Our Generation we have been Blessed.

The boxers are great - it's boxing itself that's not dead, but dying. The money and politics involved is just ruining it all.

 

Great list, and I agree. I grew up watching many of the same greats as well, and I to feel blessed. As for boxing's current state, well I still think its in pretty **** poor condition. Most of the men you listed, or at least a good many of them had their best days years ago. The game has declined drastically since I became a fan around 1987.

 

Boxing is being ruined and trashed by youngsters like,that dickhead who wears a leather jacket in the summer,Max Cellarman ,who couldnt wipe Merchant's arse.
Also by boys under 40 , on Computer forums , who have no business giving an opinion on the pugilistic arts.

Roberto Duran ,number 1 lightweight.
As if he could beat George Elbows Mcfaddenatsch
"Ive seen things, you people wouldn't beleive, attack ships on fire ,off the shores of Orion"

Henry Cooper, at the old Wembley Pool jabbing , and hooking ,all the ambition out of Mildenberger.
Leotis Martin ,and Thad Spencer , putting on the fight of the year at the RAH.
Hagler dissecting a fired up Minter at Wembley .
Buchanan ,losing a to 6 rounder to a young Lance Williams,after putting him down ,but running out of gas.
Ali fat and happy after regaining the crown from Foreman ,cutting loose on John L Gardner for one round ,just to keep him in his place.

"All these will be lost .like tears in rain "

"Time to die"

Marvellous what a few real ales can do:good

 

Agreed on all counts.

 

We are blessed. Boxing isn't the mainstream sport it used to be, but there will be great fighters and great fights in every era. But for me it's not just about the greats, it's about everyone who contributes to make boxing what it is, whether they're tomato cans or champs, cornermen or commentators.

What's so great is that the internet has allowed us boxing fans and enthusiasts from all over the world to come together and discuss the sport in a way that previous generations could not do. It'd broadened our perspectives and allowed for information sharing in a way which was impossible before.

 

I'am glad i'am not alone:smoke

 

Blessed indeed, but not just because of the great fighters you've listed here, but also because you can see all of the great fighters, all of the great fighters ever caught on film. Whereas you know the grace and artistry of Ali, the inspiring relentlessness of Joe Frazier, we have only glimpses of the greats before our time. Sketchy, fuzzy, and few are our looks at the Charley Burleys and Willie Peps and Billy Grahams of the game.

 

Ray Leonard b. 1956, Floyd Mayweather b 1977...

you are speaking of two generations, sir.

 

Yes.

 

John L Sullivan, Peter Jackson, Jim Corbett, Jim Jeffries, Bob Fitzsimmons, Joe Choynski, Jack Johnson, Jack O'Brien, Tommy Loghran, Stanley Ketchell, Sam Langford, Jess Willard, Joe Jeanette, Harry Wills, George Carpentier, Benny Leonard, Ted Kid Lewis, Jimmy Wilde, Sam Mcvea... where does it stop?

1889-1919