Without doubt, the best pound for pound ever!

"They expressed very definate disapproval of the verdict, but later cheered the home boy who had upset the fighter who has been characterized as the best in the world, POUND FOR POUND." -AP fight report written in 1933, which is discussing the controversial first fight between Barney Ross & Tony Canzoneri. Obviously the specific "pound for pound" phrase was being used long before Robinson hit the scene, and odds are great it was being used long before the early 1930's. If I'm not mistaken, that specific term was even being used in describing the great, Benny Leonard.I must confess that you must have a better source than I have-- that AP story in particular. I based that statement in oft-repeated claims by writers for Ring and KO magazines. It's not that I am passing the buck. I'm banging my head on walls for taking--with no attempt to seek corroboration-- the word of the so-called, "Bible of Boxing" and its sister publication. I should have sought corroboration, having indeed read that the phrase, somewhere, sometime, has been used on Benny Leonard. It having come from other than Ring, I had blithely passed over it. Unforgiveable intellectual indolence. :o My fault. :)

The phrase POUND FOR POUND was specially coined for Sugar Ray Robinson. He was and is the yardstick upon which all others, subsequently, were measured. But comparing Robinson with Robinson, it was, I believe, the welterweight Robinson that was the best. "They expressed very definate disapproval of the verdict, but later cheered the home boy who had upset the fighter who has been characterized as the best in the world, POUND FOR POUND." -AP fight report written in 1933, which is discussing the controversial first fight between Barney Ross & Tony Canzoneri. Obviously the specific "pound for pound" phrase was being used long before Robinson hit the scene, and odds are great it was being used long before the early 1930's. If I'm not mistaken, that specific term was even being used in describing the great, Benny Leonard.

i agree with you and not only that but hagler was the greatest middleweight champion of all time. And I agree with that! :)

I've heard variations of the phrase "pound for pound" that were used for fighters before Robinson's era. Something along the lines of: greatest fighter of any "poundage", was used to describe Harry Greb.Yes,pal, there were. I've come accross a few myself. But phrased in any manner, no fighter was labeled with as much consistency over the longest period of time as Robinson was. :) And "Pound-for-Pound", as a phrase, was coined for Robinson. :)

HERRY GREB IS THE GREATEST MIDDLEWEIGHT WHILE ROBINSON WAS THE GREATEST WELTERWEIGHT. YEAP HES THE GREATEST WITH Armstrong and Duran behind him.

The phrase POUND FOR POUND was specially coined for Sugar Ray Robinson. He was and is the yardstick upon which all others, subsequently, were measured. But comparing Robinson with Robinson, it was, I believe, the welterweight Robinson that was the best. I've heard variations of the phrase "pound for pound" that were used for fighters before Robinson's era. Something along the lines of: greatest fighter of any "poundage", was used to describe Harry Greb.

My list of the top 15 damn boxers of all time period. 1.Sugar Ray Robinson 2. Henry Armstrong 3. Harry Greb 4.JCC 5.Ali 6. Joe Louis 7. Roberto Duran 8.Marvin Hagler 9. Larry Holmes 10. Roy Jones Jr. 11. Mike Tyson 12.Pernell Whitaker 13.Evander Holyfield 14. Erik Morales 15.James Toney

its ali for meAmong heavyweights, Joe Louis reigned the longest... Ali however, went beyond the ring; he transcended boxing; was even considered by many as bigger than all of sports. There are those who go to the extent of declaring that Ali is beyond any country, including the US. He is for and of all humanity. :)

Sugar Ray Robinson. Read the story. For the older generation, it's not surprising. For the newer, who know no better...Read and be impressed! Link: http:coxscorner.tripod.com/robinson.htmlThe phrase POUND FOR POUND was specially coined for Sugar Ray Robinson. He was and is the yardstick upon which all others, subsequently, were measured. But comparing Robinson with Robinson, it was, I believe, the welterweight Robinson that was the best.

Hagler could have beaten him.. I loved watching the Hagler fights. I really miss the days of the Ray Leonard, Duran, Hagler & Hearns intrigue & entertainment. Those were the days when the championship rounds started from the 13th round. 14th & 15th were the Leonard & Hagler specialities! How Hagler lost to Leonard, is still beyond me.....to this day! To answer your statement: Hagler/Robinson would have been a great fight...But I tend to believe that Robinson would have won a majority points decision. Too slick..too quick...he would have frustrated Hagler.

Hagler could have beaten him.. hagler was great but robinson would have outboxed him, hagler struggled with fast, slick boxers and robinson was the fastest and the slickest. i know i'm biased but he was the best fighter of all time. he would be champion today if he was still around.

Hagler could have beaten him.. No, he couldn't...

I don't think it can really be debated. The only guy who comes close is Henry Armstrong. Though i do believe Robinson is the greatest fighter of all-time, many boxers do come close: Harry Greb, Henry Armstrong, Sam Langford, and Roberto Duran.

Hagler could have beaten him..

I don't think it can really be debated. The only guy who comes close is Henry Armstrong.

well i'm bound to agree.

http://coxscorner.tripod.com/robinson.html

Sugar Ray Robinson. Read the story. For the older generation, it's not surprising. For the newer, who know no better...Read and be impressed! Link: http:coxscorner.tripod.com/robinson.html Yeah it's a dead link.

Great read...he is THE MAN.