Nearly KO'd is a joke. He hurt Vargas, but Vargas wasnt nearly stopped. Nearly stopped is what Ike was against JL Lopez. Lucky for Ike, the stoner was a subpar finisher. That's why I never considered Ike vs Tito as a compelling fight. Trinidad would've knocked the living shit outta Ike.
KO'd Tito when????? Early? That'd be his only shot, considering he had shit stamina and Tito had great stamina. Tito would've blasted Ike. Oscar nearly stopped him, Lopez nearly stopped him. Neither one of those guys had the power and finishing skills Tito had.
I think Trinidad stops Quartey in the late rounds. Tito delivered that left hook with great timing and accuracy, and Quartey was AVAILABLE for it. Wish that fight would have happened.
I had it 8-4 for Vargas. Quartey was clearly rusty and for his first fight at 154, it was clear that Vargas was not a good first fight for him at that weight. Vargas was indeed busted up, but he outworked Quartey, and clearly got the better of the action for the majority of the rounds. For what it's worth, I think a sharp and in tip top shape Quartey, beats Vargas via UD.
A lot of African fighters are rudimentary and incomplete compared to their African-American brethren. Ike had what....a jab, a bit of a hook, a bit of a right hand, and a high, tight guard. No major handspeed, no major chin, no great movement, not very tall or rangey......just a solid, accomplished titlist, solid fundamentals. He he should be food and drink for a guy like Benitez.
Ike wasn't WITHOUT talent. He was very good figher. But in the same league as Benitez? Nope. Not even close. Leonard, Hearns, Duran, and Benitez would've all eaten Ike alive.
What I will say positive about Ike is that his fight with Espana is one of the more underrated wars of the 90s.
