Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxing Bob
Can someone name a fighter since Hagler or Hearns that it was important to them that they were considered a great fighter? Not the guys driven by money (Leonard, Floyd, Bhop), not the tough guys (M Ward, Gatti).
Hagler or Hearns never ran for mayor, appeared on reality TV shows.
They never went to jail, or ran around thumping the bible.They never used their connections to advance their relatives into opportunities they didn't deserve. They were perfect examples of professional fighters and we desperately need more like them today
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That is crazy man. While Leonard might have been driven by money (as if Hearns and Hagler weren't!) he was just as obsessed with being considered great and his legacy. The determination to win that Leomnard had was impossible to have through a desire for money alone.
Duran was a classic example of a great fighter only after the money in Leonard II. The desperate desire and unstoppable determination to beat his opponent simply wasn't there. He hated Leonard in the first fight and while the money was important, he genuinely wanted to destroy the guy. That is a classic example of someone fighting for passion, then fighting for money. Leonard had it big time in all his major fights.
No great fighter has ever only been driven by money, yes, even Mayweather. Late career, yes, but that is the same with Hagler, Hearns, Duran, Ali, Gatti, Ward, Corrales etc etc etc.
It is their
job.