Which boxer was consistently the best conditioned?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007.


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  1. Sweet Science

    Sweet Science Peaceful Muslim Warrior Full Member

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    These days it saddens me that many top level fighters tend to come to fight woefully ill prepared in terms of their conditioning, James Toney being an extreme example. However, alot of other fighters get to fight night in less than stellar shape especially to tune up fights citing reasons such as lack of motivation, underestimating their opponent etc.

    However, on the opposite side of the coin there have been fighters who never underestimate anyone and always come prepared and in tip top condition.

    I would say the clear standouts are Hopkins, Marciano and Holyfield who always came to fight in fantastic shape. However, if I had to pick the best consistently conditioned of the three I would pick Marciano. Most agree that he was the best conditioned heavyweight but I would say he was the best conditioned fighter in any weight. He was just plain sadistic in his training regime.

    What do you guys think?
     
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    #1
    Jackomano likes this.
  2. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Frank Bruno was never ever out of shape...

    Although sometimes his conditioning did not help him.
     
    TBooze, Jun 28, 2007
    TBooze, Jun 28, 2007
    #2
  3. Sweet Science

    Sweet Science Peaceful Muslim Warrior Full Member

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    Yes you are right TBooze, I can never remember Bruno ever looking out of shape, he had a tremendous physique. I always thought he was muscle bound though.
     
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    #3
  4. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Dick Tiger.

    He had one fight where he may have been out of condition, V Bob Foster. Other than that he was always in top condition.

    Had to be. A natural SMW if ever there was one, he boxed before that division exsisted.
     
    McGrain, Jun 28, 2007
    McGrain, Jun 28, 2007
    #4
  5. enquirer

    enquirer Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Are we talking being 'in shape' or stamina? I feel there is a difference...
    For instance bruno was in better physical shape than tim witherspoon in their fight,but witherspoon had the better stamina,no?
     
    enquirer, Jun 28, 2007
    enquirer, Jun 28, 2007
    #5
  6. pugilist_boyd

    pugilist_boyd BUSTED UP PUG Full Member

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    the rock # 1 but i never seen hagler tire in the few bouts i seen him in did he ?
     
    pugilist_boyd, Jun 28, 2007
    pugilist_boyd, Jun 28, 2007
    #6
  7. Sweet Science

    Sweet Science Peaceful Muslim Warrior Full Member

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    I've heard a lot about Dick Tiger and his conditioning. I think it was Ron Lipton who always used to say he was the greatest physical specimen he ever saw, on account of his regular sparring sessions with him.
     
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    #7
  8. Sweet Science

    Sweet Science Peaceful Muslim Warrior Full Member

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    Sorry Enquirer, allow me to clarify, I mean 'in shape'.
     
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    #8
  9. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Yes, I've heard that too.

    Tiger had incredible natural stamina, perhaps second to none.

    This contributed to his longevity and made him able to train like an animal to get his thick frame down to 160.
     
    McGrain, Jun 28, 2007
    McGrain, Jun 28, 2007
    #9
  10. enquirer

    enquirer Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Ok....I would say marvin hagler of the boxers i saw live. Came in at 158 and a half in his final fight of a long tough career exclusively conducted at middleweight...Never heard of him boxing out of less than optimal shape in his championship reign...
    (I wonder if folks know if he ever had to get on the scales more than once in order to make weight?)
     
    enquirer, Jun 28, 2007
    enquirer, Jun 28, 2007
    #10
  11. rayrayv123

    rayrayv123 Active Member Full Member

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    RJJ?

    Floyd no doubt.
     
    rayrayv123, Jun 28, 2007
    rayrayv123, Jun 28, 2007
    #11
  12. Darthmage

    Darthmage SILENCE! I KEEL J00! Full Member

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    Basilio, Marciano, Hagler, Monzon, Floyd, Hopkins... All those guys were or are always in tip-top shape. Im sure I have missed a lot of boxers sharing the same quality.
     
    Darthmage, Jun 28, 2007
    Darthmage, Jun 28, 2007
    #12
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  13. Sweet Science

    Sweet Science Peaceful Muslim Warrior Full Member

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    But if you had to pick just one, who would it be?
     
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    Sweet Science, Jun 28, 2007
    #13
  14. josak

    josak Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Based on my limited boxing knowledge (compared to some of you) I'd have to go with Tyson. He was an incredible, physical specimen in his prime. Great stamina, great build.
     
    josak, Jun 28, 2007
    josak, Jun 28, 2007
    #14
  15. Vantage_West

    Vantage_West ヒップホップ·プロデューサー Full Member

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    tommy hearns anyone.
    he actually over conditioned for hagler and had a casual 4 mile run to warm up which tired out his legs...thats more conditioned than most

    and even in light heavy he was still a really toned well develpoed athlete
     
    Vantage_West, Jun 28, 2007
    Vantage_West, Jun 28, 2007
    #15
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