentions i like reading about Cerdan Hostack Steele that are underrated or forgotten by some) were a whole different breed

[Leakbeak]

If you are talking about the perception amongst purists, I did not even realise he was not considered as a legend and took it for granted that it was fact! If you are talking about the media, then you are correct as they do not perceive him in the same light as Hagler et al. But never mind what the media say! After all, they would have us beleive that Khan is now on the verge of greatness!

[glidesmack]

somewhat similar to bob fitzsimmons with his weight and freakish build but fitz won the heavyweight title and monzon beat up guys his own size.

[Leakbeak]

somewhat similar to bob fitzsimmons with his weight and freakish build but fitz won the heavyweight title and monzon beat up guys his own size.

Nowt wrong with that IMO. Fitzsimmons compoeted in a completely different era. I'm curious to know if there is much footage of his fights if any? I have ben searching high and low. Any help would be nice, cheers.

[TheGreatA]

Nowt wrong with that IMO. Fitzsimmons compoeted in a completely different era. I'm curious to know if there is much footage of his fights if any? I have ben searching high and low. Any help would be nice, cheers.

[glidesmack]

funny story about that fight, fitz's opponent was "gentleman" jim corbett, but according to fitz he was anything but a gentleman. Well after the fight was over and bitter at his loss he ran across the ring and punched fitz in the back of the head. After he was restrained and a few minutes later, he walked up to fitz and apologized, then asked for a rematch. Fitz said he was retiring, at which point corbett became enraged again and said he was going to attack fitz in the street. Fitz replied calmly "If you do that, I will kill you."

Fitz trained with a small round bag attached to a string, which as far as I can tell lends itself to building punches that convey momentum rather than force. This is supported slightly by the fact that viewers claimed the body blow that dropped corbett was grotesque and seem to indent corbett's stomach as though it were butter, something a real snapping force punch probably wouldn't do, although jack dempsey was known to have caved in a guy's chest with a hook.

[GJC]

No we shouldn't especially the draw with Briscoe which was likely a hometown decision. He did avenge most of his draws though.

My understanding was that a draw was a fair (well as fair as a draw can be)result against Briscoe. I believe that Monzon counted Briscoe as his toughest opponent, 2nd fight was close too.