The Greatest Fighters of The 1960s

Great list! I haven’t thought of an order but I’ve generally always felt Jofre was the best of the 60’s, as his peak was incredible and dominant. I think I’d have the same top 5. Ortiz is extremely underrated but had a great resume and incredible championship run. I think of my favorite dozen or so fighters, the 60s might have most of them. Eder, Ortiz, Harada, Rodriguez, Frazier, even Olivares, who won his first title in 69. Medel too, another favorite.

 

Thank you! I appreciate it!! The Portuguese edition just went on sale today too! I’m excited!

 

Good list.

 

Good list.

 

I have to concurr

 

Easily Ali.

 

Excellent list. Muhammad was definitely number one for that decade and I make him number 3 of the 1970s. Some pretty awesome fighters on here - especially Ortiz and Jofre.

 

Hon mention.
Joe Brown
Bruno Arcari
Joe Medel
Chionoi
Jose Legra
Duilloi Loi
Eddie Perkins
Castillo
Laguna
stay safe guys.

 

#01. Emile Griffith
#02. Carlos Ortiz
#03. Fighting Harada
#04. Vicente Saldivar
#05. Eder Jofre
#06. Muhammad Ali
#07. Jose Napoles
#08. Dick Tiger
#09. Ruben Olivares
#10. Bob Foster

I don't really see a case for Ali over Saldivar or Griffith. His work in the sixties was very limited. It's just a win over Liston; which isn't as impressive as a win over Tiger IMO. Jofre over Harada is just a straight no for me. Two wins over Jofre is better than anything Jofre ever did; and it's not like Harada has nothing outside of their fights. If anything, his résumé outside of their fights is still more impressive.

 

Would you have Harada over Jofre at bantamweight, George? Based on your comments, it sounds like you would.

 

The parallels between Saldivar and Ali are quite interesting. Both champions in 1964, both became the dominant forces in their weight classes and both stopped fighting in 1967 (for different reasons, obviously).

I really don’t think there’s a very clear winner for greatest fighter of the 60s. Lots of contenders for the title as evidenced by these lists, although Ali seems to be a consensus here.

Compare that with the 70s where most people would say Duran or Monzon (with Ali more of an outside contender for no. 1).

In case you couldn’t tell, I haven’t made my mind up.

 

I would do, but it's close. I had Jofre at five and Harada at four; I've always found Jofre's achievements to be overrated. His actual résumé is very thin compared to most all-time greats at his weight.

I am consistent though; I have Duran outside the top three as well for the same reasons, although his lightweight résumé is much more impressive than Jofre's is at bantamweight.

 

Duran outside the top 3 at lightweight? Interesting.