Two combatants with all-around talent and punching power. Napoles is slightly bigger and stronger and would understandibly be favored, but Ike's ferocity could turn this one into a war. Can Napoles keep Ike at bay, or will Ike's aggression be enough to cause a tide-turning cut?
This is about even in size really if we consider both fighters at their peak. Williams, a larger lightweight, was comfortable sitting at 140lbs, and Jose Napoles under different circumstances probably could have stayed there longer than he did. Now Williams was awesome. We know this. On film he's the most ferocious puncher I've seen (Gatica, Jack) and that's from limited footage; counts for something against a man who, while being a genuine great, left his chin hanging somewhat. Napoles baited his jaw, but against Williams there's a good chance it'd crack. I'd have faith in Napoles though to turn the tide of battle if things did go that way. Getting up from a knockdown may be likely, only for him to find a rhythm later on after boxing three rounds with more caution. Williams was a very good boxer but we're talking about the supreme counter puncher - and Napoles back at 140lbs was quick. It wouldn't surprise me if Napoles had Williams backed up or down himself at some point, owing to his fluid, weaving, counter punching style. It's not just that, it's the combinations. Napoles countered with several punches at a time.
M, I saw Ike Williams several times at his best,135 pounds as a lightweight. Best 135 pounder I've seen,but not as dominating as a small welterweight,against the likes of 147 pounders ala Kid Gavilan, George Sugar Costner,tough larger Joe Micelli etc. So Jose Napoles being a bigger man,I would favor over Ike Williams, but not P4P...
Quite right, Williams wasn't as effective against heavier fighters. However, Napoles was pretty small as a welterweight. There's a very minimal disparity unless people remember him as slightly old looking and soft. Williams would have to put on a small amount of weight maybe, but he'd be against a very slightly larger man rather than a fully fledged 5ft 10in, slimmed down junior middleweight like Kid Gavilan.
