Gassiev is still a great fighter!

I suppose. More to the point of; "is he one of the best boxers in the world today?" I think the answer to that question in regards to Gassiev is "no."

 

So much of a fighter's performance is down to what the other fighter does or doesn't do.

Let's wait to see what Gassiev goes on to achieve before pigeonholing him. I think he's clearly a top level fighter, but one who needs some development time before he truly hits his peak.

 

This. He's a big strong kid with a very limited skillset. The Lebdev fight exposed a lot of his limitations. He can't handle mobility and handspeed and is one very dimensional.

 

he proved he was elite, but can he maintain it.

 

He fought like a beginner and the constant mistakes he made were clear to anybody who knows boxing. good fighter but not even close to being a great one. You could compare him to Danny Garcia.

 

I wouldn't say he is great, he's a good fighter.

A great fighter doesn't walk in straight lines and lack any ability to adjust.

He's this era's Arthur Abraham, a solid fighter who will provide a stiff test against the top fighters yet will come up short against those who know how to nullify his power.

 

Good comparison.

 

Hagler dominated Hearns. Jones Jr. dominated Toney. Pacquiao dominated Barrera.

Is Tommy Hearns a bum? Is Barrera a bum? Is Toney a bum?

Just because somebody dominates you doesnt mean you're not an excellent fighter. Sometimes you just get on the receiving end of a dominate performance.

 

Does anyone know what Gassievs walk in song was? It was a proper tune!

 

This. People throw around great too easily.

 

I often wonder if this sentiment influences fighters, trainers, managers, and promoters to shy away from the stiffest challenges.

 

Great and Gassiev don't belong in the same sentence.