I was stewing on Buchanan-Nelson, wanting to collect other people's opinions, when it occurred to me that I haven't seen any of these match-ups done before. I think these three were close enough in size to compare them head-to-head-to-head.
Ken would be too big for Azumah IMO as Azumah wasn't really a lightweight. Over 15 Ken might beat Macho but not over 12 i think. I'd mildly favor Macho to outslick Nelson at 130 but i actually wouldn't take it as a forgone conclusion. A guy like early Camacho on his game can be pretty hard to beat.
I’d pick Buchanan over both. Stylistically Camacho gives him more issues but against the toughest opponents he struggled to put a great 12 rounds together and he’d need that vs. Buchanan’s pace and intensity.
I do agree that Ken Buchanan would be a problem for Azumah Nelson at 135 lbs, as that is beyond Nelson's natural weight. Ken would win on points. But Hector Macho Camacho outpoints Buchanan at 135 lbs, too much speed, footwork, a very snappy right jab, and blistering combinations.
I think I am the biggest Azumah fan around, but nah…he ain’t beating Ken at LW. Camacho should beat both Ken and Nelson fairly comfortably
I think the Macho Man defeats him decisively, Hector fought plenty of hard and durable and dangerous fighters, all Kenny has is Boxing an educated Jab, I don't think Buchanan has enough to overcome the excellence of Camacho.
Buchanan beats them both decisively. A fighter who is incredibly underrated for his sheer class, adaption and toughness. Camacho is the bigger struggle, but only early - Buchanan would adapt, possibly in a workman-like fashion at first, and slowly pound away at him from the centre with his jab. Buchanan has also dealt with speedsters and slicksters before, some on a higher tier than Camacho as fighters (such as Laguna - who wasn't as fast but was more skilled and a greater, more proven fighter. Comacho didn't have offensive variety quite like that.). Buchanan was also extremely poised - he wouldn't let the 'flash' of Comacho fluster him early when he is beat to the punch - look how he dealt with the early assault of Laguna in the 2nd bout before coming back and taking control, almost stopping him in the 14th iirc. As for Nelson, I honestly think he starts getting pounded by the mid-rounds and stopped later.
was he Tougher though? Buchanan was more the athlete and not the tough guy, he didn't possess both traits, I still think Hector beats him decisively.
Nelson gets stopped by Ken after putting up a great fight. Camacho? He never beat anyone of Buchanan's stature at that weight but he can't be overlooked. Rounds 12-15 would be very interesting and Ken might pull it out close. I'd like to see Camacho vs DeJesus at 135.