Expert: Lian Shoemake - 6/18/2006

Question
thanks for answering my question so well, i have another. Who do you think out of every weight class is the best recent or current fighter.

who do you think is the best of all time

Answer
Hi Bobby,

Thanks for writing again :)

I always have a little trouble with pound-for-pound lists, since there are many ways of looking at them. Are we trying to select the boxer who we think would beat all other boxers in the world if they were magically the same size? Or are we just looking at individual accomplishments within his weight class and comparing it to everyone else's?

It's hard to determine either way, but I would say the most naturally gifted fighter active right now is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. I don't think his recent accomplishments are that impressive, as there are several strong contenders and champions that he could be facing to establish himself.

I guess the standard choice for best fighter of all time is Sugar Ray Robinson, who had an incredible career. I agree with that.

I'll toss in a point of personal privilege to add that I think the greatest heavyweight ever was Muhammad Ali. I think  that if one uses both criteria I talked about earlier (the ability to beat all others, and individual accomplishments), Ali stands atop all other heavyweight champs.

Anyway, that's my two cents' worth!

Thanks again for the questions, Bobby :)

Regards,
Lian