I wouldn't pick Billy to beat Jose, but it wouldn't shock me if he did. Graham had a good chin, good defense and good infighting skills. If he could get inside often enough he might be able to outhustle Napoles and evade enough of his power shots to take the duke. On the outside and at mid range in particular, Napoles will hold a distinct advantage. He's simply a more fluid puncher.
I don't know that Graham beating Napoles would be considered an upset;he might go in as the favorite and I might pick him to win.Napoles had a lot of tough fights-and was beaten by Billy Backus, for the title.Napoles won the rematch-but Backus wasn't all that experienced when he won.
Carmen Basilio said if Graham could have punched harder he would have become an all-time great. That said, I would still favor Napoles in this one. Graham was a tough cookie though.
Graham`s good chin, jab and defensive ability will ensure that he goes the full fifteen, but Napoles better offence would impress the judges more in the end than Graham`s and that would be the deciding factor.
With the exception of Carlos Monzon,who stopped Napoles and I don't think either guy could beat,I think Graham fought tougher opposition-including controversial losses to middleweight Joey Giardello and Kid Gavilan-who I think is generally rated higher than Napoles at 147.
I thought Gavilan clearly beat Graham everywhere the fight took place, though Graham's slickness started to take over a bit later in the fight. On the outside though, I don't think he'd be able to outslick Napoles, and he'd lose a Decision. Would be a very good match though.
Actually Gavilan was a Welterwieght to start out as. So to say he had natural advantages over Graham may not be all that accurate. Graham's best chance to beat Napoles would be on cuts ala Billy Backus. Otherwise I don't think he would be able to knock out Napoles or certianly outbox him.
