Welcome to another edition of What If?, as the first round of the heavyweight tournament group stage continues. Read the intro and method here. Life is like a box of chocolates. You may get some different flavors, but for the most part you know exactly what you're going to get: chocolate. Last week, we saw this principle in action. Floyd Patterson couldn't beat Sonny … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure: Part 3
Welcome to another edition of What If?, as the first round of the heavyweight tournament group stage continues. Read the intro and method here. Previously, on What If: Last week, we saw a fight between Rocky Marciano and Ezzard Charles that would be the Fight of the Year in 1954, in 1988, or just about any other year in boxing history. Everyone in attendance knew they'd … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure: Part 2
Welcome to another edition of What If?, where our heavyweight tournament for the ages moves into the first week of group stage match-ups. We begin with some notes to remember: Last week, we introduced the combatants and the rules of the game. Over the next 12 episodes, we'll be moving through the group stage, with each installment featuring one old-time (1910-1940) group … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure: Part 1
Welcome to another installment of What If, where one of the greatest films of the 1980s meets the age-old boxing fanwank about comparing fighters across eras. You may be wondering why I'm setting this in 1988 besides the obvious movie reference. The answer is equal parts “because I felt like it, shut up”, and “wait for the last part, just trust me on this one.” San Dimas, … [Read more...]
BOXING MEDIA WATCH: Beware — You Are Now Entering The Toney Zone!
by Johnny Walker He's baaaaaaack! Again. Just when you thought it was safe to read heavyweight boxing news, James "Lights Out" Toney has returned once more, making the same old noises he's been making since he ate his way into the division and utterly failed to make the explosive impact he has long predicted for himself. The once-great Toney, of course, hasn't had a … [Read more...]