That’s exactly as mine pal. I was born in late ‘52 I checked out the date of Sugar Ray Robinson’s retirement and it’s given as 18th December, so I can have him as champ! That’s a great group.
Heavyweight: Evander Holyfield Light Heavyweight: Tommy Hearns Middleweight: Julian Jackson Welterweight: Meldrick Taylor Junior Welterweight: Julio Cesar Chavez Lightweight: Pernell Whitaker Junior Lightweight: Azumah Nelson Featherweight: Manuel Medina Bantamweight: Orlando Canizales Flyweight: Muangchai Kittikasem
Was Jackson ever lineal? I thought he won his title when it was vacant, vs Graham. I'd have thought Kalambay, Nunn or McCallum would've been lineal, which obviously would've led to Nunn being lineal, then Toney.
I missed seeing him in person, but I followed his early career. When he was young, I thought he had a good shot at being Lineal Champion someday. He could bang and take a good punch. One of those guys that could be trouble for anyone when he was young. He never seemed to quite get his act together and never really got a shot at the Lineal title.
Heavyweight: Larry Holmes Light Heavyweight: Michael Spinks Middleweight: Marvin Hagler Welterweight: Vacant Junior Welterweight: Aaron Pryor Lightweight: Vacant Junior Lightweight: Roger Mayweather Featherweight: Eusebio Pedroza
It was still a pretty strong era. Its just that Gomez happened to get a politically motivated gift decision fighting for what was considered the linear 130 lb title. But nobody considered him the best 130 pound fighter. JC Chavez held that distinction. And Pryor's reputation was based on what he had done a few years earlier
I should add, and John Thomas's post reminded me, that Joe Frazier had not yet beaten Ali when I was born. Frazier was recognized only by the NYSAC as HW Champion when I was born. Ali had been stripped and was in exhile so technically the linear champ at HW was Ali or vacant?
Blimey ! Good question. I was born in 1967, without looking it up, I would guess D..k Tiger at Light Heavy and Emile Griffith at Middleweight. Vicente Saldivar at Featherweight Lionel Rose at Bantam. Ali was banned but I guess would still be the lineal Heavyweight.
