From this month's Ring: The IBHOF really ought to create a special designation for the true immortals, legends and game-changers, something that sets them apart from the rest, something more specific than its current categories of Moder, Old-Timer and Pioneer. Sounds like a champion idea, but one, in the words of Silvio Dante, that will never ****in' happen. Who better to step into the breach than the hero's of ESB? In keeping with the Ring's criteria - Immortals, Legends and Game-Changers - please list, for one division of our chosing, the fighters that would make your enhanced hall of fame. Just one division each gents, if you would be so kind! Feel free to pick at someone else picks/question exclusions.
Heavyweights Muhammad Ali Lenny Lewis Joey Louis Big George Foreman Rocky Marciano - it should be only 5 IMMORTALS per division imo. :deal
done and done as for my own picks...i'll take middleweights Harry Greb Sugar Ray Robinson Marvin Hagler Stanley Ketchel Carlos Monzon Bernard Hopkins Everyone else...
There is no way that Bob Fitzsimmons can be left off this list. If nothing else, the fact that he is the only Middleweight ever to win a World Heavyweight championship makes him the first fighter chosen. (This is not about the 5 best so i dont think it is even arguable). He was also influential in that he is the reason the title was raised 10 pounds. Robinson, i think with his media profile, P4p status and being the fighter to win back the title so many times, i think is also a lock for the no 2 spot. Greb has to be no 3, with his awesome win streak and level of activity. The last two spots (and i think 5 is too many anyway), i think there are no absolute standout contenders, but if forced to choose, I would probably edge it to Monzon. Pretty much the perfect middleweight career (for his time) and he edges Hagler, because he didnt end up losing, albeit controversially to a great welterweight and nor did he fail to win his first attempt at the title. In this company it is tough Marking. And as great as Hopkins is, lets not forget that his best achievement is his ability to fight as an old man (longevity) and here, he has only done this as a light heavyeight. I dont think Hopkins can make the list. No4 has to be Monzon, making the list as the prototype of the invincible career middleweight. This leaves number 5 and definitely a difficult proposition. We need someone who has stood out as a great middleweight and done something no one else has ever done, at the weight. At this stage, i lean towards the Non Pareil for being the first ever champ.
For something a little different rather than the same old number crunching resume stuff... Bob Fitzsimmons Harry Greb Sugar Ray Robinson James Toney Roy Jones Jr For being H2H monster freaks at MW. Then being to hold their own/whoop the asses of bigger guys at LHW/HW
