both fought at lightweight and i would edge toward mclarnin at lightweight but do not know much about napoles at lightweight so jutst trying to pick up some info
I'd favor Napoles at either weight. Techniques changed a good deal between the eras the two fought in (though Jimmy was a bit of an in-betweener as far as the era shift goes), and I can't favor McLarnin over an elite modern stylist like Napoles in all good conscience. I rate McLarnin higher for what he achieved during his time, though.
I basically agree with everything Sweet Pea says there. Based on the fact that Napoles looked a beast at Lightweight as well, I think even McLarnin would have his hands full. As I'm of the belief that Napoles may look like a destroyer in the footage we have of him at 135lbs but it's clear that he didn't 'learn how to box' as he moved up; I feel he would've been at his physical peak at Lightweight and had immeasurable advantages over many fighters there. Napoles vs Duran at 135lbs is the trickiest conundrum for me,.
Napoles would box somewhat conservatively against McLarnin, being respectful of the Irishman's speed and power, plus being aware of his toughness. Mantequilla would use that superb strategy he used vs Emile Griffith, and feint Jimmy into countering the feints, then Jose would counter the counter. Napoles W15 McLarnin.
I'd lean towards Napoles best for best. Of course it's said that Napoles' best was at 135, and in the footage i've seen he's a wrecking ball, but you'd have to say the experience he accumulated at 147 does him good in against McLarnin, who's one of the most proven fighters ever, and bangs. I always thought the best way to beat Napoles was the all physical approach, meaning someone with that as his natural style would be warranted for the job most of the time. McLarnin brawled plenty but i saw him more of a puncher than a marauder, definitely. He boxed for his power shots. Someone like Basilio or even a more varied version of Beau Jack would be more suited by my perception. I'm picking Napoles, though only tentatively at 135.
Napoles is a slight favourite at Lightweight for me, maybe a shade more complete than McLarnin at that point? Head to head peak for weleterweight peak i'd pick McLarnin.
Nice post. Yeah, McLarnin was very complete. You can't rule out a KO, because he was hitting hard enough with either hand and had accurate shots (cuts). You can't rule out an aggressive, slugging, rhythym-breaking performance because he had the physical tools and the mentality to get into the trenches with just about anyone in the sport. Of course, I don't rule out his being out-boxed, but I don't think, all things considered, the odds favour it? Tiger after Torres 1.
Nice reply, when you think how competetive the Ross-McLarnin series was then you just have to think this is going to be a great fight. McLarnin at his peak is going to make anyone know they're in a fight. I would still favour Napoles personally, but i'm not arguing, for sure.
