Has Oscar fought the best opposition of any fighter ever?

Nope, I think people should be able to distinguish between "best opposition" and "best resume".

No one can really argue that Oscar has the best resume ever, that would be crazy because he lost a few of those fights, but I think there is a strong case that in terms of quality of opponent, Oscar has faced the best, certainly in recent times.

 

Only if you're dumb enough to take it at face value, rather than what it actually is: a thread title in the GF designed to stimulate debate.

 

Maybe, maybe not. I would say Oscar was close to prime against Hopkins, he was just fighting at a weight he really shouldn't have been competing at, at least, not against an elite like Hopkins. He "lost" against Tito, in his absolute prime. He was well past his prime when he beat Mayorga. I see three moments when this would have been appropriate to retire; after Vargas (personal preference), after Mayorga or after running Mayweather close.

 

True, although its not a reality. It was just a controversial hook to get people in. I wouldn't be arrogant enough to make this statment in everyday conversation, but as a topic in the GF, subtle, humble title topics based entirely on well established fact are not generally rewarded with much in the way of opinion or debate.

 

That depends really. I mean, you can place too much importance on who someone faced, rather than who they actually beat. Oscar fought the best, but he didn't beat the best. I can give Oscar credit for fighting Mayweather, Hopkins and Pacquiao - but I can't say losing to them has enhanched his overall "resume" - which, I think - but this may change in the future, - should only be who you actually beat, which in this instance, Oscar would be a strong contender for best resume, but not the clear winner by any means.

 

Yeah, he is shot. Not physically, but Oscar has definetly lost that mental ability to beat the crap out of another human being, Oscar has clearly got too civilised to be a truly effective fighter. It happens though, he has money, other interests, a family, his brain and looks are still intact and he has been a part time fighter for a few years now, you can't expect him to have the same mental toughness and hunger that he once did. But, he is still capable of beating the likes of Chavez Jr. or someone else on that kind of level - for a "farewell" fight.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, title has been changed. :good

 

I agree with the first part. Roy has fought better opponents than Ruiz P4P, but the context of that win was arguabley the best of his career, simple because of the MW winning a HW title. Although, the Toney is probablly better overall, because its James Toney...in his prime. At the end of the day though, Ruiz, love him or hate him isn't a bum, he has fought and beat a lot of top heavyweights, so for Jones to beat him, is really something.