To tell you the truth, if the odds were right, I'd chuck a sneaky few quid on Mike. Monzon would be favourite obviously. His Mentat-like computational ability and combination of size, power and all-round skill set should probably be given the respect of seeing him through in a pretty competitive fight. But McCallum did imo have enough of a high ring IQ and combination of other things to give Carlos a very tough fight. He had the height and jab to compete with Monzon at range for one. Not enough to constantly be in control there or have a significant edge holding the centre of the ring etc. He wasn't at a speed disadvantage of hand nor foot either, which was one of the things that he struggled against Curry, Graham and Kalambay with. His footwork was very good technically. Very balanced and educated/sophisticated, just not the quickest. The same for his offensive technique and timing, his defensive schooling and integrational ability of the two. Fantastic, but he didn't really have quick hands or fight changing power, nor truly great defensive reflexes, so could understandably be made to struggle against technically good or unorthodox fighters who were faster than him. It's not going to be the case against Monzon, though I'd still give Carlos the edge in terms of dictating the range. McCallum was a bit like a combination of Griffith and Valdez rolled into one imo. Better than the versions of Griff and Nino who Monzon faced and probably with the edge on the version of Valdez too, though prime for prime I'd say Valdez and he were of a similar class. Quite a lot of similarities. Slick upper body movement, excellent technique, both splendid counter punchers with both hands, great at rolling under and by punches and uncorking creative counter combinations. Both able to adjust punches mid flight very well, which Monzon himself was also great at. Valdez more explosive, cat-like and harder hitting out of nowhere with the edge in defensive reflexes. McCallum technically better at cutting off the ring, slightly faster of foot, a better jab and counter jab, maybe a shade craftier overall and tighter under pressure in terms of defensive technique. Both iron chinned and with plenty of stamina. Ultimately, Mike taking ten rounds to down a defiant McCrory, the struggles with Kalambay and Graham etc highlight that he shouldn't be favoured. Monzon was also great at shielding his body, swaying and slipping backwards and side to side, a supreme judge of distance, a skilled counter puncher himself. Physically stronger and harder hitting with a spiteful streak that matches McCallum's. When he missed a straight punch he was so good at instantaneously shutting counter punches down. Leaning in with his shoulder and arm with his head angled when missing a jab and knocking a fighter back and off balance with a shunt. Or knowing when an overhand right was slightly off and quickly using the momentum to manoeuvre or part-hold a ducking opponent to move them onto a left hook etc. I find it quite a fascinating fight overall. Lots of areas and small important subtleties to be interestingly contested. Monzon eventually winning a 10-5, maybe 9-6 decision and always having the edge but being pushed hard all the way, his pedigree over 15 and greater strength and heavy handedness working adjacently with his ring generalship.
