Who wins at WW 15 rds??? and how??? This strikes me as an intirguing match-up...and yes I did use the search function and there was a thread from 07 and early 09 and neither generated many responses??? Not quite sure why as these seems like an exciting and evenly matched fight...both made the top 5 of ESB's WW rankings...so what would happen if they could meet in their primes???
Napoles' better defence and technical ability gets him the decision most likely. I think he's the superior fighter. Style-wise there isn't much of an advantage to be had; Gavilan is unpredictable and occasionally sloppy, which doesn't play into Napoles' hands particularly since he relies on seeing his opponent's shots coming and anticipating textbook stuff, jabs and the like. However, in his prime he was undeniably a genius at slipping and countering and his footwork was definitely some of the best I've seen of any fighter, ever. I think he'd be able to get inside Gavilan's shots and land with the crisper, harder combinations at mid-range where he is better, punching straight down the middle and avoiding Gavilan's slaps. Napoles W15 for me. EDIT: Just to clear that up a bit, I think Napoles could rely on his natural talents and intuitions even if Gavilan's style doesn't particularly suit him and presents some awkward challenges.
Nice posts itymarti. I've always found it so hard to say, this fight. I'd probably lean towards Napoles as well though. Probably the spurts in which the boxing is done would be where he'd clinch it. One of the closest hypothetical ones ever though really.
Toss a coin. I'd might plump for Gavilan at gunpoint - he had a pretty good modus operandi with which to tackle Napoles: speed, athleticism, a granite chin, unorthodoxy, respectable (if not spectacular) power and real physical strength. All of which he'd need in abundance against the likes of Napoles, whom you'd have to think would get plenty of chances to land copious amounts of his own leather in exchange, all things considered. Barring cuts on the part of Napoles (I KNOW, I KNOW, but it's out of the way now), I think it's safe to say that neither man is getting stopped or KO'd. If the Kid could work up close and force the pace to a point where Jose isn't allowed to operate at his preferred tempo and - as a result - create enough openings to let loose on a consistent basis (particularly in the championship rounds), I could see him doing what he came perilously close to doing against SRR and pulling out a close and hard-earned decision. But with Napoles being Napoles, he (Gavilan) would have to withstand a LOT of punishment at mid-range..... As Frank Carson might say, it's a *******.
I have always had a hard time seperating these 2 in an all time list. Kid Gavilan is probably one of my favorite old timersl. The most exciting fighter ive seen without a good punch.
It serves me right, it was shite way to end a post wasn't it? Well, at least I know you can't say c*****r, even if it wasn't meant in a reverse racism sense :roll:
I think it would suit Napoles to get in close, land his own combinations and get out, but in a prolonged infight I see Gavilan having the better of it. He was tough as nails and surprisingly strong, despite his build. Gavilan slugged it out with Gil Turner and got the better of it, and Turner took the fight to middleweights like Gene Fullmer. It's safe to say that Napoles probably wouldn't go to war with Gavilan though, but he could be drawn into one.
Well, I'd have thought his punching style would be the main consideration. Napoles had the toolbox from range with that nice jab and such, but his main strength was slipping and delivering at mid-range with short, precise combinations and counters. Gavilan's more open style is suited to fighting from the outside, I'd have thought. He certainly leaves gaps for countering up close, which the likes of Basilio were able to take advantage of. It's a tough fight though, no doubt.