Saldivar has the speed to really frustrate Nelson. I see him darting in and out avoiding the bombs of Azumah. Nelson would probably have to resort to being aggressive during the second half of the fight allowing Sal to pick him off from range. Saldivar UD.
Great fight this. For all that Saldivar had wonderful skills, he was also a ferocious competitor who so often found a way to win from tough situations. I know that the real boffins will find possibly more compelling examples but the first 2 fights with Howard Winstone were triumphs of spirit as much as skill. Nelson was fierce, powerful and when he had to be, brave. His performance as little more than a raw prospect against Salvador Sanchez was remarkable. It may also be the key to how Saldivar could win here. Nelson's favoured tactic was to cover up and walk his man down with the intention of trapping him on the ropes and in the corners before releasing the artillery. Despite having a thumping jab, I can't see Azumah going jab for jab with an artist like Saldivar. Vicente would look to control the fight from the outside and when Nelson upped the pace to press he would spin out and punch on the way out. Inevitably Nelson is going to have his moments of success but the effort required to step up and pin Saldivar would tell on him down the stretch allowing Vicente to take out the lead that would prove decisive.
Saldivar. More versatile, and intelligent than Nelson, and maybe the best stamina of any fighter in history.
Draw or SD one way or the other. I would cheer for Nelson on Monday Wednesday and Friday and Saldivar on Tuesday Thursday and Saturday and on Sunday I would be undecided.
