Supposing Sanchez had n't tragically died so young. Nelson was still pretty raw when he gave a good losing account of himself against Sanchez in 1982. What would a rematch have been like if Azumah were a little more seasoned ? It would have been a classic,as Sanchez would probably have continued to improve too.
Would have loved to see the rematch. I don't think Nelson would have beaten Sanchez, not even with a few more fights behind him. He always seemed to have a problem with fast fighters with good movement, I think we only started to see what Sanchez was capable of in his last 4 fights. Such a shame that he died, I honestly think he would have gone on to huge things.
That was a pre prime performance by Nelson, but also a sub par performance by Sanchez, who felt lousy during the proceedings, but produced a stoppage anyway. For a rematch, Azumah would have elevated confidence, but Sal would also be ready with his "A game." Nelson might or might not go the limit in a return, but Sanchez was greater and there wouldn't be a need for a rubber match.
The timing was perfect for Nelson (An unknown last minute sub.)? Sanchez well preparred & something to prove would be too much for the still green Azumah. who has a ton of heart & no quit in him.
I see things a bit differant. I could see Nelson winning a decision in a rematch. I watched this fight over the winter and a green unprepared Nelson was givin it to Sanchez pretty good. 50/50 in a rematch.
Obvious bias here, but I just think Nelson style, as great as he was, kind of plays to Sanchez's strengths and the fight always turns out the way it did.
I think at some point Sanchez's relatively early prime would have seen his performances start to regress. Eventually he was going to lose and by about 1984 Nelson would have been up to it IMO. Close UD to Nelson p.s I'd also have chosen Arguello to beat Sanchez at 135 (one bridge too far in weight for Sal)
Sal would be elevated, but so would Azumah, and it would go the full fifteen, but Sal would take it with a split.
Sanchez fought 'to levels'; he thought Nelson was a novice, he was, but he was a special novice! I suspect Sanchez would not of made the mistake a second time. Sanchez WU15/12.
