Have always liked Jhonny Gonzalez as a fighter, and it was good to see him get the win today. Would you like to see him in a fight with Juan Manuel Lopez or Yuriorkis Gamboa? And how would such fights go? I only ask because I suppose, along with Chris John, Jhonny is now a natural challenger for the two up-and-comers. What say you.
I'd like him in with Juanma, I think they're styles would clash perfectly and make it exciting to watch. Jhonny's the type of fighter Gamboa would thrive against I fear though so I'd be less excited about that. Neither bad fights however
Unless the jump to feather has seen him undergo a complete transformation, he'll still be more vulnerable than dangerous IMO. Hasegawa was not a top ten featherweight, I said this before. He showed a good chin against Burgos though, I guess 126lb Hozumi flattered him (he was also not a top ten fighter) JuanMa is hittable, but he's big enough, resilient enough and powerful enough to get Gonzalez out in a few rounds. Gamboa would decimate him in a round.
Yeah, to be honest I've been worried about Jhonny's punch resistance since the Israel Vasquez bout - I think that bout took a lot out of Jhonny. He'll always dominate the fringe world class guys, but I think at the highest level he may be a bit suspect. Saying that, I would still give him a chance against either fighter, because even at FW he is still a power hitter, and has the physical dimensions to succeed. Still just a chance though - and I agree with you and JFT, if he's gonna beat one of these guys it will be Lopez.
He should fight someone who is fairly sturdy like Ponce De Leon. He is awkward, but has terrible balance and is an accumulation hitter. I would also say Nishioka seems much more capable than Hozumi for a run at 126. Quality operator is Nishioka. So is Hasegawa, but I think he should try and drop to 122. Again, I don't think he has a problem with his chin. Okay, he can be hurt but he's still around at the end, be it taking a beating with a broken jaw or groggy on his feet, and he's only been stopped by two big punchers. I wouldn't rate Vasquez Jr the same sort of puncher at 122. A rising Dobaire or resurgant Poonsewat, yes. But Hasegawa is resilient, I think he can come again. He'll just need to fight even smarter next time he runs into a puncher.
