by Cliff Rold - Boxing has lots of belts, too many arguments comparing fighters from different weight classes who can’t fight, and too few of what still makes it a sport.
Boxers fight in weight divisions. Weight divisions are defined by their champions. Not every man who claims the mantle of champion lives up to it. Those who do rarely get the celebration they deserve.
Once a year or so, it is worthwhile to point out some of the men who exemplify what it means to be a champion. Not all of them hold lineal titles. Some may not have clear claim to being the best in their class. But these are the men who best display what the competitive point of it all really is, or at least should be.
So, no, this isn’t about any pound-for-pound silliness. Noted in 2009 for the second annual list and repeated since, let’s consider the mantra for the annual “Champ for Champ” analysis:
A champion isn’t just a guy who holds a belt. A real champion is a fighter who holds his crown for a while, matching at least semi-regularly with real top ten contenders, and leaving the ring still buckling the strap around his waist.
In September 2011, the selections were: [Click Here To Read More]
Boxers fight in weight divisions. Weight divisions are defined by their champions. Not every man who claims the mantle of champion lives up to it. Those who do rarely get the celebration they deserve.
Once a year or so, it is worthwhile to point out some of the men who exemplify what it means to be a champion. Not all of them hold lineal titles. Some may not have clear claim to being the best in their class. But these are the men who best display what the competitive point of it all really is, or at least should be.
So, no, this isn’t about any pound-for-pound silliness. Noted in 2009 for the second annual list and repeated since, let’s consider the mantra for the annual “Champ for Champ” analysis:
A champion isn’t just a guy who holds a belt. A real champion is a fighter who holds his crown for a while, matching at least semi-regularly with real top ten contenders, and leaving the ring still buckling the strap around his waist.
In September 2011, the selections were: [Click Here To Read More]
Comment