Sanchez - Nelson

Ezzard · Post by **Ezzard** » 21 Apr 2006, 10:59

Looking back this is really a significant fight. I watched this again last night and it's odd knowing that Sanchez's death is not far away...

Nobody knew that nelson would go on to be such a great champion himself. I can't help feeling that in a way all of Nelson's subsequent triumphs reflect positively on Sanchez.

There was no way that sanchez was expecting such a great fight. What really impresses me is Nelson's second wind after the 10th where he makes every round competitive. Nelson's stamina is amazing (as was Sanchez's). I know Nelson took the fight at short notice but he is in such great condition that he must have been in preparation for a fight??? Can anyone shed any light on this.

Also great to watch how Sanchez solves Nelson and gets his left hook to work time and time again.

As much as I think Nelson would have brought more to a rematch I also believe that sanchez would have been ready for him.

IMO this is one of the most underrated fights of the 1980s and there is a case to be made that both men deserve to be in the Featherweight all time top 10.

bigzab · Post by **bigzab** » 21 Apr 2006, 11:03

I am waiting for this fight to be shipped, should get it next week. Will discuss after I have seen it.

dalek · Post by **dalek** » 21 Apr 2006, 11:06

yeah i love this fight.i had sal 8-6 up plus an extra point for the kd going to the last.nelson moves a lot more in this fight and throws tons of punches very unlike his later performances.outstanding matchup and sanchez's ability to withstand nelsons power whilst being able to hurt his rival was the main difference for me.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 Apr 2006, 11:31

Yes, this is one of my favourite fights... one of the impressive things about Sanchez in this fight is how he won despite being very weight weakened... reading about the fight at the time I remember Sanchez aying to his trainer after the 5th that he felt very weak... yet he remained the only man to ever stop Nelson... which kind of answers the question of some as to whether he was a big puncher or not...

Ezzard · Post by **Ezzard** » 21 Apr 2006, 11:36

silkov wrote:Yes, this is one of my favourite fights... one of the impressive things about Sanchez in this fight is how he won despite being very weight weakened... reading about the fight at the time I remember Sanchez aying to his trainer after the 5th that he felt very weak... yet he remained the only man to ever stop Nelson... which kind of answers the question of some as to whether he was a big puncher or not...

Once he works out that left hook it is devestating and you can see the mess it made of Nelson's cheek/jaw. Sanchez is thinking all the time.

Nelson was very impressive in the 1980s and seemed to have a bit of everything.

DoubleM · Post by **DoubleM** » 21 Apr 2006, 11:39

Yea, top fight. Sanchez' left hook was very impressive, as were his overall 'brawling' skills, and abilities to keep calm under pressure. Yet again he shows his extraordinary stamina and class. As for Nelson, what a gutsy performance... I'm convinced that this Nelson was close to the best Nelson there ever was - a great fighter.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 Apr 2006, 11:51

It was only a little while later that Nelson took apart Gomez... I think he's another very underrated all timer. One of the best things about Sanchez was the way he thought in the ring and paced himself and he always, despite his weight troubles managed to finish strongly...

BoxBuzz · Post by **BoxBuzz** » 21 Apr 2006, 11:57

Two absolute state of the art fighters to my way of thinking. How do you think the second one would have gone? My guess is that they would both be better fighters and it's hard to guess the outcome.

DoubleM · Post by **DoubleM** » 21 Apr 2006, 12:06

BoxBuzz wrote:Two absolute state of the art fighters to my way of thinking. How do you think the second one would have gone? My guess is that they would both be better fighters and it's hard to guess the outcome.

A close decision for Sanchez.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 Apr 2006, 13:33

BoxBuzz wrote:Two absolute state of the art fighters to my way of thinking. How do you think the second one would have gone? My guess is that they would both be better fighters and it's hard to guess the outcome.

I think Sanchezs extra speed would have kept him ahead of Nelson... one of the greatest tragedies of boxing is we'll never know how good Sanchez could have been... he probably had another 2 years till his peak imo....

vagabundo55 · Post by **vagabundo55** » 23 Apr 2006, 17:00

silkov wrote:
BoxBuzz wrote:Two absolute state of the art fighters to my way of thinking. How do you think the second one would have gone? My guess is that they would both be better fighters and it's hard to guess the outcome.
I think Sanchezs extra speed would have kept him ahead of Nelson... one of the greatest tragedies of boxing is we'll never know how good Sanchez could have been... he probably had another 2 years till his peak imo....

I agree with that. I believe Sanchez would defeat Nelson again. We'll never really know how great Sanchez could have been, but as i've said many times, we do know that in 23 years of life, he had already fought plenty of great fighters, enough to say he was great. We just don't know how great he could have been. I've spoken to many boxing trainers and many have told me they believe Sanchez could have moved up to beat Arguello and Chavez. Some even went as far to say that he'd do good in the light welterweight division. We'll never really know that for sure though. But we do know, he managed to stop Nelson who became a great lightweight. I think he'd beat Nelson in a rematch. Sanchez much like Robinson, and a few fighters, was blessed with something that sets them apart from the rest... the ability to think, change fight plans during the fight, and the ability to exploit opponent's flaws. As mentioned above he quickly learned that his left hook would be useful against Nelson, and he used it well in this fight. Sanchez until a few years ago was beginning to be a forgotten champion, now he's getting recognition he deserves. I hope eventually Nelson will get the recognition he deserves as well, as he is often underrated or forgotten.

Ezzard · Post by **Ezzard** » 24 Apr 2006, 04:19

DoubleM wrote:
BoxBuzz wrote:Two absolute state of the art fighters to my way of thinking. How do you think the second one would have gone? My guess is that they would both be better fighters and it's hard to guess the outcome.
A close decision for Sanchez.

I agree, Nelson's experience would mean he wouldn't be stopped and it would be another back and forth bout.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 24 Apr 2006, 07:47

vagabundo55 wrote:
silkov wrote:
BoxBuzz wrote:Two absolute state of the art fighters to my way of thinking. How do you think the second one would have gone? My guess is that they would both be better fighters and it's hard to guess the outcome.
I think Sanchezs extra speed would have kept him ahead of Nelson... one of the greatest tragedies of boxing is we'll never know how good Sanchez could have been... he probably had another 2 years till his peak imo....
I agree with that. I believe Sanchez would defeat Nelson again. We'll never really know how great Sanchez could have been, but as i've said many times, we do know that in 23 years of life, he had already fought plenty of great fighters, enough to say he was great. We just don't know how great he could have been. I've spoken to many boxing trainers and many have told me they believe Sanchez could have moved up to beat Arguello and Chavez. Some even went as far to say that he'd do good in the light welterweight division. We'll never really know that for sure though. But we do know, he managed to stop Nelson who became a great lightweight. I think he'd beat Nelson in a rematch. Sanchez much like Robinson, and a few fighters, was blessed with something that sets them apart from the rest... the ability to think, change fight plans during the fight, and the ability to exploit opponent's flaws. As mentioned above he quickly learned that his left hook would be useful against Nelson, and he used it well in this fight. Sanchez until a few years ago was beginning to be a forgotten champion, now he's getting recognition he deserves. I hope eventually Nelson will get the recognition he deserves as well, as he is often underrated or forgotten.

Sanchez was as close to being a 'complete fighter' as you can see I think... very few boxers have that. I think he could well have beaten Arguello though it would have been a great fight, I think Sanchezs speed would have been a factor... also he wpuld probably have been more powerful at 135...
Nelson himself was a great all round fighter who could out think his opponents... its fitting really that Sanchez's last fight was a win over another great fighter like Nelson...

Ezzard · Post by **Ezzard** » 24 Apr 2006, 08:35

silkov wrote:
vagabundo55 wrote:
silkov wrote: I think Sanchezs extra speed would have kept him ahead of Nelson... one of the greatest tragedies of boxing is we'll never know how good Sanchez could have been... he probably had another 2 years till his peak imo....
I agree with that. I believe Sanchez would defeat Nelson again. We'll never really know how great Sanchez could have been, but as i've said many times, we do know that in 23 years of life, he had already fought plenty of great fighters, enough to say he was great. We just don't know how great he could have been. I've spoken to many boxing trainers and many have told me they believe Sanchez could have moved up to beat Arguello and Chavez. Some even went as far to say that he'd do good in the light welterweight division. We'll never really know that for sure though. But we do know, he managed to stop Nelson who became a great lightweight. I think he'd beat Nelson in a rematch. Sanchez much like Robinson, and a few fighters, was blessed with something that sets them apart from the rest... the ability to think, change fight plans during the fight, and the ability to exploit opponent's flaws. As mentioned above he quickly learned that his left hook would be useful against Nelson, and he used it well in this fight. Sanchez until a few years ago was beginning to be a forgotten champion, now he's getting recognition he deserves. I hope eventually Nelson will get the recognition he deserves as well, as he is often underrated or forgotten.
Sanchez was as close to being a 'complete fighter' as you can see I think... very few boxers have that. I think he could well have beaten Arguello though it would have been a great fight, I think Sanchezs speed would have been a factor... also he wpuld probably have been more powerful at 135...
Nelson himself was a great all round fighter who could out think his opponents... its fitting really that Sanchez's last fight was a win over another great fighter like Nelson...

Would the move to 12 rounders have hindered Sanchez? There's no doubt that 12 rounders have changed the sport quite a lot.

vagabundo55 · Post by **vagabundo55** » 24 Apr 2006, 14:10

silkov wrote:
vagabundo55 wrote:
silkov wrote: I think Sanchezs extra speed would have kept him ahead of Nelson... one of the greatest tragedies of boxing is we'll never know how good Sanchez could have been... he probably had another 2 years till his peak imo....
I agree with that. I believe Sanchez would defeat Nelson again. We'll never really know how great Sanchez could have been, but as i've said many times, we do know that in 23 years of life, he had already fought plenty of great fighters, enough to say he was great. We just don't know how great he could have been. I've spoken to many boxing trainers and many have told me they believe Sanchez could have moved up to beat Arguello and Chavez. Some even went as far to say that he'd do good in the light welterweight division. We'll never really know that for sure though. But we do know, he managed to stop Nelson who became a great lightweight. I think he'd beat Nelson in a rematch. Sanchez much like Robinson, and a few fighters, was blessed with something that sets them apart from the rest... the ability to think, change fight plans during the fight, and the ability to exploit opponent's flaws. As mentioned above he quickly learned that his left hook would be useful against Nelson, and he used it well in this fight. Sanchez until a few years ago was beginning to be a forgotten champion, now he's getting recognition he deserves. I hope eventually Nelson will get the recognition he deserves as well, as he is often underrated or forgotten.
Sanchez was as close to being a 'complete fighter' as you can see I think... very few boxers have that. I think he could well have beaten Arguello though it would have been a great fight, I think Sanchezs speed would have been a factor... also he wpuld probably have been more powerful at 135...
Nelson himself was a great all round fighter who could out think his opponents... its fitting really that Sanchez's last fight was a win over another great fighter like Nelson...

I believe the same, it's a shame we didn't get to see more of Sanchez. As for the comment on 12 rounds fights hindering Sanchez, I think he would have stepped up the pace for 12 round fights. I think he paced himself well during 15 rounders. He'd probably just step up the pace for 12 rounders. Just my opinion. There are very few fighters I cosider complete fighters, and Sanchez is one of those.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 24 Apr 2006, 14:40

vagabundo55 wrote:
silkov wrote:
vagabundo55 wrote: I agree with that. I believe Sanchez would defeat Nelson again. We'll never really know how great Sanchez could have been, but as i've said many times, we do know that in 23 years of life, he had already fought plenty of great fighters, enough to say he was great. We just don't know how great he could have been. I've spoken to many boxing trainers and many have told me they believe Sanchez could have moved up to beat Arguello and Chavez. Some even went as far to say that he'd do good in the light welterweight division. We'll never really know that for sure though. But we do know, he managed to stop Nelson who became a great lightweight. I think he'd beat Nelson in a rematch. Sanchez much like Robinson, and a few fighters, was blessed with something that sets them apart from the rest... the ability to think, change fight plans during the fight, and the ability to exploit opponent's flaws. As mentioned above he quickly learned that his left hook would be useful against Nelson, and he used it well in this fight. Sanchez until a few years ago was beginning to be a forgotten champion, now he's getting recognition he deserves. I hope eventually Nelson will get the recognition he deserves as well, as he is often underrated or forgotten.
Sanchez was as close to being a 'complete fighter' as you can see I think... very few boxers have that. I think he could well have beaten Arguello though it would have been a great fight, I think Sanchezs speed would have been a factor... also he wpuld probably have been more powerful at 135...
Nelson himself was a great all round fighter who could out think his opponents... its fitting really that Sanchez's last fight was a win over another great fighter like Nelson...
I believe the same, it's a shame we didn't get to see more of Sanchez. As for the comment on 12 rounds fights hindering Sanchez, I think he would have stepped up the pace for 12 round fights. I think he paced himself well during 15 rounders. He'd probably just step up the pace for 12 rounders. Just my opinion. There are very few fighters I cosider complete fighters, and Sanchez is one of those.

I agree, Sanchez would set up a faster pace if he was fighting over 12 rounds... he used to pace himself partly perhaps because of his weight troubles but that said he still fought at a very high pace over 15... his battles with Nelson and Gomez are amongst the fastest most action packed fights I've seen...

Ezzard · Post by **Ezzard** » 27 Apr 2006, 06:06

Still, it wasn't just about pacing. Sanchez fought better as fights wore on because he was so adept at working his opponents out. Taking 3 rounds away is going to hurt him in that sense.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 27 Apr 2006, 07:43

Ezzard wrote:Still, it wasn't just about pacing. Sanchez fought better as fights wore on because he was so adept at working his opponents out. Taking 3 rounds away is going to hurt him in that sense.

He could start fast too when he wanted... look at the Gomez fight... in some of his fights previous to winning the title Sanchez started much faster than in some of his title fights... probably because the fights were shorter... also he was probably more comfortable at the weight then so didn't need to pace his energy so much...

elmersalsa · Post by **elmersalsa** » 27 Apr 2006, 16:40

This was one of the best fights of the 80s without a doubt. I remember this fight like it was yesterday. I was rooting for Nelson. Even though that Nelson lost, I had to clap my hands for the performance he gave that Friday night in New York's Madison Square Garden, home of the greatest fights in history.

Sanchez showed that he was a COMPLETE FIGHTER that night. At the beginning of the fight, he looked confused, but after that first knockdown he gave Nelson, he got uplifted. I also liked Sanchez' concentration. One of the best concentrated and focused fighters that I have ever seen. he is an all time great without a doubt and one of the greatest fighters that I have ever seen in my life. What a fighter that Sanchez was.

vagabundo55 · Post by **vagabundo55** » 28 Apr 2006, 19:05

It's amazing that in his 23 years of life he accomplished what some fighters take a decade to do. I believe he would have no trouble fighting 12 rounders. Although many of his KO/TKO's came after round 12, I think that he would pace himself and apply more pressure, still managing to get KO/TKO's before the 12th. Sanchez hit hard and he had a killer instinct, but he didn't seem to be looking for the KO, he just seemed to fight at pace where the KO/TKO would eventually come.

Migz · Post by **Migz** » 30 Apr 2006, 07:26

just got this fight 2 days ago.. i love it!

vagabundo55 · Post by **vagabundo55** » 02 May 2006, 04:05

Migz wrote:just got this fight 2 days ago.. i love it!

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, was it your first Sanchez fight? Just wondering.

Migz · Post by **Migz** » 02 May 2006, 04:20

vagabundo55 wrote:
Migz wrote:just got this fight 2 days ago.. i love it!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, was it your first Sanchez fight? Just wondering.

nah ive seen alittle bit of sanchez before in a lot of documentaries and read a bit about him, i also seen his fight a while ago against Juan Laporte... im 16 and been interested in boxing for a while now so i like reading and watchiing alot about boxers from the past

vagabundo55 · Post by **vagabundo55** » 02 May 2006, 15:36

Migz wrote:
vagabundo55 wrote:
Migz wrote:just got this fight 2 days ago.. i love it!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, was it your first Sanchez fight? Just wondering.
nah ive seen alittle bit of sanchez before in a lot of documentaries and read a bit about him, i also seen his fight a while ago against Juan Laporte... im 16 and been interested in boxing for a while now so i like reading and watchiing alot about boxers from the past

Good to hear there's young people interested in boxing. If you're interested in looking for good fights, there's a greatest fights thread somewhere around here, plenty of good fights you might want to get ahold of.

Migz · Post by **Migz** » 03 May 2006, 07:08

thanx.. im aware of many great fights out there i love boxing from years years ago and have read about boxing history from times so far back of 1719 and James Figg till present