Julio Cesar Chavez's most creditable win?

[IntentionalButt]

I am in need of some education regarding J.C.

I've only seen the handful of his highest-profile fights (maybe half a dozen) and some highlight reels.

It's commonly held that much of Chavez's record is built on fluff. However, it's also commonly held that he was in fact a capable H2H fighter whose ATG status is not disputed even by those who deride the first decade of his resume.

I also understand that his biggest wins (and losses - and draw ) are not without their controversy. Taylor obviously came within agonizingly close reach of widely outpointing him before the ultimately divisive stoppage. Whitaker is widely believed to have won their fight. He lost to Randall on the sole basis of a foul point deduction; then avenged this loss immediately thereafter - and once more much later. DLH and Tszyu are criticized for beating up an old man past his best.

So my question is; what would Classic Forum consider to be Chavez's "signature win" - where he clearly and unambiguously proved himself the better man against a high quality opponent?

Camacho? The Taylor rematch?

Some other name on his record I'm not familiar with, who's better than they look on paper?

[Shake]

Edwin Rosario. Its on Youtube -- and it's a bloody brilliant fight by Chavez.

[IntentionalButt]

Is Haugen a great win? I haven't seen that fight, nor much of Haugen.

[IntentionalButt]

Originally Posted by Shake

Edwin Rosario. Its on Youtube -- and it's a bloody brilliant fight by Chavez.

Will do.

I've actually heard praise for this fight and never got around to checking it out. Thanks.

[Shake]

You'll have to ask the resident historians here, I don't think I'm qualified to answer that. I was personally very impressed by the overwhelming superiority displayed in the bout, though.

EDIT: When you watch the fight, please keep in mind that Rosario was a deadly counterpuncher. He just hits so hard. It is necessary to properly understand what Julio is doing in there. As they say, life is on the edge -- the rest is just filler.

[MrMarvel]

Chavez's destuction of Rosario is indeed brilliant. Rosario was an outstanding lightweight. They could have fought that fight in a phone booth. To see a fighter as outstanding as Rosario fighting for his life against Chavez cemented Chavez's greatness for me.

His come from behind victory of Taylor was another greatest hit. Chavez methodically broke Taylor down with potentially tragic consequences (some say the consequences were tragic).

Seeing Chavez totally dominate a fighter as talented as Camacho also has to be included in the list of greatest victories.

Chavez's record was not built on fluff. He cleaned out divisions. He was one of the greatest fighters I have ever seen.

[essexboy]

Originally Posted by MrMarvel

Chavez's destuction of Rosario is indeed brilliant. Rosario was an outstanding lightweight. They could have fought that fight in a phone booth. To see a fighter as outstanding as Rosario fighting for his life against Chavez cemented Chavez's greatness for me.

His come from behind victory of Taylor was another greatest hit. Chavez methodically broke Taylor down with potentially tragic consequences (some say the consequences were tragic).

Seeing Chavez totally dominate a fighter as talented as Camacho also has to be included in the list of greatest victories.

Chavez's record was not built on fluff. He cleaned out divisions. He was one of the greatest fighters I have ever seen.

I was gonna say Camacho myself.

[natonic]

Above all, the win over Rosario. I THINK Rosario was a slight favorite. He had lost the controversial decision to Camacho and destroyed Bramble a year prior to fighting Chavez. Chavez completely dismantled a very, very good (if not great) fighter. Some of his earlier fights which impressed me were the title winning effort against Mario Martinez, a 2 round destruction of Roger Mayweather, and a decision win over Rocky Lockridge.

[IntentionalButt]

Yeah, I've seen the Mayweather win.

Two rounds into Chavez-Rosario. Wow. This is a shockingly good defensive effort by J.C. And that short, clipping uppercut to the chin that can't miss - perfectly timed, perfectly thrown...ouch.

[JudgeDredd]

Edwin Rosario, Jose Luis Ramirez, Hector Camacho

[Shake]

Originally Posted by IntentionalButt

Yeah, I've seen the Mayweather win.

Two rounds into Chavez-Rosario. Wow. This is a shockingly good defensive effort by J.C. And that short, clipping uppercut to the chin that can't miss - perfectly timed, perfectly thrown...ouch.

Glad you're enjoying it.

This fight shows how elusive a prime Chavez could be if he respected the punching power of the opponent, imo. Heck, this entire fight works as a showcase for him. Not just a hunt-and-destroy fighter -- can box -- much more subtlety to his game than previously assumed -- can thread a punch through the eye of a bloody needle. Those are the thoughts I walked away with after seeing Chavez-Rosario.

[red cobra]

The Haugen fight was more of a sadistic execution than a fight...I would say his tko over Rosario and his onesided decision/torture session over Camacho.

[duranimal]

Rosario

Then TAYLOR 1 it's never 2 late 2 through one last right hand

[rekcutnevets]

I may have to agree with the Rosario choice.

Haugen was a decent fighter, but no one was giving him a chance.

Camacho was past his best. I'm not saying it matters as far as the result is concerned, but Camacho was never the same after Rosario.

[MrMarvel]

That short right hook - or whatever you want to call it - of Chavez is devastating.