I was very surprised to read in a major UK tabloid newspaper that Barry McGuigan has rated Edwin Valero as 'one of the best pound for pound boxers in the world'. Now, impressive figures on his record aside, is there any reason for Valero to be rated this highly at the moment? Having seen most of his career on youtube, Dynamite is certainly explosive, but surely he doesnt yet have the resume or skill set to be classed as a top P4P boxer. If he were to beat Pacquiao then certainly he jumps up the list, but at the moment, I wouldnt even rank him as a top five lightweight, let alone pound for pound. Does anyone agree with Barry's assesment and if so, for what reason? Thanks
He's not even a top 5 lightweight, Pacman, Guzman, JMM, Campbell, Casamayor, Juan Diaz, Raheem, even Katsidis are probably all above him at this point. He's over-hyped, if he didn't have 24 KO's he wouldn't even be talked about.
That's my thinking! But I generally respect McGuigan as a pundit and think he's one of the best we have on this side of the pond, so I was really surprised to read his assesment. I'm just curious as to how he has arrived at this conclusion. I'm assuming that he hasnt bought into the whole hype thing, so McGuigan must have seen something in his style that makes him think Valero is a top boxer - I just dont think you can judge him like that based on his opposition!
Very suprised by that. I just feel that Pac, Guzman, Casa, JMM and others would be able to hit Valero at will and would all beat him easily unless they were caught by a lucky punch.
Agreed. Interested though whether anyone can explain how Barry McGuigan has arrived at his conclusion!
its funny perhaps the KOs affected much of his views about valero especially the round 1 KOs but reality check those were against cans.
If you read it again you''ll see he was meaning Pacman was one of the best pound for pound. It was worded akwardly. I fell for the same trap til I read it again until I realised he was meaning the former fighter he was on about, Manny.
Ahhhh, binned the paper now, but that would definately make more sense! I'll take your word for it, as it keeps McGuigan's opinions credible! Nice one
