Posting some Arbachakov fights on here for those who have never seen him fight - I know guys like George, Jel, RD, Flo, Tin, already have seen his fights. The Ring had him ranked as the world's number #1 flyweight through most the 90s, until Too Sharp took that #1 spot. His style was style was similar to that of Tszyu, but there are some differences. Arbachakov had better, and more fluid footwork than Tszyu, and was a better combination puncher when he actually let his hands go. But Tszyu let his hands more, and I would say that P4P Tszyu was a better puncher (though Yuri had good power), and Tszyu had more explosive handspeed. Neither was Duran-like when it comes to defense, as Tsyzu's D was based on him having good reflexes, and blocking/parrying shots decently with his gloves. While Yuri used his beautiful footwork to evade punches. Overall, Tszyu is clearly greater, as he had a better resume. Better is a different story, and I would say Arbachakov at his peak was a slightly better fighter.
Arbachakov way better under pressure which is how I separate fighters. That's my first immediate observation. That makes him better. Greater? Hard to say. Zoo played a huge role in bringing the post Soviet era fighters into real serious contention for mainstream respect with those 4 wins over Chavez, MAG, Sharmba and Judah.
Tszyu is definitely greater. I'm not sure why I even added that part. I should have simply asked who was better. I think Arbachakov was more complete, but Tszyu was probably a better talent. I think we got to know more about Tszyu, because we don't know how Arbachakov would have fared against a Too Sharp, Carbajal, or Lopez. I know Too Sharp wanted to fight him, and @Neil of course will back that.
I'm just gonna say it how I see it. I think Arbachakov was way better than Tzysu. The only reason it's a debate is because Tzysu was way more proven. I've just rewatched Arbachakov vs Kittikasem I and I have no doubt Arbachakov was far better. Much tougher mentally and under pressure, as mentioned, but also a far more multifaced fighter whose offense was every bit as potent for the division he was in.
I love how he recovered from a very big knockdown - against a monster puncher, too - it's like he was offended Kittikasem could touch him. He jumps back up, bangs his gloves together and gives Kittikasem a "you're about to catch a beating" look, and then batters him about the ring
Arbachakov is the best as a pro of the post-communist ex-Soviet region fighters in terms of technical skill and all round ability imo. The most complete, and I'd include Lomachenko and Usyk in that group. I do though think that Tszyu as an amateur and early days turning pro was on a similarish level (though I still think Yuri was a bit better), he just stagnated technically and adopted a more straight up stalking power punching approach. He looked the complete package in the ams other than being an average infighter. I don't get the idea that he improved post-Philips tbh, he just showed excellent mental strength and focus to reach the top again and stay there until he was too old and inactive.
