I believe we'll finally see the torch handed off by most of big names to cultivate in the 90s in the next few months. Tarver (his inability to deal with Dawson's speed was indeed a sign he's well past his best), Jones (Calzaghe), Toney, Hopkins (Pavlik), and possibly even DLH based on his performance against Pacquiao. In a way, I'm a bit saddened to see it. These were the characters of my generation -- the ones that drew me into the sport when they were in their primes, youthful and seemingly invincible, brimming full of promise and personality. You could argue they've been on their way out for a while now, but a dreamer can dream, and will do so until confronted with harsh reality. I think that reality will present itself for many of these fighters before the end of the year, and my only hope is that none of them overstay their welcome, know when to hang 'em up, and can make graceful exits stage left.
Calzaghe and Jones are from pretty much the same generation. Jones is more shot since his move down from Heavy but that would not really be a changing of the guard imo.
good point, you can even add Calzaghe to this list even you want to, although I really don't consider him part of the same time period as Roy et. al because he didn't really rise to prominence on a world scale until into this decade.
Really good thread. I feel the same. For me, Holyfield (even if he gets this fight with Valuev), Barrera, Morales, Jones Jr and Trinidad - these guys are all already shot and have no business ever getting back in a boxing ring. Hopkins, Toney, De La Hoya, Tarver, Mosley, Glen Johnson, Casamayor - these guys all still have a little more to offer, but really they are a shadow of their former great selves and will surely soon retire. All the greats of the 1990s and early 2000s who really got me into boxing. It really will soon be a Changing of the Guard, that's the perfect phrase for it. I am unsure if they will, but I hope that guys like Kelly Pavlik, Chad Dawson, Paul Williams, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, Nonito Donaire, Juan Manuel Lopez, Edwin Valero, Andre Berto and Lucian Bute can rise to compliment the existing peak superstars we have like Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, and become greats to match guys like Barrera, Morales, Trinidad and De La Hoya. I think hoping for another RJJ is a bit ambitious, but you never know. Amir Khan could purchase a bionic chin and shock the world!!
Good stuff. I forgot about Mosley and Casa. They also fit the mold to a tee, and yes, as much a guy like Haye makes me want to punch babies, he could be very good for the sport if he lives up to the lofty expectations placed upon him. The others you've mentioned have potential to step up the plate and deliver, too. Let's hope they can do it.
I myself have high hopes for Edwin Valero and, if he changes permenantly into an aggressive puncher, Paul Williams. I think they could both become major stars over the next few years.
