His record will tell you he wasn't a knockout artist, but don't mistake him for a runner - his style was to stand stock still and make you miss with some of the silkiest lateral movement ever. He was literally IMPOSSIBLE to hit clean at his best. It was freakish.
Thats a shame. I have one of his fights with Cervantes and he was a marvelous boxer... its a joy to watch all those little moves he would make. You don't get boxers with skills like that anymore.
Had to find a library and check in while I was out and I'm sad to see this news.
This guy was first class all the way and when it was his time to pass the torch he wouldnt even let a great one like Cervantes in the door until he had beaten the new lion at least once just as Antonio himself was coming into his peak. Here is an example of a Sweet Science Warrior if there ever was one. From what I have gathered, he was a champion in and out of the ring doing great work for worthy causes and setting an example for kids. His boxing style was one of a kind with remarkable thrift and economy of movement and working the other guy against himself. Sort of a JuJitsuist of a boxing mechanic.
What was it about this era that brought out the best ever seen? And when I think of Antonio, Nicolina and Kostya it seems that this division has offered some of the finest folks the sports world has ever encountered. IMHO.
This marks the passing of a truly great sportsman and a human being who contributed a richness to the sweet science that very few can match.
His spirit will be celebrated and missed. I'm quietly counting to 10 in his honor and sending those who will miss him the most reverent thoughts I can muster.
His title winning performance against Paul Fujii in Tokyo, is likely in the top 5 of the greatest defensive performances ever captured on film. Spine tingling.
