Should've figured this was meant for me. I may not have seen enough of Lora to judge him fairly. Rose has always impressed me as someone who could adjust to any style (just not necessarily to any puncher). If he'd just had a bit more longevity he'd have been an almost certain HoFer IMO. If I have to pick, I'd favor Rose to stalk and pressure his way to a close (probably split) decision win.
Rose was something else in the Harada fight. Easily one of the top 10 best boxing exhibitions I've seen in history. Lora was a smooth operator, and defensive specialist who possessed some nastiness as well. I just favor Rose because he was a bit quicker on the trigger, a bit more versatile, and a deeper resume because he fought in a deeper era.
Bumpin this in case some of the newer guys have opinions - i remember it getting decent replies on ESB.
I think Rose gets a bit overrated, but that's not to say he isn't as great as they come. He's an unbelievable bantamweight, and I think he was a full level above Lora, whom I also find a bit misunderstood. I take Rose to win a close decision, probably based on cleaner punching if nothing else.
This would be a great match up for the purists. Both very quick pure boxers with excellent movement. As Xplosive said earlier I think Rose had a bit more tools in his arsenal. Lora could also be a bit too defensive at times, giving Rose more chances to outwork him. I don't think Lora would have been able to handle Harada like Rose did.
I'll take Rose in a fascinating chess match. Give Lora some of that Columbian sugar water and he'll make the fight even closer.
I'll give Lora credit for shutting out Davila, which is really impressive, but obviously... Davila is not Harada.
