Starling is the better boxer & probably has a better defense. But Cuevas left hook is the big equalizer. Probably goes like the Cuevas vs Randy Shields fight. Cuevas by split decision. 1979-07-30 : Pipino Cuevas 146½ lbs beat Randy Shields 142½ lbs by UD in round 15 of 15 Location: International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, USA Referee: Luis Sulbaran 72-71 Judge: Albert Tremari 73-67 Judge: Marco Antonio Rodriguez 72-71 WBA World Welterweight Title (9th defense by Cuevas) Photo #2, Photo #3, Photo #4 Notes The fight was postponed four times. It was rescheduled once because Cuevas had a sore throat. The last postponement was caused by an injury to Shields' left arm. Cuevas was a heavy betting favorite. Cuevas received $80,000, plus a share of Mexican TV revenue. Shields was guaranteed $25,000. There were no knockdowns in the bout. This was the first time Cuevas was forced to go the distance in a title defense. Newspaper Articles "Boxer's plan — keep his distance" Associated Press, July 29, 1979 "Cuevas defends championship" United Press International, July 31, 1979
If the best version of Starling turns up he might outpoint Pipino. It would be no given he would see the finish line tho. Starling is a very good fighter but Ceuvas has that power. Good match.
Over 15 rounds...that's a long time not to get crushed by that left hook of Pipino. Starling likely needs 45 minutes to win this fight, Cuevas might only need 30 seconds - or less. Starling had a very good defence & a good chin, but I'm not sure he's good enough to not get clocked at some point and Marlon is unlikely to "do a Hearns" on Cuevas, especially prime Pipino..I'm going for a Cuevas knockout, whilst behind on points.
Starling was a level above Shields and had a better defense. Marlon loved guys who came to him, and Pipino would oblige. Pipino only has a puncher's chance, but it is unlikely Starling gets caught with the windup left hook. Thus, using logical reasoning, I have to pick Starling by UD.
While being a terrific puncher, Pipino Cuevas had relatively little skill and had to be carefully managed as a result. Marlon Starling had too much skill for a fighter like Cuevas, who had only a puncher's chance against a fighter of Starling's caliber. - Chuck Johnston