Will Caballero's height and reach make a difference against Molitor?

[The Hammer]

Celestino Caballero is 5'11" to Steve Molitor's 5'7", and his 72" reach is longer than some heavyweights like Tua and Tyson.

I've been wondering how much of an advantage this will be in Friday's fight? Steve Molitor isn't an inside fighter, he's more effective at a distance where he can use his rapid jab to attack, and can avoid his opponent's shots. But will he be able to adapt to Caballero's long arms, and still be able to land and be able to evade his punches?

[delipooke]

I'm a big Molitor fan, and I have to admit Molitor is in for a tough night against Caballero. Although I am still expecting Molitor to pull all the stops and outbox Caballero using his southpaw advantage, and style. About avoiding Caballero's punches, he has a tendency to load and wing on his right hand when throwing shots, and as long as Steve avoided all those shots, then he has a chance imo. From what I've seen of Caballero's fights, his right hand is deadly, though I find his left terribly underused.

[actionjackson]

I can see Caballero have some success early using his height and size advantage. But I do not think it will matter late in the fight. Molitor throws great fast crisp combo's and gets out of the way which will be the case for most of the fight.

The height doesnt look too bad though...

[IMG]http://www.*********.com/caballeromolitorpresser.jpg[/IMG]

[delipooke]

I can see Caballero have some success early using his height and size advantage. But I do not think it will matter late in the fight. Molitor throws great fast crisp combo's and gets out of the way which will be the case for most of the fight.

The height doesnt look too bad though...

[IMG]http://www.*********.com/caballeromolitorpresser.jpg[/IMG]

Are they doing the same day weigh-in on this fight?

[actionjackson]

Are they doing the same day weigh-in on this fight?

I would assume as I haven't heard anything about it happening today.

[The Hammer]

There a lot of factors to consider:

1. Molitor is in only his second fight with a new trainer
2. The effect of a very enthusiatic home crowd
3. Molitor's slick southpaw style
4. Caballero's greater punching power

I just hope Steve is very careful and doesn't attempt to go for an unnecessary KO, a decision against this opponent would be an excellent result

[dr.archives]

I would assume as I haven't heard anything about it happening today.

I think in Ontario it's a same day weigh-in.

[dr.archives]

Also, I think it will be a tough fight for Molitor (I was there at Rumble at Rama 1) but if he's successful it will be a big win.

[delipooke]

I think in Ontario it's a same day weigh-in.

Then that's certainly an advantage for Molitor. That long, lean, fragile looking body surely isn't hard to miss.

[dr.archives]

From what I hear from friends who have seen Molitor, he does gain a lot of weight between fights.