Better boxer/puncher - Alexis Arguello or Carlos Zarate

Seems as though Zarate catches a lot of flack for moving up and losing to Gomez, whereas Arguello had more success moving up. What would have happened had Arguello ,,,who had the chance, moved up and fought Roberto Duran at 135? Goodnight Alexis

 

Yeah, Zarate’s losses weren’t bad. Gomez was nearly unbeatable at 122 and problems for anyone moving up. The Pintor “loss” was a clear win and the stuff at the end doesn’t count. He was incredibly dominant and consistent. Don’t think he had a close or even overly competitive fight really.

 

I don't think there's anything clear about that fight

 

I recall even Pintor thought he had lost

 

There’s no way Zarate didn’t win. 9-6 plus a knockdown. Could argue 10-5.

 

Well you defo gotta throw an even in there, coz who won the first? I had Pintor winning 143-142

 

Gotta disagree there. Very close fight. I had Zarate by two, but far too much is made of this supposed "robbery."

 

Let's revert back to the eye test and quality of opposition. Again Arguello clearly the more skilled legit ATG fighter. Of course just my opinion

 

Agreed. Zarate had some nice wins, Martinez is very overlooked now and of course Zamora was hotter than a pistol at the time. Of course most think he edged Pintor as well so it's not like he has nothing but nobodies on his ledger, but it pales in comparison to Arguello's list of scalps. Then again, precious few in the history of the game has Arguello's list of scalps. He's pretty effing deep.

 

Arguello right at the top of the heap of fighters that impress me the most.

 

Arguello was a better body-puncher and pure power puncher IMO, but Zarate clearly had a few qualities about him which were better than Arguello; footwork, ring generalship and his jab. Whereas Arguello had a better defence, was more talented offensively, with a better chin and a higher workrate.

 

I really love both of these fighters. Both were terrific punchers, though Arguello has the greater reputation as a one punch guy. Both were great body punchers and I don't think that there is much to separate them there. I love the way Arguello uses the right uppercut to the body and I love the ever present Zarate left uppercut to the belly.
I don't think that Zarate would be in this conversation had his people not made a particular change in his style. Early on he was, as are many Mexican fighters, very front foot heavy and overly dependent on the left hand, specifically the hook. Ricardo Lopez was that way early in his career.
They taught them both how to balance the weight on the feet and that translated into an improved right hand. In Zarate's case, I believe that this first shows up in n the James Martinez fight, and he developed a crushing right hand. Incidentally, Zarate and Lopez were both Cuyo Hernandez fighters, though Lopez became known as a Beristain fighter after Hernandez died.

 

I just remember Arguello fought former champ Costello. Now Arguello was past it and Costello was landing on Arguello........and then BOOM Arguello lands that ONE RIGHTHAND and thats it.
Same with Rooney although Rooney wasn't really landing but that Righthand Arguello cracked him with I thought he took Rooney's head off.

 

Likewise - I had Zarate winning but it was close.