Why Is Your Favorite Fighter Your Favorite?

Manny Pacquiao, because of how he has improved and developed as the years have gone by, because of how he explodes into attack whenever the punches start flying, because of how he shows no trepidation whatsoever when fighting men with significant size/weight advantages over him, because of how he came from nothing to become a superstar, because of his work ethic and humble personality, because of how he tore through the great Mexicans of his era, I could go on but you get the idea. For me, this guy has really made this era in boxing. If it wasn't for him, it would have been ****ing grim.


Although I could have written just as persuasively about countless others. Buddy McGirt is a real favourite of mine, as is Duran, Toney, Whitaker, and Azumah Nelson.

 

Henry Armstrong is my favorite fighter, clearly.
I'm such a big fan of him because he took on all - comers. He fought Sugar Ray Robinson, Barney Ross, Willie Joyce, Slugger White, Al Bummy Davis, Ralph Zannelli, Frankie Wills, Jimmy Garrison, Sammy Angott, Beau Jack, Tippy Larkin, Lew Jenkins, Fritzie Zivic, Leo Rodak, Paul Junior, Ceferino Garcia, Lou Ambers, Ernie Roderick, and Lew Feldman.

He beat almost all of these, with the exception of Sugar Ray Robinson and Beau Jack.

His style was also so amazing and exhilarating, he threw hundreds of powerful punches every single round, and swarmed and crowded people with a ferocious aura and intensity never seen before.

He also did something almost impossible, he went all the way from featherweight to middleweight, and was disgustingly robbed while fighting for the middleweight title, while already being featherweight, lightweight and welterweight champion of the world - at the same time! Which is an impressive feat, no doubt.

He battled his way through all contenders, beating the absolute best of his era in over a hundred fights.

 

Great post!!!!:good

 

Wonderful analysis of a fine fighter, and a very good man.

 

joe frazier - won the biggest boxing match in history , his fighting style and heart , he would still be getting knocked down but still fight foreman today if the ref never stopped it lol

would have loved frazier vs holyfield

 

Muhammad Ali. His skills,warrior instinct,chin etc. The way he was poetry in motion,ringwise. And his personality was so entertaining.

 

Thomas Hearns. Perseverance and fighting the best and making every fight he was in memorable. Each fight he was in was exciting for one reason or another. He gave it his all. Even in his losing fights he still put his all out and the fights were great.

 

When I think of a "textbook" boxer-puncher the first fighter that comes to my mind is Ricardo "El Finito" Lopez. Despite his diminutive appearance he is one of the finest, most complete and flawless fighter I have ever seen. He could do it all: box, brawl, defend, punch, you name it. His movement was so smooth, his punching technique was crisp and accurate, and his combination of punches were amazing. He didn't rely on amazing athleticism or use flashy movements at all but mostly on technique. With his gloves up high, and his chin tucked in he is everything a boxer should be. And when he had an opponent in trouble he didn't rush in and go for the kill, he waited patiently. But one of my favorite things that I love about Lopez is, before the bell rings, he lifts his arms up, already in fighting position with that look on his face, and you know that he's ready for more. He had that serious assassin-look on his face.

Every time I watch Lopez fight I know that what I'm watching is "art." In my eyes he was the epitome of the "sweet science."

 

Joe Frazier and Erik Morales. Two words...

HEART and PRIDE

 

Tyson, Dempsey, Frazier aggresive two fisted fighting at the highest ever level.

 

Alexis Arguello. The guy just oozes class, he's so serious in the ring but straight after it he's just so honest and nice. Also in interviews he comes across as a fun guy, and it sort of throws the 'trash-talk sells' thing, as Arguello never had a bad word about anyone but his fights had a buzz because Arguello was such a good character.

I always think the good guy finishes last, if your a nice guy people will take advantage of you etc... Arguello always had this confidence around him and people respected him like mad, it sort of made me think, maybe the good guy can win.

 

Marvin Hagler because for me he was the last link to the old school type of fighters prior to all the glam and show in the modern game. From the running in army boots (he said trainers were for sissys) in cape cod in the winter, to his long, hard road to the top, he had the heart of a champion and real dedication to the sport. He was also involved in one of the greatest era's ever in terms of big fights being made at middleweight with Hearns, Duran and Leonard, and his only loss to those other ATG's was a questionable decision to Sugar Ray.

 

One of my favorites too. If you watch the Legendary nights for Pryor Arguello they have this bit where he goes to Mancini after ****ing him up and tells him about how much he liked the dudes dad and how proud he should be, class act.

 

Seriously feels like deja vu.

When I was younger, there the fictional character Rocky Balboa that inspired me. As I got older I realized there was a real life guy. And guess what, this guy wasn't the most talented but worked so hard and willed himself so much that he was actually undefeated. He had all the heart and determination of a movie character, and more. He was Rocco Francis Marchegiano.

Plenty of fighters have tremendous heart, but to maintain such a monk-like training regimen because of his will to win and refusal to lose deserves the utmost respect. It's awe-inspiring stories about his fights, legendary training, and character. Not the most gifted fighter, but certainly a fighter that was born with enough attributes to become a good fighter. His non-stop warrior drive, hard-work, and fitness enabled him to put himself to another level of greatness as far as boxing is concerned. Undoubtedly, the most determined, dedicated fighter that ever lived. Rocky Marciano is the ultimate American story. Work and win!

 

Aye its great stuff.