Fighters Who Are Good People

Sergio Martinez mentors kids that are being bullied in school

 

Miguel Cotto

 

Evander Holyfield …I know a lot of people don’t like him …but he carries himself like a champion

 

Most boxers are humble gentlemen….most MMA fighters are cocky A**holes

 

Beautiful! I didn’t know that, often those who do the most are unsung and very quiet about their amazing deeds.

 

Though the footage is scant, Sam Langford instantly comes across as an exceedingly cheerful, friendly fellow - even despite his tough roads. A real live and let live guy.

 

Sergio Martinez and Paul Williams were the first two guys who came to my mind. Both of them always came across as humble, respectful and down to earth.

 

While this is true there is the side to Ali such as beating/cheating on his wives. Not saying he wasn't great but I think there's many more people who should be mentioned before him when it comes to this subject.

 

Look up Justin Wren for good people in MMA

 

Zora Folley and Corrie Sanders

 

Did Ali beat his wives?

I’ve not read that claimed specifically.

But aside from that, yeah, closer to home in respect of his own personal practices and behaviours toward some people - Ali was no angel.

On the global scale he preached irrefutably sound values and attitudes - imparting widespread positive messaging - that seems to allow him a “pass” on less savoury aspects of his personal life - not necessarily practicing what he was preaching.

John Lennon was very similar in that regard, IMO. Though the mouthpiece may be hypocritical, who can argue against a global message for peace? Suffice to say, Lennon was less than peaceful and loving at different times of his own life.

On one hand, we can say practice what you preach but on the other, with such wide spread influence as men like Ali and Lennon had, we might not want someone to necessarily stop their preaching (if it’s a truly positive and progressive message) even if they’re not necessarily practicing same perfectly in their own life.

If their preaching spawned/shaped even better people than themselves, en masse, then so be it.

As much as such men are literal heroes in some ways, people also mentally fill the gaps/omissions in order to view them as absolute heroes - part of every celebrated figure is the fans own ideal, mental construct which filters out any negative aspects.

 

David tua and Chris Byrd and John Ruiz

 

I’ve heard John Ruiz is a really nice guy

 

I think he trains inner city kids now. He doesn't brag about anything other than hard work. He was never associated to anything bad to well, other than his clinching style lol.

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Unless I’ve missed it, I’m surprised Archie Moore hasn’t come up yet.

He started his ABC — Any Boy Can — foundation in San Diego either upon retirement or maybe late in his active career. It taught boxing fundamentals but went far beyond, teaching self-esteem and how to carry one’s self (firm handshake and look people in the eye for basics) and sportsmanship.

When he went to I think Argentina for a title defense he bought shoes and clothes for underprivileged youth and also spent time with them. The president of the country offered him a commission to come work with youth, which he politely turned down. Later he was appointed to a position by Ronald Reagan to work with youth, and spent a good part of his post-boxing life doing this.

We should all aspire to be more like him in this regard.