which fighters were one win away from being the goat?

none of those fighters transcended the sport for the reasons robinson did.

ali - politics.
pacquiao - nationality.
leonard - hype.
tyson - persona.

come on, people didn't watch those guys to see a man. they watched those guys to see events.

 

it's the reason he transcended the sport. he did so because of how he fought. people went to see him because they wanted to see the personification of boxing. he made people understand why others followed the sport.

 

If Michael Spinks pulled off the Tyson win, he'd also be retiring undefeated. That's the best pick I can think of.

 

Well, that's because Seamus is full of ****. A no-brainer really.

But, yeah, Fitz looks bad on film, but that doesn't take away from the man's accomplishements. They are obviously huge. Vitaly looks **** on film too, incidentally, but clearly does something right.

I don't see the problem with separating how a fighter looks on film from what he actually achieved.

 

Perhaps also in terms of overall quality. (Even though I'd argue that the 80's was probably at least as jam packed with quality, but it did lack a Robinson)

 

so, when you factor in his achievements, which are at least comparable to everyone else's, and were compiled fighting in a particular way - the perfect blend of artistry and savagery, you've got your greatest.

i can see that we will not reach an understanding, as we have different ideas about the nature and relevance of beauty and perfection.

 

this is the same kind of nonsense that makes talking about Ali or Tyson in H2H matchups absolutely worthless. I for one would think that a defensively adept mobile heavyweight and a former lineal heavyweight champion would be a tough matchup for Ali at any point but I guess not.

I would mention a few fighters Lewis fought that would give Ali a tough time or maybe eke out a decision, but since people think of Ali even in his prime as unquestionably unbeatable or unhittable, what's the point?

 

This is very reasonable.

I don't think Louis' victims looks that good on film generally (with Conn and Walcott as the biggest exceptions), but he beat what was there to beat and he did it convincingly and consistently. It's also worth noting that he looks to be an evolutionary step ahead most of his opponents.

 

a fading ali against walcott would have been quite the fight.

 

You and I must be visiting different forums.

 

Oh yes. Louis' best win imo.

 

I would disagree with you. I don't think Schmeling has anything to offer Ali, at least that is what film footage indicates.

If you could address this also, S.