Top p4p fighters and those on the cusp

So I was thinking about my p4p list. The longer I watch boxing, the less I like the p4p list. There are a lot of issues with it, especially the problem that a fighter moves up or down disregarding bad decisions. Also, circumstances in a fight (weight difference for example) affect how wins and losses are viewed. I will try to rank from what I see and not what the judges have given fighters.

There are three lists. Those who I believe are elite, those who are great, and those on the cusp of greatness.

Elite
Crawford, Inoue, Usyk

Great
Canelo, Loma, Lopez, GGG, Estrada, Spence

On the cusp
Charlo bros, Tank, Chocolatito, Taylor, Berchelt, Pacquiao

On the outside
M. Garcia (I still think he should be a top fighter but he just doesn’t really fight)

P4P lists are popularity contests and one only has to look at the five recognized P4P lists to confirm that. Canelo is #1 in four of the five, whereas vastly more deserving fighters like Inoue are totally ignored. It's like the lower weight classes don't exist. BoxRec has Inoue at #24, FFS. It's a joke. P4P lists only exist to perpetuate the absurd criteria which some "fans" utilize to state their cases. Crawford is #1 in the ESPN list, totally ignoring the comparative lack of opposition when held up against the records of some of the little guys.

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Originally Posted by TitoFan

P4P lists are popularity contests and one only has to look at the five recognized P4P lists to confirm that. Canelo is #1 in four of the five, whereas vastly more deserving fighters like Inoue are totally ignored. It's like the lower weight classes don't exist. BoxRec has Inoue at #24, FFS. It's a joke. P4P lists only exist to perpetuate the absurd criteria which some "fans" utilize to state their cases. Crawford is #1 in the ESPN list, totally ignoring the comparative lack of opposition when held up against the records of some of the little guys.

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Like I always say, the problem is that people move up and down on p4p lists because of what the judges say even if the judges are awful. For example, if Loma would have gotten the decision against Lopez, people would generally keep him at the top just because the judges were blind. I understand mandatories with belts because that’s just how it works, but p4p is mythical. You shouldn’t have to take into account that bad judging happened. You can do whatever you want.

So eye test is a huge thing but also their accomplishments can prove that their dominance isn’t just because of lack of competition. There are so many things that go into it so I generally like putting them into categories rather than trying to make a case why Crawford is better than Inoue. Both are elite IMO and both could have cases against each other. Let’s just say they are both elite.

I'd put Ioka on the cusp as well.

We could get Estrada vs Gonzalez 2 & Ioka vs Tanaka. The Superfly's continue to get it done.

I would have Taylor as an elite after what he has accomplished.

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Originally Posted by Alpha

I'd put Ioka on the cusp as well.

We could get Estrada vs Gonzalez 2 & Ioka vs Tanaka. The Superfly's continue to get it done.

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I’m just not that sold on Ioka. He is definitely a solid fighter, but I think he is just a little below that high level. He could for sure prove me wrong depending on how he moves forward.

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Originally Posted by Master

I would have Taylor as an elite after what he has accomplished.

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Elite like top few best in the world? I think he could definitely be in the fear category but elite is a bit of a stretch. Beating Ramirez will for sure raise him pretty high though.

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Originally Posted by powerpuncher

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Originally Posted by Master

I would have Taylor as an elite after what he has accomplished.

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Elite like top few best in the world? I think he could definitely be in the fear category but elite is a bit of a stretch. Beating Ramirez will for sure raise him pretty high though.

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Taylor has won the Ali trophy so at least in the great category.

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Originally Posted by powerpuncher

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Originally Posted by Alpha

I'd put Ioka on the cusp as well.

We could get Estrada vs Gonzalez 2 & Ioka vs Tanaka. The Superfly's continue to get it done.

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I’m just not that sold on Ioka. He is definitely a solid fighter, but I think he is just a little below that high level. He could for sure prove me wrong depending on how he moves forward.

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He could still arguably be undefeated. I had him beating Nietes. He has enough dance partners around the weight for us to find out how good he is.

Artur Beterbiev, Tyson Fury and Mairis Breidis should be on the list

Elite
Usyk, Alvarez, Lomachenko,

Great
Inoue, Crawford, Lopez, Taylor, T Fury, Beterbiev, Golovkin, Pacquaio, Breidis

On the Cusp
Spence, Bivol

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Originally Posted by Vibesin Don

Artur Beterbiev, Tyson Fury and Mairis Breidis should be on the list

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Totally forgot about Beterbiev. He should for sure be there. Fury should probably be on their too. Breidis maybe. I wouldn’t argue about him being on the cusp

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Originally Posted by Vibesin Don

Elite
Usyk, Alvarez, Lomachenko,

Great
Inoue, Crawford, Lopez, Taylor, T Fury, Beterbiev, Golovkin, Pacquaio, Breidis

On the Cusp
Spence, Bivol

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You think that Spence is that low?

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Originally Posted by Vibesin Don

Elite
Usyk, Alvarez, Lomachenko,

Great
Inoue, Crawford, Lopez, Taylor, T Fury, Beterbiev, Golovkin, Pacquaio, Breidis

On the Cusp
Spence, Bivol

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Estrada and Taylor should be in there somewhere as well.

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Originally Posted by powerpuncher

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Originally Posted by Vibesin Don

Elite
Usyk, Alvarez, Lomachenko,

Great
Inoue, Crawford, Lopez, Taylor, T Fury, Beterbiev, Golovkin, Pacquaio, Breidis

On the Cusp
Spence, Bivol

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You think that Spence is that low?

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He also puts Inoue a class below Canelo, so there's that.....