On the topic of great heavyweight tenured champions, there is a consistent theme.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Mendoza, Sep 28, 2019.



  1. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    On the topic of great heavyweight tenured champions, there is a consistent theme.

    1 ) They all defeated at least two of their best available contenders in title defenses who were or would be ranked in the top three at the time they fought Ring Magazine Standards.

    2 ) When they faced overmatched, non-top ten opponents, they blew them out without getting hurt, or dropped.

    3 ) The won without controversy.

    How many names fit the above?
     
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  2. roughdiamond

    roughdiamond Ridin' the rails... Full Member

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  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    No, but good post.
     
  4. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    None? Not even Louis or Ali?
     
  5. PhillyPhan69

    PhillyPhan69 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    More importantly which ones do you wish that you were like
     
  6. choklab

    choklab cocoon of horror Full Member

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    Joe Louis, Marciano, Tyson, Holmes.
     
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  7. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    I think that I can see where this is going.
     
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  8. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Marciano, Ali (first reign) and Tyson fit the criteria. But Tyson passes only because he got beat by a top 10 contender who wasn't really among the very best at the time, so it is a bit questionably criteria for greatness.
     
  9. HOUDINI

    HOUDINI Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Nothing to do with greatness.

    Primarily what is looked upon is a fighter’s heart and ability to triumph over adversity and/or against top opposition. Once this has been fully determined then one looks at other technical skills/physical attributes. Then overall record against his best opposition.
     
  10. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Ah, yeah "two of the three best contenders" gives both Jeffries and Wlad a pass for not facing their actual best contender. How could I miss a classic Menoza like that? :)
     
  11. Tonto62

    Tonto62 Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    The Jim Jeffries Appreciation Society !!!!
     
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  12. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Holmes, Louis and Ali got to be top of anyone s list for that criteria. But you can't say even they won without a disputed decision. Well maybe has been pointed out Ali in his first reign. Holmes had Witherspoon and Williams with disputed decisions, Louis had Walcott 1 though that was in his twilight years and Ali had Norton and some say Jimmy Young.
     
  13. GordonGarner65

    GordonGarner65 Active Member Full Member

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    I might be misunderstanding the OP and from previous replies theres a hidden agenda ? So my answer may be wrong , but the answer that sprang to my mind was Lennox ?
     
  14. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    There is no agenda, only fearful posters that think their guy won't make the cut. The champions who ducked top competition, had shaky moments in title matches vs people who didn't belong in the ring with them, or won/ drew with controversy simply do not belong. No active champion fits, but I'd give Joshua and Fury a bit more time. They need to fight each other.

    I would agree on Lennox Lewis, he fought the best and fits all three categories. I'd also add Wladimir Klitschko to the list.
     
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  15. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    You don't say. :)