Cervantes, quite possibly the most underrated fighter ever. I think he was better than Tszyu in every way and would have taken him apart for a late stoppage.
In the way Cervantes was underrated, I never ´got´ Tszyu or why he was so rated. Apart from the Mitchell KO and the Judah KO (more funny than impressive, really) - I never saw in him why he was up there... :dunno:
In terms of accomplishments, Tszyu is a top 5 all time junior welter. But there's more than 5 junior welters in history who I'd pick over him, H2H. Off the top of my head: Cervantes Chavez Pryor Benitez DLH Whitaker Carlos Ortiz Taylor Locche All beat Tszyu.
Junior Welter has generally been more of a stopover division... many great fighters have fought there but very few stayed there a long time
In this particular matchup, both Tszyu and Cervantes were true, lifetime junior welters. Which as you say, is pretty rare. I just feel Cervantes was overall more complete, and more versatile than Tszyu. I think Tszyu would have A LOT of trouble with Cervantes' height and piston jab. And of course, his right hand. Even in the Hurtado fight, it showed Tszyu's vulnerability to a quick right hand. Cervantes had more than enough power to put Tszyu away if he caught him with the right hand enough times. I love Pryor as everyone knows, but had The Hawk faced the Cervantes of 73-75, it would have been a FAR more difficult matchup for him.
