Solid. There could be more than one person in tier one. I think Leonard was good enough. I'd move Mayweather to tier two. I'd move Hearns up a tier Benitez and Pryor deserve a look. Curtis Cokes is way overrated, I think. Modern day divisions such as the Jr welter, and jR middle have made the welterweight division harder to define.
If a welterweight beats a middleweight I'd be inclined to count that as a welterweight win as well as a middleweight win. But I guess there's another way to look at it. I agree with those who questioned Mayweather's place in tier III . Outside of old versions of Moseley and Pacquiao, his welter resume is pretty thin. Maidana, Ortiz, Baldomir were average fare.
At a glance Mayweather fits in with the load of names that make up tier V. I think Mickey Walker was great but perhaps he's unworthy of tier III too. I can't see the man who dethroned him anywhere on the list either, perhaps deserves to be considered although Latzo's record is kinda patchy. Also, Buddy McGirt was pretty good too, maybe. Tommy Bell ? Instead of who ? I don't know ... and that's the crucial question in these threads.
Based on he's Robinson. But i'd definitely be interested in reading an accounting that has him lower -- i'll wait for getting intimate with his record before i even think anything other.
Bell, I haven't actually had a look at. He's a bit of an oversight. There's a loner in a bottom tier on his own, waiting to be picked off though. You think McGirt should be higher? I basically have him ranked where he is based upon how good he was, but maybe i'm underestimating his resume.
Graham beat Kid Gavilan the number 1 contender for the vacant title in1950 and lost a debateable split dec to him in1951 when he was also the number 1 contender. He drew with Basilio ,the number 1 contender in1953. He beat number 7 contender Art Aragon in 1953. He also beat Basilio in1952 Conceded weight and beat middleweight Giardello.
That win was almost as disputed as his loss, from memory. I think he got what he deserved out of Gavilan overall. Aldo Minelli was ranked too. Basilio was unranked, but he is credited for that win given the name. Not relevant here. Overall, this probably puts him in line with the guys he's ranked with.
I have Griffith above,I would have them closer together though, probably same tier with Griffith getting the nod.
What do you think makes them so close, given the differences I outlined? What do you disagree with, or what extra reasons do you see?
I see your point but you have Walker in tier3.He beat a great fighter in Britton but he was aging,overall I don't think he did much at147lbs.
Four year title reign. But enough people have said about Walker and Cokes that i might need to have a look at both early.
But several of Robby's wins over LaMotta were whilst weighing within the welterweight limit. I don't see why he shouldn't get extra brownie points for that, as it's still something he achieved as a welter.