Elite Light Heavyweights

So I assume that you believe Johnson and Tarver are of the 3rd tier. In my rating of elite, world class and above average I generally include most titlists in the world class level and contenders at the above average level. I believe Tarver gives a lot of guys problems, though Tarver never had great composure, the 'IT' factor that makes guys elite; so I put Tarver in the world class. As for Johnson he is clearly not elite just like Tarver is not elite. However, I think Glen really outmatches the guys at the above average level and that makes him a borderline world class level guy or 2nd tier on my 3 level rating system. Thanks for the conversation and as far as Saad I am so entertained by him, but he was clearly a world class level guy. He had too many lapses and was too hitable to operate at the elite level.

 

I agree that Saad is just below elite level. As for Bob I think his style, which was awkward but relaxed, made him appear to be terrified. Bob always seemed to hold his composure at LH when being hit and was very comfortable and relaxed. But at heavyweight, where he just couldn't match up with the top guys, he was clearly not comfortable with the punishment. Bob Foster's style just could not suceed at the world or elite level of heavyweights. John Conteh I have not seen enough of but he has a good resume, and I need to break down his film and study him. As for Foster's comp I believe Tiger was the best guy he ever faced, and the rest were above average guys, but I still feel very confident that he could perform at the same level against other elite fighters. I am not one to get swept away by physical gifts at all, but man did he have thunder in his fists, both of them at that.

 

Yeah I am thanks for remembering, I forgot I even talked about that here. I was also his #2 sparring for the Calzaghe fight, and was invited back for his last few fights but due to various reasons ($) I did not work with him.

 

I have studied Spinks as well, and though I see some weaker areas I feel that he was so good at controlling range and sticking to his game plan that I can't really pick anyone in a H2H match up to beat him. Spinks was so awkward yet such a fine ring general with great discipline that I cannot confidently pick anyone to beat him. Spinks threw 2 or 3 different types of right hands with great effectiveness and this enabled him to superbly control the distance. In short, I am impressed by his style which enable him to execute his skills that highlighted his physical gifts.