Top 5 Cubans

I promise, im done after this LMAO! I have a lot of time on my hands today, and lists are fun.

My top 5:

1. Gavilan
2. Napoles
3. Rodriguez
4. Kid Chocolate
5. Ramos

 

Although I might switch 1 and 2, that looks about right. Others in contention for 6-10 might be Jose Legra, Isaac Logart, Benny (Kid) Paret, Florentino Fernandez, Doug Vaillant, Jose Stable, Orlando Zulueta and Nino Valdez. I'm sure I missed some because Cuba is deep.

 

From the contemporary crop, I do think Rigo and Casamayor belong somewhere up there... not sure where. Perhaps lower top 10.

 

I don't think there can be much argument about the inclusion of the top 4, just the order of their ranking.

I think the #5 spot could potentially be interchangeable with Legra, Paret, or Casamayor.

 

Which begs the question, who ranks higher right now, Rigo or Casa?

Rigo is the better talent, but Loma left a bad taste in my mouth. I value the fact that Casamayor had far, far more heart than Rigo.

Casamayor had a toughness about him that Rigo and Lara clearly lack.

 

#10. Rigo
#09. Legra
#08. Logart
#07. Turnero
#06. Ramos
#05. Paret
#04. Chocolate
#03. Rodriguez
#02. Napoles
#01. Gavilan

 

H2H between Gavilan, Napoles, and Rodriguez could be a topic all its own. There's no wrong answers, but... I tend to think Gavilan was the best of the trio and would win.

Rodriguez vs Napoles is sooooooo tough to call.

 

I knew we were all forgetting someone!

 

The problem with Rigo in general is that he never really did anything to write home about after the Donaire win. I know nobody wanted to fight him and he was basically screwed over by his own TV network, but at the end of the day he's a largely squandered/untapped talent IMO.

 

I think I'd settle on this order for a top 10:

1. Gavilan
2. Rodriguez
3. Napoles
4. Chocolate
5. Tunero
6. Legra
7. Ramos
8. Casamayor
9. Rigo
10. Paret

 

Cuba Approves Return To Pro Boxing For First Time In 60 Years Cuba Approves Return To Pro Boxing For First Time In 60 Years https://t.co/tDhGOfY5E9

 

Big news!!

 

Indeed, although i think whomever the top boxers are currently won't make much of an impact unless they're in their late teens or early 20's. Very hard for an older fighter to make the transition unless they're exceptional talents.