I am trying to think of fighters who, in Teddy Atlas' phrase "behave like fighters."

What do I think that means? I think it includes AT LEAST all the following (in no order)

1. Showing up in shape and making weight
2. Taking risky fights
3. Demonstrating "bottom," that old British word that combines stamina, desire for victory, the ability to take punishment and fighting spirit
4. Being able to understand what is going on in the ring and adapt. No "You hit me and then I'll hit you" fighters need apply.

Over the last twenty years the obvious names would be men like Holyfield and Chavez and Whittaker and Trinidad and De La Hoya and Morales and both Marquez Brothers.

But those men are great fighters. A fighter needn't be great to be exemplary. So let's look below the greats.

Meldrick Taylor-He didn't have the physical constitution to be a great fighter it turns out, but don't we wish everyone had Meldrick's attitude?

Buddy McGirt-In shape? Check. Daring fights? Check. Hung in when things got tough? Check.

Genaro Hernandez-Gets in if all he ever did was choose to continue against Azumah rather than winning the crown while on his stool. Perhaps the ideal display of what I'm trying to get at.

Greg Haugen-He kept trying while Chavez was just toying with him.

Yory Boy Campas-Is there ANYONE this guys wasn't willing to fight?

Glencoffe Johnson-If there was a guy today I could take a young fighter to and say "Do what he does" in these four areas? It would be the Road Warrior.

Where am I wrong and who am I leaving out?