The Fab 4: Duran, Leonard, Hagler, Hearns 90’s Trio: RJJ, Hopkins, Toney Which of the best fighters of the 80s and 90s has overall the most skill. The fab 4 obviously has one more fighter but if we break them down fighter by fighter who’s the best?
The 90's trio obviously have the better overall defense and evasiveness at their peaks. The fab 4 are more well rounded fighters and had the better overall skill set.
It’s tough call. Every single one of those men from both groups were exceptionally skilled and talented but had very differing attributes to their game. Roy Jones was very skilled but I probably attribute most of success to his pure athleticism. Toney had excellent durability, power and defense. So did Hopkins who was also a trickster and a slickster. Hearns Duran and Leonard were all very talented greats who excelled at climbing weights. I just don’t know
I think they were more of a rare group when they came out than the 90s guys, who had the fab 4 to come out earlier.. All of the fab 4 had a legendary following and were different, and could punch..
I don't recall Bernard being anything other than 100%, Unbelievable dedication, determination and single-mindedness rivalled only by Hagler in the Fab 4. That translated into consistency. Of all of these incredibly gifted fighters, I'd say Bernard had the least obvious physical gifts but only because the others had such standouts. But he made so much of what he did have. And despite his stay in the pen, may have had the best fundamentals allowing that consistency, longevity and him to excel despite not having the obvious A+ attributes of a Hearns (speed, power), Leonard (athleticism) Jones Jr (speed) etc. Mental strength and canniness in the ring, too, mark Bernard out as special, even in this exalted company.
1980s Duran does not belong with this group. As good as he was, he wasn't quite at their level. If this was 1970s Duran I would put him near the top of the list if not at the top. As for the remaining six, I will go with Jones, Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, Hopkins and Toney in that order.
I'm just quoting Mike McCallum who said he finally got to face a great fighter in their prime in Roy Jones after getting sidestepped by the Fab 4 in the 80's. When questioned further about who was the best, McCallum said RJJ was better than them all. Just thought I'd add this to the thread.
