I like Sanchez by decision. I think he was one of the few that could box Chavez when he had to and bang with him when he had to. Sal Sanchez also was like the energizer bunny he never seemed to slow down. Julio was a great fighter himself but he usually wore guys down but that wouldn't happen here. Sal was a shade quicker and was a master counterpuncher.
Agreed both fighters could do almost anything they wanted to do in the ring to another fighter in their respective primes, but Sanchez, was more fluid, seemed more disciplined, (and that's really saying something that a fighter could be more disciplined than Chavez was) a little faster, better movement, (though Chavez was an absolute master at cutting off the ring,and trapping opponents in his prime) Sanchez by dec, unanimous but a hard fought fight.
I have to go with Julio. At 130 he was able to adapt to drastically different styles and always come out ahead. As much as I like Sal, I think he gets a bit of the James Dean complex due to his early death and his legend outshines his abilities a bit.
I understand your point. Sal died at 23 years of age. With that said packed a lot of accomplishments into that short span. Sanchez fought and beat a lot of good fighters albeit at 126. I honestly don`t think either man would be at their best at 130. I don't think Chavez peaked until he got to `35. Sal we never really saw him above Feather.
Sanchez never tangled with Jr. Lightweights, and the "Professor" hung tough with him at FW at the end of Sal's career. Going with Chavez by SD.
I've got Chavez by competitive decision as well. He would have been more comfortable at the weight and is also a great fighter in his own right.
In my opinion Sanchez was by far the better more complete fighter. I could see Salvador busting Chavez up in route to a unanimous decision