Although I understand Monzon’s historical significance and pedigree, Jofre’s record, style and more complete arsenal make it more than just a lean between the two of them for me.
Yeah, I think Jofre was without doubt the more nuanced, skilled and complete boxer-puncher overall, great as Monzon was. Monzon's size, strength nd ring-generalship at middle, much a part of his success, narrows the overall gap where pure effectiveness is concerned. I can't quite imagine Monzon jumping up to 168/170 near the end of his career and being as effective as Jofre was against an equivalent of Legra while being at a height, reach and mobility disadvantage tbh.
As to who was better? Bloody hell, that's a swine of a question pal! Can I have a week to think on it? My gut reaction was Napoles by a hair tbh. Smoother puncher albeit not necessarily with superior technique. Probably better feet and fluid punch slipping ability/upper body movement on an instinctual level and a slightly better counter puncher. Jofre tighter defensively and more responsible with a better guard and not really any the worse for being in a prime position to get shots off quickly. His right hand rarely left his chin whereas Napoles tended to hang his chin out a bit more to draw punches that he could quickly slip and counter with either hand. Jofre was a bit better at tightening up under fire, his upper body movement was also very good and I think he had a bit more dynamism, unpredictability and variety to his combinations despite Napoles being so aesthetically pleasing and with great variety himself. Neither had great speed but both had superb timing and were made out of iron. Jofre had the edge for p4p one punch power imo but Napoles was a faster starter. Both on the same tier of overall greatness I'd say, both a bit higher than Monzon for me.
I have it almost exactly the same as you to a t, an I and all punctuation. I echo what I think you’re saying - although, Napoles Is perhaps aesthetically more pleasing, I reckon Jofre’s well drilled skillet, orthodoxy and punch power should see him do relatively better in a p4p gauntlet. At the same time, when orthodoxy and power isn’t enough to overcome flash and brilliance, Mantequilla’s fluidity and ability to draw the lead, slip and counter stand him in slightly better stead for me. I have them side by side most days for eliteness, although, I think I rate Jofre higher by a few places, perhaps, p4p.
Cracking post. I'll have a look at some Jofre soon but will bear all of what you said in mind when I do. Saves having to form my own opinion! I love posts like this that can be a real help when you look at films and it's all the better for its lack of bias, towards a fighter or an era.
