If Salvador had beaten Alexis Arguello, a big IF, could he have beaten other lightweights such as O'Grady, Davis jr, and Mancini?
If he carried the weight well I suppose. But it's kind of hard to speculate on wether he would or not. Look at what 4 lbs did to Gomez.
Even if he'd beaten Arguello Davis might have been problematic, style wise. A runner at this weight could trouble him maybe.
If you look at the pattern of his career, Sanchez may of indeed looked brilliant dismantling an Arguello, but there is evidence to suggest he may of then been upset on points to a Claude Noel or Gato Gonzales level of opponent...
True, Sanchez was much better in a counterpunching role. When he was forced to make the attack he struggled a little bit.
Arguello and Sanchez, two of my alltime favorites. I'd have to go with Sanchez, by close decision. Just seemd to have a bit more skill but both were so great.
Styles make fights. Just because Alexis did so well vs Aaron doesn't mean anything when comparing him vs a Great Punching Counterpuncher like Sanchez. Think of it this way. Maxim knocks Robinson out easily, No way does Sugar Ray Robinson beat Walcott and Patterson like Maxim did. See what I mean? Alexis vs Sanchez would have been some barn burner. Me thinks that Sanchez held the stylistic advantage in this fight. Sanchez in this fight wouldn't have to press Alexis to find him, he would be more comfortable siting back and picking Alexis apart.
I'd give the edge to Arguello. Reach and power would do Sanchez in I believe, as Sanchez was a guy who showed he could be hurt by single punches, though he had great recovery. Someone as hard to effectively counter as the taller Arguello would land cleanly too frequently, hurting Sanchez too much. I believe you're off on your assessment of Sanchez being able to effectively counter a taller, overall better puncher in Arguello.
Good post Pea. Sanchez was a great fighter in many ways, but Danny Lopez went 27 rounds with him. Arguello was taller, hit harder, and was an all around better fighter than Lopez. Another point is that Arguello was a VERY smart fighter. If he was getting countered he'd find a way to stop it or make it less effective. Arguello wins this won by late tko. Boo
