You're right, I don't think we're going to agree.

When I made the point that Naz choose M.A.B on the basis of the first Morales fight, I knew you'd come back with that point. But as I said, Naz saw clear errors in Barrera's make-up - they were there to see. Took too many shots, waded in, left himself open. It also must've interested Hamed that Barrera had stayed at super-bantam for so long. That was his natural weight, he had been comfortable there. Perhaps Hamed thought the Mexican coming up to feather would give him a big advantage. Remember, Hamed's always been very strong, very physical (yeah, that body slam!). He's been in the trenches, he's heavy handed.

It's obvious to me that they choose that fight based on Barrera's style. Stylistically they felt he was tailor-made for Hamed - and who knows - perhaps THAT version of him was. But of course, Barrera was clever, and radically altered his style for that fight. Hamed was befuddled.

Either way, I know Tom Johnson's record at the time, and yes, impressive, but to me he was just another alphabet champ. He was hand-picked. I never recall him beating any top name before or AFTER Naz, save for Manuel Medina two years before Hamed.

Marquez was clearly class at the time. He's always been. Any self-respecting champ wouldv'e gave him a shot. Hamed should have. Afterall, Juan Manuel was his mandatory at one point (of that I'm sure) but Naz opted out.

Bottom line is - Hamed didn't duck people is nonsense. He did. He ducked MAB back in 95 when they coulda made it at super bantam, he ducked Marquez, he never sought out a Morales, hell he even ignored Mayweather when in 2000 Pretty Boy said he would take Naz on. Instead he took on a fledgling super-bantam and got schooled thoroughly in every department.