If Golovkin was given a shot at the heavyweight championship in the later 70s, could he beat either (1) Leon Spinks or (2) the decrepit version of Ali who fought Leon?
I honestly do see where you're coming from, but you have to remember that the Classic Forum gives Bob Fitzsimmons a ghost of a chance against Joe Louis. Yes, that Joe Louis. Under those circumstances, I think it's fair to ask how well a highly skilled middleweight champion known for punching like a heavyweight would do against the worst champions of the post-1960s era.
Most probably. He weights more than some of the opponents that at those times competed for the heavyweight division (heavyweight!!) And he weights more, punches harder and is more skilled than Henry Cooper, the light heavyweight that knoccked ali out. Times, they are changing...
My how standards and expectations have risen for middleweight champs. Not long ago the undisputed lineal 160lb king was given a "thattaboy" and participation ribbon for letting a title defense go the distance and become very competitive with the challenger being career welter CORY Spinks. Now, his successor (not himself even lineal yet - and with only a single undisputed lineal champ separating them) is expected to move up and knock out Cory's gap-toothed Pops?
I'll have to check out Golovkin. I see him mentioned here a lot on the classic forum. A few years ago it was Kelly Pavlik, who some here were saying was a dead-lock to end up top 20 of all-time. Must be a middleweight thing.
