Considering he is going to be a 1st ballot HOFer and some call him the best fighter of the 90's he has a very weak resume. Lots of over the hill fighters, lots of HBO cans, at least 3 highway robberies (sweat P, strum, quartey)
Hes consistently been the most popular fighter of the last decade because hes always wanted to take on the best and give the fans entertainment. He hasnt avoided anyone. Hes been a great embassader for the sport and a champion in multiple weight devisions. Many of his losses were to the best fighters in the world and they were very closes losses could have gone either way.
His popularity has hurt his legacy in a sense, because it opens him open to so much criticism. If he was unheard of to everyone bar boxing fans, I don't think as many people would make a point about analyzing his career and diminishing his victories or exaggerating his losses like they do. The fact he was incredibly popular is the reason so many go out on a limb to criticize him. He was a terrific fighter who beat some great opponents. The acclaims he has been given in life, he's earned.
if you wanna talk robberies then don't forget to include the 2nd sugar Shane fight and the Trinidad fight
Well said. It's also very rare for a fighter of his drawing power to have the claim of never ducking anyone.
I definitely feel he lost to Quartey. Not to mention, when Merchant asked him about a rematch of what was an exciting fight, he went so far as to question it being exciting and showed he wanted nothing to do with a it.