Had to quote Everlast for this one. Victor Ortiz got me thinking about this quote. Victor was shining bright in the Andre Berto fight, that was his peak.
The reality is in boxing 90 % of all world champions shine like stars for only a very short period of time. In Victor's case that short period was cut down to one single fight, but the bottom line is if you take a look at the guys who were regarded as the "best fighter" of a division - you can clearly see they were there for 1 or 2 years at the most. For example Vernon Forrest (R.I.P.) was "the man" at welterweight after beating Mosley, then he immediately lost to Mayorga who became "the man" for a short period of time. Then Mayorga lost in his very next fight against Cory Spinks.
What about Jermain Taylor? Kelly Pavlik?
It just shows how tough this sport is and it takes so much out of a fighter to get to the top, that staying there for a longer period of time is almost impossible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCBS5EtszYI
Then you see Mayweather do it 17 years, and Hopkins for more than 20, and Pacquiao going on 15 or 16, and it makes you realize just how freaking great they are. Think about how many entire careers have taken place in that time frame. Good careers, too, not just guys who give the attempt but never fight at a world class level.
You know, as obvious as this is, I have to admit I've lost sight of these facts. Incredible...absolutely incredible.
Then you see Mayweather do it 17 years, and Hopkins for more than 20, and Pacquiao going on 15 or 16, and it makes you realize just how freaking great they are. Think about how many entire careers have taken place in that time frame. Good careers, too, not just guys who give the attempt but never fight at a world class level.
Great post! People pnline too blinded by their hate. Dont understand if u love boxing so muh, then y cant u appreciate both may n pac? They have kept boxing alive and in the mainstream of the casuals thee past few years. And still have made upcoming young fighters like canelo, n rios look like c class fighters at their old age. When those 2 guys looked strong n powerful against regular foes
Then you see Mayweather do it 17 years, and Hopkins for more than 20, and Pacquiao going on 15 or 16, and it makes you realize just how freaking great they are. Think about how many entire careers have taken place in that time frame. Good careers, too, not just guys who give the attempt but never fight at a world class level.
This is a great point. When you consider all the fighters who come and go and seem they could possibly be great for certain periods of time and all the while we have these guys still around and doing their thing, it really is a testament to them and how great they are. Guys as you say like Hopkins, Mayweather, Pacquiao...been around and on top for years while tons of other stars come and go, good point man I never really thought about that.
Then you see Mayweather do it 17 years, and Hopkins for more than 20, and Pacquiao going on 15 or 16, and it makes you realize just how freaking great they are. Think about how many entire careers have taken place in that time frame. Good careers, too, not just guys who give the attempt but never fight at a world class level.