I have done this before, for other years. But I thought I would do it again, as it often brings up interesting debate.
Although the sport was more popular in 1986, were the boxers better then, than they are now?
Here are my predictions on potential match ups; of fighters who are/were considered the champions or best in their division as of January 1st 1986 and April 1st 2006.
Heavyweight Michael Spinks/Chris Byrd
Very interesting match up; Spinks has the speed to compete with Byrd, and his edge in power, would be decisive IMO, as Michael wins a unanimous 12 round decision.
Cruiserweight: Dwight Muhammad Qawi/O’Neil Bell
Qawi would attempt to run over Bell with his boaring in attack; Bell would need to try and keep Qawi at bay with his extra power. I think Qawi’s intensity would be the difference as he wins a comfortable decision.
Light Heavyweight: J.B. Williamson/Zsolt Erdei
Williamson was little more than a journeyman, and would do well to last 12 rounds with Erdei; Erdei, by easy 12 round decision.
Super Middleweight: Chong Pal Park/Joe Calzaghe
Park was the class of the division for nearly five years, he would cause Joe a few headaches early on, but Calzaghe’s greater class would tell in the end; Calzaghe TKO11
Middleweight: Marvin Hagler/Jermain Taylor
Hagler was nearing the end, he had slipped from the fighter he was some 7/8 years previous, and was relying more and more on his great condition, very good power and his granite chin. Providing Taylor is not in awe of Hagler, he would eke out a decision over 1986 Marvin Hagler; Taylor WM12
Junior Middleweight: Mike McCallum/Shane Mosley
McCallum was at the peak of his awesome powers, sure Mosley’s speed would cause him concerns, but in the end the Bodysnatcher would go to work, as Mosley bravely survives to the final bell; McCallum WU12
Welterweight: Don Curry/Carlos Manuel Baldomir
Some considered Curry the finest fighter in the world at the time. Baldomir is an underrated fighter, but probably lacks the class to compete with peak ‘Lone Star Cobra’. Baldomir would give it a go, but Curry would have him out of there by the eighth.
Junior Welterweight: Lonnie Smith/Ricky Hatton
Smith was the kind of speedster to cause Hatton no end of problems, but when the going got tough, Smith tended to be found wanting, and Ricky undoubtedly would make it tough. I take Hatton to win a 12 round decision, after dropping behind early, trying to figure out Smith.
Lightweight: Hector Camacho/Jose Luis Castillo
As 1986 began, the ‘Macho Man’ seemed to be on the verge of becoming boxings next superstar. He had dazzling pace, and respectable power. Castillo is the most honest boxer going, he is proper old school, and he would not put up, with any of Camacho’s antics. But that said, back then, Camacho was more substance than style, so I think he would win a close but unanimous decision; Camacho WU12
Junior Lightweight: Julio Cesar Chavez/Marco Antonio Barrera
What a match-up!!! Probably, with hindsight, the finest fighter of 1986 against IMO, boxings best today; the two Mexican warriors both at or near the peak of their games. Chavez would have trouble with Barrera’s ring smarts, but Chavez was a lot faster in them days, than the model people remember in the 90s, plus he was a legitimate one punch KO threat. I think in the end, Chavez’s intensity would be the difference, as Barrera’s Mexican pride, leads to an eventual all out war, that gives the edge to Chavez in a classic; Chavez WU12
Featherweights: Barry McGuigan/Chris John
Although McGuigan lacked the fire he had before he won the title, during his disappointing reign, you would think, he should know enough to beat John, but John seems to be one huge unknown quantity to most of us. I will sit on the fence and score it a draw.
So there you have it, I scored it 6-4-1 in 1986’s favour, although it should be noted Winky and Lil Floyd were not representatives, because they are not World Champions, of their respective divisions.
But I think what it does show, is the fighters of today, do compare with the 80s fairly evenly.
