Canelo lacks real punching power

I didn't say that was THE determining factor for everyone, but in the case of Pacquiao vs Canelo, it plays a role. So calm down

If you put them both against a heavy bag that determines punching force, I guarantee you Canelo will generate more force. But if you put them against a common opponent on EQUAL terms, I think Pacquiao will deal more damage. It's a skill thing, not a power thing. In THIS case.

 

I agree.

When you look at guys who cut lots of weight, it's not that often that when they move up, they suddenly start doing more damage to opponents with their punches. Their opponents are bigger too.

The more common benefit that I see fighters get from cutting less weight is they absorb punches a little better from not being drained.

Off the top of my head, these guys all cut a lot of weight. How often did their punches start doing more damage to their opponents on a consistent basis?

Gerald McClellan
Jose Luis Castillo
Diego Corrales
James Toney
Jake LaMotta
Kelly Pavlik
Oscar De La Hoya (135 and 130)
Miguel Cotto (140)
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
Arturo Gatti