Most skilled: Saldivar, Olivares, Canto, Sanchez, Zarate, Chavez, Roman, Finito, JMM, MAB, Morales

#1 Sanchez
#2"Chavez
3 Saldivar
#4 Zarate
#5 Olivaires.

 

Swap Zarate an Olivares and I agree with this

 

The greatest fighter in Mexican history

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I dunno, tough to say. I mean, skill at doing what, counterpunching? Sanchez, though Saldivar was great there too. Applying pressure is a skill too, but that's probably Chavez. Saldivar applied such insidiously subtle pressure that I have to give him props. Maybe not subtle, that's the wrong word. Incremental maybe. That fits better.

Of this list, I think the least of probably Zarate in terms of blend of skillsets.

 

Imagine having Zarate above Olivares or thinking Sal Sanchez is the Mexican G.O.A.T. This forum has gone to sh**

 

Still an idiot princess. Sweet. Sweet Fleaman. The Max Kellerman of the boxing forums.

 

Literally picking at straws here.

I always enjoyed how Saldivar would be so aggressive but was actually the one to draw the lead from the opponent. A very understated 'baiter' and aggressive pounding counter puncher, so much so that he looked a leader. Extremely adept at cutting an opponent off, with the added advantage of the southpaw angle. His jab was a range finder, alongside with his very underrated body movement, to set up thudding body shots. Saldivar is much more of a thinking boxer than he first appears.

Sanchez is Sanchez. Just watch him. Beautiful footwork in all directions. Great headmovement and boxing IQ. I think his most underrated asset was his ability to go from a deep crouch straight back to upright lateral movement almost instantly. Crazy ability that always kept the opponent on their toes and drew them in to lead. Maybe the most 'skilled' to me but also had the most jarring stylistic challenges as well. Had a very well developed, unique take on the fore arm guard (Moore style) which he used almost like a shell, which he would then land those perfect overhand rights. You can see against Gomez. The shot that hurt him first is a right coming off, not the left hook after.

Chavez also had beautiful headmovement and extremely solid pressure footwork. There was nothing extroadinary or 'off key' about his style, it was all 'basic'. Mastery. The man could do most anything well at his best. Combined with his thudding power, intense pressure and adamantium chin, it would take a lot to beat him.

Olivares is maybe the most perfect power puncher you will ever see, especially for the lower weights. Absolutely perfect torque on his punches, especially that legendary left hook, of which he always drew his feet forward correctly and kept his right planted for extra oomf. He also had his own off key method to outside boxing, which seemed to work quite well for him, especially at 126. Can be seen in the Hafey and Chacon bouts.

Zarate, like Olivares, was another picture of power punching, representing the Cuyo Hernandez school. Out of this list, he is the one with the most physical advantages for his weight. And didn't he make it work! Those compact, torquing shots from long range were absolutely devastating and are extremely pressing issues to get past. Solid, underrated defense kept him mostly safe whilst his power deterred opponents, and his length kept away the less skilled. Of this list, he probably has the least 'developed' footwork, but he was also the one who needed it least. Pretty serviceable.

 

Sorry big brother I have commit wrongthink and will accept any punishment

 

Chavez

 

Great. Great post R. Maybe yr best ever to me. Kudos!!!

 

Morlocks said it already, but cracking post lad

 

Sanchez
Saldivar
Chavez
Olivares
Zarate

 

I asked Nacho Beristain in about 2010 who he felt were the most skilled Mexican fighters in history and from that list of fighters the one he was least impressed with was Sanchez. He praised his strength but seemed to think he wasn’t overly skilled or technical. Olivares and Chavez he had as the two best (of that list). He also said along with Marquez those are the greatest Mexicans. I’m surprised he didn’t talk about Saldivar more on the occasions I spoke to him since he was a big part of Saldivars team on the management side then the corner eventually.

For me, personally I feel Zarate is the odd man out there much as I like him. I think the others are all skilled in different areas. I’ll say that I think Olivares had the best technical and offensive skill set though.

 

That has to be some sour grapes or something odd accounting for Sanchez. How can you not see his skill? Maybe he has a really rigid interpretation / ideal of style and skill?