Thread: When it comes to a boxer's legacy, what he doss at his peak is all that really matter

Nobody cares that Ali lost to Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes. Nobody cares that Ken Griffey Jr. stunk at the end of his career. Nobody remembers Mike Tyson for losing to Kevin McBride and Danny Williams. Nobody recalls Joe Montana the Chief, Emmitt Smith the Cardinal, Willie Mays the Met, Ty Cobb the Athletic, Babe Ruth the Brave, etc.

Legacies are never, ever affected by the waning years of an athlete, because athletes are as human as the rest of us and stick around often for love of the game, often for money (it’s their job, after all), often for other reasons including they don't know any better as in Riddick Bowe.

What do you think?

I think it true, we forgive the declines as they are human after all.

Except for when someone avoids a rematch by skipping weights or feigning disinterest like: "Oh Ive moved on". Or skips clean over another champions weight division targeting one certain fighter (non champion) in another, that way questions stick in real fans minds as to why.

I think both Trinidad and Jones jr have not done themselves any favours at the tail end of their careers. Tszyu was smart in not coming back. Hatton shoud retire, my beef is with Hamed, gone at age 27? He loses to Barrera and does not come back for a rematch? Has one more dull fight and then packs it in? Huh? His legacy is tarnished.

I have more respect for boxers like Jones Jr who continue to fight late in their career. As much as I respect Hamed for being an incredible talent, he hasn't fought like Jones has fought in his late 30s and now 40s. I don't think your legacy is tarnished just because you don't win decisions against future hall of famers like Calzaghe and Hopkins. Jones knocked down Calzaghe and nearly knocked out Hopkins. These are some of the best guys of all time at Light Heavyweight. To me I respect a guy like Jones more than a guy like Hamed due to the fact that Jones continues to fight and is still competitive in his 40s.

Originally Posted by THE THIRD MAN

I think both Trinidad and Jones jr have not done themselves any favours at the tail end of their careers. Tszyu was smart in not coming back. Hatton shoud retire, my beef is with Hamed, gone at age 27? He loses to Barrera and does not come back for a rematch? Has one more dull fight and then packs it in? Huh? His legacy is tarnished.

Yeah Naz, happens when fighters dont get their own way in the ring once they are used to it going all their own way the tumble from the top seems further.

Same thing happened in that same weight class earlier on to Kovaks he was around the 30/0 mark somewhere, undefeated anyway and was crying that Barrerea and Morrales,Marquez and Naz were all ducking him;then bam he gets sparked by the Argentine champion and packed it all in for good. They had skills only when they are on the crest of a wave but fail when other true champions fight on.

George Foreman. Explain that one.

I think the whole of their career counts. We have to con sider how good they were at the start and middle but losses when they are past their best can be ignored

Originally Posted by Fantana

George Foreman. Explain that one.

Lean mean grilling machine.

Originally Posted by holmcall

Nobody cares that Ali lost to Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes. Nobody cares that Ken Griffey Jr. stunk at the end of his career. Nobody remembers Mike Tyson for losing to Kevin McBride and Danny Williams. Nobody recalls Joe Montana the Chief, Emmitt Smith the Cardinal, Willie Mays the Met, Ty Cobb the Athletic, Babe Ruth the Brave, etc.

Legacies are never, ever affected by the waning years of an athlete, because athletes are as human as the rest of us and stick around often for love of the game, often for money (it’s their job, after all), often for other reasons including they don't know any better as in Riddick Bowe.

What do you think?

I agree completley.

Tyson was fairly awful for a chunk of his career, but we all remember him for his peak.

Ali losing fights, wouldn't that mean the people that beat him should actually be considered better than Ali? No one seems to think so, clearly because in his peak, Ali would have beaten them.

Originally Posted by Fantana

George Foreman. Explain that one.

He had two careers. Only way I can explain it.