In June 1979, WBA Welterweight Champion went to New York City, to view and scout the Carlos Palomino versus Roberto Duran bout, held at Madison Square Garden on June 22, 1979. Pipino was expecting Carlos to defeat Roberto, which would set up a 'Superfight' out in Los Angeles for a possible December 1979 date. Both Pipino and Carlos had been offered $500,000 for that bout. Of course, Roberto Duran ruined the plans for those 'two' to get together. Pipino, Carlos and Roberto did cross paths at Gleason's Gym in New York, as all three fighters used that gym for their training facility in June. One-month later, Pipino needed the help of the judges, to retain his WBA Championship in Chicago, versus Randy Shields. Pipino wasn't all that keen on giving Randy Shields an immediate rematch, and instead he took a WBA-approved non-mandatory defense against 'shopworn' Angel 'Cholo' Espada in Los Anagles on December 8, 1979. (The original proposed date of the Pipino vs. Carlos Palomino bout). 'IF',,,,,,,Pipino and Carlos fought in December 1979,,,,,,,,, A) Does Pipino blow-out Carlos within 5-Rounds B) Does Pipino wear down Carlos and stop him late by a TKO C) Does Pipino build up enough of a lead early, to win a comfortable Decision D) Does Pipino hold on, to win a close Decision over a late-charging Carlos E) Does Carlos come on strong late, to win a close Decision F) Does Carlos take command in the middle rounds, and win a solid Decision G) Does Carlos come from behind, to score a late TKO over Pipino H) Does Carlos shock everyone, by scoring a early KO
THis was thought to be a Superfight in the days before Leonard/Duran/Benitez/Hearns ... Many forget that before he was destroyed by Hearns Cuevas was thought of as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world , a brutal punching destroyer ... that being said I always felt Carlos was the better rounded fighter and would have won a tough bout between the two ...
Palomino was too tough to be blitzed early. He survives Cuevas' early attack, and chops him down for a late TKO.
December 1979 WBA Ratings *... Jose 'Pipino' Cuevas 1.... Carlos Palomino 2.... Roberto Duran 3.....Harold Volbrecht 4.....Randy Shields 5.....Thomas Hearns 6.....Jorgen Hansen 7.....Pete Ranzany 8.....Angel 'Cholo' Espada 9.....David Kambule 10...Josef Nsubuga
