Perfect (or close to it) retirements.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by JohnThomas1, Oct 21, 2017.


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  1. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    So the Rocky thread got me to thinking of some of the great boxing retirements.

    Rocky Marciano is an obvious one. He didn't feel it anymore and retired with a perfect mark.

    Michael Spinks retired after his very first loss and he garnered MILLIONS for it. He also retired in sensational health.

    Lennox Lewis retired after turning back his probable heir apparent in gruelling fashion.

    On lesser levels -

    In many ways Holmes losses to Spinks and Tyson were equalized by his surprising success much later?

    Jeff Chandler, while not perfecto mundo didn't miss the mark by much?

    Fire up ESB!
     
    JohnThomas1, Oct 21, 2017
    JohnThomas1, Oct 21, 2017
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  2. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Michael Spinks, Marvin Hagler and Gene Tunney.
     
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
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  3. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Holmes should have stayed retired after the second Spinks fight.
     
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
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  4. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    I mostly agree but his comeback successes in a totally different era proved imo in no uncertain terms what a great he was.
     
    JohnThomas1, Oct 21, 2017
    JohnThomas1, Oct 21, 2017
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  5. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Hagler would be remembered even better historically if he retired post Mugabi.

    He had NOTHING to gain fighting SRL. He was a massive favorite and nothing short of a fast stoppage was acceptable and even this would have been written off as "well so he should have".

    If he'd stopped SRL his retirement would have been smick but he didn't.

    Even with a (small) minority like yourself scoring it for Hagler SRL still won the event any which way it is viewed.

    The SRL loss hurt Hagler considerably, absolutely.
     
    JohnThomas1, Oct 21, 2017
    JohnThomas1, Oct 21, 2017
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  6. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Which successes ?
    Tyson blasted him out in 4 rounds. Holyfield outworked him clearly and thoroughly over 12 rounds. Even Oliver McCall beat him over 12 !
    The only rated boxer he beat in his come-backs was Ray Mercer, in a non-title fight.
    The bulk of his comeback was D-level entertainment, like watching an old carnival fighter take on nobodies.
     
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
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  7. RealDeal

    RealDeal Pugilist Specialist Full Member

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    If Mayweather stays retired, he timed it perfectly. The fact he was able to squeeze out a 9 figure payday at 40 is very impressive, at least from a business standpoint if nothing else.
     
    RealDeal, Oct 21, 2017
    RealDeal, Oct 21, 2017
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  8. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    The SRL "loss" hurts Hagler less than Holmes-Spinks, or about the same.
    It wasn't the PERFECT time for him to go, but "close to it".
    He stayed just one fight too long, didn't take a beating, and never came back. That's a good retirement whatever way you look at it.
     
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
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  9. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    This depends on if we're talking in terms of legacy or financial security and health. Floyd's win over McGregor did absolutely nothing legacy wise, but try and find any other such easy way to earn hundreds of millions. His career is probably the one I'd most like to have out of any fighter's.

    Marciano's retirement was quite perfect from a legacy standpoint. He had proven himself as king of the hill and there was no one fighter out there that really would add anything to his legacy.

    Lewis's retirement look even better in hindsight, and as for timing it's as good as Marciano's more or less.
     
    Bokaj, Oct 21, 2017
    Bokaj, Oct 21, 2017
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  10. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Arguably, Larry Holmes at 48-0 after a lucky escape against novice Carl Williams, was the absolutely perfect time to go, in hindsight.
    But I can't fault him too much for miscalculating Spinks.
     
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
    Unforgiven, Oct 21, 2017
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  11. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Joe Calzaghe
     
    Reinhardt, Oct 21, 2017
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  12. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Floyd Mayweather, if he stays retired.
    Marlon Starling.
     
    Saad54, Oct 21, 2017
    Saad54, Oct 21, 2017
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  13. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Well, he had 12 million $$$$ to gain.

    Like Spinks against Tyson, he was cashing in on a very distinguished career with his biggest, by far, payday.
     
    Saad54, Oct 21, 2017
    Saad54, Oct 21, 2017
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  14. nikrj

    nikrj Active Member Full Member

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    Ricardo Lopez and Carlos Monzon.
     
    nikrj, Oct 21, 2017
    nikrj, Oct 21, 2017
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  15. Pugilist_Spec

    Pugilist_Spec Hands Of Stone Full Member

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    The Tyson loss did him no favors but going 12 and winning a couple against a prime Holyfield at the age of 42, and beating Ray Mercer certainly raised his stock.
     
    Pugilist_Spec, Oct 21, 2017
    Pugilist_Spec, Oct 21, 2017
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