Where would you rank these guys all time?

[OumaFan]

I may close this thread if it turns into the stupid

[Tins06]

couldnt really say. I would definatly have Bhop in the top 20 though. just the way he has kept himself going despite his age is incredible.

Joe is the same sorta thing. despite his hand problems and the stick he gets for his slapping he has just got on with it. Won most of his fights on pure workrate wich is what sets him apart i think. aint seen noone who can hold a pace like Joe.

[OumaFan]

I'm mainly thinking people would just put an estimate, like somewhere between 40-50, etc., if you come out and say you have Shane at number 73, that's a bit too Britkiddish.

[OumaFan]

With Calzaghe he's a great fighter, he's got two real good wins recently with Kessler and Hopkins, with Lacy its a question of do you believe Lacy was more of a never was or was he ruined, and Jones does nothing for me, from day one I said that was an absolute farce. Then you've got Eubank who though not in his prime was still a good win. And then there's a lot of iffiness even though he was still winning (granted you could say the same for a stretch of Hopkins career)

Going undefeated has to count for something.

[Fenster]

I think Hopkins age is overplayed. He's been in a no lose situation for years because of it.

The guy should be greatly respected for what he's achieved with a lack of natural talent.

But no fighter that boringly ugly should be rated near the pinnacle. If he's top 20-30 all time boxing is shit. Serious.

[OumaFan]

I don't know, I don't see how the age factor could be overplayed, he's 44 and still at the top of the sport.

And as far as boring goes, I don't see how that plays into ratings. For one its totally subjective, I find guys like Sam Peter, Edwin Valero, guys that aren't seen by most as boring, even Calzaghe boring and ugly to watch, more so than Hopkins, its just a matter of preference. I suspect a lot of all out war type fans wouldn't be thrilled by Willie Pep. And Hopkins has only really been boring in the conventional sense since his mid 30's.

[fan johnny]

There should be a rule that fighters don't get ranked on all time lists unless they are dead or really retired or something... there is way too much recognition with modern day fighters to be objective.

[OumaFan]

I agree, everyone get out

[Fenster]

Even if Hopkins only became boring as he aged it's where his best wins are.

You're rating him top 20-30 ALL TIME because of his recent achievements, no?

Without doubt he should be commended for being at the top of the sport at his age.. but he's been the underdog because of it in all his recent fights. He has nothing to lose.

[OumaFan]

The recent achievements put him over the top, push him past Roy IMO yes. The longevity in general.
Its just a matter of I don't think boring should play a part in it is all.

[Fenster]

The recent achievements put him over the top, push him past Roy IMO yes. The longevity in general.
Its just a matter of I don't think boring should play a part in it is all.

Fair enough, I guess being boring shouldn't really be a factor, he has proven to be a great fighter.. but I think he's horrible to watch.

This feeling has been greatly influenced by staying awake till 4am to watch him.. err.. bore many times.

If you had experienced this you may feel different. Serious.

[Pravus]

Great names, one and all. I actually hate ranking fighters in a scale like this, and would rather just throw out a thumbs up or down as to if they are top 100 quality. But, I'll try to play along in this instance.

I think Pacquaio and Marquez still have a lot left in the tank and possibly some career-defining fights in their future, even though Pacman is claiming he's retiring soon - as it stands, they both belong in the top 100 for sure. Pacman is always exciting to watch and entertainment-wise, the man is definately in the top 40. Marquez is one of the most consistent fighters around and has vulnerabilities, bringing drama to every fight he is in. No one can deny that both men have been great for boxing.

Ricardo Lopez : Top 25. Retiring undefeated while successfully defending his title 26 times makes this a no-brainer.

Joe Calzaghe : Top 50. Before he obliterated the over-rated Lacy, many people had no idea just how talented and adaptable Joe C was (including myself). Retiring in his prime may be the best decision he ever made and should secure his legacy.

Bernard Hopkins : Top 25. Boring for the casual fan but he embodies the sweet science for those of us who recognize it. His greatest talent is the ability to nullify the strengths of his opponent, and for many, that's just plain boring. That should not however, diminish his standing.

James Toney : Top 50. I really wish he would have retired a decade ago and I wish RJJ would have given him the rematch. His early-mid career was absolutely amazing. When his character began to take center stage over his talent, his legitmacy began to be diminished.

Shane Mosley : Top 50 or better. The only things that outshines Sugar Shane's talent is his heart and class. He had a lot of ups and downs, but brings it all when he steps into the ring. Is very rarely in a boring fight and as shown vs Margarito, still has a lot of fight in him.

Roy Jones : 75-100 at best. If ego was rated this guy would be right up there with Ali. He hand-picked far too many of his opponents in his prime. I actually felt bad for the guy when Joe C got ahold of him.