How would this one go? Lets say that Paez stepped up a half a division. 15 rounds as always. The Snake Man vs El Maromero.
Jorge Paez and Tony the Tiger Lopez were 2 of my favorites when I was a kid. I was so excited about thier fight....the Arguello Escalera fights especially the bloody battle of bayamon are in my all time favorites as well. I think Escalera is a bit to skilled for Paez, and would likely dictate a systematic methodical breakdown of Jorge. Now Paez had a superb chin for his size so I think he makes it through this fight standing, but looking puffy, and the snake man takes a comfortable decision.
I agree that Escalera would have had too much on the ball for Paez...but they were both about then same as entertainers.
I actually think Paez takes this and easier then most think. At lightweight he beat slugger Spann who could really punch. Gave a great effort vs a prime Whitaker. I at first hated Paez as he bested a favorite of mine-Grove and I was of the opinion(and still am) that aside from the last round Grove won that fight . When they rematched I thought for sure Grove was going to take it . I was wrong and Paez stopped him fair. Paez had fast hands,concrete chin in his prime and alot of heart. I grew to respect him as a fighter.
I only have a superficial knowledge of Escalera, only having seen the fights he's famous for. I don't think that highly of Paez, in part because he benefited from several helpings of friendly judging in his career. Paez said he spent so much time languishing on the ropes in the fights with Troy Dorsey because he was sapped off strength and stamina from boiling down to weight. Maybe that's true, but that's his fault. I think its also worth noting that Escalera showed death defying courage against Alexis Arguello, with extended periods of success in both fights, and those two losing efforts probably represent his most meaningful contributions to boxing. By comparison, Paez fought very meekly before being kayoed in the second round against Oscar De La Hoya, who was admittedly a killing machine at 135. Not only did Paez lose really badly against Oscar, he did so after talking all sorts of junk in the build up.
Paez has faster hands, but Escalera is naturally bigger and stronger. Also, Paez isn't busy enough Escalera was valiant against Arguello but absorbed two beatings. But, he showed how resilent he was. His competition as Champ was weak and Everett was robbed against him. But, Paez doesn't have the foot speed of Everett. Escalera will simply out work Paez for a decision.