The most arguable of the Latin/Hispanic lists to make. I'm constantly flipping on this, and the list I give now i believe has a different order than the list I gave last year - though I believe I still have the same 5. Here it goes: 1. Chavez 2. Olivares 3. Sanchez 4. Saldivar 5. Zarate Note: I don't have an issue with switching out one of them and putting Marquez top 5. I just feel these four guys were better fighters than Marquez, and had more dominant primes.
Since I'm bored, rounding out my top 10, for 6-10 I have: 6. Marquez 7. Canto 8. Barrera 9. Morales 10. Lopez
For me, the top five are locked and the only debating point is the order. They're all razor close, but I can't see anyone who isn't one of these five being above them: Canto, Olivares, Saldivar, Sanchez & Chavez. Personally, I find Olivares' top wins and skills on film more impressive than Chavez's, and Canto's more impressive than either Sal. Like I said, anyway goes though. I've long thought three crucial things for the rest of my top ten. That El Terriblé was the best of the '00s trinity; that both Herrera and Chucho were better than all three; and that Pintor deserved the decision he got vs Zarate. So here's what my full list looks like; no, I'm not sure either : #10. Erik Morales #09. Rafael Herrera #08. Carlos Zarate #07. Lupe Pintor #06. Chucho Castillo #05. Salvador Sanchez #04. Vicente Salvidar #03. Miguel Canto #02. Julio Cesar Chavez #01. Ruben Olivares I'd just like to say, the second half of the top 10 is much harder than the first half.
Say what you will, but I think Marquez has a case for being on par with any Mexican fighter. His wins over Pacman and Barrera are among the very best ever scored by a Mexican fighter.
1. Julio Cesar Chavez 2. Salvador Sanchez 3. Vicente Saldivar 4. Ruben Olivares 5. Miguel Canto 6. Juan Manuel Marquez 7. Baby Arizmendi 8. Rodolfo Casanova 9. Carlos Zarate 10. Erik Morales/Rafael Herrera
I do think Marquez has gotta be on a top 10. I certainly disagree with Pintor being greater than JMM. Although, Pintor did have a very impress bantamweight run. I have Pintor at 11, Chuco Castillo at 12, Rafael Herrera at 13, Gilberto Roman at 14, and yes... I suppose I'll put Big Red at #15.
His resume was disappointing, but I truly feel that Finito was just a better fighter than Marquez/Barrera/Morales, which is why he barely made my top 10.
Not sure if Kid Azteca is quite worthy of a top 10 spot, but I think he at least warrants consideration.
BTW, now I remember the shuffle I made from last year. I think I placed Saldivar at #2 last year followed by either Olivares or Sal, I cant remember which. This year, I'm thinking maybe I was selling Olivares and Sanchez short. Next year, I might place Saldivar over them again .
February to July of 1935, Chango Casanova fought 5 men in 5 months: Henry Armstrong Midget Wolgast Juan Zurita Baby Arizmendi Speedy Dado All wins. Find me any fighter with a better 5 fight win streak.
