Rodriguez wins IMO. Styles. Gavilan's only real stylistic weakness were fighters who could move. He struggled with Graham's elite fundamentals, and Bratton's athletic feet. Famously, Robinson changed his aggressive approach in favour of becoming a pure out-boxer and beat Gavilan by doing so. Given Rodriguez combines both elite fundamentals with athletic talent, I think he has the foundation to win, and that his 'bobbing' jab and jerky rhythm puts Gavilan in enough rough spots to see out a decision. Gavilan would make things really close though, he could really cut the ring off well. I think his issues with movers were a little bit more phycological, as in, he didn't like having to look for his man. It's not that he couldn't, it's just that he found things much easier when all he had to do was reach out and his man was there. Being so tall and so quick, this was like 95% of his fights. But look at the ones who didn't just fight in one way, used different head slots or kept things moving. He suffered from it, but still showed the intangibles to win. However, I don't think those intangibles will pull through vs the immense skill (and remember, considerable intangibles on the other side) of Rodriguez. To put it as simply as it gets, Rodriguez out-boxes Gavilan in a close fight. And btw, Napoles > Rodriguez
Agreed with everything George said. Gavilan would have a problem with Rodriguez's movements and quick in-and-out attacks. Gavilan's only success he would have would be up close inside, which Rodriguez is also great at. I have Rodriguez beating Gavilan by close but clear decision. Napoles > LMR Gavilan > Napoles LMR > Gavilan
