Who'd win this 4-man tournament: R.Marquez, JM Lopez, Gamboa, Caballero?

doesnt chris john deserve a place in this?

 

It depends on how the bracket is set-up imo.

Cab beats JML
JML beats Gamboa
Gamboa beats Cab
They all beat Rafa

 

Marquez by ko

 

I think the seeding would be 1-4, 2-3, which would make it Juanma-Marquez, Gamboa-Caballero

First Matchup (Lopez vs. Marquez)

Juanma has the defensive ability to deflect Marquez's shots, plus he would land a few big ones of his own. Marquez has been knocked out 4 times in his 5 losses, so it is a distinct possibility that there would be a stoppage. I would assume the fight would be over by about the 8th round, but if it goes any further than that, Marquez has a very real shot of fighting back. We saw how much trouble Mtagwa gave Juanma during the later rounds in their fight, and I would venture a guess that a wily veteran like Marquez would be able to capitalize on this knowledge. However, I still give the edge to the younger, more athletic fighter, Lopez, who would wear down Marquez with solid defense and the occasional big punch.

Final Decision - Lopez by 7th round TKO

Second Matchup (Gamboa vs. Caballero)

Gamboa is just too strong for this matchup. Caballero has shown that he is able to throw a lot of punches, but that was against a guy who was new to big time boxing, Daud Yordan. Caballero seems to leave himself open when he goes in for the slapping punches. I think Gamboa's speed would be showcased in this matchup and he could capitalize on the openings. Caballero has very little power for the featherweight division, so I think Gamboa's questionable chin would hold up for this fight. I don't think this would go down to a decision, but not because of a lack of effort from Caballero. I think Caballero would be going for the big win in this instance, since he has very little to lose and everything to gain. Sometimes I question Gamboa's mindset when he is in the ring (showboating), but I think his pure athletic prowess and natural gifts (unreal speed, unreal power for his size) would help him to a stoppage victory.

Final Decision - Gamboa by 5th round KO

Championship Matchup (Lopez vs. Gamboa)

Of course I have a huge bias, so you know I'm going to pick Gamboa, however, I do think I have legitimate reasons. Lopez does not show outstanding power, so I don't think Gamboa will be tested in that regard. What Lopez does show is a ridiculous ability to wear down opponents and get a later round stoppage. Gamboa is more of a sparkplug who can stop the fight at any moment. Also, Lopez has shown that he can be shaken, as he did in the Mtagwa fight. For this reason, I go with Gamboa for an early TKO. I'm not thinking that this would be based on cuts, but more likely a couple knockdowns.

Final Decision - Gamboa by 6th round TKO

I think Lopez and Gamboa are far and away the best fighters in the division, but Chris John and Elio Rojas are also up there. I just don't buy into the logic that Rafael Marquez would give any of these younger fighters much trouble. I am still skeptical of Caballero, but I do believe he belongs in the top 4. Final verdict: Gamboa = champ of the featherweight division.

 

Was a credible post until that point.

 

Caba...he has every tool n da book wit Central American huevos.

 

I would lean towards JuanMa, with Gamboa an extremely close second. I would also replace Marquez with Chris John.

I would also argue that Caba has the style to cause any1 in the division problems

 

I'd go with Gamboa, I think he looks great and at the moment I'll pick him over JML. John should be in any featherweight tournament though, hope he gets a fight against one of these guys soon.

 

atsch What I meant to say was that he doesn't have ridiculous one-punch power against top opposition. Look at his last 4 fights, going back to the very beginning of 2009. He hasn't had a fight stopped before the 7th round, and before the Luevano fight, before the 9th round. Granted, before that date, he had had 3 stoppages in a row in the first round, but I just don't know if Ponce de Leon is on the same level as someone like Penalosa or Luevano. That's what I meant to say, but came off as stupid.

 

love it!

 

well he basically stopped De Leon with one punch who had never been down in the pro's or amateurs, he sparked medina and figueroa and he then fought two very tough guys in Mtagwa and Penelosa. The Luevano fight also ended in devastating KO, in a battle between Gamboa and Lopez, Juanma has the advantage in power. Although this is counterbalanced by Gamboas ridiculous speed.

 

Gamboa for me !!!!

I dont give Juanma a prayer amongst that lot TBH , id give him a chance against Rafa simply because the guy is shop worn to death , but for me Caba has the beating of him and Gamboa Juanma is not even competetive IMO !!!!

I think Gamboa Caba would be good while it lasted and i think Juanma Rafa would provide the fans with the most entertaining fight of the bunch ............