Vargas' ability to handle punchers...

Tell that to Mayorga.
And Ike Quartey.
And Oba Carr.
And Vargas.

Mosley, maybe I can see a case being made...

But DLH can fucking punch, no question.

 

:tease: Jake.

 

I don't remember who exactly was the favorite then, but from what I remember, Double L is right in that the fight was not considered an "easy" one for Vargas by any means. I seem to recall quite a few people being shocked that Vargas was being put in with Campas so soon, and that many thought it was too soon.

I shouldn't think that kind of reaction was too surprising either, seeing as even a few years later, many thought it was too soon for Vargas to be put in a big fight like vs. Tito, even after he had beaten the likes of Campas, Quartey, and Winky.

Of course, in retrospect, it makes perfect sense that a guy like Vargas would whup a guy like Campas... but remember that at the time, Campas had had something like 50-70 pro fights while Vargas had had (just guessing off the top of my head) only about 15. Also remember that Campas was riding something of a career peak, having decisively beaten a well regarded titlist in Marquez (regardless of the circumstances) and defended his title a couple of times.

Vargas' people knew what the rest of the boxing world was not yet quite aware of, that Vargas was boxing's best kept secret, and Campas was an overrated, questionable-hearted paper chump just waiting to get exposed.

 

Actually, I think it lends more credence to my point. If a guy is damaged goods after his (arguably) very first fight against a true knockout puncher, maybe it's because he just doesn't have what it takes to handle that kind of power.

 

This post is 100% correct.

"However"

I understand the reason why people only discuss "primes" when a fighter is at least a world beater.

Take it to the extreme...what is the point of a discussion which centers around the prime of Eric Crumble? :dunno: ::

 

:: Well, of course. But my comment was intended in the context of Puerto Rock's post.

All fighters peak and have a prime...and the significance of a win against a B- or C-level fighter can vary according to the stage of their career/age, just like it can for the elite.

Peace.

 

Miguel Diaz?

 

ike quartey was not a big puncher at 154.