List your top 10 most influential people in boxing history.

[Beanz]

In No Particular order here are 10. Maybe not THE most infuential but figures without whom the modern day fight game would be very different

Jem Mace - The original world title holder, the first global sporting hero and father of modern boxing. The Norwich man was not contrary to what people believe a gypsy but was an incredible innovator and ring artist. He went to the USA, Australia and New Zealand and taught from his own booth. Among his pupils were Bob Fitzsimmons and Peter Jackson. He was talented enough to be effective under both London and Queensberry rules.

Tex Rickard -The Promoters Promoter. Not only responsible for building Madison Square Garden he promoted Dempsey and regularly had gates of 1 Million dollar plus in the 1920's.

Hugh Lowther 5th Earl of Lonsdale for as first president of the National sporting club introducing the oldest and most beautiful championship belt in Boxing.

Arcel,Duva,Futch,Steward,Cus D'Amato,Dundee,Beristain, -The great trainers hard to single one out but I will go with Ray Arcel for the breadth of his great career. When you resume includes fighters as diverse and from across such a divide of eras as Benny Leonard, Roberto Duran,Larry Holmes,Ezzard Charles and James Braddock you certainly know a thing or too about Boxing and the man left a huge mark.

Joe Louis - The Master. Icon and Beautiful fighter for a Heavyweight.

Ali - Whatever you think of his achievements as a boxer and some of his questionable behaviour you can not deny that the spotlight that followed him around influenced boxing.Whether that was in inspiring a generation of boxers or overshadowing greater boxers in the eyes of the casual fan he has to be in the list.

Sugar Ray Robinson - A legend and superstar on both sides of the ropes. Truly GREAT.

Arum, King and Suliman for continually fucking it up and leaving boxing, boxers, the fans and everyone else involved ,taking a knee in exasperation.


Special Mention

Richard Kyle Fox and Nat Fleischer - Responsible for The Police Gazette and Ring Magazine.