Which boxer, past or present could serve as your personal role model, not necessarily pertaining to a real or fanciful boxing career of your own, but in life in general?
I've got huge respect for Hearns' way of conducting himself, and Chuvalo deserves a mention as well. But when it comes to sheer cojones, it's without a doubt Jack Johnson. As Ali said: "I may be controversial, but that man was crazy".
I wish more young boxers would choose Joe Louis to be a personal role model. This sport needs less **** talkers and more humble young men who are willing to talk with only their hands. Not to mention he was patriotic and charitable to his country. :good He's definately who I look up to the most.
Honestly can't say any regarding their outside the ring lives. When you look @ the totality of their personal lives, some pretty crappy stuff comes out; wife beating, adultery, tax dodging, assault, being an A-hole in public, the list goes on. As far as how somone conducted himself around fight time I'd go with Arguello. He always came across as a classy and respectful guy to his opponents and people in general. Then I find out the guy ends up being a middle aged coke addict and loses everything. I heard he's doing well now, three cheers for that.