What makes a fighter great????

A great fighter should have all the physical and mental attributes needed to succeed in a sport which tests those attributes thoroughly.

They should possess God-Given good genes to build strong bones and taught muscles. They should have uncanny natural ability, and be able to maximise that ability. They should have strong analytical powers so they can decipher where their strengths and weaknesses lie, and also make in-fight tactical adjustments when things aren't going their way.

They should posses a sharp intellect that lends itself to the adoption of new skills. They should have an open mind, and not let their ego get out of control.

But an ego is essential, because it helps to build a positive self image, and that self image is what many fighters fight preserve. But an inflated ego can lead to an 'I know best' mentality, when really they should be willing to listen and learn from others experience and knowledge (but still have the presence of mind to reject/accept what knowledge is worthwhile and what imformation is irrelevant)

They should possess a overwhelming ambition to succeed, which leads to a dedication to training that is an essential element of any future success. They should have a natural courage and keen sense of honour and bravery, these attributes will make those difficult moments in a fight seems all the less insurmountable.

They should have the aggression, and the ability to control it. They should have the passion, and the presence of mind to keep it in check, or let it explode, depending on the particular given scenario.

A great fighter must be good at everything, great at most things, and poor at nothing. He should play to his strengths, and work on his weaknesses, until they are no longer a vulnerability. He should work so hard that his weaknesses evolve into strengths.

A great fighter needs a great team. They need a shrewd promoter to find the fights that satisfy the fighters thirst for success. They should be fights that minimise the risk, and maximise any potential reward.

The promoter should promote the fighter to the wider public, they should pursue all commercial avenues to earn the fighter as much money as possible.

A great fighter is only great, if everyone who wants to, can witness that greatness. If Muhammad Ali only ever boxed to an audience of deaf, dumb and blind men, no one would know he was great. A promoter needs to give the fighter that platform to assert his greatness.

Finally, the accomplishments must match their talent and ability. Unfulfilled potential will always lead to doubters and critics. And the more doubters and critcs, the less great you will be.

 

There is a short answer and a long answer.

Short: Resume, perceived 'ability' or 'skill' makes up a small part.

 

It gonna be a mix of longevity, beating other 'great' fighters in their prime and winning title belts.

 

I'd agree with that, though I don't think it's needs to be a mix necessarily. Someone like Khaosai Galaxy never beat opponents who were great themselves but were considered greta for their longevity alone.

 

the size of their *****

 

Jeez I must be ****ed then, I'm suprised I can reproduce.

 

:rofl
I should be an ATG then!

 

you should.

I just forgot to mention that the smaller the ***** the greater the fighter

 

Thats a good deal, IMO.

 

im not sure :think

 

Yeah there is exceptions to every rule and alot of boxers get away with two out of the three. It all depends how great we're talking.

 

A great fighter not only has a great resume and great performances against great fighers but also captures the imagination of the general public.

There a numerous examples to give, but it all comes down to the dominant perception and his results and who he has beat.

With many of the dominant greats recently there are a lot of bashers, because when you are successful there are more people wanting to knock you down.

Whether its because you retired to early (Lewis) or retired to late (Jones) there are always knockers.

 

For me the record and the caliber of fighters they beat and if they lost how and against only the best. They also need special attributes skills wise and from within....such as maybe Whitaker his defensive skills or Hagler's determination and fantastic southpaw jab etc.

I think also one classic battle can make a fighter great. Someone who could fight out of there zone....like Floyd who fought Hatton's fight and still won..someone who could adapt to the battle also shows me who's a great fighter.

 

To me it's fighting the very best in their division and succeeding (not necessarily the first time) and never ducking anyone