Is hopkins the most consistent fighter ever?

Right. Those MMA gloves...are made for punchers. But boxing gloves are not. Conor could not punch at all with boxing gloves.

 

Can't deny it. JMM is in a similar category.

The common denominator is that both were perfectionistic work horses who outlasted more popular rivals: Hopkins (Toney/RJJ) and JMM (Morales/Barrera/Naz)

 

Floyd's approach was to avoid a loss, not have a great fight or fight the best.. It is sort of simple. Fighting the best and having a great fight should be the objective, not avoiding a loss in a boring fight and saying later you are undefeated that proves something, when not fighting guys at their best when people wanted it should have been the priority for the fans and his legacy. Did he really fight the best Manny? no way.

 

Consistently boring.

 

You're missing the point. All the criticisms you bring up are 100% valid and should rightfully be held against him BUT he's always been prepared no matter who the opponent and never looked past an opponent

 

I agree. I think he feared losing because he knew that with his lack of great fights, if he lost his legacy would be hurt. His legacy is built on his undefeated record. I think. Without it he lacks..

 

One would hope every boxer, particularly serious ones would fear losing

Hopkins professionalism is to be lauded. A guy like Marvin Hagler also left nothing to chance in his physical preparation even if he made the odd tactical mistake.

Guys that come in sensationally prepared every time out are a godsend in a game where so many do not. We have endless debates on Tyson's condition for Douglas, Douglas' for Holyfield, Frazier for Foreman, Louis for Schmeling and the list goes on.

To say you believe Hopkins did so because he was was worried about his level of opposition in the legacy stakes is Twilight Zone stuff imo. He was simply the consumate professional, like Hagler, Marciano and many many others. They took conditioning out of the equation.

 

He consistently bored me!

 

he wanted an advantage when he fought which means he did not have full confidence in his ability to fight the best. He fought a very cautious and safe way for a guy who wanted to prove greatness like a Hagler or Hearns or Leonard. Mentioning Hagler, Marvin wanted to fight the best and he wanted Hearns or Duran over whoever he fought to land punches and to test himself. I think Floyd lacked a certain confidence of a great fighter. I love the sport of boxing, but I do not get a great feeling from Floyd that he is a great fighter who loves the sport and cares about it. It seems like it is only about him. It is great he earned so much money, but some of the greats of the past and guys who gave us the most history did not have much money later on after the boxing career was over.

 

Ooooooooooook.

 

And the fact that he beat all the best fighters of his era to the point where you can probably count on two hands how many rounds they won against him.

Don't forget that.