I really like Antonio Esparrogoza, and at his best i think he was a cracking fighter.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by McGrain, Apr 3, 2009.


  1. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    He' got just about everything - rangey, quick, techncially very good, mobile, can punch with either hand, great timing, good generalship, tidy footwork, accuracy (once he has his man measured).

    I love this fight. Montoya was not a great opponent and he was past his best, but he was aggressive and game. What interests me is the way Esparragoza solves him. The jab to the belly? Being timed by a jab to the head by the end of the third. The aggressive opponent? Unsure of himself by the end of the second, all but neutralised by the beggining of the fouth. Most of all i like how he goes from range finder to piston with the jab. A tool with more than one use.

    YouTube - Antonio Esparragoza Vs. Eduardo Montoya (KO-5) - Rds.1-2-3 - 09-22-1989 - W.B.A. Featherweight Title

    YouTube - Antonio Esparragoza Vs. Eduardo Montoya (KO-5) - Rds.4-5 - 09-22-1989 - W.B.A. Featherweight Title

    Brutal stoppage, horrible body shot.

    How highly do you rate this guy as a featherweight? How do you think he would have done sharing an era with Morales, Marquez, Barrera and Pacquiao? Fimly outside that class? Or winning fights ina series? Do you like him as a fighter? Any observations?
     
    McGrain, Apr 3, 2009
    McGrain, Apr 3, 2009
    #1
  2. Mantequilla

    Mantequilla Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I like him as well. Certainly a very good fighter, the way he smashed up Cruz makes you wonder if Barry didn't get out at the right time.

    He's got several strikes against him though, firstly being completely overshadowed by the likes of Fenech and Nelson which hasn't done his long term profile any good.

    His competition was mostly poor and his reign just fizzled out with a couple of terrible performances against mediocre fighters.

    the Villasana fight was the one where an impressive showing could have established him, setting up some big fights.He didn't look good, arguably lost and more or less blew it.
     
    Mantequilla, Apr 3, 2009
    Mantequilla, Apr 3, 2009
    #2
  3. Cobra33

    Cobra33 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I always wondered if Fenech could have taken Esparrogoza-would have been a hell of a bout.
     
    Cobra33, Apr 4, 2009
    Cobra33, Apr 4, 2009
    #3
  4. My dinner with Conteh

    My dinner with Conteh Tending Bepi Ros' grave again Full Member

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    I really liked him too, a great two-fisted fighter. Kinda like a poor man's Arguello but still a very effective 'boxer-puncher'. I was surprised when he faded away fairly quickly.
     
    My dinner with Conteh, Apr 4, 2009
    My dinner with Conteh, Apr 4, 2009
    #4