Hey there, boxing enthusiasts! 🥊 Today, we're diving into the world of the sweet science and exploring some hot topics that have got everyone talking. Get ready for a wild ride as we unravel the mysteries of the ring!
The Ultimate Fighter List Debate: Unveiling the Top 10
Max Kellerman, Malik Scott, and Shady McCoy recently dropped their top 10 greatest fighters list, sparking a heated debate. While Max's list was deemed the best, there were some surprising omissions and inclusions that left many scratching their heads.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Ezzard Charles, Willie Pep, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roy Jones Jr. were notably absent from Max's list, despite their impressive records and accolades. Charles, known as the best light heavyweight ever, had an incredible run from 1943-51, yet he was overshadowed by the likes of Robinson and Pep.
Pep, with his remarkable record of 134-1-1, has a strong case for being the best pure boxer in history. And let's not forget Sugar Ray Leonard, who dominated the 1980s, a potentially golden era for boxing.
Roy Jones Jr., the bridge between Pernell Whitaker and Floyd Mayweather, beat seven hall of famers and left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his prime.
Shady McCoy's list, while solid, missed the mark slightly by focusing solely on fighters from the 1970s onwards. However, his list did include some familiar names, which is a testament to his knowledge of the sport.
And this is the part most people miss...
Malik Scott's list was the most puzzling, with Bob Foster making an unexpected appearance in the top five or six, even above Muhammad Ali! While Foster was a formidable light heavyweight, his losses above the light-heavyweight limit and lack of dominance against heavier opponents raise questions about his placement on the all-time great list.
So, who makes the cut for the ultimate fighter list? Here's a sneak peek at Bread's top 10:
- Sugar Ray Robinson
- Muhammad Ali
- Henry Armstrong
- Sam Langford
- Sugar Ray Leonard
- Roberto Duran
- Ezzard Charles
- Roy Jones Jr.
- Willie Pep
- Joe Louis
Honorable mentions go to Floyd Mayweather, Pernell Whitaker, and Manny Pacquiao, who could easily find themselves in the top 10 on different days.
Now, let's turn our attention to the heavyweight division and a fighter who's been frozen out of the spotlight for far too long - Andy Ruiz.
The Mystery of Andy Ruiz: Why Is He Being Frozen Out?
Dear Bread,
Why is Andy Ruiz, the only Mexican heavyweight, being left out of the big fights? He should be sharing the ring with the likes of Canelo, David Benavidez, and Ryan Garcia. After knocking out A.J., what could have possibly angered the boxing boardrooms?
Chad, from Vegas, wants answers, and so do we!
Bread's response: I'm as clueless as you are, Chad. Ruiz's career momentum seemed to stall after his loss to Joshua, and I wish I had an explanation. It's a puzzling situation, and I hope we can unravel this mystery soon.
The Sheeraz-Mbilli Showdown: A Hagler-Hearns Remake?
Hamzah Sheeraz, a rising star, has been compared to the legendary Thomas Hearns. But is this comparison accurate? Some believe his style resembles that of Diego Corrales or Alexis Arguello, with a preference for the mid-range.
However, his upcoming fight against Mbilli has many drawing parallels to the Hagler-Hearns classic. Will history repeat itself, or will Sheeraz prove the doubters wrong?
Bread's take: I see openings in Mbilli's style, and every fighter with a similar approach is susceptible to KOs. Sheeraz's rebound after the Adames draw has been impressive, and I'm eager to see how this match unfolds.
Pavlik vs. Abraham: A Tough Pick
In the late 2000s, Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham were undefeated middleweight champions, and a potential fight between them would have been a thriller.
Pavlik, a big, strong puncher, was there to be hit, while Abraham, with his conservative output, had the sturdier chin and better single-shot power.
Bread's analysis: This is a true pick-‘em fight. Abraham's low output might make it difficult for him to win a decision over the busy Pavlik, but a KO isn't guaranteed either. It's a tough one to call!
Ringside Etiquette: A Tale of Annoyance
Breadman, how annoying is it to have people talking through a fight while sitting ringside? Triple GGG, aka Gennady Golovkin, seemed less than impressed by his neighbors' behavior during a recent match.
And let's not forget those who attend fights but spend the entire time on their phones, missing the action! It's a strange world we live in indeed.
The 80s Pound-for-Pound Debate: Fenech's Place
Steven, I appreciate your feedback on my 90s pound-for-pound list. De La Hoya's ranking was a surprise, but these lists are all about personal opinions and perspectives.
Now, let's talk about Jeff Fenech in the 80s. Where does he fit in the pound-for-pound top 10?
Bread's take: Fenech was a top-10 pressure fighter and a force to be reckoned with at 126lbs and below. However, the 80s were an incredibly competitive decade for boxing, and breaking into the top 10 overall is a tall order.
Here's a glimpse at Bread's top 10 for the 80s:
- Sugar Ray Leonard
- Marvin Hagler
- Salvador Sanchez
- Michael Spinks
- Julio Cesar Chavez
- Mike Tyson
- Tommy Hearns
- Aaron Pryor
- Larry Holmes
- Evander Holyfield
With names like Roberto Duran, Pernell Whitaker, and Azumah Nelson on the outside, it's clear how tough it is to crack the top 10.
The Golden Era of Welterweights
The welterweight division in recent years has been deep and talented, with the likes of Crawford, Spence, Thurman, and Manny Pacquiao. How does this era stack up against the greats since the advent of color TV?
Bread's ranking:
- Leonard-Hearns-Duran-Cuevas-Benitez-Palomino era
- Whitaker-Quartey-De La Hoya-Trinidad-Carr-Campas era
- Mayweather-Pacquiao-Cotto-Margarito-Mosley era
- Crawford-Spence-Thurman-Manny-Garcia-Porter era
- Curry-Starling-Brown-Breland-Honeyghan era
The Leonard-Hearns era takes the cake with an impressive six Hall of Famers!
Nakatani vs. Hernandez: A Tale of Two Fighters
Omar, your observation of Nakatani vs. Hernandez is spot-on. Hernandez's relentless aggression gave him the edge in the second half of the fight.
But here's the twist...
Scoring a fight and observing it are two different things. Knowledgeable observers often score fights based on who impressed them the most, not necessarily round by round.
In this case, Hernandez's consistent moments gave him the slight edge over Nakatani.
Inoue vs. Nakatani: The Super Fight?
The proposed super fight between Inoue and Nakatani has lost some of its luster after Nakatani's match with Hernandez.
While Inoue is favored, Nakatani's skill set and punch could pose a serious threat. This fight has all the makings of a classic, and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting it!
Prioritizing the Mailbag: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Last week's mailbag focused on Jake Paul, with no mention of Inoue or Nakatani. Why? Simply put, no one wrote in about them!
The mailbag is a reflection of the questions and comments I receive, so if you want to see a specific topic covered, write in!
Trainer Dynamics and Longevity in Boxing
Eman from LA asks an insightful question about trainer dynamics and longevity in boxing.
As a trainer, I've brought in another trainer once, in 2014, to improve communication and ensure a harmonious working relationship. It's crucial to have a good rapport with any additional trainers to avoid confusion and dissent.
Burnout is a real concern in boxing, with its controversies and disappointments. Taking short breaks to reset is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship with the sport.
I hope these insights have given you a deeper understanding of the sweet science and the people who make it happen. Until next time, keep those questions coming!
Send your comments and questions to dabreadman25@hotmail.com
