But another one Chuck says that they were great friends, but that if a REAL fight had ever broke out between the 2 of them, that there was no doubt in his mind that Bruce would have won.
I had read in an article, back in the 70's where Chuck said when the were sparring, Bruce gave Chuck an airbag to hold. When Bruce kicked, it sent Chuck flying. He said it was the most unbelievable kick he had ever experienced. That coming from someone who knows Superfoot Wallace.
Well, I guess for a real competition fight, you are correct. But it was always contended in the 70’s that Norris would have brutalized Lee. Norris WAS the world champion, and Lee was as much Jackie Chan is to movies, as Lee was to movies.
Yes, they were friends, and I suspect after Lee’s death, everyone in Lee’s circle had great things to say about him. I have never badmouthed a dead friend.
Also, as far as the airbag, I would bet it was true. They were equal weight classes.
I think Bill Wallace was quite a bit heavier than Lee, I could be mistaken. But he competed when Norris did, and if I remember he was in a heavier weight class, maybe a few classes higher.
I don’t recall exact details, I’m going off of memory, as I did competition Karate in the late 70’s (amateur stuff) but I read all the magazines like Kick and stuff like that. I used to hang both Lee’s and Norris pictures on my wall in the garage as inspiration.
As far as Lee’s skill? I used to idolize him, no doubt, but I still think there were better fighters of that generation. Just my opinion.
As far as current times, I don’t think he would fair well with an MMA champion. No one from that era would.