Salvador Sanchez-Had He Lived ?

Seamus · Post by **Seamus** » 14 Jan 2007, 12:57

Salvador Sanchez is one of my alltime favorite fighters, and I often wonder if he hadn't been struck down so tragically at age 23, just how far he might have gone.

Without speculating too wildly, I think it's a very reasonable assumption to believe, that a featherweight champion who was only 23, on the tall side at 5-7, had a great chin (when he needed it) was one of the best counter punchers who ever lived, and who also had excellent stamina and a tremendous heart, would have immediately been one of the top contenders at JLW. So, my question is. How far do you think Sanchez would have gone had he lived, and how would he have matched up with guys he most likely would have met, like Bobby Chacon, Roger Mayweather, Rocky Lockridge, Hector Camacho, and anyone else you can think of ?

Rocky Balboa · Post by **Rocky Balboa** » 14 Jan 2007, 15:46

As you state, Sanches was on the tall side for 126lbs, therefore I believe he would have moved up to 130lbs and eventually, 135lbs. I have never seen a fighter who was as calm as Salvador was when he was under pressure. He laways seemed so sure of himself.

There was speculation of Sanches-Arguello, but I doubt that would have happened for a while. Arguello's days at 130lbs were over when Sanches passed away, and I think it would have been ill advised to go from 126lbs to 135lbs straight.

IMO, reckon Sanches would have beaten Chacon, Lockridge, Camacho, Mayweather etc. Sanches had a superb chin at the most important times in a fight; When you are hitting your oppoenent with great shots and he's not wilting, it's easy to become discouraged. He had heart, skills in abundance, and is one of the best counter-punchers of all time.

It's a pity he had a loss on his record, losing to Antonio Becerra in Sanches' 19th pro bout. Salvador was one of the best fighters' who ever lived. For me, here's up there in the P-4-P rankings.

Great shame that he passed away at such an early age. His funeral was massive. Thousands upon thousands attended the funeral. He was hero in his homeland.

RIP Champ!

ringsider · Post by **ringsider** » 15 Jan 2007, 04:21

Well I hate to say it, but I see Camacho giving him trouble. Camacho never came forward, so you would have a posing match, as both looked to counter. If he chased Camacho I see him looking kind of bad. Camacho was hard to hit, and a goofy lefty with quickness and a safety first style........I give it to Camacho in a close to some what wider margin.

Seamus · Post by **Seamus** » 15 Jan 2007, 10:49

I agree Ringsider. Sanchez was never better than when his opponent came at him with everything, but obviously that's not Camacho's style. Whatever anyone want's to say about Hector, he had very fast hands, and he wouldn't put himself in a position to be consistently hit by Sanchez's counters. He also, had a surprisingly solid chin when he did get hit, and if the bout were held in the USA, I could see Hector winning a close SD.

kick asner · Post by **kick asner** » 15 Jan 2007, 11:12

The only thing about that is Salvador became more agressive late in a fight. As was already mentioned he had tremendous stamina and grew stronger as the fight wore on. As long as he did not wait to long to make his move he should be able to pull it out.

barry · Post by **barry** » 15 Jan 2007, 14:05

A young Camacho was so fast that he would give most anyone trouble. Edwin Rosario scarred the shit out of him and Camacho was never the same fighter after that bout, but before the Rosario bout Camacho was one hell of a tough fighter who could make most anyone look bad.

I have heard many people call Camacho a chicken-shit fighter with little heart, but I think it would be really difficult to back any such claims up...especially after the beatings that he took from Chavez, Trinidad and De La Hoya, which he took those beatings like a man...there was nothing chicken-shit about that.

Seamus · Post by **Seamus** » 16 Jan 2007, 11:12

A great fight at JLW for Sanchez would have been a bout with Rocky Lockridge, a very underrated fighter. With a little luck, Lockridge might have gotten the decision against Eusebio Pedroza (1st fight) Wifredo Gomez and Julio Cesar Chavez. Style wise however, this would be a better matchup for Sanchez than a fight with Camacho would be. Lockridge would be the bigger puncher, but I'd give Sanchez the edge in chins, plus his defense is better, and l like his ability to perform well in the late rounds more. Maybe I'm slightly biased, but I see this as a real war, with both guys throwing everything they have for 10-12 or 15, but I see Sanchez being able to slip and counter more in the late rounds to pull out a close decision.

ringsider · Post by **ringsider** » 16 Jan 2007, 14:55

I think Sanchez would dump Lockridge in about 6 or 7 rounds. I was never really impressed with Rocky. He was more of media favorite for a bit there. If he didn't have you in the first 3 - 5 rounds he probabaly wasn't going to get you.

He was a comer...Sanchez would have countered him to death.

Nile4000 · Post by **Nile4000** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:19

With some seasoning, Bernard Taylor would've given Salvador fits.

Collins2000 · Post by **Collins2000** » 16 Jan 2007, 22:14

Nile4000 wrote:With some seasoning, Bernard Taylor would've given Salvador fits.

Like he did for a few rounds against McGuigan........... then The Clones Cyclone rolled right over him. Just like Sanchez would.

vagabundo55 · Post by **vagabundo55** » 17 Jan 2007, 04:19

Collins2000 wrote:
Nile4000 wrote:With some seasoning, Bernard Taylor would've given Salvador fits.
Like he did for a few rounds against McGuigan........... then The Clones Cyclone rolled right over him. Just like Sanchez would.

Agree. It's no secret i'm a huge fan of Sanchez, but i've spoken with quite a few Mexican trainers in my time, many agreed that had Sanchez lived, Chavez might not have gotten the recognition he got, and should they have ever been matched up at lightweight, Sanchez would win on points. That's all speculation, but from experienced fight fans and more than that.. trainers.

ringsider · Post by **ringsider** » 17 Jan 2007, 14:51

vagabundo55 says

.....and should they have ever been matched up at lightweight, Sanchez would win on points.....

And blah, blah, blah, he said, she said.....just like Meldrick Taylor did right?

Give Chavez some credit eh?

vagabundo55 · Post by **vagabundo55** » 17 Jan 2007, 16:47

ringsider wrote:vagabundo55 says

.....and should they have ever been matched up at lightweight, Sanchez would win on points.....
And blah, blah, blah, he said, she said.....just like Meldrick Taylor did right?

Give Chavez some credit eh?

I do give Chavez credit. It's just that some people seem to think undefeated records mean everything.... they mean nothing if you've never fought another truly great fighter. Any real boxing fan knows this.