If Tito hadn't ran into 2 defensive masters, could he have been a great middleweight?

excellent points...........He really fought differently as he went up in weight and was slightly less skillful, just trying to knock out guys.

 

It's the Hamed situation... Naseem had all the confidence in the world, thought he's unbeatable, then an overlooked, very underrated guy came and took away his soul. Tito looked like a murderer vs. Joppy, he would've ruled the MW division with fear, I have no doubts. But no IFs in boxing... Hopkins not only beat Tito, but took away his soul, pretty much like Barrera vs. Naz. Let's see if Kelly can get up from the same punishment. I think he can.

 

I honestly feel that if there were no B-Hop and Winky in the story line, Tito would have done a lot better against AA and KP.

 

not sure... tito abandoned his boxing ability from his early ww days. not sure if it was a speed issue but every since that retarted haircut he had against Winky, it was the begining of the end. It seemed to me he was into the glamore of the game instead of working to become better. Maybe he was to comfortable with Papa Trinidad.

 

Probably not,he just didn't have it at MW,like you said....IF...IF

 

I agree with that.

 

To put Trinidad up, I don't believe you need to put Oscar down. Oscar's resume (who he's fought, despite losing many big contests) is beyond reproach as I see it.

 

Good thread, I've thought this myself.

I believe the Trinidad win gets downplayed for Hopkins because Trinidad was a former Welterweight (which he grew out of). Without Hopkins and Wright, Trinidad could have had great success at Middleweight. Bad timing for him.

 

As always, on point. I think a fight with Taylor is capable of going either way given both fighter's inconsistencies, otherwise he'd beat the majority of the top MW's around today. Pavlik and Abraham would be interesting bouts, as would Sturm, who I might favor.

 

On the contrary, I think the Trinidad win was the best of Hop's MW reign. The De La Hoya win on the other hand was nothing special.

 

Yes, the Taylor that showed up against Lacy the other night, pumping his jab, fighting sharp, throwing combinations, would definitely be a favourite against a Middleweight Trinidad. A greener version would be more of a toss-up.

As for just "average" Middleweights of any era, Trinidad outfights them. Against the elite Middleweights of most eras Trinidad would have trouble. Hagler would likely demolish him, etc..

 

Despite being probably more fit and better motivated for Hopkins, De La Hoya showed us what he's worth at Middleweight against Sturm....

 

Not to mention the fact that Bernard's performance was too conservative and IMO unimpressive against a fighter he could've likely executed in old Bernard fashion.

 

Tito was overrated and he has a Glass Jaw.