Best heavyweight by year. For a twist I'm going to list the best heavyweight by year as the champion is not always that guy, he just happens to have the title and possibly keeps it by not fighting his #1 or #2 contender often in times of older age or during the rise of a better fighter who had to wait. The question I'm asking myself is in this given year, who was likely the best? This could be a little controversial, but I think it will make for a good debate. I'll do it in 20-year intervals. Up first 1880-1900 1880 Paddy Ryan* 1881 John Sullivan 1882 John Sullivan 1883 John Sullivan 1884 John Sullivan 1885 John Sullivan 1886 Peter Jackson* 1887 Peter Jackson 1888 Peter Jackson 1889 Peter Jackson 1890 Peter Jackson 1891 Peter Jackson 1892 Jim Corbett 1893 Jim Corbett 1894 Jim Corbett 1895 Jim Corbett 1896 Bob Fitzsimmons 1897 Bob Fitzsimmons 1898 James Jeffries 1899 James Jeffries I had trouble with 1880 as Sullivan was just starting out, as someone else, in theory, was better that year. Perhaps Ryan. 1885 is tough to judge as Sullivan was on the decline. In 1895 was Fitz ready to take Corbett? The one name that jumps out is Peter Jackson, who, for a while, was probably the best heavyweight in the world, and I think would have beaten Sullivan as early as 1886. After the debate slows down, I'll list the more difficult 1900-1919!
Can I piggy back this thread and do the same for light heavies or are you planning on doing that too? This is a great idea if I may say so.
lol, no I wanted to do it based on later years maybe from when I watched the first light heavy fight I ever saw in1987, who was the best light heavy that year anyway?
I think this is a good idea especially when we get to the split title era. There are a lot of championship fights that were recognised by governing bodies that just did not represent a fight between the #1 and #2 in the world. I think there is good grounds to only recognise a fight between the best two heavyweights in the world as a title fight. Everything else is either the best guy in a non title fight or two clowns taking part in something a governing body recognised.
Sure, but one weight class at a time. Let this thread play out first, okay? I think this a very interesting way to look at things. I'm not saying I'm right either, some of these dates are hard to call. For example 1880. I am open to changing my mind.
Well, there was no light heavyweight division back in 1880's, we have to fast forward to the early 1900's for that. But I say so what. There were some guys under 175 pounds that would qualify as the best at that weight limit before the division was officially recognized. I'm waiting for fans of the 1880's like Janitor to ring in.
I don't think Peter Jackson had done enough in 1886 to deserve to be listed as the best. As for 1880, not sure, maybe Paddy Ryan. Joe Goddard possibly deserves in too, not sure where exactly.
Checking in the dates. Goddard did not start boxing until 1889 according to box rec. 1886 is tough to pin down as Sullivan on on the steep decline. On 1880 Paddy Ryan did beat Joe Goss in 87 rounds for the American Heavyweight title, so he might the best for that year. Sullivan was active since 1879. Not enough on his resume at that point. I'm editing 1880 and listing Paddy Ryan for now. Good call
Good call Ken, it probably was Andries and Tommy. A good scrap that. At least Hearns took on a proper light heavy and not a watered down Donny Lalonde!
Ill do a quick start on the 1900s of you don't mind. 1900 - Bob Fitzsimmons* 1901 - James J Jefferies 1902 - James J Jefferies 1903 - James J Jefferies 1904 - Jack Johnson 1905 - Marvin Hart 1906 - Jack Johnson 1907 - Jack Johnson 1908 - Jack Johnson 1909 - Jack Johnson 1* I know that Jefferies defended his title twice in 1900 but he didn't beat as good a competition as Fitzsimmons imo.
