Napoles' prime was 1970-1975. Cuevas was young and not a very good fighter in the early 70's. He went from a loss... to the WW Champion in 1976 when Estrada made the mistake of fighting him as a "tune-up". Then afterwards, Cuevas got a lot better as champ and went on a roll of great defenses. If they had fought in their primes, I think Napoles could outpoint Cuevas.....if he could avoid Pipino's left hook.
I think that Jose Napoles was well past his best by the time Pipino Cuevas reached his peak. Prime to prime, Cuevas' size and punching power would have been a factor against Napoles - who was rather small as a welterweight. But still, I feel that the excellent overall skills and power of 'Mantequilla' would have resulted in a victory for him. A decision or mid-late stoppage.
had they met prime for prime, napoles would have been too skilled. cuevas would have to take him out to win, i cant see him winning on points. but napoles had a very good chin. so i see cuevas threatening early, maybe rocking napoles. but napoles would establish that very accurate jab of his and wear him out. he certainly wins on points, but i see him hurting a worn down cuevas in around 13, pinning him into the ropes with one of his famous cluster punch volleys, making him helpless for the ref to step in.
The only way to tell a great Champion he is not in his prime is to beat him. Napoles last successful defense was in July, 1975. He lost his title in Dec, 1975 (i.e almost 1976). 1975-12-06147John H Stracey14542-3-1Monumental Plaza, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, MexicoLTKO615 This content is protected ~ WBC welterweight title ~ Stracey gets off floor in 1st and proceeds to close and cut Napoles so severely that the bout is stopped 1975-07-12146Armando Muniz14636-9-1Sports Palace, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, MexicoWUD1515 This content is protected ~ 149-142 | 149-139 | 148-142 ~ ~ WBC welterweight title ~ Muniz was knocked down in the 8th round.
So Cuevas, if he had gotten a chance at the WBC belt( Late 1975,Early1976)Instead of Stracey. He most likely would have Beaten Napoles? Cuevas actually did get his shot early 1976. Perhaps this would have been true, But A prime Napoles would have moved around the ring and kept away from Cuevas' wrecking ball left hook for a unanimous decision win. I don't think Naploes would risk going for the knock out. with the power that Cuevas had.
Mickey Duff says in his book he went to watch the Muniz fight scouting for Stracey's manager Lawless,immediately after the fight he phoned Lawless and said of Napoles "He's gone the next good fighter that meets him will beat him"he was right.Napoles prime was up to about the end of 73 ,imo.Cuevas would be dangerous,anyone who can hit like that is ,but Napoles was a level above him for skills and had a good chin ,plus he was a very accurate and hurtful puncher ,he beats Cuevas imo.
Napoles was not in his prime in 1975. I know he was on a good run, but he had clearly seen better days. Was Hagler his prime when Leonard beat him? Nope.
Leonard fought as well as he possibly could for hitting 30 with one fight in 5 years. He was slightly past his prime as well. Hagler was certainly past his prime. Handspeed not what it was and reflexes not the same either.
Marvin missed retaining his title by "one point" on one of the judges cards...would have been a draw. ~ referee: Richard Steele | judge: Jose Juan Guerra 110-118 | judge: Lou Filippo 115-113 | This content is protected ~ ~ WBC middleweight title ~ Hagler finished his career fighting one fight per year over the last 2 years Hearns - Mugabi - Leonard, where before he was fighting around ever six months or so. You can see why Hagler was so p.o.'ed and retired.....he knew he had "screwed the pooch" and Leonard would never give him a rematch.
