Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Hi.
I have been watching boxing, mostly in the UK for getting on for 50 years. My late 60's years started supporting Joe Bugner (no piss taking) and went on to other quality fighters, a list now.... John Conteh, John Stracey, Chris and Kevin Finnegan, Herrol Graham, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Frank Bruno, David Haye, Lennox Lewis, Joe Calslappy et al. All watched live when we could afford it before the showbiz yuppie lads invaded ringside with their love island girlfriends.
In all that time I have to say that there was only one boxer who I saw who was a complete natural, nobody taught him anything, he was born to it. Prince Nazeem Hamed.
What do you think?
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nuggetdotcom
Hi.
I have been watching boxing, mostly in the UK for getting on for 50 years. My late 60's years started supporting Joe Bugner (no piss taking) and went on to other quality fighters, a list now.... John Conteh, John Stracey, Chris and Kevin Finnegan, Herrol Graham, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Frank Bruno, David Haye, Lennox Lewis, Joe Calslappy et al. All watched live when we could afford it before the showbiz yuppie lads invaded ringside with their love island girlfriends.
In all that time I have to say that there was only one boxer who I saw who was a complete natural, nobody taught him anything, he was born to it. Prince Nazeem Hamed.
What do you think?
The hands down style was taught by Brendan Ingle, Hamed did have natural power.
Hamed left Ingle and relied on power .
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
I was a big Herol Graham fan and liked the Ingle fighters. He was unlucky to never win the world title or get a big fight against Benn, Watson or Eubank.
Nigel Benn was the most exciting because of aggressive style and punch power. He got better after each loss because he adapted and improved his skills.
Lloyd Honeyghan caused the biggest upset beating Curry and defending the world titles.
Naz for a time was the best at his weight and slightly invaded USA.
Lennox Lewis became undisputed heavyweight champion and confirmed his legacy.
Hatton beat the great Tszyu and was a top fighter for a short while. His fans definitely invaded USA.
Joe Calzaghe was the best overall, he had fast hands, skill, chin, stamina, heart and longevity.
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Whether you like him or not, it has to be Calzaghe.
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
I would say Calzaghe as well, surely there is an argument for Lennox though. Struggle to think of anyone you could realistically have over those two, without stretching?
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
p4pking
I would say Calzaghe as well, surely there is an argument for Lennox though. Struggle to think of anyone you could realistically have over those two, without stretching?
Lennox is Canadian/Jamaican
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Quote:
Originally Posted by
p4pking
I would say Calzaghe as well, surely there is an argument for Lennox though. Struggle to think of anyone you could realistically have over those two, without stretching?
Lennox is Canadian/Jamaican
I almost prefaced it with some people will say this :p I mean he was born and grew up in England and therefore is a Brit? As far as I know never lived or boxed in Jamaica for a day in his life, but he did learn to box in Canada and won gold for us, so fair enough there.
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Can't look beyond Joe or Lennox for me.
Benn the most exciting.
Hamed was unique but short changed us with his career
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Josh Taylor could take the accolade if he keeps it up. Joe did have his weaknesses in terms of terrible title defences of his WBO title that Sven Ottke was rated better than him at one point.
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Master
Josh Taylor could take the accolade if he keeps it up. Joe did have his weaknesses in terms of terrible title defences of his WBO title that Sven Ottke was rated better than him at one point.
Taylor has a long way to go . He’s a great fighter, but his career is in its relative infancy. So far he’s “Just” a World champion. There’s been a few of them. Hope so, but it’s a long way away.
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
I'd go for Calzaghe too. You can't go past going unbeaten even if there were a lot of Warren defences in there.
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Quote:
Originally Posted by
p4pking
I would say Calzaghe as well, surely there is an argument for Lennox though. Struggle to think of anyone you could realistically have over those two, without stretching?
Lennox is Canadian/Jamaican
It really isn't for you or I to say. I am happy to listen to what Lewis has to say on it and he certainly doesn't agree with you. ;D
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beanz
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Quote:
Originally Posted by
p4pking
I would say Calzaghe as well, surely there is an argument for Lennox though. Struggle to think of anyone you could realistically have over those two, without stretching?
Lennox is Canadian/Jamaican
It really isn't for you or I to say. I am happy to listen to what Lewis has to say on it and he certainly doesn't agree with you. ;D
Lewis was Canadian twice in his career , McCall first fight , Rahman first fight. :)
Re: Best Brit of the last 40 yrs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dark Lord Al
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beanz
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Quote:
Originally Posted by
p4pking
I would say Calzaghe as well, surely there is an argument for Lennox though. Struggle to think of anyone you could realistically have over those two, without stretching?
Lennox is Canadian/Jamaican
It really isn't for you or I to say. I am happy to listen to what Lewis has to say on it and he certainly doesn't agree with you. ;D
Lewis was Canadian twice in his career , McCall first fight , Rahman first fight. :)
He became English again when he avenged those defeats. He was a cockney for a time he became undisputed champion.