Could the Keed present a stylistic problem for the Frenchman? Gavilan proved he had the durability to hang in with some good middleweights ie Lausse, Cartier, Young, Janiro etc. Does his ability to use his jab to get off quicker against a fighter who would often neglect the jab in favor of quick right hands and follow up left hooks...Does Gavilan consistantly beat him to the punch? Can Gavilan avoid being crowded and worn down by Cerdan's strength on the inside?
I'll answer that question ,this way...Time warps perspective's, but I am sure that the people in the know at that time, wouldn't make that bout,but if they did Marcel Cerdan would have been a prohibitive favorite over the much smaller Gavilan ! Cerdan much too strong for the Keed !
The Cuban has the cuteness, but the Frenchman is ultimately too big and strong. Cerdan by UD...if Gavilan avoids him.
Gavilan goes the distance and gets in his licks, but the bullish and whirlwind of activity that is Cerdan will have him on his heels for most of the fight and get the better work done consistently due to his physical strenght and size advantage. I see Gavilan bringing the crowd to its feet at times with his explosive outbursts punctuated by winging that bolo hybrid hook/uppercut towards Marcel, but the Frenchman would have always responded in kind and exploded with his own two fisted attack in reply. Cerdan too strong and relentless for The Keed, who loses but gives a good account of himself in defeat.
Have to agree with all the above (fantastic post RB). When I thought of this match-up, what made me thnk that Gavilan might give Cerdan some trouble is his ability to step to the right getting inside a straight right hand and beating Cerdan to the punch with his left hook...and also since Cerdan isn't really a jab oriented fighter, Gavilan might be more able to do this...Maybe he might have, but only to a certain extent. Cerdan's strength would be the major factor but he also threw his combinations very tight the right hand was very straight and short, and the left hook was short too. Cerdan was a very compact puncher. Cerdan decision.
