Classy Fighters

Frazier was being backed by a group of largely white Philadelphia businessmen. I think that was to a large degree the catalyst for Ali's comments. i haven't even gotten to his comments about jackie robinson and dundee

^^^ Wow! You must have been watching boxing for at least 4 decades. About DLH, yes I think the way he conducts himself now, and his business is controversial.

With regards to Ali, he often poked fun at his opponents but never in a hateful way like Mayweather does. He also changed his religion from Christianity to Islam, and went to jail because he didn't want to fight in Vietnam. He was famously quoted for summing up the war in these words: "Here lies the yellow man, killed by a black man, fighting for the white man." I think Ali goes beyond class because he fought not just in the ring, but also in defiance against the consevative 'white' establishment of the time. Maybe he has outboxed the establishment because we honor him today. No, Ali's offensive comments to opponents (and non-boxers) were FAR worse than anything that jackass Floyd says. Calling Joe Frazier an Uncle Tom? A gorilla? Calling Joe Louis and Jackie Fu*king Robinson an Uncle Tom? Saying that Muslims who married non-Muslims should be KILLED? That's more hateful than the excrement spewed from Floyd's mouth.

I like the class displayed by Alexis Arguello. Very respectful of opponents, the sport itself, taking on the toughest tests. It's sad he had to battle personal demons for so long. Styles makes fights in boxing, and here are some of the fighters which had some interesting styles. In no particular order, I think these guys were cool in and out of the ring. Sugar Ray Leonard - great quickness, power, skill and defence - throws brilliant combinations - always respects his opponents and his fans - never heard anything negative about him in and outside of the ring Leonard admitted to having problems with cocaine and alcohol, during a time in which he beat up his wife Juanita. He was also known as a primadonna who rubbed many people the wrong way with his demands. Marvin Hagler - gentleman brawler - great power, chin, and inside game - fought all the greats - Hearns, Duran, Leonard Hagler was more of a boxer than a brawler. At least for the great majority of his career. Muhammad Ali (of course) - I think he invented the slick Afro-American style - combined power, quickness, and technique - controversy was part of his era (Vietnam, social revolution, racism, etc..) Jack Johnson had slick boxing skills. Was ahead of his time, although god-awful to watch nowadays. Jersey Joe Walcott was slick. So was Archie Moore. Oscar DeLa Hoya (of course) - skills, speed, power and throws good combinations - straight up classic style, with good forward movement - controversies mainly after his boxing career ended - helped bring boxing back to the mainstream in the 90s De La Hoya had controversial decisions throughout his career. Do you mean controversies in terms of how GBP conducts business? With regards to Ali, he often poked fun at his opponents but never in a hateful way like Mayweather does. He also changed his religion from Christianity to Islam, and went to jail because he didn't want to fight in Vietnam. He was famously quoted for summing up the war in these words: "Here lies the yellow man, killed by a black man, fighting for the white man." I think Ali goes beyond class because he fought not just in the ring, but also in defiance against the consevative 'white' establishment of the time. Maybe he has outboxed the establishment because we honor him today. No, Ali's offensive comments to opponents (and non-boxers) were FAR worse than anything that jackass Floyd says. Calling Joe Frazier an Uncle Tom? A gorilla? Calling Joe Louis and Jackie Fu*king Robinson Uncle Toms? Saying that Muslims who married non-Muslims should be KILLED? That's more hateful than the excrement spewed from Floyd's mouth. Ali was a great, great boxer, extremely charismatic, and his generous side is well-known, but he could be a real asshole as well.

Nonito Donaire, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Sergio Martinez seem classy to me.

strange..angelo dundee was white When Muhammad Ali was asked on the Micehal Parkinson show about Angelo Dundee he said Angelo Dundee isn't even a friend to him, merely an associate. He said he has no white friends. Something about all white people being the devil, or something....

The category of 'class' probably should be expanded but it is also a subjective term. But I'm sure nobody can argue that Ali was a very influential figure in and out of the ring, and the media microscope was constantly on him - so any wrong word is captured. Agree on Martinez and Trinidad, but Barrera punching Morales at a press conference? That must have been something to see. here's another classic

Barrera punched Morales? ;10335174']Ali was a certified racist, don't take my word for it, ask Joe Frazier. He went from being a cocky, arrogant, racist, to getting humbled when he realized he was about to quit and get embarrassed. Barrera punched Morales at a press conference, and wanted to "kill" Naz. Lol. Matthew Hatton should be replaced with Felix Trinidad, Shane Mosley and Glen Johnson. Martinez is also a classy guy. Other than that I agree with the rest of your list. The category of 'class' probably should be expanded but it is also a subjective term. But I'm sure nobody can argue that Ali was a very influential figure in and out of the ring, and the media microscope was constantly on him - so any wrong word is captured. Agree on Martinez and Trinidad, but Barrera punching Morales at a press conference? That must have been something to see.

Didn't kow about that. Maybe it was Joe's low profile and humble demeanor that Ali was attacking at that time. Similar to the personality attacks that Mayweather and his fans say about Manny. Frazier was being backed by a group of largely white Philadelphia businessmen. I think that was to a large degree the catalyst for Ali's comments.

Classy Katsidis How has no one mentioned Michael Katsidis?! This is a guy who eats, sleeps and lives boxing. The guy is always training hard and is litterally and i mean LITTERALLY willing to die in the ring. He fights the best and He leaves everything he has in the ring and you know every time he fights, he will always keep coming forward. He has never made an excuse when he has lost and has been gracious in defeat. Example being with Marquez, hanging out with him after the fight and exchanging their ring shoes. Also you got to love the way he calls out people. The way he called out Marquez was nothing but class. True boxing warrior and class act. If this is all true, then props to Katsidis. I should look up his fights, because I haven't seen any of them yet.

Poking fun? Calling him an Uncle Tom and White Collar at a time when racial tempers were at a high in the US (both lies). Dude slandered the shi t out of Joe and has never apologized to this day. Didn't kow about that. Maybe it was Joe's low profile and humble demeanor that Ali was attacking at that time. Similar to the personality attacks that Mayweather and his fans say about Manny.

strange..angelo dundee was white Poking fun? Calling him an Uncle Tom and White Collar at a time when racial tempers were at a high in the US (both lies). Dude slandered the shi t out of Joe and has never apologized to this day. Ali apologized to Marvis after the fight. He has also apologized in interviews. He hasn't though apologized face to face.

Yes, Lennox! this thread is getting good. Lennox was a classy fighter too. QUOTE] Forgot about Lennox. He was great champ, and not a bad commentator either. Too bad he left Canada for the UK - but that's probably because Canada doesn't have a good boxing program.

If "The Fighter" is an accurate depiction of Mickey Ward, then he is definitely a classy fighter with alot of heart. Too bad they didn't include his fight with Gatti in movie. I am only listing fighters that I have seen myself. The 'Thrilla in Manila' was my earliest recollection of starting to watch boxing. I remember Ali poking fun at 'Smokin Joe' and calling him the Gorilla in the jungle. Did he say anything worse? Poking fun? Calling him an Uncle Tom and White Collar at a time when racial tempers were at a high in the US (both lies). Dude slandered the shi t out of Joe and has never apologized to this day.

Arguello is the only classy fighter in that list of yours in/out of the ring. In fact I think Arguello is the only classy fighter in/out the ring. Micky Ward, Glen Johnson?

How has no one mentioned Michael Katsidis?! This is a guy who eats, sleeps and lives boxing. The guy is always training hard and is litterally and i mean LITTERALLY willing to die in the ring. He fights the best and He leaves everything he has in the ring and you know every time he fights, he will always keep coming forward. He has never made an excuse when he has lost and has been gracious in defeat. Example being with Marquez, hanging out with him after the fight and exchanging their ring shoes. Also you got to love the way he calls out people. The way he called out Marquez was nothing but class. True boxing warrior and class act.

Thrilla in Manila you should talk to joe frazier. again, a thousand boxers do what matthew hatton does. micky ward would be a great addition to your list. If "The Fighter" is an accurate depiction of Mickey Ward, then he is definitely a classy fighter with alot of heart. Too bad they didn't include his fight with Gatti in movie. I am only listing fighters that I have seen myself. The 'Thrilla in Manila' was my earliest recollection of starting to watch boxing. I remember Ali poking fun at 'Smokin Joe' and calling him the Gorilla in the jungle. Did he say anything worse?

Arguello is the only classy fighter in that list of yours in/out of the ring. In fact I think Arguello is the only classy fighter in/out the ring.

When you say classy, one name springs to mind; Alexis Arguello. The epitome of classy.

Styles makes fights in boxing, and here are some of the fighters which had some interesting styles. In no particular order, I think these guys were cool in and out of the ring. Sugar Ray Leonard - great quickness, power, skill and defence - throws brilliant combinations - always respects his opponents and his fans - never heard anything negative about him in and outside of the ring Alexis Arguello - classic upright stance, super accurate, and powerful - never saw him hold or clinch - knocks you out with one punch, and decent chin Marvin Hagler - gentleman brawler - great power, chin, and inside game - fought all the greats - Hearns, Duran, Leonard Muhammad Ali (of course) - I think he invented the slick Afro-American style - combined power, quickness, and technique - controversy was part of his era (Vietnam, social revolution, racism, etc..) Manny Pacquiao (of course) - relentless attacker - quick, powerful, and elusive - focuses purely on the boxing, leaves the other stuff to his handlers - does not trash talk, and even attempts to befriend his opponents - tries to help his countrymen - PED controversy: innocent until proven guilty Miguel Cotto - always fights the best - never disrespectful, never complains - one of the best body punchers - has good boxing skills, but nobody seems to notice Humberto Soto - decent all-around skills - impressive warrior spirit even in his loss to Guzman - keeps himself grounded by driving a bus - cool Matthew Hatton (gutsy performance agains Alvarez) - was clearly outgunned, but used good defence and fought valiantly - maximizes his boxing ability - never lost his fighting spirit - nothing bad to say, still thinks he could win (ignorance is bliss) Juan Manuel Marquez - still one of the best counter-punchers I have ever seen - amazing ability to recover from a knockdown - his annoying pursuit of Manny only shows his fighting spirit - the best style to counter a pure attacker - like MP - just don't go over 140 lbs Marco Antonio Barrerra - great all around skills, no weaknesses - knock-down against JMM was ruled a slip, so he should have won - head-butt against Khan was ruled a punch, so he should not have lost - I think he will be back Erik Morales - always comes to fight - his retirement was just due to a lost in desire - great ability to setup and fire strong accurate combinations - his fight against Maidana maybe a surprise for many Bernard Hopkins - a thinking man's fighter - first saw him 14 years ago, and knew the guy will last a while - has speed, power, technique and a bag of tricks Roy Jones Jr. - was the best ever seen in his prime - unorthodox style, but uncanny power, accuracy and speed - glad he retired - else he wouldn't be as good in his color commentary Oscar DeLa Hoya (of course) - skills, speed, power and throws good combinations - straight up classic style, with good forward movement - controversies mainly after his boxing career ended - helped bring boxing back to the mainstream in the 90s Sugar Ray Leonard Beat his first wife up and was a coke head