Growing up, I loved watching Joel fight. He didn't fight like a traditional Cuban, Joel delivered fan friendly bouts. He was truly a world class fighter who could more than hold his own vs anyone in the planet in his prime 2 division world champion @ 130lbs and 135lbs. Notable wins: Diego Corrales Twice Nate Campbell Michael Katsidis Had a very controversial loss to Acelino Freitas. Popo was so scared to fight Joel again that he vacated the WBO Jr. Lightweight title to move up to 135 rather than give Joel the rematch. Also had a controversial loss to Jose Luis Castillo He was alive in the JMM fight before getting stopped, two of the scorecards were tied going into the 11th. I've attached the Katsidis fight (you're welcome). This content is protected What do you think Casamayor's legacy is? Do you think he gets overlooked?
As a Corrales fan growing up he was the bane of my existence. If the scores rattled out a little differently he easily could have been the best out of that 4 man group. Would have liked to see him get fights with Juan Diaz (another fighter I really liked) and Pacquiao those fights could have really boosted his standing as well. I feel like he does get a little overlooked and he is much better than the losses on his record.
I'm 100% with you. 135 was LOADED back then. It looks like we might have a similar situation brewing now with Teofimo, Ryan Garcia, Tank and Devin Haney. We need to see them all fight each other the way that Chico, Castillo, and Joel did.
I just want to add that his win over Baek was basically a master class over a good, undefeated champion. Baek has beaten Lakva Sim previously. He also took apart Roberto Garcia.
They better get on it before Loma picks them all off. I'd like to see Linares in that mix too but Teofimo and Davis likely stop him. Good fights all around that division for sure.
This thread makes me wonder which of the big 4 (Freitas, Casamayor, Castillo, Corrales) if any belong in the hall of fame.
He was definitely underrated. I was always a fan. He had a smooth style and I'd say boxing definitely misses him.
If Joel fought the Baby Bull that would probably be another bullet point in the "controversial losses" column.
I don't believe any of the four will make it in, though Corrales, Casamayor, and Castillo all have a good argument. Of them I'd say Corrales has the best argument. A legit two weight champion and the only one of the group to have a win against all three others. Also the fact that he won one of the best fights of the decade should raise his status somewhat (it got Gatti in when he certainly shouldn't be).