Since this is a week of little guys....

Let's pay tribunte to the bad ass that was Ruben Olivares.

 

Just watched him lately. Surprisingly slow for a small guy but great precision and heavy hands

 

He and Carlos Zarate are usually recognized as the two biggest bangers in 118 history. What an epic war that would have been.

 

I wish there were more fights available of a prime Eder Jofre. I've seen some footage, but not enough. Most historians consider him not only the best Bantam ever, but a top 10 all timer period. Only man he ever lost to was Fighting Harada.

 

Ugo, I never considered Olivares slow. He didn't have Pac's handspeed or anything, but he wasn't slow. One thing he did have is great offensive footwork.

He would have killed poor Chocolatito, that's for sure. Too big and powerful for the tiny Nicaraguan.

 

There's full fights of him out there. I used to have some on vhs.

 

Which ones?

 

Zarate was badass.

 

the harada fights are out there and at least 1 other

 

I've seen the Harada fights, and his fight with Jose Medal.

Harada was another awesome fighter. Total buzzsaw.

 

Zarate is arguably a top 3 all time puncher along with Jackson, and Foster.

Olivares though, was more dynamic and skilled, and would win between them IMO.

 

Medal is the one I think I had.

 

He was definitely an amazing fighter. The consummate boxer-puncher.

 

Neil, you're more knowledgeable when it comes to the lighter weights than I. How would you rate Jofre and Olivares?

 

I have to hand it to you...you've seen every single fucking fight there is to see.

I get the sense of someone who binge watches fights for 5 hours at a time, in his basement, straight after work and before he makes love to his woman. Bit of a serial killer potential there but it's admirable nevertheless.

All that knowledge doesn't help you consistently pick fights correctly though or help you with objectivity...

 

1. I've seen what's available of MOST fighters that there are to see on film.... but not all. There's A LOTTTTTTTTTTTTT of greats in the history of this sport. I can't lie and say I've seen every single one... but I've seen a lot of them. Two guys I wish there was more film of at their absolute peaks are Robinson and Pepp.

2. You're actually 100% on the money if you're talking about the single me of 5 years ago. I did indeed binge watch various old fights for hours at a time, disregarding the world. I have a family now, and a more demanding career, so I don't have nearly as much time or energy.

3. Whatever, Ellerbe.

 

Actually I'm complimenting you. I believe you've seen more fights than anyone else on this forum or anyone that I know. I respect your knowledge actually even though we don't always agree on matchups.

 

Thanks!

 

You ever seen his Rocky Lockridge impression....................





























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