This is the next in my blog series ‘Mythical Matchups’. The bout is between two junior-welterweight champions, Aaron Pryor and Julio Cesar
Chavez. My imaginary bouts all take place in Las Vegas at the Caesar’s Palace Outdoor Arena, with the great Mills Lane as the referee.
Aaron Pryor was born on October 20, 1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio. ‘The Hawk’ had a tremendous amateur record of 204-16, and won a number of titles from 1973 until 1976. He lost a controversial decision to Howard Davis, Jr. at the 1976 Olympic Trials, and turned pro on November 11, of that same year.
He won his first world title on August 2, 1980 by knocking out Antonio Cervantes in four rounds. He remained the Junior Welterweight until 1985, then retired due to his drug problems.
During his fabulous career, he faced all comers, and had a whirlwind style in the ring that drove his opponents crazy. Aaron could box and punch, and if you knocked him down, he got up as soon as you blinked your eyes. He most famous victories were his two knockout wins over ‘The Great’ Alexis Arguello in November of 1982, and again in their rematch of September 1983. In the all-time list of great junior-welterweights, Aaron Pryor is at the top of the list.
Julio Cesar Chavez was born on July 12, 1962 in Sonora, Mexico. He made his professional debut in 1980 at age 17, and won his first championship on September 13, 1984 by knocking out Mario Martinez to win the vacant WBC Super Featherweight title. Julio moved up to lightweight and won that title as well in November of 1987 by stopping Edwin Rosario. He also won the junior welterweight crown, and the welterweight belt as well in his storied and legendary career. His fight with Aaron Pryor for my blog series is at 140 lbs.
In my opinion, Aaron had too many skills for Chavez, and had the stamina to easily outbox and outpoint him. Meldrick Taylor boxed circles around Chavez in their legendary March 17, 1990 bout in Las Vegas, but Meldrick tired and got stopped late in the fight. It was the worst stoppage in boxing history in my opinion, and Taylor deserved the victory.
‘The Hawk’ didn’t get tired in his prime, and would have outclassed Chavez on all counts. Aaron Pryor by and easy 12 round unanimous decision.
Aaron sadly passed away on October 9, 2016 and is a member of the IBHOF in Canastota, New York.
Julio Cesar was a great fighter and had a tremendous champion, but styles make fights, and there’s no way he could have beaten an Aaron Pryor at the top of his game.
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