Azumah Nelson vs. Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao

I'll take Nelson to KO Pac, terrible stylistic matchup for him. Marquez is a better boxer and counter-puncher, but Nelson became a better all around, more versatile boxer after the Sanchez fight, and JMM could be suckered into brawls, and would be getting pressed with more versatility than Pac brings. I'll take Nelson to either Decision or stop Marquez late.

As far as the Whitaker argument, unquestionably the more seasoned, versatile Nelson of that fight was a better match than the one who faced Sanchez. Whitaker thrived against pressure fighters, more than any other kind, because he was so good at fighting off the backfoot. He relied on the jab more than combinations, but his reflexes and evasive skills made him more than willing to throw combos and trade blows at times as well.

 

That's odd, that was the fight he clowned off most in. At LW he was more business, and a much more offense oriented fighter, as proven by his exceptionally high punch output.

 

Why would it be an upset?

 

Nelson would beat both pretty easily in his prime