This could be an intriguing match up between 2 defensive technicians. Would Zapata pose any stylistic problems for Canto?
More like a stylistic brick wall for canto.You can't beat a freak like Zapata -when you're a midget with no power- by using a mobile classic slip and counter game, largely from a skillfuly established comfort zone at the "proper" mid-distance punching range in the manner Canto does. the fact he likes to lead and counter with left-hooks rather than a straight punch just makes it worse, as does him rarely varying his punching style, it's all textbook stuff which just makes it a bit predictable against another master boxing talent with significant physical advantages. Zapata will carefully pressure him and use his height and reach and preference for a long straight left to dictate range.Whenever Canto tries to come in with his punches, Zapata is going to only need a half step back or two to be out of range...and then fire back with his much longer straight shots that will still be in range, or only slightly out requiring much less adjustment with his feet.Canto is going to be working two or three times as hard at all times to get the better of the punching range and positioning for counters and exchanges.A herculean task in a fight where you've got two men who don't make many mistakes for either's slip and counter game. The much rangier man with the longer straight punching wins. This is assuming both are at their best.Though even with the Zapata that went off the rails post-chang fights and was never quite as consistent afterward, i can't see Canto getting closer than a coulda gone either way fight.Both at their best Zapata wins 10-5-11-4'ish in a competitive masterful fight with lots of rounds where little is landing from either man. I actually think Canto would have a better shot at Ohba, as far as Flyweights with tough styles for him goes.That could be a very close fight because of Ohba's greater vulnerability to counters and the left hook, even though i think OHba's footwork, range and long-straight shots would be too much in the end.
Canto's the greater fighter, but Zapata would cause him so many style problems. The Zapata that beat Olivo and Torres was really something and I think that version outboxes Canto.
I still see this as an intriguing match up between 2 fine boxers. One was smaller but more consistent and clever while the other was less consistent but taller, rangier, and more talented. Canto knew how to fight against taller opponents. Zapata would be the one putting the pressure on Canto. It's a close fight for me, slightly favoring Zapata due to his size.
Lora made a very good point here. Canto would have to box much more aggressively here to win, akin to Park actually, which I just don't think he could do energetically enough before Slipping back to boxing mode. It would still be competitive IMO. I think this might also be a match up where Canto wins one in a series. Very hard match up for him physically, though he's unquestionably the greater fighter.
Not a new perspective, I imagine. When it comes to a battle at range between two savvy boxers of similar speed and skills, you pick the lengthier guy who has the style advantage. That's Zapata. Canto's reliance on his left would come back to bite him when he is being consistently stimied by Zapata's right hand. Sure, he could whip his short hooks over Zapata's jab but I don't think he'd be doing it frequently enough. He'd probably have to fight like he did in Oguma 3, but even more aggressive. However, he doesn't really have the style to apply the pressure as a smaller man, and he isn't trying to out-box an Avelar or a Furesawa. Zapata is a whole different prospect. To beat Zapata you need a pressure style, whether you use elite skills or physicality like Chang or Santos. Guys who I'd pick to beat Zapata are people like Chocolatito or Harada. Anyways, I got Bujia here.
