Tommy Hearns
08-14-2007, 11:09 PM
Anyone seen this fight? Very early footage of the vintage 'Mongoose' in action against one of the more dangerous black contenders of the era, Oakland Billy Smith, for the California State Light Heavyweight Title.
Smith himself was a fundamentally sound slugger with a powerful overhand right, a punch that would later go on to put Harold Johnson down for the ten count in the only (legitimate) time in his career. Moore showed a stern chin by withstanding the shot whenever it landed, although he negated the punch for the most part through his head movement and ability to roll with it. Moore’s defensive dexterity also becomes apparent while consistently avoiding the jab, making use of his quick reflexes and weave to work around it while landing his own left hands in return.
Even with the poor film quality both men look powerful and trim, clocking in at around the 170 pound mark. Smith proves his resiliency time and time again in close quarters, holding his own in the clinches and, once in range, burying his head into Moore’s chest and throwing volleys of hooks and uppercuts downstairs. Archie’s cross armed defense protected him well over the course of the fight however, and overall it’s Moore’s professionalism that sets the two men apart; setting traps, creating angles, judging distance, and looking for openings in contrast to Smith’s upright positioning, relative stagnance, and methodical advances.
The rounds are cut short so I didn’t bother scoring them, but just by quickly looking at the fight it becomes apparent why Moore doesn’t walk away with the win despite being the more polished fighter; his work rate was noticeably lower than Smith’s, which in turn led to the draw.
Also, does anyone know if there is even earlier footage of Moore out there? Any info would be appreciated.
Smith himself was a fundamentally sound slugger with a powerful overhand right, a punch that would later go on to put Harold Johnson down for the ten count in the only (legitimate) time in his career. Moore showed a stern chin by withstanding the shot whenever it landed, although he negated the punch for the most part through his head movement and ability to roll with it. Moore’s defensive dexterity also becomes apparent while consistently avoiding the jab, making use of his quick reflexes and weave to work around it while landing his own left hands in return.
Even with the poor film quality both men look powerful and trim, clocking in at around the 170 pound mark. Smith proves his resiliency time and time again in close quarters, holding his own in the clinches and, once in range, burying his head into Moore’s chest and throwing volleys of hooks and uppercuts downstairs. Archie’s cross armed defense protected him well over the course of the fight however, and overall it’s Moore’s professionalism that sets the two men apart; setting traps, creating angles, judging distance, and looking for openings in contrast to Smith’s upright positioning, relative stagnance, and methodical advances.
The rounds are cut short so I didn’t bother scoring them, but just by quickly looking at the fight it becomes apparent why Moore doesn’t walk away with the win despite being the more polished fighter; his work rate was noticeably lower than Smith’s, which in turn led to the draw.
Also, does anyone know if there is even earlier footage of Moore out there? Any info would be appreciated.