I voted for Joe. He never lost a fight and had a huge number of successful world title defenses and he beat Jones and Hopkins. I would have voted for Lewis but he lost two fights by getting knocked out early. He reversed those two losses but that does not make them disappear.
I really think you are looking at this wrong. The Joe wins were over much lower caliber competition for most of his career. Also the marquee name wins were not prime in any sense of the word.
What is more impressive than coming back and beating someone who beat you? It shows how great you are and that you learn and builds not detracts from a career.
Lennox i'd say...he ruled a more difficult and dangerous division, got his signature wins v other ATGs, avenged his losses ... and not to forget he had the Olympic gold medal as well, some don't count the importance of that but it does add to the greatness somewhat, especially when you can transfer that am success into the pros.
Joe had a good career but people seem to look a bit down on it as he fought his main standout fighters way past their prime, and some question his technique...still, a great champ in his own right, but Lennox gets the nod for this 'award'. :boxing:
IMO one of them is possibly an UK GOAT.
Which one you choose and why?
No disrespect to Joey G. but Lewis is a top 5 ATG,easy pick. Lennox just had way better competition that was willing to fight him. Joey G is an ATG as well but Lennoz has better resume.:boxing::boxing::boxing:
I voted for Joe. He never lost a fight and had a huge number of successful world title defenses and he beat Jones and Hopkins. I would have voted for Lewis but he lost two fights by getting knocked out early. He reversed those two losses but that does not make them disappear.
BF Assassin... good choice.
Could argue he was only born in the UK but he was British Born. Similar to Fitzsimmons.
Then there's Freddie Welsh who was a great fighter from Wales.
All old timers but all great fighters are great resumes. I'd have all of those above Lewis and Calzaghe myself.
I'd consider having Ken Buchanan above Calzaghe. I think it's close.
One man beat them both, lol
http://www.fightsaga.com/news/item/3487-James-Toney-I-would-have-beaten-Calzaghe-and-Lennox
You have to love Toney, one of the kind! :D
I have no problem with either, but Lennox will win the poll because most yanks are overly impressed with Lennox due to:
-Fighting earlier and more, in the states (coverage).
-Being a heavy weight.
-Arguably facing anyone and tougher competition.
All true but they are overplayed.