Ameth Diaz stops Lenny Zappavigna in IBF eliminator.

The Panamanian slugger has earned himself the dubious privilege of stepping in with the very skilled slugger-eater Miguel "Titere" Vazquez for a slice of the lightweight pie. Vazquez excels against come-forward punchers with his elusive counter-based style, but isn't himself explosive himself to make Diaz's vulnerability an issue. Expect a decision either way. (favoring the champion)

Anyway, congrats to "Cloroformo" for refusing to be a stepping stone and pounding out a win in enemy territory.

I didn't get to see it (nor did anybody outside of Australia, where sharing is apparently illegal...stingy *******s know exactly where they can stick their didgeridoos...) but reportedly "Zappa" was decked in the 2nd and remained a lightning rod for abuse, getting tenderized in the 5th until his corner interceded.

I think Vazquez wasn't going to lose any sleep no matter who emerged as his next challenger. A rematch with Zappavigna would probably look no different...and it's hard to envision Diaz beating him.

Still, with this unexpected outcome the picture has come a bit further into focus at the 135 pound limit. Whether Diaz himself proves to be a viable contender (or even graduates to champion), Zappavigna being further "found out" helps clear the viewfinder.

 

:?

Diaz is powerful and aggressive.

Zappavigna is easy to hit.

It ain't rocket surgery, dude. :yep


I thought Zappavigna was a rightful favorite, but he shouldn't have been seen as a sure thing over Diaz (especially coming off a pasting):
http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=332866
:deal

 

As I said in the other thread, just going by Kim as a common opponent doesn't tell the complete head to head tale.

Fernando Angulo got ROBBED against Zappavigna, but got the **** beaten out of him by Diaz.

 

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Leonardo got SAVAGED. :scaredas:

Let's not have any chirping about him having a "china chin", though. :nono Ameth packs a mean punch, especially with that right hand. What we can say about Zappavigna is that he is more than a little lacking in a) defensive intelligence and b) instincts about how to act when in trouble.


Zappa actually reminds me a bit of Donovan George - both in appearance and style. :think

 

Nothing weird at all IMO. Estrada and Diaz are good. The guys that laid them out or otherwise beat them were better than good. The guys they've had upset wins over just aren't at that level (and if people thought so, it was smoke and mirrors).

Estrada lost to the likes of Rocky Martinez, Yuriorkis Gamboa and an assortment of good prospects and contenders. The level of guys he's beaten - a shot Campbell, and the likes of Kimbrough, Reyes and Hendrix - just aren't on the same level as the guys he lost to.

He is the demarcation line (as is Diaz, in parallel). They'll probably beat you if you're not good enough or not ready yet/anymore at this stage of your career to move on to the Really Good guys. If you're Really Good, you'll probably beat them.