Wladimir Klitschko now holds the record for the longest reign in HW boxing history

I agree with your hard line vis a vis "the alphabet boys" BUT I fail to see why a hard line would be exacted against Wladimir Klitschko on this score.

When a champion retires - as Lennox Lewis did - we have to wait and see who emerges as the dominant premier fighter, and that fighter then becomes the world champion.

The current heavyweight division in the least hurt by the alphabet boys.

 

He may have the record for facing the most consecutive

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That's not taking into consideraton a huge factor and since for that matter. Who was the guy promoted by?

That factor determined the ratings. Norton was not #2. He was an independant fighter that did things on a fight by fight basis. Tate was the #2 guy and that's because he was Arum's guy. Actually Arum's other guy--Leon Spinks was still way way up there.

Holmes and Shavers were DKP guys. Earnie's form going into that title shot was the draw with Ali. Then immediately afterwards a lopsided affair with Holmes. Then ancient Norton. Nobody liked the Acorns chances in that rematch with Larry because he was older and Larry had already dominated the guy recently.

 

Sure, Shavers shouldn't have been given much chance against Holmes but he was, imo, the next best fighter out there (based on recent form).

Even Ring magazine had Norton rated #2 at the end of 1978. Shavers wasn't in the top 10 but Domingo D'Elia was.

Interestingly, John Tate was NOT in the top 10 at the end of 1978 either, but Kallie Knoetze was at #6.

So, somehow Tate gets rated ahead of Shavers for doing a 15-round decision over the #6 guy a few months after Shavers had blasted out #2 man in 1 round !

It seems obvious that Ring magazine were bowing to the plans of Bob Arum and the WBA in concocting their ratings, yes. :good

 

Him v bell wasn't 1 v 2.

I consider him the best ww from when he stopped zivic.

 

It was 1v3. :verysad

 

if noone can be ranked over a claimant that's as good a champion as any.

It's not that I accept it, it's more that it's just how boxing is today. A title has to have prestige to be worth a damn and unfortunately today no one title is as prestigious as the other and we have regressed to a multi claimant system ruled by the man and not the belt. A TRUE champion system has to be prestigious and universal otherwise it serves no purpose.

Your system is idealistic but not objective because of it's history. What was good enough for a champ of yesteryear isn't good enough today. Calling wlad a contender is totally out of context with the reality of his status. Placing his claim below Briggs is even crazier still imo.

Would boxing be better in a 1 belt universe? Of course. It's just not the reality of today.

 

I would probably agree, though we'd have to take great care unilaterally overruling the recognized rankings body. Ultimately, Holmes is to blame.

 

Whoever emerges as the dominant premiere fighter becomes the world champion? On the contrary, whoever emerges as the dominant premiers fighter remains only that until and unless he defeats his nearest rival as recognized by the authoritative rankings body.

The premiere fighter in the division isn't always the champion. They are different concepts.

 

Not good enough by stoneys system which is my point.

 

"Realities" change with reform, my friend, and reform begins with clarity. Stay tuned.

 

--not good enough by any system with any sense. Boxing is a combat sport! No one has a right to a conquerors' throne if he skips his most dangerous rival!

That's not rigidity! It's common sense!

 

Sugar Ray Robinson.

Regarding the clarity, I'd accept your premise from when reform begins, it is the best wayby far. However it isn't clear today due to a multitude of titles that fighters are aiming to hold. I want your way to be the way, I just don't think it fits in with recent history in respect to how the fighters were perceived.

 

Yeah well, Stoney is one of my favorite boxing writers but he can be pretty militant. Robinson was recognized as Champ by the primary, legitimate ranking body as well. Even represented it well with defenses against Doyle (#6), Docusen (#1), Gavilan (#1), Fusari (#5).

 

:good very true