Always wanted to say (write) that. I trained a fighter "Santana D" that actually sparred with both fighters, I must admit that when "Santana D" sparred with Salvador, a session his uncle Mr. Diaz a famous cut man had set up for a very young "Santana D" it really wasn't much a sparring session. Salvador basically showed "Santana" how to move and work behind his jab and work the body all of which "Santana" devoted the rest of his stellar career to.
With McGuigan, Yahoo Answers are full of Q&As of "Santana's" experience of sparring with Barry, I was there and watched "Santana spar with Barry off and on for two weeks. "Santana told me after the first couple of times he sparred with Barry that "Barry hit me the hardest I've ever been hit in my life." now I know you don't know about "Santana D" but some of the old timers her can tell you about what type of guy he was, for him too say that truly meant something.
To your great question Irene, Even though Barry hit like a mule, Salvador stops Barry in a very lopsided affair, Steve Cruz beat the bajeebies out of Barry and that's when Barry was considered one of the best. Salvador was just too complete of a package, threw the straighter shots and had way better defense. Barry's heart back then was just way too big and would try to punch with Sanchez and this would be his downfall. I really don't think that Barry could take Sal's punches to his body. those short liver shots catch up to a fighter.
Salvador Sanchez would win easily. It would be a long fight or a late stoppage. Sanchez was a master boxer with defensive skills. He defeated an up and coming Azumah Nelson. So therefore he should defeat McGuigan. McGuigan was good but only for a short time. Sanchez would also use his superior height and reach to his advantage.
Sal was a damn good fighter. An excellent jab and hook, great style, form, reach, and endurance to boot. I saw that fight, and in my opinion, McGuigan got that decision over Pedroza because of the location; they didn't want another Hagler-Minter situation.
Sal would have cut McGuigan to pieces, literally. His jab did that to some opponents
On another note, while it is true that Sal beat the Mexican Assassin (Azumah Nelson) it should be noted that it was a TKO in the 15th round. It is also true that the contracts for the rematch had been signed, and the fight was scheduled when Sal was killed.
At that time, I didn't see Azumah losing again. Tragic, we'll never know...
both at their very best. like azumah nelson, mcguigan would give everything he had. nelson had not yet peaked, so the 1985 mcguigan would have given sanchez a tougher fight.
sanchez was a slow starter so barry would take the first two rounds, but once sanchez settled down and found the range he'd start to pile up the points.
mcguigan would dig deep and take a few rounds here and there, but he'd start to mark up by round 8 and finish the fight with both eyes badly bruised.
unanimous decision for sanchez.
Sanchez was too tall, strong, and good for McGuigan.
I don't see this fight going past 8 or 10 rounds.
Sanchez was one of the best fighters I have even seen.
A 1981 version of WBC Featherweight Champion Salvador Sanchez vs prime 1985 Barry McGuigan, who defeated WBA Featherweight Champion Eusebio Pedroza, on June 8,1985, by a unanimous 15 round decision in London.In this 15 rounder in LasVegas, who would win and why?
