...by some people. I think hes given too much credit simply because he had an exciting style and was in wars
He had very leaky defense, was wide open when he went on the offense, his head stuck straight up while attacking, he was hurt/dropped in situations he shouldnt have been, and his overall record is overrated. That being said, his stamina, will and power was excellent, and he is still a top guy at 140lbs.
People point to the Arguello fights, but the fact of the matter is Arguello was at the end of his career and at his 4th weight class. Also he was showing signs of slowing down, when he was getting hit often and struggled against Andrew Ganigan. And everyone knows the hell Pryor went through in the first fight to beat Arguello.
Likewise with Cervantes. 35 years old, 13 years into his profesonal career, 100 fights. not shot yet, but he had definitely seen better days, and Cervantes did ok against Pryor early in the fight after knocking him down and fighting a smart fight.
His wins over Blackmoore, Johnson, Montilla, and Kim were solid. but that was essentially his whole career. only 7 wins over top fighters is a little lacking for someone rated so highly. You could say 'quality over quantity', but the fact is his best two wins were at the end of their careers.
vs Julio Cesar Chavez: Loss by TKO in the late fight, Pryor was lacking in defense and Chavez was great at sharpshooting and breaking his opponent.
vs Kostya Tsyzu: Kostya had problems with effective pressure fighters, and although Pryor could be hit he put on immense pressure. Pryor by stoppage
vs Antonio Cervantes(prime): Cervantes by decision in a close fight, having trouble late.
vs Nicolino Locche: Would have been a hilarious fight, Locche would make Pryor miss so much and so badly. but Pryor would simply swamp Locche with offense, Locche would not do enough damage to win rounds. Pryor by Decision or late stoppage
vs Benitez(prime): Beintez by Decision, would be able to make Pryor miss but had enough offense to smack Pryor and win rounds, Benitez by decision.
He had very leaky defense, was wide open when he went on the offense, his head stuck straight up while attacking, he was hurt/dropped in situations he shouldnt have been, and his overall record is overrated. That being said, his stamina, will and power was excellent, and he is still a top guy at 140lbs.
People point to the Arguello fights, but the fact of the matter is Arguello was at the end of his career and at his 4th weight class. Also he was showing signs of slowing down, when he was getting hit often and struggled against Andrew Ganigan. And everyone knows the hell Pryor went through in the first fight to beat Arguello.
Likewise with Cervantes. 35 years old, 13 years into his profesonal career, 100 fights. not shot yet, but he had definitely seen better days, and Cervantes did ok against Pryor early in the fight after knocking him down and fighting a smart fight.
His wins over Blackmoore, Johnson, Montilla, and Kim were solid. but that was essentially his whole career. only 7 wins over top fighters is a little lacking for someone rated so highly. You could say 'quality over quantity', but the fact is his best two wins were at the end of their careers.
vs Julio Cesar Chavez: Loss by TKO in the late fight, Pryor was lacking in defense and Chavez was great at sharpshooting and breaking his opponent.
vs Kostya Tsyzu: Kostya had problems with effective pressure fighters, and although Pryor could be hit he put on immense pressure. Pryor by stoppage
vs Antonio Cervantes(prime): Cervantes by decision in a close fight, having trouble late.
vs Nicolino Locche: Would have been a hilarious fight, Locche would make Pryor miss so much and so badly. but Pryor would simply swamp Locche with offense, Locche would not do enough damage to win rounds. Pryor by Decision or late stoppage
vs Benitez(prime): Beintez by Decision, would be able to make Pryor miss but had enough offense to smack Pryor and win rounds, Benitez by decision.
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