How do you classify a fighter as elite and who do you consider elite?

Let's look at the definition: Elite - the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group. It's about standing out from the rest, having qualities that the majority don't possess. IMO, "Elite" has two layers: a fighter's skill-set/experience/resume and their star-power/earning potential/notoriety. Both have to be cultivated over time. Analyzing a fighter's status from a macro level is the only time I bring up the word "elite". When I'm referring to their status within a division, I'll just say "he's a top fighter". is Khan an "elite" fighter? No. Is he a "top" fighter? Yes. I agree with everything you said, spot on!@

I look for dominance and some sort of reign. Elite fighters are ones who I can't ever imagine being outclassed as long as they aren't shot. If they're outclassed, it only happened once. Prizefighters I back - Mayweather Hopkins Rigondeaux Ward Brook Garcia Lara Martinez Marquez Nishioka The names in bold are elite operators. Wouldnt you put Donaire in there and take Nishioka out if he wins his next fight and looks good? Donaire is favored in that fight as well so wouldnt that take Nishioka out of that class by your standards?

Let's look at the definition: Elite - the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group. It's about standing out from the rest, having qualities that the majority don't possess. IMO, "Elite" has two layers: a fighter's skill-set/experience/resume and their star-power/earning potential/notoriety. Both have to be cultivated over time. Analyzing a fighter's status from a macro level is the only time I bring up the word "elite". When I'm referring to their status within a division, I'll just say "he's a top fighter". is Khan an "elite" fighter? No. Is he a "top" fighter? Yes.

Donaire should be elite, but his recent performances don't justify it. Moreno and Gamboa are both close. I don't think Mares can be elite, but he definitely has a chance to prove me wrong very soon. Really, whoever comes out on top among those at 122 will be elite. problem is i dont think we will ever get the chance to see that happen unless Uncle Bob kicks the bucket. Mares & moreno GBP, Donaire TR, & who knows where Gamboa is even fighting, if and when he ever fights again... Listening to Floyd & Ellerbe has hugely hurt his career...

what fighters do you believe are on the verge? I would say Mares, Moreno, Donaire, Broner, Gamboa, Rios, Garcia, Alvarez, Chavez, & thats about all i can think of off the top of my head Donaire should be elite, but his recent performances don't justify it. Moreno and Gamboa are both close. I don't think Mares can be elite, but he definitely has a chance to prove me wrong very soon. Really, whoever comes out on top among those at 122 will be elite.

also you wouldnt consider Vitali as elite anymore? I hate to say it, because I like Vitali more, but he's at the end, and he's not elite anymore.

If ur the kind of guy its hard to see lose, ur elite For example, Prime Floyd was difficult to see lose... U had hopes for guys like Miguel Cotto, or Margarito, or Pacquiao, but he would be the favorite in all those fights, and at worst, its 6-40 (bare in mind, I'm thinking PRIME Floyd) Pacquiao, Ward, and Wlad are the only other elites today

also you wouldnt consider Vitali as elite anymore?

It depends on if you are asking elite within a division, or elite within the entire sport. Within the entire sport, I am very strict. Mayweather, Pacquiao, Marquez, Ward, Wlad, and probably Martinez are the only elite fighters in the sport if we are talking everyone. To make that list, for me anyway, you have to be a special, special fighter, someone who is levels above your competition. There are more fighters with the potential to be elite, but until they prove it I'm not giving them that designation. what fighters do you believe are on the verge? I would say Mares, Moreno, Donaire, Broner, Gamboa, Rios, Garcia, Alvarez, Chavez, & thats about all i can think of off the top of my head

It depends on if you are asking elite within a division, or elite within the entire sport. Within the entire sport, I am very strict. Mayweather, Pacquiao, Marquez, Ward, Wlad, and probably Martinez are the only elite fighters in the sport if we are talking everyone. To make that list, for me anyway, you have to be a special, special fighter, someone who is levels above your competition. There are more fighters with the potential to be elite, but until they prove it I'm not giving them that designation.