I am now convinced that this man was the greatest fighter who had ever lived P4P. His resume is ****ing insane, with wins over Burley, Moore, Walcott, Louis, Elmer Ray, Joe Maxim, Jimmy Bivins, Lloyd Marshall, and so many effing more. I really can't think of any fighter having a level of opposition this high. It's crazy how absurdly underrated he is and his legacy is often recalled only due to the Marciano fights. Most people however don't know that by this time, Charles was already showing signs of ALS and had lost his killer instinct due to killing boxer Sam Baroudi in the ring. But still, he went and fought an absolutely brutal war with Marciano and managed to split his nose. Most of his boxing techniques are studied by guys like James Toney amongst others, and Lennox Lewis utilised his circling towards the left technique to knock out Rahman. His amateur career is also absolutely insane, with multiple Golden Glove wins. Sugar Ray Robinson, Henry Armstrong, Roberto Duran and Harry Greb in my personal opinion lacked wins over such notable opponents like the ones in Charles' resume. Plus, he looked very good in film similar to Ray Robinson and Duran, except that he's displaying his skills over much more talented opponents. Some people also tend to overlook him due to his final losses as a result of ALS, that would later cripple him and make him wheelchair bound. What happened to him at the end was really sad to see. IMO, the man should be ranked #1 P4P and #2 All Time at any weight class, second to only Muhammad Ali. This guy was an absolute This content is protected amongst men and should really be appreciated more.
Charles career is even crazier when you consider he was a 135 pounder in the amateurs and went on to to become a heavyweight champion. This would be like if Pacquiao moved all the way up to cruiserweight and beat Usyk.
I think he has a very strong case. His winning streak from 1944-1950 was among one of the greatest if not THEE greatest of all time. I myself don’t give the title of #1 p4p to anyone but he’s definitely in that upper circle of greats.
He's not underrated at all, he's top 10 all time p4p, where he belongs. But he ain't GOAT. Nobody touches SRR !!! ****in' NOBODY !!!
Charles was 14 years old when he competed at 135. He was a kid at that size, not a fully grown man. He turned pro at 160 lbs at only 18. And was 185 lbs at 29 when he beat Louis. I don't think his weight jumping was so dramatic. He just boxed his whole life from a very young age. I think his achievements are amazing but some realistic perspective.
He's right up there, amazing resume alongside Langford and Greb the best resume in the sport. I have him at 5 personally.
NO it wouldn't, SIZE is the forgotten factor among all these modern day conversations with respect to greats or not! Charles though IS GREAT and is certain a consideration for Greatest, but comparing the example you give isn't an accurate comparison, Pacman, because of SIZE at best couldn't swim beyond Welterweight, the SIZE disparity would be far too much and Pacquiao himself wouldn't even dream of such BIGGER Divisions. But Charles, Yes he get's my Vote as ONE of THEE Absolute ELITE. My 3 Faves for such honours are JJW, Charles and Lloyd Marshall, Beautiful Boxers & Stylists.
