Battle of the Undefeated- Mexico v. Cuba

Thanks to all the contributors to the thread. Hopefully the Gamboa v. Rios match still gets made.

I think you're right. Over the years, there have been occasional defectors. Very few, really. The most notable success was Joel Casamayor. (No surprise, he was an Olympic gold medallist.) But the number of Cuban athletes in general defecting from the island has increased dramatically as of late. It seems that there's no end in sight. As more of these athletes leave the island, more Cubans are inspired to do the same. My guess is that we'll not only see many more defectors turning pro in the near future, but more Cuban-Americans being inspired to try their luck in professional boxing. Victor Hugo once said, "An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come." For Cubans, at least as far as pro sports are concerned, our time may be at hand.... Nice.......

That'll change as more Cuban Olympic & National Champs defect at younger ages, which is becoming easier and easier to do. I think Gamboa's success opened the floodgates on that one. then u have cats like IBF, WBA & Ring Cruiserweight champ Yoan Pablo Hernandez (26-1) who are hell bent on fighting overseas, specifically in Germany. Hope to see more of that talent.

That'll change as more Cuban Olympic & National Champs defect at younger ages, which is becoming easier and easier to do. I think Gamboa's success opened the floodgates on that one. then u have cats like IBF, WBA & Ring Cruiserweight champ Yoan Pablo Hernandez (26-1) who are hell bent on fighting overseas, specifically in Germany. I think you're right. Over the years, there have been occasional defectors. Very few, really. The most notable success was Joel Casamayor. (No surprise, he was an Olympic gold medallist.) But the number of Cuban athletes in general defecting from the island has increased dramatically as of late. It seems that there's no end in sight. As more of these athletes leave the island, more Cubans are inspired to do the same. My guess is that we'll not only see many more defectors turning pro in the near future, but more Cuban-Americans being inspired to try their luck in professional boxing. Victor Hugo once said, "An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come." For Cubans, at least as far as pro sports are concerned, our time may be at hand....

Cuba ain't got a lot of dogs in the game, but the ones they do have are pretty good. True statement. That's because all the better Cubans, like the ones you mentioned, were highly successful amateurs. Gamboa won an Olympic gold medal; Rigo won two. Lara was an amateur world champion. These aren't run-of-the-mill fighters. While it's true that a great amateur career is no guarantee of pro success, it's a pretty good indicator of professional potential. For the record, my picks are: Lara, Rios (hopefully I'm wrong about this one) and Rigondeaux.

This may sound crazy to some but I think Lara embarrasses Alvarez for 12 rounds. Gambia -Rios is a tough one. If Gamboa doesn't try to slug it out he wins unanimously, maybe even by TKO becuz of cuts or swelling. If he does and stays on the inside longer than necessary I believe gets KO'd late. I don't see anybody beating Rigo at this time. If Mares tries to pressure him, Mares gets KO'd with a body punch. If he hangs back and tries to outbox Rigo, Mares gets KO'd with a body punch. Sorry, no way out of that one.

if lara doesn't KO alvarez, i can see a robbery happening. that said, i'd be rooting for lara even though i'm a fan of both. i hope gamboa wins, but the size difference might be too much. we'll see when the fight happens, but either guy could win that fight imo. mares should not get in the ring with rigondeaux, he would get stopped badly. i'd rather see mares risk his 0 to someone like moreno. donaire or nishioka should fight rigondeaux. great thread, i'm mexican-american but damn, i'm a fan of all those cuban fighters listed. i'd be rooting for los cubanos in these matchups.

rios is american.....

kirkland vs rios= draw {yes they both get koed same time Wat..... Lara Rios Mares

canelo vs lara = canelo kirkland vs rios= draw {yes they both get koed same time mares vs rigo= rigo

Cuba 3-0 with Canelo/Lara being the most competitive

I figured Mares moving up to fight Rigo would be a good match up, I would lean towards Rigo winning though, I think he overwhelms Mares in an exciting fight. Many think Canelo is overrated and I can see where they coming from, but I give him the benefit of doubt for being as young as he is. I see Lara as undefeated, and underrated for that matter. I like Lara in that match up due to his southpaw stance causing problems for the young champ. It could go either way honestly, but I think Lara wins a decision. Gamboa v. Rios. We will find out soon enough. I think it is the closest out of the three. I have to go with Gamboa cause I like his explosive style, and although he is moving up in weight, perhaps those quick angles connecting on Rios will be enough to hurt him if power is less than present. Here I give Cuba a 3-0 victory, but I could be wrong. All three could go either way in close battles. Cuba ain't got a lot of dogs in the game, but the ones they do have are pretty good.

Lara Rios Mares

Lara handles the overrated alvarez, Gamboa stops Rios in a classic, Mares outhustles Memo

Saul takes Lara, Gamboa Rios,Rigo Mares until proven otherwise. :boxing:

Gamboa and Rigondeaux would give Cuba the 2-1 victory.

All great matchups which any ending wouldnt suprise. All great fighters./

Alvarez beats Lara Rios beats Gamboa Rigondeaux beats Mares imo