My Probably Too Long Thoughts on the Hall of Fame Candidates for 2018

Unfortunately, I think he suffers from the perception that he was protected in Germany and had an inflated title reign. Remember too that the German boxing scene was less visible to U.S. boxing media than it was today.

While that happened with other champs, it's unfair to paint Dariusz with that brush. His level of competition was just fine, sharing a considerable amount of overlap with Roy's LHW competition.

It's a shame the political climate didn't allow for a fight between the two, but I don't blame either. American fighters were getting robbed in Germany, and German fighters were getting robbed here. I wouldn't expect either side to budge.

 

Great post Mike, thank you! Though I disagree with Hatton. He did beat good fighters but His best win is a well passed it Tszyu. He was KO'd by 2 of the greatest but definately not an elite or great in Senchenko. I thought he lost the Collazo fight as well. I'd really swap him for Calderon or Curry, but opinions vary.

 

He was knocked out cold in his prime with one punch by unheralded Darroll Wilson (who was himself knocked out in one round by David Tua shortly thereafter). He was bounced all over the ring by Lennox Lewis, He was dropped by Jameel McCline by rather innocuous shots. Big George was too old to land punches by the time they fought. Most of Briggs opposition was not even top 40. Every time he stepped up against decent opposition, he was hurt. Maybe "weak" chin is too strong. But, he certainly had a worse than average punch resistance. Lucky for him, his offensive arsenal versus mostly sub-par opposition kept him from getting solidly hit in most his fights.

 

Good thread.

 

Strongly disagree with Vitali being the easiest yes of the bunch, though. For me he's exactly the sort of "fame over merit" inductee of which I'd like to see fewer in the Hall, but to each their own.

 

I don't see how Vinny ever makes it in the Hall of Fame. Taylor would make it before Vinny.

 

Would, and SHOULD make it in before Vinny. Taylor was a much better fighter than Pazienza.

Pazienza is one of the only fighters on the ballot less deserving than Gatti.

 

I may not agree with all your choices, but, your post was excellent with lots of good analysis.

 

Personal opinion, borderline (I'd be okay if three deserving others from the list - and there are several - went ahead of him)

Realistically yes he will almost without a doubt.