I Bow to the G.O.A.T

That's a bit harsch. In an absolute sense Ali (or Louis or whatever heavyweight you like) was a much better fighter than Robinson or any other pfp giant, surely you can't dispute that? So I can't really see whats wrong in calling Ali the greatest fighter of all time. Robinson, or Greb and the others, were the greatest pfp fighters of all time, but that's strictly speaking not the same thing.

 

Well when GOAT conversations comes up, people are referring to greatest p4p fighters of all time. So IMO, people should discuss it from that perspective.

 

Yes, when it comes to ardent boxing fans, we are so indoctrinated with it that we see it as the norm. And of course, this is a site for boxing fans so I have no arguments against that. But from a linguistic point of view, greatest fighter means greatest fighter, not greatest fighter pound for pound. Therefor I find it a bit harsh to attack someone who gives the title to heavyweight. Imagine you are talking to a person with only a casual interest in boxing, then it would take some explaining to make them understand how a 147 pound guy can be considered the best fighter ever. I tried to explain to my girlfriend that Maywheater is a better fighter than Wlad, she thinks Im an idiot, and she's probably right...

Boxing is a strange sport, you don't give handicaps to competitors because of their size in other sports. There were probably many players more skilled than Michael Jordan who were to short to be as successful as he was, but no one cares because Jordan was still a better player.

 

I've never truly believed that there is one man who could be called the GOAT. Too many fighters over too long of a period with too many varying achievements to award that title to any single person.

 

They way I see it too!

 

I just don't honestly know where to start

 

His ability to roll with punches was a crucial part to him surviving those punches.

 

Louis is absolutely correct. You can "start" anywhere you like, but the fact remains that conventionally-& to many boxing fans-greatest means, & literally means without the intervention of specifying best for body weight-who would win the most head to head against all comers.

Even if he was wrong-which he was not-it is wrong to call someone ignorant for being mistaken. Why use angry &/or mocking/denigrating personal attacks when you disagree, even if you WERE correct?

That is low & ugly conduct which brings us all down.
If you would not do it in person, or to a good friend or family member, don't be mean here.