Who wins at 118? Both highly skilled offensively, but Canizales had by far more power. Would that be the difference?
While Not Benitez Level, Tapia Possessed Pretty Good Defensive "Radar" and a Good Enough Beard to Handle 1-2 Hard Shots @ a Time... REED Thinks Tapia Survives the Few Rough Patches He'd Encounter and Win a Convincing UD... REED
I think Canizales was the better technician here, but ole Johnny definitely has the nod in resume and willingness to fight the best. Canizales has one of the worst resumes of any HOFmer. You're right about defense though, Tapia was better there. Canizales wasnt hard to find defensively, but offensively he was beautiful.
I still feel Canizales takes this. More complete technician, and would counter Tapia with enough power that Johnny second guesses.
Johnny is the greater fighter with the better resume but I too think that Canizales had more firepower and offensive tools to beat Tapia by decision. Canizales wins in a 8-4, 7-5 type decision in a great scrap.
Man, I'd love to see this fight. Both guys move well, box well. I don't know if anyone else sees it this way but I think that Tapia might be the guy pressing the fight. This is a distance fight, and a close one. Lots of movement and footwork, feints and some very sharp exchanges. I can't disagree with the assessment that the superior firepower of Canizales carries the day, but I wouldn't bet on it. I think that there would be at least one rematch.
I could also see Tapia pressing the fight, and Canizales playing matador with his beautiful use of angles.
