10.10.04 – By Lee Hayes: Over the years, I have discussed the sport of boxing countless times, with fans of all walks of life. One of the most common topics that comes up, is “who do you think is the best ____ of all time”, whether it be Heavyweight, Middleweight, Pound For Pound, or puncher…the question inevitably comes up. Thus, I have taken on the task of evaluating my personal top ten lists of all current boxers, in every weight class, and I will be posting my top ten list of a new weight division every Sunday, starting today, with ‘the Heavyweights’.
I have also decided to include my personal “best ____” puncher, hand speed, boxer, jab, hook, uppercut, chin, defense, combination puncher, and stamina, in order to complete the dissertation.
As an extra bonus, I have decided to include my personal top ten all-time list of every weight division that I am evaluating, (including a “best ____” section as well).
I have decided that it would be practically a waste of time to evaluate a few of the divisions in detail, for example, would anybody really care to hear a top 10 list of “the Greatest Straw-weights of all time?”, that’s what I thought…I therefor have broken down the way I will analyze the division’s as thus:
Heavyweights – over 190 lbs
Light-heavy/Cruiserweight – 175 lbs – 190lbs
Middleweight-Super Middleweight – 160lbs – 175lbs
Welterweight-Junior Middleweight – 147lbs – 160lbs
Lightweight-Junior Welterweight – 135lbs – 147lbs
Featherweight-Junior Lightweight – 126lbs – 135lbs
Bantamweight-Junior Featherweight – 118lbs – 126lbs
Mini Flyweight-Junior Bantamweight – 105lbs – 118lbs
I realize that any such compilation has it’s faults, in that opinions differ practically from fan to fan, and that many of you will disagree, even if only slightly. That’s what I am hoping for, because I would like every one of you to contribute your own lists, or “best ____” lists so that we can all compare and hopefully debate in a friendly manner. I would like to welcome anybody, new poster, or long time regular, to contribute their opinion, or critique my own. I do however ask that we all discuss the lists with mutual respect.
I hope that everybody enjoys the lists, and whether or not they agree, enjoy the ensuing debates and conversations. Let the fun begin. :)
Raven