In my opinion, 'El Maestro' Canto is the most technically skilled smaller man ever. There may be fighters greater than him, or more talented, but I can't think of any more skilled. What do you guys think of Canto's skills? Any you would compare him to, or say are better than him?
I watched Canto in his prime and he was beyond slick. Super fast and a master boxer. I always akined Canto to Pep.
Canto was definitely one of the most skilled pure boxers. I consider him Top 10 best fighters of the lower weight class. His nickname El Maestro fits very well with his style.
My post from George's thread. About canto so I put it here too. Miguel Canto Strengths One of the greatest pure boxers ever, extremely proven against a variety of styles. There is nothing he hasn't seen, or experienced, before in /boxing. If you 15 with him, you'll probably lose. Totally. Mastery of fundamental technique and application. Walking Encyclopedia of Boxing, just like his idol Willie Pep. Fast (footwork and hand speed). Could throw, and land, three left hooks on ya in a flash. Could seamlessly shift from circling left, to right, repeatedly. Defense. Extremely hard to hit flush. His use of footwork, slipping, ducking, Thai guard, neck rolls etc, basically ensures he is almost untouched. Canto would frequently outstretch his arms to cover wilder shots, and to touch and manipulate the opponents lead glove Brain. Analysis and prediction of opponents is ingrained to his style, and has been fortified through experience. Heart. Typically Mexican, despite his style. Weaknesses Work rate and activity depends on the engagement of opponent, could be used to set and suddenly break rhythm Relies on knowledge, boxing IQ, and prediction of opponents fundamental moves and patterns. This could be exploited through aforementioned setting and breaking of rhythms repeatedly within the bout. Canto could be tagged through frantic and seemingly 'illogical' movements, patterns and attacks that disrupt his pace. Would need speed to pull this off. Work rate. Although extremely good at setting a pace, and adapting, Canto could still be overwhelmed shortly with less 'logical' and extremely high paced attacks and variations, if an opponent is good enough. Key word IF. Power. Virtually none. Canto was virtually feather fisted. He does not have power to deter a specific aggressive strategy through force, which could be needed. Chin. Questionable. Has suffered KO losses. Thai guard / outstretched arms. A specific guarding technique combined with footwork. Could be exploited by a clever hooker through use of shifty feints and varying jabs, probing and direct. Pint Sized. Small for his weight, though he frequently beat those bigger. Could be exploited by physical fighters, if they're good enough to touch him. Examples Miguel Canto vs Chan Hee Park 1 The ultra talented Chan Hee Park, of Korea, exploited the deeply rooted fundamental master Miguel Canto by using his speed, skill and work rate to disrupt the reactive nature of Canto's boxing. The constant feinting, sudden switches to quick movement, and probing jab (typical of the Korean technical School) all allowed Park to exploit the small time-frames where Canto was confused in order to tag and manipulate him. Of course, this wasn't easy with such a master, but with Canto's lack of power, there was less worry physically. Park, who had limited durability and questionable heart, must have felt lucky here. Of course, a master such as Canto could even adapt to polarizing styles. He held Park to a draw in a rematch. This content is protected Nightmare Opponent Jung Koo Chang / Fighting Harada. Two fighters with the skills, physicality and awkwardness to succeed, with greater durability, heart and greatness than Park ever had. I would always pick these two against Canto, in tough bouts of course. This content is protected This content is protected Hope this is a helpful post. Just one example, since the Park bout came to mind first. I could go into much more depth (actual full sentences!) but it would take quite bit of time and work, and you obviously need it sooner than later. Besides, I think a fighter should do it himself (with pointers, of course) to develop his fighting IQ. And plans mean nothing if you don't have the heart and resolve to enforce them.
Massive fan of his great defence and super accurate could hit someone with the same shot 5 times in a row just change a slight detail before throwing the shot. A true master.
I don't know whether I'd call him the most skilled; I suppose it depends what the term skilled encompasses. He was as skilled as feck obviously but within the parameters of a very defined style that was honed to minimize his disadvantages. I will definitely say that you'll find few if any through all the weight classes who were more technically perfect at what they did though. It's like watching a smaller, serious, more mobile no nonsense version of Locche.
Comparing the skills of Ricardo Lopez who would you say is the more skilled boxer of the two? Finito also had boxing finesse but he had power that helped him.
