Carmine Basilio vs Jose Mantequilla Napoles, 147 lbs, 15 Rounds, Both Prime. Would Basilio prove to be too physical for Napoles? Would Napoles outslick Carmine?
Always thought Basilio was one of the worst matchups for Napoles. Would be fun, and bloody, while it lasted, though. Cuts stoppage on either side is realistic, but I favor Basilio to draw blood first. I feel like Napoles would’ve been too bold for his own good, resulting in him getting busted open in one of the exchanges. Might seem like a cop out call, but we’re dealing with two of the most notorious bleeders in modern history. Napoles had worse luck in those instances.
Napoles was great but the truth is the truth, Napoles suffered really bad cuts, especially the first Billy Backus title losing fight and to Armando Muniz, first fight in 1975.
I think Nap takes it. Given the state of his career and the cut he suffered, I think he did excellent vs Muniz, who you can simplify down to a poor man's verison of Basilio. If a prime Napoles fights like a past prime Napoles did in the rematch, I think he takes this one on points. But Bujia's pertinent point about who draws blood first could well be the story of this one, and the proverbial right answer.
I like Basilio's toughness to make this rugged fight - Basilio's Rhythm breaking style in a fight that may have some cuts and injuries but I like Basilio's chances here
Yea. Ilike his chances as well, maybe stop Napoles on cuts around the 13/14 round. Dont like the ***** 12 rounders unless proir stated.
It's interesting that Napoles always looks so cool and collected and......I don't know.....quiet, I guess as a fighter. No wasted motion, conservative pace, everything nice and tidy. You can't do that with Basilio as your opponent. He forces you to fight hard just to survive. Can Napoles do that for a full 15? He'll need to.
This is a real 50/50 for me. Sorry I cant make a confident pick here. 2 guys I really like alot that would make for an instant classic
Forgetting cuts then Napoles takes it, they aren't usually a factor when people talk fantasy fights but Napoles is a special case in that he cut as easy as his nickname, can see Basilio carving him up over the distance but it's a tricky fight to predict. Don't think it's the best fight for Napoles style wise but I'd still give him a 60/40 chance.
