Carlos Zarate vs. Orlando Canizales

I wouldn't use any fight post-Gomez fight as an example for Zarate. Sometimes a guy's aura is never the same after they get destroyed... that was the case for Zarate after Gomez.

During his unbeaten title run I see Zarate stopping Canizales late. Not only was Zarate the better puncher, but for all Orlando's flash... Zarate was a more skilled technician as well.

Canizales had a good chin, yeah, but he never faced a murderous puncher.

 

I see where you're coming from and I take on board the post-Gomez comment. However, I was just trying to provide a benchmark, on which to anchor how I think the bout might look (I actually think Zarate deserved the nod against Pintor, btw).

Whilst I wouldn't rule out a stoppage win for Zarate, it's hard to forecast it with confidence, given Canizales was never stopped, even late in his career, as a faded, 30-something super featherweight and lightweight. Lets' not forget also that Canizales could bang a bit, too.

Where we'll probably have to agree to disagree is on the opinion of Zarate being the more skilled technician. To me, Canizales has the edge here with the broader set of tools and all-round armory, when on song. I've always felt Zarate had to set his feet before launching an assault and the more fluid Canizales, who rarely came in at straight lines, could take advantage of that.

However, I think that, ultimately, it is Zarate's power and his relentless means to deliver it, which takes it's toll on Canizales and gives him the edge in rounds over the course.

 

Zarate is the way to bet....