I think Gonzalez has a chance to better Valero as there is a lot of talent with far less lbs to cover; i.e Gonzalez's power may carry up all the way to Super-Fly, by which time he may have fought a lot of top guys (all hypothetical) Valero didn't beat many good opponents at 130 (Mosquera being a good one, though not one of his better performances) and he has a fairly good win over Pitalua at 135 (where a lot of stars are leaving) and I can envision his power moving up to 140 but the fighters there are very, very talented. One thing's for sure, as long as these guys have competitive fights tyhe fans get excitement.
I know. Just saying that I agree but Gonzalez may have a better chance of success as there is less weight to travel, hence he will not be at a disadvantage. Also, he is younger, and although he doesn't have a clean sweep of K.O's, his win over Niida was very impressive, and I think he trumps Valero thus far with this win alone. I'd like to see Gonzalez move up and fight Viloria next, of the IBO champ Joyi in his own division. For Valero, I'd like to see him fight Soto or Guzman next. Glad to see there's something we actually agree on Jeff :good
There are very good fighters who will probably be at 135 at some point so there will be plenty of more good opportunities for Valero. I think his power carries to 140 no problem, and even envision taking a fight at 147 someday (a huge fight of course)! Not being a legit WW, but taking a big fight there eventually is what I'm saying. We will see.
If Valero gets into some genuinely competitive fights at 135 or 140 I don't envision him making it to 147. That's not a bad thing, whilst at his best he can build a good resume out of the huge depth in talent at 135 and 140. I mean, in two or three years down the line we don't know that the WW's will be like, but I couldn't see Valero beating someone like Mosley or Cotto, just my opinion though.
I really want Valero to get a fight with Guzman as well, for the fact that so many think Guzman's style would be too much of a problem for Valero, so defeating Guzman would do a lot to prove his biggest critics wrong. I don't know when hell Guzman is going to fight again!
I think he is inhumanly strong for his size though, not just in punching power but in physical strength, and he has excellent speed. I actually would not be afraid to put him in with Cotto eventually. Like I said, it would be a particular fight at WW, not that he would be a legit WW.
You mean like an 'Event' fight, much like Pac (not a genuine Welter) had with De La Hoya. I see what you mean. Guzman would be one fight that could change a lot of peoples opinions on Valero (myself included) However, I just don't think Guzman's heart is in it anymore. I think Soto would be a similar fight that could prove a lot of people wrong. His style may not be the hardest for Valero to beat, but in terms of his own power and durability, they are very much respected. He could not be accused in any way of being a 'tomato can' is what I'm trying to say.
Yeah like Pac/ODLH fight I suppose. True, Guzman does not seem to give a ****! I was hoping for Soto next but seems it'll be Prescott which I'm not thrilled with but Prescott is at least know for starching Khan so it's decent.
I get what you're saying and I understand that criticism but he's just gotten the opportunity to finally move up in class (with the reinstatement). The brain injury fiasco set him back 3 or 4 years so I guess I just think it's unfair for people to say "oh he only fights tomato cans", but it's all good because things have changed now. He had to fight Pitalua to get the title because that was the WBC's rankings so he was not even a picked opponent but people complain about that which is annoying. I just see something very special in him and I rarely am this high on anyone this early, if ever! :rasta
Won't be Prescott; Arum is not dealing with Prescott until the ARENA-Box/Sports Network tussle over his rights is resolved, which will probably rule out the July date. I assume it will be Soto now.
Seriously, Jeff? Cuz Guzman is the one guy who i dont want our boy to fight.. Look what kinda runner he is... I told Fleaman the other day that if this fight were to happen, Guzman has a great chance of winning, knowing how he'll use the hit and run tactic like he did against Soto... I dont doubt Valero but i just see this as a bad style matchup for him.. Guzman runs too much.. What do u think?
I also think Guzman's ability to let off a quick combo in the pocket and slip counters coming back in before running again will be a stylistic nightmare for Valero. As Jeff says though FINITO, that's why he wants the fight for Valero, as if he can pull it off it will show he is not one-dimensional. I think you will agree though FINITO, Soto is better for Arum, it's better for the fans (guaranteed fireworks) and, at this stage at least, it's good for both Valero and Soto.
I see what you're saying about the style match up but Guzman also sits on the ropes and ducks punches a la Pretty Boy Floyd but he's not half as good at it. Guzman as no power to effect Edwin and I think Guzman would be put under pressure like never before. Guzman does not really fight as smart as he should considering the talent he has. Remember also that Guzman gets dumb at times and has gotten into exchanges which would be a real bad idea. He's never felt Valero type power and we know Valero goes to the body a lot which would also slow down Guzman's running. I see what you're saying, but I see how Guzman could get KTFO as well.
I really question if Guzman can survive 12 rounds, even with the way he fights. He does not exactly portray a lot of desire these days and Edwin comes to kill. Remember the Barrios fight? If the Hyena was more accurate he could have KO'd Guzman in my opinion and Valero throws much more precise with much more speed than that nut Hyena Barrios! lol Plus,Edwin's timing is vastly underrated. I would say Soto first then Guzman would be best though, yes.