To be honest I'm basing this more for his outstanding amateur record and Olympic Gold medal victory then his for his title win and few defenses at 154? What do you guys think?
Ok I can accept that. Just wondering since he did win a world title and won numerous ametuer competitions including the Gold Medal.
I have met David a few times at amateur competitions and he's a great guy. Very friendly, always has a few minutes to talk boxing. I don't know of a Hall of Fame that inducts for amateur boxing achievement. If a candidate for induction happens to be an Olympic medalist it probably wouldn't hurt his resume if it was dead-even on all other criteria, but it's the resume as a pro that counts. Much as I like the guy, he doesn't have a Hall of Fame resume.
I love Reid, he had balls. But he **** against the Aussie, uber close against Boudouani (no shame there of course) and lost his biggest fight WIDE, of course in a game performance against one of the best in the era. One eye, of course, and he whacked hard and seemed to know what to do defensively even if he couldn't pull it off. His Olympic win was an amazing feat, especially considering he was down. I don't rate the HOF, but I don't think Reid merits inclusion either. Still, fully fit he would've slotted into that era well, I imagine at 160 eventually. He was tough, talented and could punch.
I think amateur records count. Hey, loads of guys who've never even boxed are in the HOF, but I guess they got in on "fame".