Good one, X. Predictable response from me but I like Harada clear on points, not an especially good matchup for Arbachakov if we're taking Harada of the first Kingpetch fight. Arbachakov was a master boxer-puncher but it's hard not to see his two main flaws dogging him: that he was a bit methodical and one-paced/didn't unleash his full repertoire consistently, and that by elite standards he could be thrown off his beat if made to fight outside his pace, be it under pressure or having to apply it. An unspectacular fighter like Chin was able to make him uncomfortable and a bit flustered merely by being very tough and forcing a quick pace, so I'd imagine Harada would just swarm him for the duration. He might have to endure a hairy moment or two and it isn't beyond the realm of possibility that Arbachakov could score a stoppage in one of Harada's wilder moments, but I doubt it.
Harada. Skilled, extremely aggressive and a true physical freak at the weight. Him being more proven aswell really clears it up for me. Arbachakov is troublesome H2H, but just isnt proven enough for me to pick over Harada. Harada is a clear level above. Style match up favours Harada.
This could be a very good fight. Arbachakov is underrated in the sense that he passes the eye test easily. If you haven't seen him, check him out on youtube. The trouble with flyweights is the often don't have a lot of fights ( Yuri had 24 ) and the competition level of many of his fights was rather poor. A boxer-puncher type, who as far as I know was never floored, the best way to beat him was to outbox him. In this fantasy match up we are asking a shorter swarmer with far less power in Harda to do that. Harda was a better Bantam, in my opinion. I'll go with Arbchakov on points @ flyweight, even though I think Harda was more accomplished and I like him better. If we are talking catchweight or Bantam, I'd pick Harda. This is the type of fight that puts a spotlight on flyweight.
Harada was able to beat a skilled and complete boxer/puncher like Jofre not once but TWICE and is the only man to have beaten him. I think Harada would have been able to overwhelm Arbachakov, so long as he does not tire. Harada's first fight with Medel showed that he could get reckless and get caught, which Arbachakov is capable of doing but I don't think he has enough tools to keep Harada off of him. Harada was also a very skilled boxer himself, great jab, and was good at smothering his attack. Harada should be able to outbox and out-attack Arbachakov, unless Arbachakov sets up a trap for his counter right. Fun match up.
