Is it possible is Montiel is better than thought?

Look, I'll take any opportunity possible to throw off on the Charlo's, I've never been a fan of them personally, or of their in ring style. But there is also a reason with the utmost confidence I picked Montiel to KO James Kirkland. He's far better than his record indicates. Yes, he lost to Munguia by brutal KO, however take into consideration that 6 months after that match when he came back, he was fighting two divisions higher. He fought that match at Welterweight, he hadn't fought that low in weight since 2011. Clearly he was drained, which means it isn't a great idea to get in the ring with someone who was clearly a big puncher down at 147 and 154. Every other loss is a SD or a MD, and IMO he won his match against Centeno by a point, and like last night, finished far better than he started. He's tough as hell at 160, has a far better chin. But... most importantly, since I've actually seen quite a few of his matches over the last few years, he's overall vastly improved and diversified his in ring skillset. He used to be just a straight up switch hitting plodder, but in recent years, he's enhanced his awkward herky jerky movement, learned to roll with and slip punch, and move his head far better, also his punch selection is far more advanced than it used to be. See, sometimes it pays to know he these "bummy" Mexican club fighters are beforehand. I've known who Montiel was since 2015. So yeah, I can say without hesitation, Montiel is far better now than he was. With a lot of these guys in Mexico that didn't have long amaeur careers, they do learn on the job and are far better than their record indicate, he's just another in a long line of fighters like that.

 

Charlo is overrated and should have losses to Trout, Korobov and arguably a draw against Derevyanchenko. But still, to be good enough to draw or beat Derevyanchenko by a point or two, means he's not that bad. Also, those three are very noteworthy opponents, as are J-Rock, Hogan, Adams and Centeno. All of them clearly skillwise better than Montiel. The reality is, Montiel is just tough as nails, as evidence by the fact that he's the only guy to date to literally walk Charlo down and be willing to fight fire with fire. Not saying he's some next level great, but he's a tough out for anyone who can't hurt him enough to keep him off, and if Charlo couldn't, there's not many who can.