More impressive wonderkid Benitez or Cuevas?

And at the same time you insinuate that Benitez somehow hijacked Cervantes' title. So basically, according to you Benitez was an overprotected, overrated, SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD who didnt deserve to be in the same ring as Cervantes and won a gift decision that would have gone the other way in Columbia? Wow, talk about turning one of boxings greatest achievments on its head. I know you have a thing for revisionist history but this is an "interesting" take on things.

And yet he still managed to make the most of his opportunity and defeat a great great JWW for the title, and then a damn fine WW for another title, and another good fighter for the JMW title... Wow, that guy sucked and was horribly overprotected.

 

I struggle to see the closeness of the Cervantes fight myself.

Cervantes dictated very little of the flow of the bout and was outlanded in nearly every round, even if the majority of punches were jabs.

 

klompton..

Please read my post correctly.
Before he fought for the Title versus Antonio Cervantes he was 'carefully guided',
and somewhat over-protected.

Agree, yes or no..?

That is called,,,,,,,,good management.
I saw his bout versus Lawrence Hafey on television (WOR-TV, channel 9).
A teenager who was quick and fast, that out-sped a tough Canadien club-fighter
who was on a roll, and who was much more experienced than him.

Wilfred was a wonderful boxer, and one of my favorites. No knock on him, just calling it properly.

 

LA-California,

Thanks, for the follow up.
Though both fighters were 'teenage sensations', in my opinion, I thought that
Pipino Cuevas' accomplishment was slightly more impressive.

As for Wilfred, that first time I saw him on TV in Madison Square Garden, Lawrence Hafey controlled the first 3-Rounds with bull rushes and a swarming-style.
Then in Round 4 Wilfred took over, and boxed beatifully and floored Hafey in
Round 7, which sent the Puerto Rican fight fans into a frenzy.
In Round 8, Wilfred sent Hafey down again, and had him reeling throughout.
I'm pretty sure the decision was 6-2-0 across the board.

Tha amazing thing, Lawrence Hafey was a 28 year-old man, and
Wilfred Benetiz had just turned 16.

A STAR IS BORN!!!

 

I dont know. I fail to see how Espadas can be compared to Cervantes in any way shape or form. If you want to pick apart Benitez' accomplishments prior to Cervantes (which if as meager as some argue only makes his beating Cervantes that much more impressive) then take a look at Espadas who wasnt even a pimple on the ass of Cervantes in any way shape or form. It doesnt really speak well for your record when the best fighter youve ever faced is an absolutely ancient Eddie Perkins and you lost to him...

 

Look at the overall, Angel Espada was at the time, a good fighter.

If, Benetiz fought Cervantes in a rematch, (in Columbia), you would be able to get a
complete assessment.

Six of one, half-dozen the other. Really, we're splitting hairs here.

 

La-California.

Nice pick-up there on the "ESPADAS".
And like you said, Angel had many good wins over Top 15 guys.
And at age 28, he was in his 'prime' when facing Pipino.

Antonio, on the other hand, though dominant, was on the wrong side of the
mountain, age 30+.

 

Espada always struck me as a good, fluid technician.Just too passive and laid back.

 

I will say this, Angel Espada was better than any fighter Ray Leonard
fought up to winning the Title versus Wilfred Benetiz.
Clearly better than;
Pete Ranzany
Andy Price
Armando Muniz
Adolfo Viruet
Tony Chiaverini
Fernand Marcotte
Daniel Gonzalez

* After winning title, add
Davey Green
Larry Bonds
Bruce Finch

 

Mayweather Sr. was a pretty good strap for a 14th or 15th pro fight.

 

On Pipino,

Up through 1/25/75, at age 17
his record was 12-5-0 (11 KO's)
and his ledger was listed with complete nobodies.
Pretty much a raw, but powerful 147-pounder, with no real finesse.

His only rating, #12 in the Mexican Welterweight Rankings.

 

Floyd Sr. had only had like 15 fights himself.