Slugfests help ATG status more than boxing ability

I think at a surface level you make a point... The perception lies mostly in numbers... More casual fans appreciate blood & guts over skill and finesse but with Pac you get a nice blend of both.....with Floyd its all skills and all finesse. The hardcore fans can appreciate both but those who truly impact the way fighters are remembered are the fighters themselves.

Over everything else a fighters imprint they leave has to do with their resume....the depth or substance that validate a truly all time great legacy. Styles, charisma, character and charm are all qualities that help a fighter be adored or despised by the general population but what you do, who you do it against and how you do it is what trumps everything else.

When you say "slugfest" ......its almost like you're dismissing the real tactical and strategic wars that were produced by two highly skilled fighters or a combination of a perfect blend of contrasting styles that produce high level epic battles.

Gatti and ward had a slugfest....while their heart and warrior mentality were appreciated they were never given any awards for skill afterwards. MAB vs EM.....that's another story.

 

:good

 

Winning and who you beat determine ATG status regardless of the stye you use. Pernel Whitaker is rated very highly. You can't have an ATG type career if you are a mindless brawler. Most fighters box and slug.

 

Gatti Hatton... over hyped because of excitement or growing up watching them.