Only been to 2 professional contests. Both in London in the 60's and both featured Cassius Clay(Ali) v Henry Cooper. Ali, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson would be my 3.
Sugar Ray Robinson would have to be on any list of all time greats. Of course he was before the time of many on here. Especially if we are talking boxing, not fighting like Mike Tyson. My dad's best memory of the war was looking at a poster in Naples for an exhibition boxing night featuring Joe Louis and saying to his mate he would like to see him as he was his favourite boxer. A hand touched him on the shoulder and asked if he would like to shake his hand then. He ended up getting tickets for it.
Fighters I've seen live would probably have to be: Pacquiao Mayweather Kovalev My favourite of all time: Duran Hagler Frazier
Agreed. And I know Frazier wasn't even the bet heavyweight in his era nevermind of all time, but I love watching the videos of his fights. He could throw 10 left hook bombs in about 5 seconds. That first fight with Ali as well - incredible!
Surprised no one has picked Calzaghe? His record alone warrants selection. 46 Fights 46 Wins 32 By KO Longest reigning super middleweight champion spanning 10 years and 21 title defences. He's held the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO world titles. He's also been the World Champion for the longest active period of time before retirement.
There's always tha question mark over his name though as he didn't really fight the best till he and they were both past prime. Jeff Lacy aside who proved to be nothing special anyway.
Ali Joe Louis Sugar Ray Robinson. Honourable mention Rocky Marciano, Retired undefeated World Heavyweight Champion (
His best fight was with Chris Eubank, now that was a great fight, Eubank made him fight, no pitta patter, proper punches, Eubank's eye blew up like a balloon a cpl or rounds before The end, great fight.....
Kessler, Jones, Eubank, Hopkins? Ricky Hatton described him as the best ever British Boxer. At present I agree. There are only 11 boxers that have ever retired undefeated, of which Calzaghe is one. He'd most definitely feature in my top 3. 46 fights undefeated and held all world titles? Fought across two weight divisions. It doesn't actually get much better than that.
Very good call on Calzaghe, that fight against Lacy was one of the most (unexpected if you read the press or publicity pre fight) dominant performances from a boxer i've ever seen.
Calzaghe didn't go to fight - He went to war! The Kessler fight was outstanding. He didn't do dull fights. Probably my all time favourite boxer.
I think Sky taking over boxing when it did hurt Joe's career publicity wise. Lovable old Frank was on the Beeb and got all the good will and popularity for a limited ability. fantastically fast hands did joe.
Good chin as well. He got up off the floor often to smash his opponent. He was taught by his father Enzo from the age of 9 - his Dad knew nothing about boxing! I think that is what contributed to his unorthodox style. Terrific fighter.
