I know his career isnt over yet. He has the biggest fight of his life coming up. But, Pac has a serious string of wins going and even though I dont think pac can beat Mayweather doesnt mean he cant. I thought DLH would knock Pac into bolivian. So, where is Pac right now on the all time great list? Here is ESPN's top 20 all time for comparison. 10. Sam Langford Lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, heavyweight Ring career: 1902-26 Record: 167-38-37-3 (117 KOs) and 48 no-decisions Career notes: Almost certainly the greatest fighter never to win, or even fight for, a world title. Fought all the way from lightweight to heavyweight, and continued to fight -- and win -- even after becoming almost completely blind in one eye and partially blind in another. Problem was that he was just too good. That, and the fact that heavyweight career overlapped with that of Jack Johnson -- who refused to give him a title shot, and whose behavior outside the ropes made promoters leery about the prospect of another black heavyweight champion -- combined to deny him the world title opportunity he deserved. After being forced to retire because of blindness, disappeared from view until he was rediscovered by journalist Al Laney in 1944. 9. Jack Dempsey Heavyweight Ring career: 1914-27 Record: 61-6-8 (50 KOs) and 6 no-decisions Career notes: Held world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926, although only six of his fights during that period were official title defenses. Furious two-fisted punching style was hugely popular with fans. Engaged in some of the most celebrated battles of all time, including with Luis Angel Firpo and Gene Tunney. The "Manassa Mauler" was the face of boxing at a time when it was still, along with baseball and horse racing, the most popular sport in the land. Rakishly handsome and charismatic outside the ring, was all-action inside it, brandishing a breathtaking, go-for-broke fighting style. Won the title by shattering the jaw of giant Jess Willard. When he lost it, by decision to Tunney in 1926, it was in front of the largest paid attendance in the history of boxing -- more than 120,000 spectators. In rematch, floored Tunney for a count of nine, the infamous "long count" in which Tunney was actually on the canvas for 14 seconds. After losing rematch, retired and opened a restaurant in New York. 8. Jack Johnson Heavyweight Ring career: 1897-1928 Record: 77-13-14 (48 KOs) and 19 no-decisions Career notes: First black heavyweight champion. Beat Tommy Burns to win crown in 1908, and held on to it until defeated by Jess Willard in 1915. Was in many ways precursor to Muhammad Ali: dominant in the ring and deliberately provocative and antagonizing outside it, shocking and infuriating white society with his boldness and arrogance. Was driven into exile for much of his reign, living and fighting in Europe and South America to avoid facing charges under the profoundly racist Mann Act, which prohibited the transport of white women across state lines for immoral purposes. Died in an auto accident in 1946. 7. Benny Leonard Lightweight Ring career: 1911-32 Record: 85-5-1 (69 KOs) and 121 no-decisions Career notes: Won world lightweight championship in May 1917, and retired as champion in January 1925, making him the longest-reigning lightweight champion ever. After more than seven years, made return to the ring, winning 18 of 19. At one stage, fought 154 consecutive bouts without losing. Of five losses, three were in his formative ring years, one was on a foul when challenging for the welterweight championship and one was the final contest of his career, during his comeback after a seven-year layoff, against fellow Hall of Famer Jimmy McLarnin. Exceptional all-around talent possessed speed, accuracy and power in one package. Became a referee after retirement, and collapsed and died in the ring while refereeing a bout in New York state. 6. Roberto Duran Lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, middleweight Ring career: 1968-2001 Record: 103-16 (70 KOs) Career notes: Won lightweight championship from Ken Buchanan in 1972. Snarling, unstoppable ring monster dominated lightweight division for seven years, and then outhustled Sugar Ray Leonard to become welterweight champ in 1980. Quit in the rematch with Leonard five months later. At 32, destroyed Davey Moore to win a junior middleweight belt in 1983, and fought bravely against Marvin Hagler five months later. In 1984, was felled, flat on his face, by Tommy Hearns inside two rounds. In the 21st year of professional career, improbably won a middleweight belt by beating Iran Barkley in 1989. 5. Willie Pep Featherweight Ring career: 1940-66 Record: 230-11-1 (65 KOs) Career notes: Two-time world featherweight champion renowned for legendary defensive skills. Achieved tremendous success despite suffering near-fatal injuries in a plane crash in 1947. Legend that says he once won a round without throwing a punch (he almost certainly did not) is testament to defensive wizardry of "Will o' the Wisp." Won first 63 bouts before losing to Sammy Angott, and then went 72-0-1 before losing again, to Sandy Saddler. Only Saddler was ever truly able to figure him out, winning three of four times in bouts that were frequently brutal and foul-filled. 4. Joe Louis Heavyweight Ring career: 1934-51 Record: 68-3 (54 KOs) Career notes: Won world heavyweight championship in 1937, and retired as champion in 1949. Held heavyweight title for longer (11 years, 8 months, 7 days) and made more successful defenses (25) than anyone. Defined by two fights against Max Schmeling of Germany. In first encounter, was unbeaten and knocked out in the 12th round, in June 1936. In rematch, almost exactly two years later, as world champion knocked out challenger in the first round, becoming hero to black and white Americans alike, and cemented his place as one of the most popular champions of all time. 3. Henry Armstrong Featherweight, lightweight, welterweight Ring career: 1932-45 Record: 151-21-9 (101 KOs) Career notes: Only boxer to hold world titles at three different weights simultaneously. Won featherweight crown in October 1937. Added welterweight title in May 1938 and became lightweight champion three months later. Challenged for middleweight crown in 1940, and held champion Ceferino Garcia to a draw. Known variously as "Hammerin' Hank" and "Homicide Hank." Third nickname, "Hurricane Hank," was perhaps the most appropriate. Was a whirlwind of a fighter, a perpetual-motion machine who overwhelmed opponents with a nonstop, suffocating fusillade of punches. Faced 17 world champions in career and defeated 15 of them. 2. Muhammad Ali Heavyweight Ring career: 1960-81 Record: 56-5 (37 KOs) Career notes: First to win heavyweight championship of the world three times. Was banned from the ring for three years for refusing induction into the armed forces during the Vietnam War. After ban was lifted, lost to Joe Frazier in "Fight of the Century" in 1971, but stunned George Foreman to regain belt in 1974. Lost title to, and regained it from, Leon Spinks in 1978. Three of defeats came in last four bouts, including two in an ill-advised emergence from retirement, against Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick, at 38. Transcended the sport unlike any other boxer. Reinvented the way heavyweights were supposed to fight, deploying a speed and athleticism that was previously unheard of; also alternately bedazzled and appalled America and the world with charisma, showmanship and braggadocio. Viewed progressively over the years as loudmouth, villain, hero and finally a figure of pathos. Remains for many the definition of a champion. 1. Sugar Ray Robinson Welterweight, middleweight Ring career: 1940-65 Record: 175-19-6-2 (109 KOs) Career notes: Won world welterweight title in December 1946, and defended it four times before stepping up in weight and winning, in 1951, first of five stints as middleweight champ. Attempted to win light heavyweight title from Joey Maxim in 1952, but was stopped in the 14th round. Born Walker Smith in Ailey, Ga. Was the most complete boxer yet to grace the squared circle. Lost just one of first 123 fights, to Jake LaMotta, a defeat avenged five times in a classic ring rivalry. A near-perfect pugilist at welterweight, was less dominant at middleweight, but was still able to win the title five times, including three times after he had retired for two and a half years. Only stoppage defeat was when challenging Maxim for light heavyweight crown, and then was leading on points until overcome by heat so extreme that it had forced the replacement of the referee in the 10th.
20. George Foreman Heavyweight Ring career: 1969-97 Record: 76-5 (68 KOs) Career notes: On Nov. 5, 1994, knocked out Michael Moorer in 10th round to become, at 45, oldest heavyweight champion in history, capping improbable career comeback. In first incarnation, was a sullen wrecking ball of a champion, wrenching heavyweight title from Joe Frazier after six knockdowns in two rounds in January 1973. Was shockingly outthought, outfought and upended by Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in Zaire in 1974. After losing to Jimmy Young in March 1977, retired to become a preacher, but returned to ring 10 years later, to initial derision. Fought four more times after defeating Moorer before retiring for good after suffering points defeat to Shannon Briggs in a bout most people thought he won. 19. Stanley Ketchel Middleweight, heavyweight Ring career: 1903-10 Record: 52-4-4 (49 KOs) and 4 no-decisions Career notes: Only boxer to beat twin brothers in consecutive bouts: Knocked out Mike Sullivan in February 1908, and his twin brother, Jack, two and a half months later. Victory over Jack Sullivan secured world middleweight championship, which he never lost. Made 11 defenses of crown in just three years, a total behind only Bernard Hopkins, Carlos Monzon and "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler. Fought heavyweight champion Jack Johnson in October 1909, and despite being outweighed by 35 pounds, knocked him down before being knocked out cold. Shot and killed by jealous husband in 1910, at 24. 18. Archie Moore Light heavyweight, heavyweight Ring career: 1935-63 Record: 183-24-10-1 (131 KOs) Career notes: Had fought 168 times and was 39 years old before finally getting shot at world title. Took advantage of that shot by outpointing champion Joey Maxim to take crown. Fought additional 52 bouts after that, losing just four, three to heavyweights: Rocky Marciano, Floyd Patterson and Cassius Clay. Remains oldest world champion in history: 48 years, 59 days old when last held the belt. With 131 knockouts, recorded the most of any boxer. Let's go to the video: 50 Greatest: Archie Moore This content is protected 17. Mickey Walker Welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight Ring career: 1919-35 Record: 93-19-4-1 (60 KOs) and 46 no-decisions Career notes: Won world welterweight championship in 1922 and defended it six times before losing it in 1926. In January 1925, weighing less than 150 pounds, challenged for light heavyweight title, the lightest man ever to do so. Later that year, unsuccessfully challenged Harry Greb for middleweight title. Won middleweight championship from Tiger Flowers in December 1926, and defended it three times before relinquishing in 1931. Made two more unsuccessful bids for light heavyweight crown and also challenged heavyweights Jack Sharkey and Max Schmeling. Let's go to the video: 50 Greatest: Mickey Walker This content is protected 16. Gene Tunney Heavyweight Ring career: 1915-28 Record: 61-1-1-1 (45 KOs) and 19 no-decisions Career notes: Known as "Fighting Marine." Won American light heavyweight championship from Battling Levinsky in January 1922, before losing it to and then regaining it from Harry Greb. Took world heavyweight championship from Jack Dempsey in September 1926, and retained it in rematch 11 months later. Made just one more defense before becoming one of very few champions to retire at the top and stay retired. Let's go to the video: 50 Greatest: Gene Tunney This content is protected 15. Jimmy Wilde Flyweight Ring career: 1910-23 Record: 131-3-2 (99 KOs) and 13 no-decisions Career notes: One of the smallest world champions ever, and yet, pound-for-pound, one of the most destructive. Ninety-nine knockouts rank among the highest for any fighter, in any weight class. Became first world flyweight champion in history, stopping Young Zulu Kid in 11th round in December 1916. Lost title in final fight of career, by knockout to Pancho Villa. 14. Rocky Marciano Heavyweight Ring career: 1947-56 Record: 49-0 (43 KOs) Career notes: Only undefeated heavyweight world champion in history and one of the most popular and iconic American athletes of all time. Renowned for ferocious punch and tremendous heart. Won heavyweight championship with 13th-round knockout of Jersey Joe Walcott in September 1952. Made six defenses before retiring in 1956. Let's go to the video: 50 Greatest: Rocky Marciano This content is protected 13. Harry Greb Middleweight Ring career: 1913-26 Record: 105-8-3 (48 KOs) and 183 no-decisions Career notes: Despite dying at age 32, and despite a relatively brief professional career, fought more recorded bouts than all but two men in boxing history, majority of which were rendered no-decisions. Won world middleweight title in 1923 despite becoming largely blind in left eye following bout with Kid Norfolk two years earlier. Defended title six times over next three years before losing it to Tiger Flowers. In May 1922, became only boxer to defeat future heavyweight champion Gene Tunney. 12. Sugar Ray Leonard Welterweight, junior middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight Ring career: 1977-97 Record: 36-3-1 (25 KOs) Career notes: Olympic gold medalist won WBC welterweight world title with 15th-round stoppage of Wilfred Benitez in November 1979, only to shockingly lose title to Roberto Duran seven months later. Defeated Duran in rematch in the famous "No Mas" bout. Beat Ayub Kalule in 1981 to add WBA 154-pound title before dropping belt to focus on welterweight crown. Unified titles with dramatic 14th-round stoppage of WBA titlist Thomas Hearns in September 1981. Retired in November 1982 after surgery for detached retina. After comeback bout against Kevin Howard in May 1984, retired again after being disgusted with performance. Emerged from retirement to upset "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler to win middleweight crown in 1987. Defeated Donny Lalonde in November 1989 bout that was for both super middleweight and light heavyweight titles. Last two fights were ill-advised comebacks that resulted in defeats: against Terry Norris in 1991 and Hector Camacho in 1997. 11. Joe Gans Lightweight Ring career: 1891-1909 Record: 120-8-9 (85 KOs) and 18 no-decisions Career notes: First black man to win world lightweight title, which was secured via first-round knockout of Frank Erne in May 1902. Defeated Battling Nelson in the 42nd round in 1906, the third-longest bout in boxing history. Lost title in rematch to Nelson in 1908. Once fought three times in one night.
Here is the whole list http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/greatest/featureVideo?page=greatest110
Serious Question here I think he can be considered an ATG at this point. But where to put him and even if he beats Mayweather how far can he climb. I agree some of the ranking are dubious. But right now you can see the top 50 are all modern fighters, 2 of which pac has been and a 3rd which he might. Here is more to help 50. Mike Tyson 49. Erik Morales 48. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 47. Bernard Hopkins 46. Roy Jones Jr. 45. Carlos Monzon 44. Pernell Whitaker 43. Marco Antonio Barrera 42. Alexis Arguello 41. Ted "Kid" Lewis 40. Evander Holyfield 39. Oscar De La Hoya 38. Larry Holmes 37. Thomas Hearns 36. Eder Jofre 35. Marvin Hagler 34. Emile Griffith 33. Ruben Olivares 32. Jose Napoles 31. Billy Conn 30. Terry McGovern 29. Sandy Saddler 28. Jake LaMotta 27. Ezzard Charles 26. Joe Frazier 25. Marcel Cerdan 24. Julio Cesar Chavez 23. Jimmy McLarnin 22. Barney Ross 21. Tony Canzoneri
Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey-great fighters, but I wouldn't have them in the top ten by any means. That even discredits the list to me.
It is a questionable list for sure. What I think the writer was trying to do was include the legend of some of these guys in addition to their resumes, titles and number of fights. I wont argue with it though because I also use that criteria (fame, legend, popularity) in addition with resume, titles and number of fights when ranking fighters.
I think the list gets bad for ESPN after the top ten, but I'd rate him ahead of guys like Foreman and Marciano and even Ketchel, but still behind Gans and Moore. But he can ad wins against PBF and Mosley, he'd be knocking at that door.
Yeah- you have a lot of people who were really great that you have to have up there ahead of him. For HIS TIME though, he is a lot higher than ALL TIME.
I agree. If a guy like Ezzard Charles does not get into the top-10 then guys like Dempsey or Johnson should not be in the top-10. No disrespect intended! Also, Henry Armstrong is ahead of Ali P4P all time, imo! Numbers 1 7 2 are on lock down in my view with Ray Robinson at 1 & Armstrong at 2!
