We must recognize the difference between ATGS AND HOFS

Agree wholeheartedly :good

 

Lol, I think most people agree with the premise. I don't think you will find anyone on this board who would all the best fighters of recent decades to an ATG list. It is because there is a lot of arguing back and forth of who belongs. It's also because recent fighters have had several accomplishments that are unheard of and hard to compare. As soon as one guy accomplishes something, someone comes back and does something even better.

There have never been so many multi-weight champions in an era. Champions who have won major world titles in 8 weight classes (1), in 6 weight classes (2), in 5 weight classes (6), in 4 weight classes (15), in 3 weight classes (38 ). Many of these have come in the 2000's, so it's of course harder to stand out.

When DelaHoya won titles in 6 weight classes I was surprised. When Mayweather got up to 5 I was surprised. I also honestly didn't think Pacquiao could compete with what looked like the great 3 at 126: Barrera, Morales, and Marquez. They were utterly kings at 126 and looked like they could compete wiht anyone in history until Pac came along. When he beat them and went on to win titles in 8 weight classes; I was shocked. When Marquez followed Pac to welterweight and KO'd I was shocked. The fact that Hopkins could win world title fights at age 50. The fact that Mayweather could stay undefeated to age 38. These are all surprising accomplishments.