Continuing the recent Gavilan trend, how would he fare against another of history's ATG Cuban welters? Napoles was more dominant and consistent than Gavilan, but his resume lacks the depth and possibly even the heights of Gavilan's IMO. I think Gavilan's combined speed, creativity, and unpredictability present a unique challenge for the methodical counterpunching Napoles unlike any he likely has faced. Also, I don't trust Napoles' facial tissues to hold up under Gavi's sharp and accurate punching. I like Gavi to get off to an early lead vs. the typically slow starting Napoles and then win either a decision or cut stoppage.
This is still one of my favorite hypothetical fights of all time. I lean towards a narrow decision for Napoles, but wouldn’t bet on either guy. This would be hotly contested and highly skilled.
Gavilan beats Napoles IMO. I don't think Napoles, especially with his tender skin, would be able to hold up with Gavilan's sharp punches and mixture of aggressive/cute style. Remember, Gavilan has beaten good and talented fighters such as Ike Williams, Billy Graham, Gil Turner, Carmen Basilio, Johnny Bratton, and even gave a prime SRR lots of trouble in their first fight.
I'm watching Gavilan v Graham... Napoles gets that ass. Gavilan digs two punches and they are both uppercuts. It would be a hard way to make a living, hitting Jose Napoles with uppercuts. Gavilan will get backed out of the exchanges. And he isn't going to take the fight to Napoles.
