Jose Napoles vs Floyd Mayweather Jr At WW

Normally when Floyd is pitted against ATG WWs, he is at a natural size disadvantage (i.e. against Hearns or Robinson).

Not here. Sure, Floyd was a junior lightweight at the start of his career but Napoles started as a featherweight and spent most of his 20s between lightweight and light welterweight so was always a small WW. Their physical stats are very similar - height and reach are practically identical.

You've got to figure Napoles has the advantage in power but he could also put his punches together better than Floyd, who wasn't a great combination puncher. Speed, the edge is to Floyd...but Napoles was super slick defensively as well.

I think Napoles wins this because he was naturally more aggressive and puts his punches together better and had the slickness to offset Floyd's defense. He'd outwork Mayweather and take a competitive but clear decision.

Good matchup though.

 

Bump

 

I still agree with everything I wrote exactly 7 years ago.

 

In the consensus Noapolis by clear UD. A stoppage by him is definitely possible

 

Napoles by decision in a painfully dull fight.