Quote Originally Posted by ross View Post
Good fighters who arent taking anyything illegal just dont stay so ripped!

Look at Duran as he moved up or any other fighter in history, they always lose something. Well not really lose, just that as a powerfull puncher moves up in weight, his muscles mass hasnt really changed and so his punches havent really got any more powerfull. Sometimes the fighter can be more relaxed because they havent had to drain down to weight and there punches can be stronger but Manny has kept everything. Speed, strength but the most dubious thing about his move up in weight is his body composition! Ask any bodybuilder how hard it is to grow muscle naturally, let alone an athlete that has to balance size and speed!
In terms of speed, power and physical strength... Floyd, Oscar or Roy Jones Jnr. have all been remarkable in their careers.

It's different these days because I think fighters are boiling down more in weight than they used to. I guess move up with better efficiency too..?

I think Hopkins is a good example of how you can do it both ways. He managed to stay at 160 with relative ease due to his absolute commitment a particular lifestyle that ensured he was trim and healthy. Then when he wanted to move up to 175 he again committed himself to becoming a bigger fighter with added muscle mass but retaining all of his previous attributes.
He, Roy, Oscar & Floyd all look just as fast and powerful as what they did divisions before.