Assume Monzon decides to invade the Lightheavies at the end of his career. He decides to take on Yaqui Lopez, who is coming off a 15 round Championship decision loss to Victor Galindez, in order to test the waters. Who wins? (Note: Lopez is looking to get back in the title chase himself).
Interesting match up. I can't see Carlos bothering Lopez much and Yaqui could have both reached and worn down Monzon. Either a clear Lopez dec. or late round stoppage.
Monzon simply wasn't cut out to campaign at a higher weight than middle...maybe super middle, but not lightheavy..same as Hagler...they were both ideal at middle. It's like Foster not being able, due to his frame, never mind his height, campaigning at heavyweight. I don't hold it against him as a great lightheavy that he wasn't suited for the heavyweight division, it's just the way it was. Monzon and Hagler each had the smarts to pick their ideal division and clean them up. That's called wisdom..and a fighter shouldn't be penalized because he didn't go division hopping..that's overrated anyway.
Lopez is bigger...Monzon is waaaaaaay better. Monzon UD because of that, regardless of him not venturing into the light heavyweight waters.
Lopez was a hell of a fighter .. he would have been a champion in many eras .. I clearly think he would have wipped the floors with a Virgil Hill ... Monzon would have likely lost a decision and taken a pounding along the way ... Lopez too strong and durable ...
