Does the Taylor that beat Aaron Davis have any chance at all against a fighter like Ike Quartey? Or would this be another beating similar to that against Espano (whom Quartey stopped)?
No, I don't give Mel any chance at all against the prime Quartey of the mid-90s. Mel looked good against Aaron Davis, but Quartey ain't Aaron Davis. Ike is simply too strong with too much firepower, and Mel doesn't have enough firepower of his own to deter Ike. Quartey TKO 8.
Taylor declined quite a bit from Davis to Espana, but I doubt it would matter which Taylor showed up. Ike is too big and strong for Taylor.
I agree that Ike would lay a beating on Meldrick, but I can see it being an entertaining fight for 5 rounds until Quartey drops and stops Taylor. Speaking of entertaining fight Ike Quartey vs Crisanto España is worth checking out. Great fight.
Davis was a counterpuncher by nature and Meldrick's speed, activity and body punching kept him a step behind all fight. Taylor was also able to bully Davis at times. Quartey wouldn't have those issues. He'd fight behind that jab and bust Taylor up. He would keep Taylor on his back foot and hurt him with hooks and crosses off that jab. Unfortunately Mel is too hittable against a guy like Ike. He would win some exchanges but would take too much damage in the process. Eventually Ike lands some big punches that Taylor couldn't shake off and the ref saves him.
There aren't many very good to great welters I'd pick Taylor over. Ike fell short of being a great welter, but he damn sure was a very good one. Mel was just too small for most very good to great welters. The only guy his size who could get away with that was Napoles. But Taylor didn't have the firepower, countering ability, defense, and overall skillset of Napoles. At 140, there's a lot more guys in history that Taylor would have a chance against. Many I'd even favor him over.
