Julio Cesar Chavez
Brockton, MA– Although we rarely do this type of article because it is so hard to compare fighters of different eras, today we make an exception and look at the 1990 version of Julio Cesar Chavez vs. the Floyd Mayweather of today at 140 lbs. While this has been an ongoing verbal tussle between friends and myself, I often wondered what would the outcome be if these two great undefeated fighters had met in their prime.
BOTH HAVE HAD MANY BELTS AROUND THEM
First let’s take a look at their accomplishments; Chavez had an incredible record of 68-0 with 57 KOs in his tenth year as a pro. A veteran of 17 title fights at the time and owner of five titles in three weight divisions after his legendary last second TKO 12 of Meldrick Taylor. Having never even come close to tasting the canvas, J.C. Superstar, as Don King used to call him showed power, stamina and the ability to adapt to a variety of fighting styles. Other than a DQ loss that was changed by Jose Sulaiman’s friends to a KO 1 of Miguel Ruiz, and a close call, if not a Las Vegas gift against Dwight Pratchett at 130, his record was still unblemished. Having faced over five former or future world champions along with numerous non-title fights, he was one of the most active champions of his era.
FLOYD IS TODAY WHEN CHAVEZ WAS IN MID 1990, THE BEST P4P!
Floyd Mayweather
Mayweather, undefeated at 42-0 with 26 KOs, is still active in 15 years as a professional. He has won 18 title fights and a handful of title belts from 130 to 147. Floyd has faced better than ten former or future champions, though not as active as Chavez, has come close to losing only once. His close call was against Jose Luis Castillo in their first meeting, whom many believe he lost, before being awarded a unanimous decision. But unlike Manny Pacquiao’s difficulty and controversial wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, Mayweather “owned” Castillo in a quick return rematch. A master of defense, Floyd has been hit just once solidly in the last few years, that when Shane Mosley rocked him in the second round.
THE PROS & THE CONS!
Chavez – Pros: chin, power, stamina, body attack, and activity. Cons: speed, slow starter, boxers (Meldrick Taylor), and quality not quantity of opponents.
Mayweather – Pros: speed, defense, ability to box, ring generalship and reflexes. Cons: Some say he has an untested chin, but seeing he is 42 & zip, isn’t that a stretch? A lack of activity, power, and aggression are some of the knocks on Floyd.
KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR CHAVEZ
For Chavez to win he must start quickly and attack Mayweather’s body early and often, like no one else ever has been able to. The first few rounds are crucial for Chavez to earn Floyd’s respect. Once earned, what’s the old adage, attack the body and the head will fall!
WHAT FLOYD NEEDS TO DO TO WIN
For Mayweather to win he must establish his jab and control Chavez from the outside, much like talented Meldrick Taylor did in March 1990. With Floyd, focus would be key. The longer he can keep Chavez at a distance, the easier the fight would be as his speedy combinations would control the fight. Be more aggressive than usual, throw more punches, and move!
TWO WAYS THIS FIGHT GOES
Chavez begins cautiously as Mayweather lands his jab and straight right hand combinations at will, Chavez lands a few body shots but nothing spectacular as Mayweather runs away with the opening round. After a furious berating by his cornermen about the game plan, an invigorated Chavez begins a murderous body attack. Realizing he can’t be hurt by Mayweather, he works with hooks to the liver and ribs. To his credit, Mayweather continues to throw but with less and less success. As the rounds speed by, Mayweather begins to slow and Chavez smells blood. The end comes in round nine, as Mayweather, hands lowered to protect his body receives numerous unanswered blows to his chin and is saved by the referee in rounds eight or nine..
FOR FLOYD TO WIN
While Chavez will need to get up close, Floyd wins this fight by using the ring, his superior speed and reflexes, as he dazzles the slower than pancake syrup Chavez throughout. Unable to hit Floyd cleanly at all, Chavez is trying to throw a haymaker that will end the fight, something he cannot do. The fight goes 12 rounds and Floyd wins 11-1.
OK FIGHTS FANS, WHICH ENDING IS MORE REALISTIC?
What are your thoughts on this?
Edwin “Ace” Ayala