YouTube was launched in 2005 and in a few short years became a valuable resource for boxing fans. The amount of classic boxing footage that is available to anyone with an interest in the sport is fantastic. Most of us, I’d guess, use YouTube as our first port of call when we want to get some footage of a classic fighter we may have overlooked. But with easier access to footage comes an opportunity to reappraise the standings of ATGs whose reputations may have been built on what boxing writers and reporters had previously written about them. So which fighters do you think have either suffered or benefitted the most in terms of reputation from easier access to their fights?
Good question! I know, we don't have that much footage of Stanley ketchel, and that his last fight with Papke is supposed to be one of his poorer efforts... but even with this in mind, he's somewhat of a disappointment on film. Also Bob Fitzsimmons doesn't look too hot on film, imo. Again, the footage is sparse, and not in the best quality, but from what little we have... well, lets just say, I'm not overly enthusiastic! Tommy Burns, on the other hand, is a pleasant surprise! Once again not a lot of film to go by - but he doesn't look all that bad for his time, if you ask me.
I was impressed by Sam Langford, Benny Leonard, Henry Armstrong, Willie Pep and Sonny Liston. Stanley Ketchel, Luis Firpo, and Harry Wills not so much. I was surprised that Monzon could be so successful with his style. I didn't expect Saddler to be so unrefined. I thought McLarnin was underwhelming.
Agree with a lot of those listed here especially Ketchel. I was expecting Benny Lynch to look worse on film was pleasantly surprised.
Jung Koo Chang used to be a fighter that not that many people knew about, especially since he was only seen in Asia. Back in the 2000s only a limited number of people knew about Chang and most people were only told about his incredible abilities but he was like this mythical fighter. Now with the help of YouTube Chang has so many fights available to be seen and hardcore boxing fans were surprised by what they have seen of him and now have a huge appreciation for him. Chang is a great example of how YouTube videos can really benefit his reputation.
Spot on, Flo. I remember The Ring doing their top 5 all time per weight division in 1994 and they put Chang at 3 or 4 below Carbajal (who was unbeaten at the time the issue went out and had beaten Gonzalez in ‘93) and Gonzalez. Now, I think he’d be at the top.
I remember gobbling up all the film I could when I found out about old timers. I finally come to Harry Wills and mr “hand speed of a light weight” was a bigger octopus then Wlad.
