@ 118 or 122. Two fighters known for their always entertaining styles. Zaragoza is the naturally bigger fighter with crafty boxing skills while Tapia was smaller but more athletically gifted. Who wins this all action match up? This content is protected This content is protected
It´s been a while since I watched them both fighting... I feel like there is a good advantage in speed for Tapia, here ? That could be key, I wish I could remember how Tapia fought against the southpaws he faced...
Tapia was much quicker of hands and feet compared to Zaragoza. The most notable southpaw he faced was his two disputed losses to Paulie Ayala.
One things for certain I think both guys will be more than willing to let their hands fly and make it a brawl. I think Tapia would be the one to initiate a fight while Zaragoza plays the counterpuncher. The question would be who ends up outworking the other?
For being such a loose cannon, Tapia could really box amazingly well. And he was fast and as game as the day is long. 118-122 was on the tail end or just after Johnny's peak but I think he would still eek out a decision against Zaragoza.
The first Tapia-Ayala fight could have gone either way, I have no problem with Paulie getting the decision, but the 2nd fight Tapia got robbed point blank.
I'll go against the grain here. I believe that Tapia was not quite as effective above 115 - maybe it's because He moved up pretty late, I believe He was over 30 and He did not live the cleanest lifestyle. If the fight was held at 122, Zaragoza would be much more comfortable at that weight limit. Tapia was faster, but Zaragoza was very smart at setting up and timing his looping shots - and I believe He could make Tapia come to him. Johnny was more effective when allowed to move and counter, in my opinion. Don't think Zaragoza would chase him - and I see him outscoring Johnny in close fight. I also believe that Tapia lost to Ayala fair and square, both times.
Obviously ages ago but I remember having Tapia ahead in both. I also remember Bones Adam's getting robbed against Ayala first bout.
