Zora Folley Discussion

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mr. magoo, Dec 2, 2014.


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  1. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Unless my count is off, Folley was ranked for 11 consecutive years by the ring magazine, and even spent a few of them in their top 3. He beat a load of notables including Eddie Machen, Howard King, Bob Foster, George Chuvalo, Bob Cleroux, Mike Dejohn, Doug Jones, Henry Cooper, Gerard Zech and prospect versions of Oscar Bonavena and Henry Clark.. Strangely enough he challenged only once for the heavyweight title, which didn't come until he was 36 years of age and against a peaking Muhammad Ali. He fought his last fight at the age of 39 in 1970 and against Mac Foster - a bout in which he was floored 6 times in the first round. Tragically, Folley died in 1972 at 41 years old after allegedly hitting his head on the edge of a swimming pool.
     
    mr. magoo, Dec 2, 2014
    mr. magoo, Dec 2, 2014
    #1
  2. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think he should get the props for the great always contender that Quarry usually gets. A sound technician that always brought his best. Terrific fighter.
     
    Bokaj, Dec 2, 2014
    Bokaj, Dec 2, 2014
    #2
  3. The Long Count

    The Long Count Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Agree. I think he is clearly the best contender of the Foley, Machen, Wlilliams trio that usually gets bunched together.
     
    The Long Count, Dec 2, 2014
    The Long Count, Dec 2, 2014
    #3
  4. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    I would rate Foley and Machen 1a and 1b. They were very close in terms of their skills and attributes (as evidenced by their first elimination bout which ended in a draw). I think both were better than Williams who is/was massively overrated.
     
    klompton2, Dec 2, 2014
    klompton2, Dec 2, 2014
    #4
  5. darling dame

    darling dame Active Member Full Member

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    Zora was rated #1 when he fought Liston.He was known as a good boxer. I saw him 2 vs. Doug Jones . He easily outboxed Cleroux, Chuvalo,Bonavea.The bad was his draw with Machen was called dull,colorless.He was kod by Lavorante,Jones both in 7. Way over the hill when fought Ali. Identical to Machen. Big Cat is the next fighter of the era to cover.
     
    darling dame, Dec 2, 2014
    darling dame, Dec 2, 2014
    #5
  6. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    They were about equal. Williams drew with Machen. Machen and Folley drew.
     
    Unforgiven, Dec 3, 2014
    Unforgiven, Dec 3, 2014
    #6
  7. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Folley was knocked out by Doug Jones and by Alejandro Lavorante.
    Not sure how he'd fare against Cleveland Williams.
     
    Unforgiven, Dec 3, 2014
    Unforgiven, Dec 3, 2014
    #7
  8. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I think Folley was the better fighter in terms of skill and all around ability. But his durability was questionable and Cleveland could certainly whack...
     
    mr. magoo, Dec 3, 2014
    mr. magoo, Dec 3, 2014
    #8
  9. mattdonnellon

    mattdonnellon Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I actually edge Machen over Folley and agree completely on the overrating of Williams.
     
    mattdonnellon, Dec 3, 2014
    mattdonnellon, Dec 3, 2014
    #9
  10. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Folley was a good technician, but he wasn't fast, big or powerful. A little chinny.

    Great guy outside of the ring.
     
    Mendoza, Dec 3, 2014
    Mendoza, Dec 3, 2014
    #10
  11. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Same here. Machen was very durable and a top counter puncher. Machen had his share of moments vs a prime Sonny Liston, losing on points.

    While Williams might be over rated, I think he stops Folley.
     
    Mendoza, Dec 3, 2014
    Mendoza, Dec 3, 2014
    #11
  12. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    :dealMe too...Machen over Folley...Eddie had a better chin and was *****ier than Zora, citing his going the distance with Liston of course.
     
    red cobra, Dec 3, 2014
    red cobra, Dec 3, 2014
    #12
  13. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    :patsch
     
    klompton2, Dec 3, 2014
    klompton2, Dec 3, 2014
    #13
  14. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Sonny Liston got a discount at Denny`s the morning of his fight with Ali.
     
    ETM, Dec 3, 2014
    ETM, Dec 3, 2014
    #14
  15. Bummy Davis

    Bummy Davis Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    they are close but Machen had the better chin
     
    Bummy Davis, Dec 4, 2014
    Bummy Davis, Dec 4, 2014
    #15
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