The Drug/Durability Connection

[Russell]

Is it just me, or do the fighters with the best chins usually have serious drug related problems at one time of their lives of another?

Pryor, McCall, Mitch Green, Chuvalo...

Does it have something to do with their substance abuse, making them less prone to pain, panic, whatever?

[ChrisPontius]

I doubt it. In fact, i think the opposite might be true. I read that Cobb was under influence of coke when he lost by first round knockout to a mediocre fighter. Considering the sick punishment he took in other fights, it doesn't sound that unbelievable.

I remember a similar story about Witherspoon when he was KO'd by Smith in one, but i'm not sure.

[Russell]

Anyone?

[radianttwilight]

Anyone?

I don't think so. There were alot of 1980s guys (Tucker, Smith, Cobb, McCall, among others) who had very solid beards, even though most of them used drugs for at least a short while. This also happened to be the worst drug decade (the 1980s), but I don't think there's a relation between drugs and durability...if not the opposite.

Alot of guys with granite chins, like Cobb, were KO1'd or knocked out very early occaisonally...I think that's the best evidence for drugs ruining your durability.

[SteveO]

I know Chuvalo's kids had a lot of drug problems, but I didn't know George himself did.

[Russell]

I don't think so. There were alot of 1980s guys (Tucker, Smith, Cobb, McCall, among others) who had very solid beards, even though most of them used drugs for at least a short while. This also happened to be the worst drug decade (the 1980s), but I don't think there's a relation between drugs and durability...if not the opposite.

Alot of guys with granite chins, like Cobb, were KO1'd or knocked out very early occaisonally...I think that's the best evidence for drugs ruining your durability.

Don't know, I've seen the connection made several times.

So and so suspect has to be tasered and shot eight times with rubber bullets before going down. Blah blah.

I know McCall went nuts and took on half a dozen cops or some such once, while high.

[Doppleganger]

Kinchen was allegedly on something (painkillers for a shoulder injury I think) when he fought Hearns. Tommy hit him with some cracking punches that night and Kinchen only looked hurt once.

[zippy]

Kinchen was allegedly on something (painkillers for a shoulder injury I think) when he fought Hearns. Tommy hit him with some cracking punches that night and Kinchen only looked hurt once.


Kinchen had quite a beard, though. All through his career.

[bxrfan]

Depends on the type of drug if you ask me. Some can make you get in a haze and not feel anything, while others will just help you get KTFO because you're so out of it.

[Russell]

What other fights did fighters go into the ring on drugs? Anyone know?

McCall's seemingly been on drugs in some fights, like when he tested positive right after Gomez I. Didn't seem to hamper him.

[laxpdx]

Tony Ayala was detoxing from heroin in three of his pre-jail fights. I guess it varies from fighter to fighter.

[Russell]

Tony Ayala was detoxing from heroin in three of his pre-jail fights. I guess it varies from fighter to fighter.

Any idea which ones?

[JohnThomas1]

What other fights did fighters go into the ring on drugs? Anyone know?

McCall's seemingly been on drugs in some fights, like when he tested positive right after Gomez I. Didn't seem to hamper him.

Rumours were abound and never denied that Dokes went into the ring vs Coetzee high on cocaine.

[enquirer]

In johnny nelsons autobiography he states that he had an opponent (or two.) who he suspects of being on drugs,because nelson hit him clean with shots that would normally ko guys yet the guy came back laughing,and was super strong throughout the contest.
Some athletes take amphet and the like which can make you super stimulated and strong,and make you less vulnerable to pain...