(First I'm huge fan of boxing in general and big fan of all 4 guys I mentioned so when I write the "issues" next to them it's just stating the facts and I'd like to get your opinions on this topic. )
I think this is a legit question bc regardless of if Floyd retires undefeated you are just in denial if you say he either ducked/dodged/ "retired" or whatever when he could've faced many great fighters in their prime. Instead he fought most when they were well past. But did fight and beat many good fighters in prime but not nearly as many as he could've and should've
Manny even though he won titles in 8 weight classes, some were at catch weights and IMO that should be taken into consideration. But that was only for his 147 and 154 belts I believe.
Roy Jones Jr from 1990s- 2004 was pretty much unbeatable he went from MW to SMW, LHW, and HW and won belts in each and dominated the 175lb for many years, beat a prime Toney, Hopkins, destroyed Virgil Hill. But after his losses to Tarver he went from p4p best to fighting strictly to get $ so I dunno how historians will look at that.
B-Hop. This man ruled the MW division for years ( after losing to prime Roy jones). Lost 2 close and controversial decisions to Jermain Taylor and when people thought he was done he schools Pavlik ( who ironically took the MW championship from Taylor and was undefeated at time) then avenged his loss to RJJ even tho Roy was in midst of his fight only to get $ era. He continues to break his own records as far as oldest to win titles etc...
So basically who will be rated the highest ( as of now bc obvi their careers arent over).
Too soon to tell. Things always look a little different when it's all said and done. Up until two years ago or so I would've said Pacquiao is the best fighter of this generation. Now I probably have him at #2b/3. You have to wait until they retire and also see how the careers of their opponents turn out. If Tim Bradley turns out to be a legend, for instance, Pacquiao's legacy skyrockets. It's just too soon right now.
Exactly, I'm not sure Hopkins can beat any top tier opponents anymore but one can never doubt him. I'm certain Mayweather can as well as Pacquiao. I rate Hopkins higher than most because again, although he faced some unknowns those guys were tough and I feel it's unjust if those wins don't account for anything.
Still I'm with you on the bold but if I had to make a prediction, I think Mayweather will set himself aside from the pack, even with seriously dangerous opponents in Porter and Thurman looming.
Too soon to tell. Things always look a little different when it's all said and done. Up until two years ago or so I would've said Pacquiao is the best fighter of this generation. Now I probably have him at #2b/3. You have to wait until they retire and also see how the careers of their opponents turn out. If Tim Bradley turns out to be a legend, for instance, Pacquiao's legacy skyrockets. It's just too soon right now.
Interesting thoughts...
Roy Jones could have been (argumentably) labelled as the GOAT if he had retired after the ruiz fight. Now contrary to Bhop, if he retired after the back to back setback against jermain taylor, he could have been forgotten by now.
Manny Pacquiao could have been the best of his generation if floyd was brave enough to fight him (granting manny wins). Same thing goes with floyd. If only he got balls to fight manny, he could have been TBE.
So if all retires now, ill rank them like this:
1. BHop
2. Pacman
3.Floyd
4. Roy jones
this is a best fighter ranking not a most beloved fighter ranking like many are twisting it into
Roy
Floyd
Bernard
manny
and why would Roy rank as the bets fighter? He had power and speed but little technical ability, which came to the fore when his natural reflexes packed it in 30+
Explain that to me please
Jones, because out of all those names, he is the only guy you could say was unbeatable in his prime. No one, ever, is favored against a prime Roy Jones Jr.
Well, I can't think of anyone in the current 130-154 division who I'd favor against Floyd.
I agree, prime JOnes was far more physically gifted than the other 3 but he didn't have the technical proficiency of any of those three or the legacy that Manny has or Bhop has and to a lesser extent Floyd.
What " technical proficiency" does Pacquiao have that Jones didn't? With an attempt to look smart you come off looking dumb with that comment. Explain.
Jones, because out of all those names, he is the only guy you could say was unbeatable in his prime. No one, ever, is favored against a prime Roy Jones Jr.
Floyd 2nd.
Hops 3rd.
Manny 4th because he has 1 loss and one draw in his prime. In his prime, he lost a majority of the rounds he fought against JMM. That would never happen with the other 3 guys against any opponent.