Who was the greatest pure boxer of all time?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Robbi, Sep 9, 2007.


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  1. Robbi

    Robbi Marvelous Full Member

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    Its been a while since I started a thread, so thought I'd throw one up for a change.

    Who was the greatest pure boxer of all time?.

    Mind now, the greatest boxer. Not all round "pound for pound" best ever to lace'em up.

    Example: Greats like Armstrong and Duran would probably be discounted as they were not known for their outstanding boxing ability as it wasn't their strength, although Duran could box effectively when needed.
     
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
    #1
  2. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    For pure boxing I would pick Tonny Loughran. He wasn't a puncher but you only have to look at his record to understand that something made him pretty special, he has wins over some proper greats, and as a light-heavy, some proper greats that were bigger than him...

    I'd say that that something sprang from stance, timing, technique. Boxing, basically.
     
    McGrain, Sep 9, 2007
    McGrain, Sep 9, 2007
    #2
  3. Robbi

    Robbi Marvelous Full Member

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    I certainly wouldn't throw out Hearns because of his power. When Hearns first comes to mind I'm sure mostly everyone thinks of his boxing ability just as much as his power.

    Hearns put on a jabbing masterclass against Hill when well past his prime.

    I think the five below are the best in no particular order.

    Hearns
    Holmes
    Ali
    Pep
    Whitaker.
     
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
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  4. Mantequilla

    Mantequilla Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Miguel Canto for me.

    A midget even by Fly standards, with no physical advantages over anyone he fought, couldn't slug, couldn't really adapt at all.

    No power whatsoever.

    All he had was his pure boxing ability and it made him the Joe Louis of the Flyweights as far as defences go, and unlike Louis he fought in a deep era.

    I actually don't really think there really is a greatest though.Only a group of fighters that could be put at the very top level.

    If you go by mixing accomplishments and skill then it's probably Pep.
     
    Mantequilla, Sep 9, 2007
    Mantequilla, Sep 9, 2007
    #4
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  5. Manassa

    Manassa - banned

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    Going by fundamentals and boxing by the book I'd have to say Harold Johnson, although someone like Willie Pep was more flexible and inventive.
     
    Manassa, Sep 9, 2007
    Manassa, Sep 9, 2007
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    George Crowcroft likes this.
  6. Robbi

    Robbi Marvelous Full Member

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    Gene Tunney is also worth a mention.
     
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
    #6
  7. pryorgatti

    pryorgatti Active Member Full Member

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    Here is my top ten:

    Pep
    Whitaker
    Canto
    Tunney
    Loughran
    B.Leonard
    J.Driscoll
    T.Hearns
    Billy Conn
    Harold Johnson
     
    pryorgatti, Sep 9, 2007
    pryorgatti, Sep 9, 2007
    #7
  8. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Barney Ross.
     
    Dempsey1238, Sep 9, 2007
    Dempsey1238, Sep 9, 2007
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  9. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Harold Johnson
    Tommy Loughran
    Willie Pep
    Miguel Canto
    Jimmy Archer
    in no particular order & off the top of my head
    Honorable mention
    George Benton
    Holly Mimms
    Harold Weston jr
    Holeman Williams
     
    robert ungurean, Sep 9, 2007
    robert ungurean, Sep 9, 2007
    #9
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  10. pryorgatti

    pryorgatti Active Member Full Member

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    I don't know why but I'm sure George Benton is a GOOD choice.
     
    pryorgatti, Sep 9, 2007
    pryorgatti, Sep 9, 2007
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  11. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Had to thown his name in the mix. I see guys like Ali get a mention, but Ali didnt have the movement to duck or slip or move his head like Ross did.

    Ross had a near perfect left jab which he used to battler his foes, Ross at the top of his game was as near perfect of a pure boxer as one can get. No rope a dopeing and taking shots for Ross.
     
    Dempsey1238, Sep 9, 2007
    Dempsey1238, Sep 9, 2007
    #11
  12. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Ray Robinson

    Maxie Rosenbloom

    Tommy Loughran

    Ken Buchanan

    Benny Leonard

    Freddie Welsh

    Ismael Luguna

    And a couple from left field:

    Leroy Jones

    Kirkland Laing
     
    TBooze, Sep 9, 2007
    TBooze, Sep 9, 2007
    #12
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  13. brooklyn1550

    brooklyn1550 Roberto Duran Full Member

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    Willie Pep
    Miguel Canto
    Tommy Loughran
    Maxie Rosenbloom
    Pernell Whitaker
    Gene Tunney
     
    brooklyn1550, Sep 9, 2007
    brooklyn1550, Sep 9, 2007
    #13
  14. Robbi

    Robbi Marvelous Full Member

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    Marco Antonio Barrera's one handed display against Jaurez in the rematch was an awesome display of "pure boxing". He more or less stuck to the left jab for the entire fight.

    Jones' 12 round decision against Ruiz as well. Jones had a reputation for using his jab exclusively as a range finder, but against Ruiz he had the jab pumping like a piston with authority.
     
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
    Robbi, Sep 9, 2007
    #14
  15. Doppleganger

    Doppleganger Southside Slugger Full Member

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    I wouldn't say that Laing quite qualifies as he was a guy that relied as much on his natural reflexes and speed as well as his technique. A bit more like RJJ rather than Benny Leonard.
     
    Doppleganger, Sep 9, 2007
    Doppleganger, Sep 9, 2007
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