Favourite fighter(s) of all time and why.

DodgySyrup · Nov 7, 2019

Mirko said: ↑

Mike Tyson. Grew up during his era. He became a synonym for boxing/fighting in the balkans. Gypsies were naming kids after him (spelling it Tajson, of course) and every other pitbull was named tyson also i remember the day he got released from prison, my neighbour was ringing the bells of every building and screaming while furiously riding his bike through the street: "mike tyson is out of prison". The hype was mad. When he beat buster mathis jr. I went out and beat the crap outta some snowman younger kids built, using the same move. I know adults who cried when he lost to holyfield.
From a boxing standpoint, i loved how a short guy, with tiny reach was able to destroy bigger men and even outjab them (tucker fight for example). I always found it crazy how some of his detractors were using the intimitation/bully card, when he was a short guy at every natural disatvantage.

Manny Pacquiao: love watching him fight. Crazy wars with many other greats. I have a Manny marathon every few months and rewatch his battles with marquez, morales, barrera, the cotto fight. I get fired up watching those fights.

Holyfield - a ton of heart and skill. Hated him in the beginning (because he beat tyson) but i learned to appreciate the man. The bowe fights were my favourite hw triology. Yeah, he used dirty tactics but that just showed me how hard he wanted to win. He was a beast.

Whitaker: my fav defensive fighter. He was so smooth, it's unbelievable. Also the way he threw punches. Just a beauty to watch.

GGG crushing power, the skill and the will. He is past it but he digs deep and fights to win even when he is diminished and beaten on. True champion.

JC Chavez: Same as above but greater.
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Holyfield got huge respect for coming up from the cruiserweight division and standing toe to toe with some naturally bigger guys.

Plus, he fronted Tyson and never looked shook or especially impressed at any point.

DodgySyrup · Nov 7, 2019

JacK Rauber said: ↑

Tito Trinidad - incredibly talented, KO power in both hands
Evander Holyfield - no prouder and more talented warrior, indomitable spirit
GGG - class act, destructive power, modest
JCC - legendary power, compelling viewing
Jimmy Young - an artistic counterpuncher
RJJ - unparalleled magic in the ring in his prime
Loma - brilliance in motion, can do it all
Emanuel Burton/Augustus - for his sheer creativity and unorthodox style
Big George - crushing, deadly power, no harder puncher, pinpoint accuracy
Tua - yeah, I have to add Tua, I forgot about him, if you went solely by height, no one in the world would have ever beaten him, only size and reach kept him at bay
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For my sins, RJJ is a fighter I've never really looked into or studied.

But, seeing how many are mentioning him, and saying just how good he was, i am going to go back and watch him.

FinitoxDinamita · Nov 7, 2019

1. Finito Lopez
2. Leonard
3. Marquez

I like conventional stance, txtbook boxer-punchers with flawless form and high ring IQs. I will throw in Linares too.

Im not a fan of Usyk because I find his form and movement to be ugly.

Dannymita · Nov 7, 2019

DodgySyrup said: ↑

For my sins, RJJ is a fighter I've never really looked into or studied.

But, seeing how many are mentioning him, and saying just how good he was, i am going to go back and watch him.
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****in hell... Treat yourself haha

DodgySyrup · Nov 7, 2019

Dannymita said: ↑

****in hell... Treat yourself haha
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I know, sacrilege, isn't it?

Of course I know who Roy is, and I've seen his highlight reels.

I mean I haven't studied him and watched lots of stuff from his early days up to retirement.

DodgySyrup · Nov 7, 2019

FinitoxDinamita said: ↑

1. Finito Lopez
2. Leonard
3. Marquez

I like conventional stance, txtbook boxer-punchers with flawless form and high ring IQs. I will throw in Linares too.

Im not a fan of Usyk because I find his form and movement to be ugly.
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Yeah, Usyk can divide opinion.

JacK Rauber · Nov 7, 2019

DodgySyrup said: ↑

For my sins, RJJ is a fighter I've never really looked into or studied.

But, seeing how many are mentioning him, and saying just how good he was, i am going to go back and watch him.
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At his peak, he was untouchable.

Dannymita · Nov 7, 2019

DodgySyrup said: ↑

I know, sacrilege, isn't it?

Of course I know who Roy is, and I've seen his highlight reels.

I mean I haven't studied him and watched lots of stuff from his early days up to retirement.
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Damn right... I almost don't wanna speak to you haha

He did have alot of soft touches up at lightheavy but he's great to watch... P4p fastest fighter I've ever seen

DodgySyrup · Nov 7, 2019

Dannymita said: ↑

Damn right... I almost don't wanna speak to you haha

He did have alot of soft touches up at lightheavy but he's great to watch... P4p fastest fighter I've ever seen
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lol...I shouldn't have said it, with hindsight.

Many would say only a fifthy casual could say that about Roy.

DodgySyrup · Nov 7, 2019

JacK Rauber said: ↑

At his peak, he was untouchable.
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He was known for his athleticism, wasn't he?

bandeedo · Nov 7, 2019

alexis arguello
mike tyson
julio cesar chavez sr
manny paquiao

in that order.

Power_tek · Nov 7, 2019

DodgySyrup said: ↑

I'm sure it has been asked over the years a few times, but the great thing about boxing (and all sport) is there are always new fighters arriving on the scene and new fans getting into the sport.

There's a tendency to look back and view fighters from different eras with rose tinted spectacles.

Many call Ali "The Greatest", but would he be able to live with a modern super-heavyweight?

Would his natural ability allow him to nullify that size advantage?

Marciano, who was my favourite fighter growing up, and was the greatest heavyweight in my eyes, would be more like a cruiserweight in todays sport.

This isn't necessarily relevant to personal preference, but it does show how history can flatter fighters or withhold credit they might deserve.

Anyway, my favourites are;

Marciano: Only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, though some will question the quality of his opposition.
He was humble, from a tough background, and he hit like a freight train.
His tear ups with Jersey Joe Walcott were great entertainment, and I was always impressed by his courage.

Hagler: Another brawler, loved to get into the pocket and trade, had a cast iron will, and had some classic tear ups, in particular with Tommy Hearns.

Nigel Benn: Very similar in some ways to Hagler, in the sense he was willing to trade with anyone.
Nigel was wild, with that nasty swinging hook that started down low, almost like a crouch, and saw him come up and forward to try connect...when it landed it was effective.
He also seemed to have limitless courage and desire.
His first fight with Eubank was a classic.

I could sit here all day naming other fighters, people like Tunney, LaMotta, Mayweather etc...but hopefully you guys can give some examples and maybe even link some videos (if that's allowed?).

They can be any weight class, any time period...the more obscure the better.

It's a great chance for someone like me to learn from people more educated in boxing history.
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With you on haggler and Benn there mate

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