From what I can find, he seems like an extremely talented, entertaining fighter. Only problem is, I can’t find much. From what I can tell, he was a very aggressive, smart fighter. Absolute iron chin. Not a great knockout artist, but maybe he was a puncher like Greb, where he probably isn’t going to ko you, but he’ll beat you so bad you wish he had. At welterweight he was very game in 2 losing efforts to a prime Robinson, and would be a champion in the division after Robinson moved up to middleweight. So are there any experts who can enlighten me with any other information on this great fighter? Where do you believe he ranks all time, both as a welterweight and p4p?
Great at flurrying in the last 10-15 seconds of a round. In fact I thought I read that Ali picked up that trick watching him. Who knows. Watch his fight with Gil Turner. Took the kid out to deep water and drowned him.
For WW, I had him at 6. (For context, below José Napoles and just above Jack Britton) Pfp I have him in the 4th Tier (31-40)
There is quite a bit of footage of him. One of the greatest 147lbs ever. One of the best caught on film IMO. This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected There is more than this, such as the Basilio bout, Graham bout, Bratton trilogy and some middleweight bouts (Tiger Jones). There is also a documentary that is like 1.30 hrs. I don't know if its still up tho.
The Cuban Hawk could do every facet of the game. Here's my description of the Paddy Young bout. 'Kid Gavilan (W) vs Paddy Young (L) Extended highlights (sigh) of this ten rounder. Beautiful boxing here from the Keed against the solidly talented Young. Gavilan, who was outweighed by 10 pounds in this middleweight bout, showed everything boxing has to offer here. Brilliant footwork, deceptive, slick defense, spiteful fiery offense, a huge ring IQ and unorthodox instinct and an adamantium chin. Young could just not do anything here. How this was only a MD is very questionable and concerning. Gavilan is truly one of the best fighters ever on film. And if anyone knows who the commentator is, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.' This content is protected
he's a top 10 ww for sure, if not in or near the top 5. he was an extremely skilled & versatile fighter w/ quick hands & feet, a high workrate, punch variety, & an iron chin. Early in his career, he was known mainly for his aggressive, swarming attack style, but as time progressed he expanded his style to mix boxing & slugging in fairly equal measure. perhaps his biggest strength was the way he seamlessly alternated between styles, which confused & frustrated no shortage of opponents. This fight w/ Ben Buker is the earliest footage I've been able to find of Gavilan & took place just as he was emerging as a star @ the world class level. This content is protected IMO, his 2nd fight w/ tough journeyman Fitzie Pruden represents his absolute peak & provides the best summation of his style & attributes: This content is protected
