They might split a series but best for best I'd favour Ortiz in a tough fight on points. More seasoned and proven against a wider variety of styles and great opposition than Chavez over 15 rounds, and the slightly more skilled, smarter and nuanced fighter. Crucially too, he was an absolute physical unit at the weight, frighteningly big and strong and a skilled inside fighter. Chavez isn't going to be able to bully him or wrest physical control of the fight from him even though I'd expect him to have loads of success with his own skilled pressuring approach, body punching and exemplary technique. Carlos close but clear UD15.
I've always maintained that Ortiz would win a competitive, yet clear decision. In short, Ortiz had the skill and the jab to control Chavez from the outside, and could more than hold his own on the inside. Ortiz was a great infighter, and VERY physically strong at lightweight. Infighting ability, and physical strength were two things that a guy like Rosario lacked. Ortiz by UD.
I sort of feel Ortiz is a better, more nuanced and thinking version of Chavez. Probably less eye catching and hurtful in his attacks but equally strong and good at cutting down the ring and controlling space. BTW, did you get to see all those fights?
Maybe Chavez could win one fight in a series of 3 ...Ortiz wasn't the most consistent fighter or the most dedicated from my understanding...plus he had trouble with Duilio loi ...what a pressure fighter with a good defense , so maybe Chavez could be a stylistic problem for him
1. I agree. Chavez was greater and is higher on the all time list, but I feel Ortiz was the better of the two. The only clear advantage Chavez had over Ortiz was chin. I feel Carlos was as good, or better in most other categories. 2. Yes, I did. Thanks a million! I previously had Rodriguez-Griffith II on VHS, but it had been over 10 years since I watched it. Ortiz-Torres I also have on VHS somewhere lol. Much appreciated!
Ortiz was an alcoholic, which probably played a role, but I dunno if I could call a man who dominated 135 for nearly a decade "inconsistent".
He certainly would have. On topic, i'd maybe slightly favour Ortiz but i wouldn't put much money on it, Duran and Whitaker are the only guys i'd confidently pick over the LW version of Chavez.