Branching off my earlier thread of Loma in the '30's, how do you think he would cope with one of the best ever in Canzoneri? Two unique, varied and creative fighters. Can be at any weight from 126 to 140 lb.
Good matchup, but, I will go with Canzoneri. Too strong for Loma. Unlike Walters and Rigo, he wouldn't fold just because he was getting outboxed for a few rounds. And, he would bring it a lot harder than guys like Pedraza and Linares.
I am sure I will be in the minority and that is fine. I think when all is said and done Loma’s career will be viewed with the understanding that he was/is elite and skill wise legacy will be listed in the pantheon of greats. Canzoneri is a solid and exciting guy, and this will be a hotly contested fight to whoever wins. I think Loma is the more skilled of the two and as the fight progresses that will become more evident and he will separate himself over the final 3rd. A very close Loma decision, but one he would earn!
I'm a huge Loma fan, he's my favorite current boxer, and would love to see this fight, it'd be a next-level high speed chess match between two grandmasters. Canzoneri would be the slight favorite going forward, though, as I still think Loma might have issues above 135 and it's tough to pick against an ATG like Canzoneri.
With the day before weigh in rules or even if it is same day I think Loma would be the bigger guy or the difference would be negligible. I guess the rule set could be a factor but again I don’t think there would be much difference in size. Loma is taller and reach is a wash as well.
Good Post, but I don't agree Loma is more skilled. The way Canzoneri controlled and manipulated the centreline, of both his and his opponents, was absolutely phenomenonal. Also, will Loma show the same level of skill against more elite opponents? Canzoneri showed his skill against ATGs of the highest level, which Loma hasn't (although that isn't his fault). I also think the styles clash would favour Canzoneri. I feel Canzoneri was most vulnerable to intense pressure fighters (shown in Kide Berg 1) and would therfore lose to fighters ala Duran and Armstrong. However, Loma does not bring this pressure, and he does not have the power for it. Canzoneri was a very good puncher, underrated on that regard. Canzoneri has seen skills Loma performs before (although southpaw would be interesting), whilst Loma has never seen a style of Canzoneri. I just feel canzoneri would take him out of his rhythm. I do think the fight would be close, but clear in Canzoneri's favour. However this is a very intriguing match up, which is why I wanted the Classic Forum opinions.
I don't know, why we have to assume, that Loma has never seen a style like Canzoneri's - while Loma himself brings nothing to the table, that would surprise Tony! This seems to be a recurring theme, in these old vs new fantasy fights: The modern fighter would be too inexperienced, and given a boxing lesson, if thrown in with an old-timer who has seen it all and learned his craft over several times as many fights. However, Loma is hardly your average 13-fight pro! With almost 400 amateur bouts at the highest level, I would guess, that he has probably seen a bit of everything! Canzoneri was very, very good - but would Loma really be that confused by his low-hands style? And why wouldn't Canzoneri be AT LEAST as confused, when facing a fast, mobile SOUTHPAW... who will dart in and out, throwing punches from all angles? I see Loma taking a close decision.
Its not that I think Loma brings nothing to the table. Far from it. It's just the skills Loma showcases isn't anything new compared to the abilities of Kid Chocolate, Barney Ross and many others. Also, Canzoneri has one of the most unique styles in boxing ever, period. I doubt any amateur or pro Loma has met has boxed like canzoneri. If they did, I doubt they were anywhere near as good. Several fighters Loma fought may have facets in the game like Canzoneri, but one facet is not the full package. There is a lot more to Canzoneri than just low hands. I didn't start this thread to denigrate a modern fighter in comparison to an old fighter. Loma has skills that translate to any era, and he's definitely capable of winning a title in any of these eras. Against Canzoneri, however, I was not so sure, which is why I posted the match up.
Also, I will say the higher the weight, the more I favour Canzoneri. Featherweight, I wouldn't be surprised with Loma close decision.
Do we assume that Canzoneri fights with the same extremely low guard that he used during his actual career? Would seem to be a potentially huge disadvantage against an opponent with Lomachenko’s reflexes, skills, and combination punching.
Low hands does not always mean vulnerability. Canzoneri had a science to his odd style, and the low guard was used to bait the opponent, along with his amazing head movement. He also had the power to keep others honest. However, this would lead to very interesting exchanges with Lomachenko, that I agree.
Right. And I suspect that Lomachenko likely has the speed and skills to exploit that unorthodox style, even if most of Canzoneri's real-life opponents couldn't.
