How good was Michael Carbajal (Lt. Flyweight)? 49-4-0. Eleven "major" ABC title fights. Won 1 of 3 Big time, PPV Title bouts with Humberto Gonzalez, with the 2 losses by SD, & MD. The last 2 losses to "other fighters" came late in his career at 30 years old.
Carbajal is easily an ATG. He was that good. An stalking, offensive fighter with fight changing power in both fists and staying power. First or 12th, if it lands, he can bomb anyone out. His straight right was so natural and heavy, the classic 1-2 punch was his favourite. Even if it didn't land, the opponent is going to back up. This worked well, as he excelled at mid-range, getting full extension and snap on his shots and often followed the right with a whipping left to the body. Very powerful inside fighter, who loved the double the left, with a rip and hook. In addition he had a good stiff jab, one that really precipitated his offense rhythm. He liked to probe with that nice jab looking to ram that straight right down the pipe, boxing tall. When Tyson said "mean intentions" Carbajal matches exactly that. Everything had sting on it. His offensive repertoire was elite. Carbajal is ranked 55 on the Rings Greatest Punchers for a reason. Carbajal had only average defense. For the most part he kept his gloves up in a decent guard. But could be timed over the jab, as he was sometimes slow in bringing it back and would be happily dragged into a slugfest. His feet were usually set, because he threw with so much power that he was prone to being outboxed by those with quicker feet. On the inside he would willingly take shots just to get into a better position to fire his usually heaver shots (see the first Chiquita fight). Carbajal also fought SO many tough nuts. Many who would go on to win the Flyweight title later in their careers. *He fought Chiquita Gonzalez 3 times (losing twice), a real badass who could slug and box, a real talent who won heaps of titles, Lineal champ all of that. *A young Jorge Arce with only 22 fights (who 2 yrs after would hold lineal Flyweight titles ) was outboxing Carbajal until getting smashed with a right late in their fight. *Carbajal lost in a competitive fight with Mauricio Pastrana (who was undefeated at 15-0 and would later become a 4 weight world champ), super tough. *He was stopped by "Baby Jake" Matlala who was very talented and held the WBO belts in 2 different weight divisions for nearly 2 years both times. *Carbajal Ko'd Muangchai Kittikasem in an awesome fight. The Thai's record was only 11-0 but he had over 50 Muay Thai fights before going into boxing and went on to have a great pro career later being Lineal Flyweight champ. Michael had huge heart and gave everyone problems in some way even if he lost. He was damn good and in any ATG matchup at those lower weight is a threat.
I'm a huge Carbajal fan but I don't think its a walk in the park for him. Carbajal struggled with busy counter punches and ones that could move their feet. The Chiquita fights come to mind. Chocalatito has enough of that in his style plus a good defense. I think its a close fight.
