If Sammy Vasquez beats Felix Diaz clearly, is he confirmed elite?

[John Locke]

I don't think people realise how big a test this upcoming fight is for Sammy, Diaz is a two time Olympian and a gold medalist, his only loss as a pro was against Peterson last year, in a fight which I thought he won. He's also got a win over Granados who's one of my favourites and one of the more underrated fighters in boxing today. He's only had 17 fights but his resume is solid.

In terms of skill, he's very good at range despite being very short and he's also comfortable in the pocket, he actually got the better of Peterson in the pocket who we know can hang in there.

So if Sammy can beat him in impressive fashion, it's a massive statement, this would be a better win than NEARLY everyone on Thurman, Brook, Porter and Spence's resume.

Here's some video of these guys in action:

Peterson vs Diaz

Granados vs Diaz

Sammy vs Omotoso

Sammy vs Stevenson

I'm suddenly looking forward to the Wilder card

[285Kid]

The winner of that should move to big things aka a possible shot at Danny Garcia in 2017

[Eff Pandas]

Elite? I guess it depends on your definition of elite cuz I know some guys consider like 6 guys in all of boxing elite. I definitely think it'd be a W that takes him out of the prospect category & into the legit contender category at 147. And its even a W that if he's as impressive as Spence was vs Algieri that could get him into title talk immediately.

I will say while I think Diaz shoulda gotten the W vs Peterson, the fight was close & I hate hyping guys TOO much over a L like I think its possible many could or might be doing with Diaz going into this fight. And I say that while extremely excited for this fight that I see as a competitive & fun fight that is one of the fights I'm most looking forward to right now. But lets just not go TOO overboard on Diaz.

[Holystroke3]

Def not "elite"

To me, that label is reserved for top P4P guys. But a win would elevate him to contender

I still think he gets wrecked by the top guys at 147 though

[John Locke]

Elite? I guess it depends on your definition of elite cuz I know some guys consider like 6 guys in all of boxing elite. I definitely think it'd be a W that takes him out of the prospect category & into the legit contender category at 147. And its even a W that if he's as impressive as Spence was vs Algieri that could get him into title talk immediately.

I will say while I think Diaz shoulda gotten the W vs Peterson, the fight was close & I hate hyping guys TOO much over a L like I think its possible many could or might be doing with Diaz going into this fight. And I say that while extremely excited for this fight that I see as a competitive & fun fight that is one of the fights I'm most looking forward to right now. But lets just not go TOO overboard on Diaz.

I consider anyone in the top 5-10, depending on how stacked the division is, elite. I know some may consider it a stronger word though.

I don't think I'm overrating Diaz, a lot of talented guys in boxing don't get the backing/promotion they deserve and don't fulfill their potential, I consider Diaz one of those guys. Skillwise he's no doubt better than guys like Guerrero, Alexander, Algieri etc who are some of the best wins for the 'proven' guys at 147.

[Eff Pandas]

I consider anyone in the top 5-10, depending on how stacked the division is, elite. I know some may consider it a stronger word though.

I don't think I'm overrating Diaz, a lot of talented guys in boxing don't get the backing/promotion they deserve and don't fulfill their potential, I consider Diaz one of those guys. Skillwise he's no doubt better than guys like Guerrero, Alexander, Algieri etc who are some of the best wins for the 'proven' guys at 147.

I love Diaz's chances vs the guys you mentioned & I'd probably pick him if those fights got made, but lets also not forget there is the eye test AND the in the ring test with guys. And thus far Diaz has struggled in the ring while still giving a great account of himself. I mention this not as a means to downplay this fight, cuz like I said this is one of the fights I'm most looking forward to right now.

But that said lets not forget that Peterson did get the W & that fight was close even if you & I & many others felt Diaz deserved the nod. And that his best W currently is probably over a guy most known as a spoiler instead of a prospect or contender in Granados. And that one of his other better wins is a near draw/loss to Manny Lartey who Spence & Vazquez whitewashed more or less.

[John Locke]

Def not "elite"

To me, that label is reserved for top P4P guys. But a win would elevate him to contender

I still think he gets wrecked by the top guys at 147 though

Based on what though? I like the top boys at 147, but it's not exactly like they've proven a whole lot themselves. I think Sammy is every bit as skilled as Thurman, Brook, Spence, Porter, Danny and will prove it.

[SalimShady1212]

Around elite imo, I'm shocked they're taking such an opponent on ridiculously short notice but I think he may actually lose.

[mathed]

Vazquez has the goods, been impressed by him everytime that I've seen him

[Adonis Creed]

Vasquez is the truth and this fight with Diaz could go either way from what I've seen of them.