Top 20 Lightweights of all time

I should probably have McAuliffe (or Montgomery) over him. But I just like the idea of having him just the one place below Buchanan.

 

30 days?? Almost 3 years his first reign and about 15 months his second reign.

 

Although I conjecture that most would agree with my picks of Welsh, Canzoneri, and probably McFarland, each to his own. I certainly don't see how their inclusion could be considered a 'ludicrous' April Fool joke.
Taking a quick look at your own choices, you have some decent picks. However, those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. And, on your list, I would suggest that your glass house is located at Number Six, Artur Grigorian Street.

 

Yes, you have definitely exposed my favouritism towards older fighters. I admit it freely. I also have a bias towards men with great stories. However, this is how I make lists:
I believe that the boxers on my lists would beat most of the people below them, and lose to most above them.

 

Furthermore, I do respect your lists. They are often very different from others'. But you are always happy to give reasons. Fair play.

 

McFarland is difficult to rate. Fair point. Canzoneri... Let's agree to disagree. Better men than me can argue that.
Williams: yes. I have him in my top seven.
Agnott: I have him at 29. You may have a good point there. Maybe I am underrating him.

 

And as for Laguna... I like to place him one below Buchanan. And I like to place Buchanan just under DeJesus. Quite valid, methinks.

 

McFarland was one of the greatest fighters that Chicago ever produced; He was an all-time great; Packey was a devastating puncher when he chose to hit but usually fought carefully with a clever boxing style that perplexed even the smartest of fighters

McFarland never had the opportunity to fight for a world title; His problem was that (1) his best fighting weight was around 138 pounds and he was unable to easily make the Lightweight limit of 133 pounds and (2) the lighter champions did not want to fight him; Since there was no Junior Welterweight title in his day, he was out of luck

Nonetheless, McFarland defeated a number of outstanding fighters such as Leach Cross, "Cyclone" Johnny Thompson, Freddie Welsh, Jimmy Britt and Jack Britton (newspaper decision)