.............All of them, at least to some degree. It takes the balls of a lion to get into that ring and put you pride, health, and self-image at risk in front of a large audience. That is worthy of anyone's respect.
Amen to that. To answer the thread starter's question, though, I'd say Joe Louis is at the top of my list. One of the greatest fighters ever, a true gentleman outside of the ring (in public anyway), and a hero to millions.
............So many to respect on a personal level, which is how I bade my opinion of them in tems of being a fan. Salvador Sanchez - Gentlemanly, totally professional in his approach. Trained hard and treated the game like it should be treated. Alexis Arguello - Same. Bobby Chacon - He didn't always take boxing seriously and lost some fights because of it, but to see the hardships in life he came back from, to snatch a bit of glory in the waning days of his career was special. Joe Louis - Carried himself in exemplary fashion and never buckled under tremendous pressure in a fight.
Ill just go rather recently. Heres just a few. Erik Morales (straight up warrior fought almost everyone aside from JMM,Hamed,Tapia and fought like it was life or death every fight and made sure to please us fans. The 12th round vs Pacquiao in 2005 is insane albeit stupid) Evander Holyfield (guys truely the Real Deal and always keeps trying no matter what) Shane Mosley (steroids or not this guy took some very tough challenges) Marco Antonio Barrera (resume is top level,tried to avenge losses,showed ability to adapt) Miguel Cotto (not close to done or anything but im sticking him up here for his impecable resume so far) Jermain Taylor (takes on tough challenges no matter what since he won the Middleweight title) Diego Corrales (a true blood and guts warrior and a talented one at that RIP) Roy Jones Jr (how can you not ? Amazing gifts made it look easy agianst very good or great fighters) Oscar DLH (maybe 2 guys out there he hasnt fought Forrest and Winky)
Erik Morales - pure heart inside the ring, all for the fans Shane Mosley - guts to take on challenges Roy Jones Jr. - pure talent and mastery Chavez - legend of Mexico Sanchez - Classy and skilled Arguello - A complete gentleman with great sportsmanship.
