Fighters you personally overrate?

I am sure everyone has fighters they know they overrate because they are such fans. Who are yours?

As a UK fan I know I overrate the fighters who got me into the sport.

I rate Chris Eubank as a H2H nightmare for many great fighters in history, but I know most US fans view him as a Brit odd ball. Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Joe Calzaghe are other UK greats I rate highly but have obvious limitations. However I would happily defend them against all odds!

Naseem Hamed would probabaly creep into my featherweight top 15/20 which I know if bonkers for such a stacked division but I just remember the excitement he generated.

Larry Holmes, probably because I respect how he was the constant through the 80s while every other HW seemed to be hitting the crack pipe and the all you can eat buffet. I also respect how he built a successfully post fight business empire, even though this has nothing to do with his qualities as a fighter it still makes me bump him up a few places than others!

 

If I am overrating them, then by definition I will be ignorant of the fact.

 

This.

perhaps the question they meant to ask is "what boxer do you rate more highly than others?"

 

I think I probably overrate Gerry Cooney. I’m well aware that his accomplishments are very limited and that he left a lot to be desired. But when I look at his earlier fights I just saw so much unfulfilled potential. I know it’s pointless to say that he “ SHOULD have done more “ as this same phrase can be applied to any number of fighters, but I’ve always felt that way about him regardless.

 

Marlon Starling…I think he’s a handful for any welterweight when he’s on

 

Emile Griffith probably

 

Yes good point!

 

Cooney deserves credit for going the Holmes route, rather than the much easier Weaver-Dokes-Coetzee-Page option. Obviously the payday helped, but he would have beaten all of those between 82-84.

 

They tried to go the Weaver route but it got blocked.

 

The one Tillis got instead? Fair point but he could have sought the winner. But I suppose the answer is money but it could've been an even bigger fight if he's won the Wba crown first.

 

Yes Arum and the WBA blocked the fight. From memory Tillis was offered very good step aside money and a guarantee to fight the winner of Weaver - Cooney as well as ok coin for a tune up bout of his own but he didn't take it.

 

Chad Dawson. He showed glimpses though........

 

There's nothing I enjoy more than overrating John L. Sullivan

 

ask holmes if cooney was overrated

 

Miguel Cotto man. I rank him high. As much so as p4p #3 if his generation behind may and PAC. Some say he was a weak champion with a questionable chin, questionable wins. Yet I would say to that, kick rocks!!!