At the time it happened, Matthew Saad Muhammad winning the title was immensely inspiring to more than a few people, including me. Writers called him the Cinderella Man...the only thing about this inspiring story that's heart breaking is how Matthew should have won far more fights than he did, and dammit not lost to so many people he shouldn't have.
Rocky Marciano retiring undefeated after the very first boxing trainer he went to told him "you're too short and small, go home and settle down with a nice wife"
Not so sure I agree with this, You give me a million quid and I would probably get in the ring with anyone. Any actual boxer getting paid millions should give it everything they have at a bare minimum in my opinion
Jack Johnson Daniel Mendoza Tom Molyneaux Jack Johnson and Molyneaux's ability to impress and inspire are beyond doubt. Just look at the names of men who came after. Daniel Mendoza created a lot. Godfather of boxing defense in the modern era, first man to sell tickets to a sporting event, first man to use the media to rile his audience. The first man to line his pockets based on the hate his audience had for him. Also, it's him who ties science to boxing and claimed his science was superior to "slaughtering" which is a term of the era that means what you'd think; puncher stuff. Mendoza is the blueprint for guys like Moly and Johnson and the long lost influencer behind characters like Ali and TBE. TBE is less originally when you know about The Greatest who is less original when you learn about George. So on and so forth. Mendoza is your archetype. Personally, I believe Mendoza is the single most important character in boxing history. Hit and don't be hit back, points boxing; Mendoza. Tickets; Mendoza. Media? Mendoza. Science? Mendoza. All hail The Jew.
Arturo Gatti v everyone Bobby Chacon v everyone Fighters you couldn't help but love because they showed such incredible heart, even in defeat.
Maybe he meant that they needed the sponge ASAP because they were going to have to wipe Berbick up off the mat with it after Tyson was finished with him.
