Who was the closest thing to Sugar Ray Robinson before Sugar Ray Robinson?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by BitPlayerVesti, Jul 11, 2022.


  1. BitPlayerVesti

    BitPlayerVesti Boxing Drunkie Full Member

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    Focusing not just the magnitude of greatest (I count myself among those that view various fighters earlier than Robinson as as good contenders for GOAT status), but the manner of greatness.

    The two main ones that come to mind are Tommy Ryan and George Dixon.

    Both champions in two weight classes with great consistency and longevity, notable post prime wins.

    Both with an aggressive style but regarded for skill an ring IQ.

    What do you think? Is there better candidates I'm overlooking?
     
    BitPlayerVesti, Jul 11, 2022
    BitPlayerVesti, Jul 11, 2022
    #1
  2. Saintpat

    Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think Benny Leonard might merit discussion here.
     
    Saintpat, Jul 11, 2022
    Saintpat, Jul 11, 2022
    #2
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  3. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    From an athleticism and reflexes standpoint Joe Gans

    please spare me any replies regarding the laughable notion flailing duck hunter Terry McGovern legitimately knocked this dude out
     
    SuzieQ49, Jul 11, 2022
    SuzieQ49, Jul 11, 2022
    #3
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  4. BitPlayerVesti

    BitPlayerVesti Boxing Drunkie Full Member

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    Utterly ridiculous comments on McGovern.

    McGovern also knocked out Frank Erne, who beat both Dixon and Gans. Yes he did beat Gans due to a head clash, but the fight was competitive up to that point, with a decent number of people having McGovern leading.

    Erne having fought Dixon and Gans 3 and 2 times respectively rated Dixon as greater, and McGovern won the Featherweight title by stopping Dixon.

    George Siler, a top referee and sports writer held McGovern in extremely high regard.

    McGovern was elite from Bantamweight up to Lightweight, a true P4P great. Even years past his best and overweight he was getting better of the same Jimmy Britt who had beat the **** out Joe Gans.
     
    BitPlayerVesti, Jul 12, 2022
    BitPlayerVesti, Jul 12, 2022
    #4
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  5. Rubber Glove Sandwich

    Rubber Glove Sandwich A lot of people have pools Full Member

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    Kid Chocolate has some similarities to Robinson on film. In terms of manner of greatness I think Ryan is closer than Dixon. Just because his record during his prime is more "clean" if that makes sense.
     
    Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 12, 2022
    Rubber Glove Sandwich, Jul 12, 2022
    #5
    BitPlayerVesti likes this.