Pit the Downes of '60-'62 who beat SRR, Giardello, Fullmer and Pender against the Martinez of '09-'10 who arguably beat Williams twice and licked Pavlik. Both of these lineal champions are herky-jerky movers who like to get inside and get off before opponents realize they are there. Both have good aim and fair single-shot speed, and decent pop on well-timed punches with the proper distance. Both are relatively easy to touch but difficult to stamp cleanly. Both have good chins, however. Watch for the rear-handed straight leads from the opposing stances (right and left cross).
Downes' so-so chin and penchant for cutting doesn't bode well for him against Martinez's sharp counterpunching. I'd take Martinez by mid-round stoppage after a bruising battle.
I agree. I think the styles mesh up well for Martinez. I do, however, feel his power may become overrated after his latest win. It was more a case of a perfect punch than truly heavy hands. Martinez is a good hitter, but by no means a great one. I think he'd struggle a bit to cause enough damage for a stoppage, but he'd win clear on points.
