I'm trying to get a handle on Chang's career. His losses kind of book-end his prime years. Did anyone beat a prime Chang? Was he a little green for the first Zapata fight? I'm particularly interested in thoughts on the Humberto Gonzalez fight. Gonzalez seems to be a bit underappreciated IMO.
He won the first Zapata fight IMO. Chiquita caught him at the right time. Chang knew how to keep it competitive but didn't have the speed to actually win and got hit way too much (as was the story in his 'comeback') He beat Chitalada clearly the 2nd time IMO, and was beating Kittikasem 'til he got stopped.
Thanks! I need to start watching these careers in chronological order so I can see if there is a gradual decline. I've not seen his loss to zapata yet. I've seen the Chitalada fight. An ugly affair.
Only one to beat Chang in his prime years was German Torres in their second encounter (in a fight where Chang didn't appear to be conditioned as well as he could be). First Chang vs. Zapata fight was a robbery. Chang was still game, but clearly outside his prime for Humberto. I still think Humberto's style gives Chang issues in Chang's prime though. But I think Chang would overcome them....
Thanks Lester, I have never heard that. They both look at their best in that fight IMO. Had it 9-6 to Jung-Koo. And considering he took up boxing at 17 and by 19 he'd the top of his division two years later I don't think he could really be considered 'green' at any point. He was an absolute phenom taking out/convincingly beating very good fighters even before Zapata.
One of the greatest I've ever seen. One of the greats from Fly and south, and undoubtedly the greatest light fly IMO. Incredible fighter.
Indeed. As a result, he was not well-conditioned going into the fight and obviously couldn't move all that well either.
