Who comes close to being a "perfect fighter?"

[JazMerkin]

Don't agree with Ali. His power was weak compare to other top Heavyweights

I don't think he had great one punch power, but he was able to break a lot of guys down over a fight, so I'd give him it on that basis.

A perfect fighter needs to have one punch power. So that would eliminate Ali

I don't think Salvador Sanchez had great one punch power, although it was better than Ali's, he tended to break guys down systematically in most of his fights.

Michael Spinks was a pretty complete fighter at LHW. I disagree with Duran though. For me a perfect fighter never does what he does in his 2nd fight with Leonard.

[ICB]

I don't think he had great one punch power, but he was able to break a lot of guys down over a fight, so I'd give him it on that basis.

A perfect fighter needs to have one punch power. So that would eliminate Ali

I don't think Salvador Sanchez had great one punch power, although it was better than Ali's, he tended to break guys down systematically in most of his fights.

Michael Spinks was a pretty complete fighter at LHW. I disagree with Duran though. For me a perfect fighter never does what he does in his 2nd fight with Leonard.

You might aswell say an almost perfect fighter like Muhammad Ali, wouldn't have gotten close decision win off fighters like Doug Jones. But the fact is even fighters that look unbeatable on one night, can look very beatable in another fight, even the greatest have off nights or a style that cancel's there one out. And personally i don't think Muhammad Ali is anywhere near close, to the perfect fighter by the way.

[johnmaff36]

A perfect fighter needs to have one punch power. So that would eliminate Ali

I don't think Salvador Sanchez had great one punch power, although it was better than Ali's, he tended to break guys down systematically in most of his fights.

Michael Spinks was a pretty complete fighter at LHW. I disagree with Duran though. For me a perfect fighter never does what he does in his 2nd fight with Leonard.

You might aswell say an almost perfect fighter like Muhammad Ali, wouldn't have gotten close decision win off fighters like Doug Jones. But the fact is even fighters that look unbeatable on one night, can look very beatable in another fight, even the greatest have off nights or a style that cancel's there one out. And personally i don't think Muhammad Ali is anywhere near close, to the perfect fighter by the way.

With respect,and i know everybody has their own opinion, but how can you possibly say that Ali isnt anywhere near close to being the perfect fighter? Look at his attributes; Speed,great footwork, balance, boxing ability, temperment, great jab, combinations, great right-cross, ability to take a punch, and courage. He wasnt the biggest puncher ever but he more than punched his weight (ask foreman,bonavena,liston) but most of all, when his back was to the wall, he had a will to win like i have rarely seen in the ring. its just my opinion but i would like to be informed if im wrong with any of the above

[ICB]

I don't think Salvador Sanchez had great one punch power, although it was better than Ali's, he tended to break guys down systematically in most of his fights.

Michael Spinks was a pretty complete fighter at LHW. I disagree with Duran though. For me a perfect fighter never does what he does in his 2nd fight with Leonard.

You might aswell say an almost perfect fighter like Muhammad Ali, wouldn't have gotten close decision win off fighters like Doug Jones. But the fact is even fighters that look unbeatable on one night, can look very beatable in another fight, even the greatest have off nights or a style that cancel's there one out. And personally i don't think Muhammad Ali is anywhere near close, to the perfect fighter by the way.

With respect,and i know everybody has their own opinion, but how can you possibly say that Ali isnt anywhere near close to being the perfect fighter? Look at his attributes; Speed,great footwork, balance, boxing ability, temperment, great jab, combinations, great right-cross, ability to take a punch, and courage. He wasnt the biggest puncher ever but he more than punched his weight (ask foreman,bonavena,liston) but most of all, when his back was to the wall, he had a will to win like i have rarely seen in the ring. its just my opinion but i would like to be informed if im wrong with any of the above

Because he clearly wasn't, he actually done most things wrong. Leaning back with your chin in the air, is a big no/no. Yes he was a great athlete who was fast, but his skill set was far from perfect. He rarely threw any hooks, he was wide open for left hooks and he was open to body shots.

And he relied alot on athletism and he didn't really have, much technical skills IMO. If he was close to a perfect fighter, he wouldn't of been dropped like a sack against Henry Cooper. Nor would he have got a razor thin decision, against Doug Jones when he was near enough at his peak.

He had heart, chin, speed, footwork, like you said but again. I could just name as many flaws. I think an almost perfect fighter would be someone like Floyd Mayweather Jr, he has almost no glaring weaknesses.

By the way welcome to the forum, you sound like you know your stuff.

[johnmaff36]

You might aswell say an almost perfect fighter like Muhammad Ali, wouldn't have gotten close decision win off fighters like Doug Jones. But the fact is even fighters that look unbeatable on one night, can look very beatable in another fight, even the greatest have off nights or a style that cancel's there one out. And personally i don't think Muhammad Ali is anywhere near close, to the perfect fighter by the way.

With respect,and i know everybody has their own opinion, but how can you possibly say that Ali isnt anywhere near close to being the perfect fighter? Look at his attributes; Speed,great footwork, balance, boxing ability, temperment, great jab, combinations, great right-cross, ability to take a punch, and courage. He wasnt the biggest puncher ever but he more than punched his weight (ask foreman,bonavena,liston) but most of all, when his back was to the wall, he had a will to win like i have rarely seen in the ring. its just my opinion but i would like to be informed if im wrong with any of the above

Because he clearly wasn't, he actually done most things wrong. Leaning back with your chin in the air, is a big no/no. Yes he was a great athlete who was fast, but his skill set was far from perfect. He rarely threw any hooks, he was wide open for left hooks and he was open to body shots.

And he relied alot on athletism and he didn't really have, much technical skills IMO. If he was close to a perfect fighter, he wouldn't of been dropped like a sack against Henry Cooper. Nor would he have got a razor thin decision, against Doug Jones when he was near enough at his peak.

He had heart, chin, speed, footwork, like you said but again. I could just name as many flaws. I think an almost perfect fighter would be someone like Floyd Mayweather Jr, he has almost no glaring weaknesses.

By the way welcome to the forum, you sound like you know your stuff.

Thanks. I take your point regarding Ali being somewhat unorthadox and your right about relying on his reflexes to evade punches, but that was all part of his make-up. I've seen some fantastic fighters try to do the same and getting dropped, leonard(top 10 pound 4 pound) for one, but none could do it like Ali (im talking 65-67 here). The original topic was about the perfect fighter and i dont think theres such a thing. everyone has flaws. Maybe i've got my ali blinkers on but his masterclass when defeating cleveland williams comes as close as your gonna get to perfection.

[holmcall]

I don't think he had great one punch power, but he was able to break a lot of guys down over a fight, so I'd give him it on that basis.

A perfect fighter needs to have one punch power. So that would eliminate Ali

I don't think Salvador Sanchez had great one punch power, although it was better than Ali's, he tended to break guys down systematically in most of his fights.

Michael Spinks was a pretty complete fighter at LHW. I disagree with Duran though. For me a perfect fighter never does what he does in his 2nd fight with Leonard.

I don't think a "perfect fighter" needs one punch power--just solid power.

[kingfrnk]

what about Hagler? i know hes not the perfect but he damn near had it all.

[generalbulldog]

Shane Mosely at 135.

[LEGION]

Mayweather.....guy has it all except maybe brute one punch ko power; though he was sparking guys out in his earlier, lower weight days. Speed, intelligence, can hit you anywhere, anytime, with anything he likes; about the best defense I've seen; seen him take a couple to the chin and smile about it so good chin, adapts to any opponent with ease{which imo makes one truly elite}. Guy's got it all but is a cock.

[Majesty]

Floyd Mayweather Jr. He is the closest to being one he seems to be a fighter that can fight any way he wants. I'll never forget how he fought all those rounds with Hatton one way and then actually started using a jab in the latter rounds almost as if to prove he could and was deadly accurate with that too.

Mayweather has it all, power, chin, boxing ability, jab, speed, defense. People just dont like the "money mayweather' Character that he uses to sell fights. But he worked hard to gain the right to brag

[El Kabong]

My definition of a "perfect fighter" a guy who can punch but can also box, can take punishment and avoid punishment...a well rounded fighter that is gifted in all fields.

My personal list:
Roberto Duran
Joe Louis
Ray Robinson
Ezzard Charles
Archie Moore