I've been trying to form my own top 10 GOAT list for years but I've seen so many different fighters on different lists, it's pretty much purely subjective. Let's just say, on pure achievements and how good wins are in context, what are some consistent names you'd 100% keep on a top 10 P4P list?
Here's mine, though my mind does change frequently on the topic: Greb Langford Robinson Armstrong Fitzsimmons Charles Gans Benny Leonard Canzoneri McLarnin
My 10 is: SRR Greb Langford Armstrong Charles Fitzsimmons Duran B. Leonard Louis Ali Whilst my rankings have changed over the years, the top 7 have always been in my top 10. I consider the top 5 as locks for the top 10. As Rubber Glove Sandwich posted, I think those 5 are the answer to the question posed in the OP.
The only real locks are probably Robinson, Armstrong, Charles, Greb, Langford. I can't really conceive a top ten not featuring those names.
For me it’s: 1. Robinson 2. Greb 3. Langford 4. Armstrong 5. Charles 6. B. Leonard 7. Moore 8. Fitzsimmons 9. Canzoneri 10. McLarnin HM Gans, Duran, Walker, Ali, Ross 5-10 are pretty interchangeable as are 1-3. I value eye test though not too much
The names you're most likely to see will be SRR, Langford, Armstrong, Greb, Duran, Gans, Pep, Ali, Louis, Fitz, Charles, Moore, B. Leonard, Canzoneri/McLarnin/Ross (they're kinda interchangeable imo, Canzoneri's usually highest though, I've got Ross highest though), Wilde, and Pacquiao. I've seen Floyd, Chavez, Griffith, and Tyson all ranked top 10 as well as Jack Johnson and Dempsey though am unconvinced by the arguments for all those picks.
Armstrong, Greb, Robinson, Langford and Fitzsimmons have to be included I'd say. You're half way there now and choosing from: Charles, Ali, Louis, Gans, Duran, Pep, Walker, Leonard, Ross, Moore, Leonard, Dixon and McGovern.
I'd take Gregs list then cross reference with McGrains as they are kings of this sorta **** - The Grain 01 - Sam Langford 02 - Harry Greb 03 - Sugar Ray Robinson 04 - Henry Armstrong 05 - Ezzard Charles 06 - Bob Fitzsimmons 07 - Muhammad Ali 08 - Joe Gans 09 - Joe Louis 10 - Roberto Duran The Greg SRR Greb Langford Armstrong Charles Fitzsimmons Duran B. Leonard Louis Ali They only differ on one fighter. Matt has Gans at #8, Greg has Benny Leonard at #8. Matt has Benny Leonard at #11. I'd be looking hard at those 11 fighters first personally. Maybe you look at Walker and Pep as well. This would keep it simple to get a big core settled. I'd wimp out and have the nine they agree on and see who'd get 10 out of the others mentioned. Maybe even decide out of Gans and Leonard. Probably a lot more simple than you wanted but i love it simple.
Thanks for the kind words John, though its only fair of me to point out that McGrain's research and knowledge vastly exceeds mine and his list was formed in 100+ page thread taking input from multiple other excellent, knowledgeable posters. For whatever its worth, I then have: 11. Pep 12. Walker 13. Gans
I'll throw mine in. #01. Harry Greb #02. Ray Robinson #03. Henry Armstrong #04. Ezzard Charles #05. Sam Langford #06. Benny Leonard #07. Muhammad Ali #08. Roberto Duran #09. Bob Fitzsimmons #10. Archie Moore That tenth spot is honourary though. On another day, it could Pep, Louis, Gans, McFarland, Ray Leonard, Ross, Wilde, or a handful of others.
Assuming those are your top 17 names George, we share 16 of our top 17. Walker for Moore the only difference, as well as some of the ordering.
They were just a few names I threw out there, not my actual top 17. I'd have Tony Canzoneri in there somewhere.