Least athletic SUCCESSFUL boxer in history

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by cross_trainer, Jul 19, 2007.


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  1. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I just saying it was his stance, and foot work that made the Rock slow in the ring. He needed to brace his feet, get the footwork NEEDED , and powerful legs to get that knockout power going. If Ali could learn how to do that, he would be a powerful puncher. Most of the power punchers outside of Dempsey or Tyson were pretty slow on foot in regards to heavyweights. Louis, Marciano, and even Foreman were pretty slow on foot.
     
    Dempsey1238, Jul 19, 2007
    Dempsey1238, Jul 19, 2007
    #16
  2. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    as vague as these supposedly "unathletic" features are, I find them very protean to the concept of what is athletic. skill is only practiced by those who are blessed with the ability to harness their physical components best, heart is often merely a misnomer for stamina and recuperative skills... which leaves us with the amorphous "other factors."

    the term athletic is entirely too vague which is just where it is prefered by those who want argue it in a vacuum.
     
    Seamus, Jul 19, 2007
    Seamus, Jul 19, 2007
    #17
  3. Marciano Frazier

    Marciano Frazier Well-Known Member Full Member

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    No, you're dead wrong. Marciano didn't make it to the Major Leagues in baseball(like 99.9% of all players who aspire to make it there), but he was one of the absolute best in his region and a local hero; he only got to the Major League try-outs because he was considered to have a serious chance at being a Major League player. Not only that, but he was an all-start linebacker in football and ran a record touchdown in his local stadium. Marciano was a very athletic guy.
     
    Marciano Frazier, Jul 19, 2007
    Marciano Frazier, Jul 19, 2007
    #18
  4. Senya13

    Senya13 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Carlos Monzon
     
    Senya13, Jul 19, 2007
    Senya13, Jul 19, 2007
    #19
  5. NickHudson

    NickHudson Active Member Full Member

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    i think it would be fair to say that strength, speed and stamina are 'pure' athletic qualities that translate across sports.

    are there any boxers that have been succesful, despite deficiencies in one or more of these qualities?

    tony tubbs is a good one, also buster mathis senior.

     
    NickHudson, Jul 20, 2007
    NickHudson, Jul 20, 2007
    #20
  6. Lacyace

    Lacyace Forever Knight Full Member

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    Joe Frazier
     
    Lacyace, Jul 20, 2007
    Lacyace, Jul 20, 2007
    #21
  7. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Maybe Tommy Burns? I'm not that familiar with the guy, but I can't recall ever reading anything where he was praised for his athletic prowess.
     
    fists of fury, Jul 20, 2007
    fists of fury, Jul 20, 2007
    #22
  8. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    But "Worst team ever to win the superbowl" is not an oxymoron. Of all of the teams that ever played in the superbowl and won, one is bound to be worse than the others.
     
    cross_trainer, Jul 20, 2007
    cross_trainer, Jul 20, 2007
    #23
  9. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    I'm referring to heart as determination to win, rather than a simple physical ability to sustain punishment. And skill, although I admit that it requires coordination, is more a function of one's ability to grasp how "it's all supposed to work" and practice diligently.

    Athleticism can be defined. One's raw physical abilities--reflex, stamina, speed, power, strength--are generally essential to winning in sports. It would be hard to argue that a guy with blazing reflexes, a national-level 100 meter dash time, powerlifting score, Olympic lifting poundage, and iron man level abilities in marathons would not do well in sports. But boxing is a bit different--it's a skill sport where the fastest, strongest, and otherwise genetically gifted often lose to the fighters who can simply figure out their opponent's style better...as canny old Archie Moore would agree.
     
    cross_trainer, Jul 20, 2007
    cross_trainer, Jul 20, 2007
    #24
  10. OLD FOGEY

    OLD FOGEY Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Who in your judgement is the poorest athlete to become heavyweight champion?

    And the best?
     
    OLD FOGEY, Jul 20, 2007
    OLD FOGEY, Jul 20, 2007
    #25
  11. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    Hmm...


    Poorest: Jersey Joe Walcott (at the age he was when he acquired the championship...he relied more on skill and weird rhythm than athleticism)

    Best: James J. Jeffries
     
    cross_trainer, Jul 20, 2007
    cross_trainer, Jul 20, 2007
    #26
  12. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Tony Galento fought for the Heavyweight title and floored ATG Joe Louis,will that do?
     
    mcvey, Jul 20, 2007
    mcvey, Jul 20, 2007
    #27
  13. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Willie Meehan fat and light hitting gave Dempsey fits.
     
    mcvey, Jul 20, 2007
    mcvey, Jul 20, 2007
    #28
  14. Darthmage

    Darthmage SILENCE! I KEEL J00! Full Member

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    I was going to say John Ruiz but then again he compensated with things like... hugging so there goes that idea.
     
    Darthmage, Jul 20, 2007
    Darthmage, Jul 20, 2007
    #29
  15. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Least athletic SUCCESSFUL boxer in history

    His name is Joe Grimm and he feared no man.
     
    TBooze, Jul 20, 2007
    TBooze, Jul 20, 2007
    #30
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