Put aside the fact that Ayala Jr. was one of the biggest pieces of shit to ever walk the Earth. How far would he have gone had he not been locked up? Of course, he was famously already scheduled to face Davey Moore. Would he have gotten past Moore? Would he have any prayer against Leonard, Hearns, Duran, Hagler, Benitez?
From What REED Recalls, Ayala and Moore Sparred to the Degree it was All But a Foregone Conclusion Ayala Would've Beaten Moore for his Super Welter Title...Moore was Basically Keeping the Belt WARM for its Rightful Owner, Ayala... One of the HIGHLIGHTS of REED's Matchmaking Days Was Becoming Friendly w/Tony Ayala, Sr, Whose Fighters REED Used a Time or 3...Typically, REED Wouldn't Even Call Mr. Ayala for BUSINESS, He Just Wanted to Talk Boxing w/Him... Cool, Funny and Sweet Ol' Man...He Made NO Excuses for His Son But Was Definitely HEARTBROKEN By His Deeds and the Irreparable Damage Done to the Family Name... REED
I think he would have stopped Moore. Moore was too hittable, and Ayala had a devastating offense. It was especially advanced for his age.
For what it's worth... a young Ayala would absolutely kill Vergil Ortiz. He was faaarrrrr more talented than Vergil.
Ayala was a real POS scumbag but I still acknowledge that he had talent and potential. The guy was a ferocious fighter with an exciting style. I think he would have taken out Davey Moore but gets outclassed by Duran, Hearns, Benitez, McCallum.
The only prayer he has against that lot is a puncher's chance against Benitez. But if Benitez was in top form, that puncher's chance is remote.
Disgusting mf who lost out on making a ton of money $$$$$$. Considering Duran streak at that time, no mas, losing to Benitez & Laing…he was at his weakest, that was Ayala best shot at beating him…
agREED... Even Though it was 20 or so Years Removed from his Best Fighting Days, the Loss to Yori Boy was Telling...QUITTING as Ayala Did Spoke to a MENTALITY That was Likely There All Along, Once the Going Got Tooooo TOUGH... REED
