I've only been a boxing fan since 2005 and it's been amazing to watch two future ATGs, Mayweather and Pacquiao, from the earlier parts of their careers until now. Considering how long these two have been at the top, I can't imagine another boxer coming that has as much longevity as these two. We've seen "potential greats" like Donaire be dismantled and P4P fighters like Ward waste their career. Even someone like Calzaghe who did show he was truly P4P material did not stay in the spotlight for anywhere near as long as Mayweather/Pacquiao. I think we're all lucky to be witnessing two great careers and I'm wondering how often legends like these come and go?
Depends on what you consider legends. Guys who dominate for a long span and gain that almost mythical aura are very rare, over the last 30 years you could probably name them on one hand. Mayweather, Pacquiao, Roy Jones, Tyson, Chavez. Then there are great fighters like Lewis, Klitschko, Hopkins, Toney, JMM, MAB, Mosley, ODLH, Calzaghe.
Roy Jones did indeed enter mythical status, mainly for his dominance and superman like skills. Unlike Floyd & Pac though, both of whom looked more vulnerable than a prime RJJ, he wasn't taking names and making big fights. Someone like ODLH was making big fights, and taking names, but he was also losing half of them.
Completely depends on what you class as a legend. I'd suggest Rigo and Roman Gonzalez are certainly there or there abouts. Inoue could be on the verges of it Whether we like it or not Koki is a domestic legend (first 3 weight champ from Japan)
