Two slick Puerto Ricans who held cruiserwieght titles at the same time. This is another "hometown" fight that should have happened but never did, don't know why, maybe they were buddies. Who wins?
Even matchup, but unfortunately half the audience would probably walk out before it was over.. Makings of a snooze fest to say the least. I'd probably go with Carlos by decision on the basis of being the more accomplished cruiser and certainly the more skilled.
I think Deleon was better in his Cruiserweight prime. I think his lateral movement was better than that of Ocasio. He would make Ocasio take the lead, and would counter him. I see Deleon winning by comfortable decision.
For as insignificant of a claim as it may be, Carlos Deleon was legitimately one of the best cruisers of all time. This is largely due of course to that fact that the division has only been around for about 35 years and has never been a particularly deep pool talent wise. But nevertheless he's leagues above Ocasio in that weight class.
De Leon was actually a very good fighter. Crusierweight was 190 lbs. back then, and I think he could have fought with any Light Heavy back then, even Spinks.
Ko Mag. did an ****ysis on a possible Deleon/Michael Spinks matchup in 1984 and picked Deleon to win a decision. Deleon was probably in his absolute prime then. He had regained the title with an easy decision over ST Gordon and made a few defenses. He was also rated above Occasio by the experts at that time. Unfortunately shortly thereafter he became inconsistent and lost to some mediocre fighters like Alfonzo Ratliff. Deleon was a favorite of the WBC and got plenty of opportunities mid and late career but his peak was in 1984.
