Really? I'm thinking Chacon. Just the more proven guy, and I trust his intangibles a lot more. AE is another fighter I've come down to Earth on. While Chacon beat the likes of Lopez and Marcano at 126, its just impossible to rate AE because of how goddamn mediocre Stevie Cruz was.
Tbh, I'm just basing it off the Villasana fight. I think that Esparragoza being around a similar level to Villasana is a given based on that one, and I think that's a higher level than Chacon. I also think the styles match up better for Esparragoza, as Chacon wouldn't be able to repeat the plan he used for Lopez, because he'd have to walk after Esparragoza. And that'd just make him even more hittable. Although I'd pick Lopez to KO Esparragoza, but get stopped by Villasana. I love Chacon as much as the next man, but I think he's overrated TBH.
I've just rewatched Chacon-Lopez and I'd probably change my pick here. I misremembered that fight quite badly. I always thought it was the quicker fighter with better technician out-landed the bigger puncher, but Chacon showed a great chin, lots of talent and a very good game plan. I liked his jab to the body, his overhand and left hook. He showed good quick feet too, as he came in at one angle, landed something big, came out at another and then changed it. Very impressive from him. I'll watch the Marcano fight tomorrow. Is there a fight where Chacon fights primarily on the front-foot? Like, as a pressure fighter? Obviously he fought in spurts like that vs Boza but I feel like that doesn't count. It's not what I'm going for, know what I mean? Anyway, I'm reconsidering my stance here. I can definitely see Chacon pulling this off.
