*Kid Gavilan At His Finests Hours*

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010.


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  1. smitty_son408

    smitty_son408 J ust E njoy T his S hit Full Member

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    Watching the Bratton title fight moments ago just confirms the brilliance of Gavilan at his peak. Exceptional movement of both foot and upper body (notice at 3:31), one of the best displays of punching I've seen on film. An absolute virtuosa performance. The skills and technique displayed in his bouts don't even exist in today's era. His bouts with Beau Jack and Janiro I were equally impressive in his display of skill. Frankly, I'm close to ranking Gavilan over Leonard at 147 for the #2 slot behind Robinson. He showed at worst an equal amount skill IMO (though Leonard is arguably the most complete fighter in the sports history) and faced some impressive opposition including the #1 guy himself (twice). His comeback performance against Basillio cannot be ignored also. This wouldn't be quite a shocking move to most here though it's consensus opinion that Gavilan has a claim over just about anyone at the weight, though Leonard is generally considered Top 2.

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH4GEcjJV68[/ame]


    Lets not forget about this display in the rubber match...

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_CR3X4ebXs[/ame]
     
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
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  2. teeto

    teeto Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    Good thread. Round 7 was very eventful! The outboxing displayed in round 6 was great, complete with defensive head movements and shoulder rolls. His hooks were so sharp, even inside where some men get their work smothered.
     
    teeto, Mar 9, 2010
    teeto, Mar 9, 2010
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  3. smitty_son408

    smitty_son408 J ust E njoy T his S hit Full Member

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    Gavilan's jab was excellent, good set up weapon for his powerful hooks. What I also enjoyed was how he would bait his opponent in taking the less punishing blows to set up the more meaningful shots.
     
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
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  4. My2Sense

    My2Sense Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    But PUGLISTIC POWER says Gavilan is slow and unimpressive, and would likely get KO'd by Hatton in 5 rounds. :think

     
    My2Sense, Mar 9, 2010
    My2Sense, Mar 9, 2010
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  5. smitty_son408

    smitty_son408 J ust E njoy T his S hit Full Member

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    And the War continues:lol:
     
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
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  6. Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    PugilisticPower was a chump.

    As for Gavilan, I love the Bratton fights. His offensive variety was amazing in them. He had such an innovative and free-flowing style. There really hasn't been one that's been able to mimic it since. One of the most unique fighters of all time. I'd mention him among the most versatile fighters of all time, particularly with the left hand, regardless of his relative lack of punching power.
     
    Sweet Pea, Mar 9, 2010
    Sweet Pea, Mar 9, 2010
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  7. smitty_son408

    smitty_son408 J ust E njoy T his S hit Full Member

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    Agreed. One of the greatest hookers in small division history, he made it seem effortless in the ring. I wonder if anyone has reposted the Robinson fights on youtube, I've been itching to watch those for a while.
     
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
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  8. Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    Gavilan's fights with Robinson? I was under the impression they didn't exist. In fact I'm pretty certain of it.
     
    Sweet Pea, Mar 9, 2010
    Sweet Pea, Mar 9, 2010
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  9. smitty_son408

    smitty_son408 J ust E njoy T his S hit Full Member

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    I almost certain I saw a brief clip of one of their encounters (though I was likely drunk:lol:). I never heard that they didn't exist though, thats a real bummer.
     
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
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  10. sweet_scientist

    sweet_scientist Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think I've heard RB say that the Gavilan-Robinson fights exist.

    Kid Gavilan has an argument for the number 2 spot at welter. In a head to head sense, maybe Leonard has an edge because of his power advantage, but I wouldn't put anyone else above kid in a head to head sense.

    Hearns would probably be his hardest opponent stylistically, but I wouldn't count him out of that fight all the same.
     
    sweet_scientist, Mar 9, 2010
    sweet_scientist, Mar 9, 2010
    #10
  11. smitty_son408

    smitty_son408 J ust E njoy T his S hit Full Member

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    Gavilan is one of the guys I pick to beat Hearns along with both Sugars and Basillio. Hearns doesn't rank within my top 10 at Welter because of his inexperience and durability issues, which puts him at disadvantage against some of the greats at the weight (but this is for another thread:D).
     
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
    smitty_son408, Mar 9, 2010
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  12. Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    I take the conventional stance regarding Hearns's abilities at Welterweight. Outside of Robinson and obviously Leonard, I favor noone, though there are a fair few I'd give decent chances. Gavilan definitely goes the distance, and has the right attributes to off-set Hearns's lanky range controlling style. Except for power, which is why I'd have to favor Hearns ever so slightly.

    Napoles had the power and punching style needed to hurt Hearns, though he may've simply been too small and too tender-skinned to deal with the Hitman's reach and firepower. Napoles vs Gavilan would've been a fight for the ages.
     
    Sweet Pea, Mar 9, 2010
    Sweet Pea, Mar 9, 2010
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  13. WhataRock

    WhataRock Loyal Member Full Member

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    As would Gavilan-LMR.
     
    WhataRock, Mar 9, 2010
    WhataRock, Mar 9, 2010
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  14. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    I think Ray Leonard is grossly over-rated in the all-time welterweight lists. Gavilan is one of several I'd put above him. Leonard shouldn't make the top 5, maybe he gets in the top 10.
    I dont understand people having him number 2.
     
    Unforgiven, Mar 10, 2010
    Unforgiven, Mar 10, 2010
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  15. Rise Above

    Rise Above IBHOF elector Full Member

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    Love watching Gavilan fight.
     
    Rise Above, Mar 10, 2010
    Rise Above, Mar 10, 2010
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