Who are the contenders for the greatest single weight division career?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 3, 2026.

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  1. Rubber Glove Sandwich

    Rubber Glove Sandwich 'Iranian flag green' reflecting pool Full Member

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    Obviously you have heavyweights like Ali and Louis with good cases, middleweights Monzon and Hagler have good cases too. Is there anyone obvious I'm forgetting? We're looking for all time greats who only fought in one weight class who have a good claim to having the greatest single weight division career.
     
    Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 3, 2026
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  2. Rubber Glove Sandwich

    Rubber Glove Sandwich 'Iranian flag green' reflecting pool Full Member

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    For example Miguel Canto had a really great single weight division career but realistically he doesn't compare to the previously mentioned four so I'm not including him.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2026
    Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 3, 2026
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  3. Mike Cannon

    Mike Cannon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Hi Buddy
    Like Canto, he doesn't compare with the 4, not many will me thinks, but Antonio Cervantes was a ATG at LWW, and could be seen as a contender yes / no ?
    Mike.
     
    Mike Cannon, Jul 3, 2026
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  4. JAB5239

    JAB5239 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Benny Leonard at lightweight, unless you count his comeback.
     
    JAB5239, Jul 3, 2026
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  5. Rubber Glove Sandwich

    Rubber Glove Sandwich 'Iranian flag green' reflecting pool Full Member

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    That's a good pick but unfortunately I don't think I'm going to count him because of his welterweight fights in his comeback.
     
    Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 3, 2026
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  6. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think he may have started out at a lighter weight, but his best fighting was done at featherweight, and he retired there.....
    Esubio Pedroza?
     
    Flash24, Jul 3, 2026
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  7. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Monzon was practically unbeatable at middleweight, certainly for his final EIGHTY-ONE fights.
     
    Seamus, Jul 3, 2026
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  8. SwarmingSlugger

    SwarmingSlugger Active Member Full Member

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    Greb and Monzon at middle, Duran at lightweight, Pep at featherweight, Jimmy Wilde at flyweight.
     
    SwarmingSlugger, Jul 3, 2026
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  9. Rubber Glove Sandwich

    Rubber Glove Sandwich 'Iranian flag green' reflecting pool Full Member

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    Pep, Greb and Duran all fought at other weight classes so they fail to meet the criteria. Wilde is an interesting case I would have to think about as he did fight bantamweights and featherweights but I don't think he ever weighed above 112. Not entirely sure what to do with that.
     
    Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 3, 2026
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  10. Rubber Glove Sandwich

    Rubber Glove Sandwich 'Iranian flag green' reflecting pool Full Member

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    So far it does seem to be Ali, Louis, Hagler, Monzon. How would you rank those four? If another name I'm forgetting comes up we can always add them in too.
     
    Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 3, 2026
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  11. JAB5239

    JAB5239 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Completely understandable.
     
    JAB5239, Jul 3, 2026
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  12. JAB5239

    JAB5239 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Hagler
     
    JAB5239, Jul 3, 2026
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  13. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Between combo fighters in the early 20th century and modern ladder climbers actual 100% one division careers outside of HW are rare.

    If that is what you meant. We might have to go with Hagler by default for non HW's.
     
    HistoryZero26, Jul 3, 2026
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  14. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    It's Joe Gans. I mean, he had two welterweight title catchweight bouts but surely that gets a pass and i think he was 135 for those as well.
     
    JohnThomas1, Jul 3, 2026
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  15. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    My other pick is Joe Walcott.
     
    JohnThomas1, Jul 3, 2026
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