Who are your favorite role models in boxing, not particularly your favorite boxers?

Mickey Ward. Seems like a decent pretty selfless guy who lives within his means and cares for his family.

Lennox Lewis. I could not tell you one personal fact about Lennox Lewis. That means the man is a professional who doesn't do a bunch of stupid **** for attention. Had a great career made tons of money nice little commentary gig... good for him.

Larry Holmes. For reasons said by others. Smart guy, down to earth. Also a real guy who dropkicked POS Berbick.

Manny Pacquaio. The guy has clearly really tried to give back on as large a scale as possible to as many of the people most in need as possible. Also devoted to his family.

Manny Stewart and Eddie Futch. Self explanatory.

 

I think Manny Pac is actually a very good answer now that I think about it. What’s not to like?

 

Tony Sibson-have always thought he came across as just as a thoroughly nice guy.
He could be a killer in the ring but he didn’t seem to get into the trash talking nonsense and seemed the kind of guy you could have a pint with.

 

All the boxers who started from mud (ghetto, favela), cockroaches and rats, and who reached the top 10 of any category, without selling their soul.

 

Rocky Marciano.
Hard work and training like a Spartan enabled him to overcame physical and skill deficits to become World heavyweight champion (although of course aided by intermittent memory deficits regarding the Marquess of Queensberry rule book).
Plus the title truly meant everything to Rocky, as his famous quote shows.
"What could be better than walking down any street in any city and knowing you're the heavyweight champion of the world?"

 

All of that. He's a role model in the gym, in the kitchen, in the ring. 100%.

Just, uh, not in money management and not in birth control.

 

Besides those mentioned Thomas Hearns deserves a shout. Very humble guy and also gracious even in defeat. Him giving the NABF belt to Schuler's family after James Schuler's death says a lot about his character.

 

Dempsey came up from nothing. Fought and scratched his way to the top, becomes HW champ. Lifts boxing to the top of all sports, eclipsing Babe Ruth in popularity and earnings. Never had a bad word to say about any of his opponents. After retirement joins Coast Guard to serve his country during WWII.

Archie Moore worked with troubled youth after retirement from boxing. An ATG who never trash talked or disrespected anyone.

Pacquiao came from poverty, was usually the smaller man in the ring. Never ducked an opponent and never trash talked anyone. He donated millions of his earnings to build homes for the poor Filipinos living in poverty. Learned from his mistakes and is rooted in his faith. One of the most humble fighters who ever competed.

 

Not sure if this means much, but I actually cried when Marvin Hagler died... He represented the everyday working man.

 

Marvin’s passing was shocking and very sad. The type of news that evoked the response “Really, this can’t be true?” Damn!!

 

Dempsey - great call and a bit surprised it wasn’t made until now.

Though great to hear of less often mentioned fighters and be illuminated to their deeds outside of boxing.

Not confined to, but if only for his selfless, courageous act of protecting his daughter and sacrificing his own life, Corrie Sanders has to be right up there as an incredible role model.

 

You are not wrong, met him one time at a LEBA function, he was there to accept an award, he mingled with everyone, spoke to dozens of strangers, for 2 hours or so, came across as very shy and seemed to lack confidence, but a proper gentleman, told him I had backed the ferocious Frankie Lucas to beat him in their title fight, he said he felt the same , so honest.
stay safe guys.

 

Train like Evander Holyfield, manage your money like Larry Holmes, and maintain a public image like Floyd Patterson.

 

Ezzard Charles for me. After reading a book about him, he became my favourite fighter of all time. Also Louis and SRL as well. Louis's love for his country and SRL Momma's boy vibes.

 

Exactly. Anyone who is struggling or having difficulty in life getting ahead can identify with Marvin Hagler.
A great example of hard work and consistency paying off.

As someone who struggled with addictions I have created this weekly workout schedule where every morning of the week im up early getting a workout in before starting the daily grind at work. Be it running, swimming, lifting weights or boxing.
it gives me a huge boost.

Anyway often times, im too tired or the weather sucks and its much more comfortable to stay in bed and think lets chill today.
Then I think what Marvin Hagler would think of that and what he would do?
So I drop the ***** attitude and go run in the rain or snow.

So yeah, Hagler is the most inspiring boxer to me on a personal level. Especially when surrounded by silver spooned SRL's in real life. Not bitter about it either. We just need to work harder and continue grinding while working towards our goals.