Who was the toughest of all time?

Tough? well depends on your definition but probably guys like Dempsey, Ketchel, Marciano, Lamotta, Langford and such

 

Of course the obvious La Motta, George Chuvalo, Joe Frazier and Marciano but also Ray Robinson and Ali. Two excellent boxers who could take a lot of punishment but had no quit whatsoever in them.

 

If I had to give one name, the first that springs to mind is Stanley Ketchel.

 

We all know what almost happened in Liston I, if not for his corner.

 

Toughness alone, Tex Cobb and Joe Grimm were about the toughest men to ever lace up gloves. Ron Stander, Chuck Wepner were also tough guys.

I've always thought Holyfield was tough, being stopped only twice in his career, and he's fought the best Cruisers and Heavyweights since the 1980's.

 

Wanting to quit and actually quitting are two completely different things, irrespective of intervening forces.

Guys like Marciano and Langford belong in the discussion for a myriad of reasons.

 

I guess it's the old guys like Langford and Ketchel.

But, slightly leftfield, my pick is Kid Gavilan, Tough as Hell.

 

I guess the hell like "Thrilla" inwhich Ali was alegedly refusing to comeout for the 15th made a coward of him also????

One thing Ali had, which definately obscures the viewers ability to read his determination, is the professional 'poker face' and willingness to battle through all kinds of physical adversity.

The broken jaw in Norton I, is a fine example.

Give him credit. Ali had a gruesome career when reflected upon.

 

Inspired choice. There are alot of contenders for this accolade, but come to think of it my pick might just be Bennie Briscoe. He was as tough as any ever to have laced 'em up..

 

Battling Nelson should be mentioned.

 

"Having no quit whatsoever in him" should be exactly that, there can be no but's. This fact cannot be erased from Ali's bio, he wanted to quit when in trouble.

 

So... when exactly did he quit???

Did he in Cooper I??

in Liston I???

In FOTC...???? a fight most would have quit in.

in Thrilla????

Against Holmes???

It appears his cornerman was totally trusted, and his cornerman had massive faith in Ali.