Sugar Ray Robinson- A Great. But THE GREATEST????

Reminds me of a quote from D'Amato from a conversation he had with Tyson...

Tyson was amazed Ali had won the title three times, and Cus commented that he also had to lose it three times to do such a thing.

But what Joe Louis did... That was perfection.

 

yeah but Ali lost the title to the US govt not in the ring.

 

Neon Leon is the government?

 

Okay, it's always good to look critically at greatness. Here, I'd recommend that you bring it back for a little while from where you put it and investigate the rest of the story.

First off, that critique is appropriate to analyze his MW title reign. But Robinson was campaigning in that division past his prime and 13 pounds over his natural division. He was pushing 40 when he faced Pender and had been a pro for 20 years.

Second, name one fighter that Louis beat who was as formidable and as dangerous as Kid Gavilan.

Thirdly, keep in mind that it was common to have many nontitle fights in the 40s. These kept a fighter sharp without the risk. However, be fair. Look at who was beating him between those WW defenses. Here's a hint: No one. Abrams and Gavilan were two of those nontitle bouts.

Fourthly, you are impressed with Louis's record. He arguably peaked around the Abe Simon fight. His record was 55-1. He finished with a total of 72 fights. Sugar Ray had 200. Robinson's peak fight, arguably the Gavilan II saw his record at 95-1-2.

Fifthly, just a bonus. With that length of a career and with all those fights against bigger men that were happening as his reflexes were going out the window: Robinson was never truly stopped.

Louis can't say that.
Ali can't say that.
Pep can't say that.
Armstrong can't say that.
Langford can't say that.
Moore can't say that.
Duran can't say that.
Greb can't say that.
Charles can't say that.
Gans can't say that.
Fitzsimmons can't say that.

...

The answer to your question is YES... and that affirmative is more resounding if you avoid snapshots and look at the picture in toto.

This content is protected

 

My friend, now I can take my nap in peace.

Some gods are little tin ones and deserve to be toppled. A few have the kind of glory that blinds us despite the years and despite the flaws.

Funny story. I have an old friend, a Sicilian, who was a pro about 50 years ago. He was doing well until he got KOd by a black fighter who's name eludes me. My friend has been prejudiced ever since. I got sick of it one night and said

"Vince, you know, I bet Ray Robinson is shaking his head at you somewhere, feeling ashamed that an ex-pug can be prejudice. I bet he'd knock your teeth out if he were here."

Vince paused and thought about it and then said

"you're right. And if Sugar Ray Robinson ever gave me the privilege of knocking out all the teeth I got left, I'd thank him, pick them up off the floor and make a necklace that I'd proudly wear."

 

Ali lost to Neon Leon in 1978. Ali first won the title in 1964. Louis was 12 years. So Ali had a possible 14 years as champ without exile :yep Just playing, but i think he woulda retired earlier if he fought from 67 to 70 and lost to Norton anyway with the broken jaw.

 

Do you have to turn every thread into something about Ali? You truly are a crashing bore.

 

You going to shut up and stop pulling people up about daft things. It was me because I never made a prediction for Cotto-Margarito now it's someone getting it for talking about Ali. Your becoming the bore. Supporting the Toffee's aint that depressing surely.

 

Stop talking shite then I won't pull you up. Simple.

 

Beutifull story!

 

"Talking about Ali". That's ALL he ever talks about, and in threads nothing to do with Ali.

And people have a go at Rooster for going on about Leonard- at least there's some humour there.

 

I'll make a an 'outright' prediction the next time to keep you happy.