Orlando Canizales vs the nearly men of the bantamweight divison

Orlando Canizales was a fabulous fighter who reigned as IBF bantamweight champion for 6 years, making a record 16 consecutive defenses and was 38-1-1 by the time he left the division. He could box, punch and had a top ring IQ as well.

Considering the numbers alone, he should be considered a lock for a top 10 spot in bantam history. But the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story, despite his obvious talent.

Canizales can be seen as a beneficiary of the split world title era, defending his slice of the title but against generally low quality opposition, and never looking to unify or go much outside his comfort zone. Once he did, he met a higher level of opposition up at super bantamweight, losing to the likes of Wilfredo Vasquez and Junior Jones, although it can be argued he was past his best and above his best weight.

So how does he compare with fighters in the same weight class from earlier eras who weren’t so lucky to get the opportunity to either hold a minor title or who were up against some of the very best bantams in history. How would he fare in hypothetical matchups with these guys…


Jose Medel
A contender throughout the 1960s who fought all the era’s best bantams, including:

• Eder Jofre x2
• Fighting Harada x2,
• Ruben Olivares
• Lionel Rose
• Chuco Castillo
• Eloy Sanchez
• Jose Becerra
• Walter McGowan

Fought for the title twice, losing to both Jofre and Harada but was good enough to TKO Harada in their first fight, hurt Jofre badly in their first fight, and also beat Jesus Pimental and draw with Chuco Castillo. Maybe the best fighter never to be bantam world champ?

Jesus Pimental
Perennial contender during the 1960s when the division was at its zenith with the likes of Jofre, Harada, Rose and Olivares holding the lineal championship.

His fight with fellow contender Jose Medel in 1965 was fantastic and he also did battle with future champ Chuco Castillo and future contender Kazyoshi Kanazawa. The last fight of his career was an unsuccessful but gallant title try against Ruben Olivares in 1971 - not a bad way to go out.

Albert Davila
Terrific pure boxer who was arguably undersized and a little underpowered for the division but he fought only the best at World title level, losing first to Carlos Zarate and then Lupe Pintor in a close and rather wonderful technical battle in which he led for much of the fight before Pintor pulled out the win in the championship rounds. And before his title tries, he had the misfortune of meeting a young Wilfredo Gomez.

He did eventually win a world title strap at 118 after Pintor’s departure from the division but didn’t really get to celebrate it as his opponent for the interim title, Kiko Bejines, died from injuries sustained in the fight.

Does Orlando get the better of Medel, Pimental and Davila?

 

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