When a fighter slows down, gets hit more and has to throw more

They don't normally throw more, they throw less. Guys like Hopkins make up for that with a great ring generalship. As for Ali, he had already shown his toughness, his last few fights were unnecessary legacy -wise and dangerous for his health.

Larry, does this apply only to Floyd? What about the fighters who never had the speed, agility, defense in the first place, where their main attributes was based on heart, determination and will to win? Do you show an admiration to the latter sort of fighters, who get to the top of the game with lesser skills, but their grit pulls them through? If so, perhaps you could show a bit more respect to other fighters styles, and why they don't all fight with great speed, reflexes and a great defense. Some just don't have that, but they more than make up for it in other departments. Some 'world champs' may not be deserved, and carefully matched in achieving the goal, but to get there puts you among the elites of the division. Maybe not the top of the sport, but enough for recognition and respect.

Anyone can look good when they are hitting the other man..but you never know how great a fighter is until you see him hurt,bleeding and tired..thats when you see his inner soul and get to witness a true champion Well this is true. Chris Eubank is a good example. He was hated most of his career, but people started to respect and like him later in his career when he started to get beat up because he showed so much heart in defeat. Serious question Larry, do you think you will follow boxing as closely if Floyd retires?

Too bad the ref and ring didnt allow us to see that with Floyd.

Cotto was never fast or had great reflexes...but he had the fundamentals and that along with his toughness allowed him to reach that next level...he has skills mixed with toughness that can not be taught..that is what makes elite fighters Im confused because I remember you bashing Cotto saying he was overrated. You talk so much sht you forget what you say smh. Its okay continue...

IMO you actually see what they are made of, when the speed goes and the reflex's lessens and they get hit with shots they normally would not take. You see how tough they really are and how durable they are...how deep can they really dig..thats when you find out how great they are....People call it slipping,past prime and it is true..but the great fighters have that extra something in them that keep them on top and winning...look at Hopkins, clearly old and getting hit a lot and forced to throw more..still winning and winning in style...Ali when he got older..got hit more but was able to endure it and keep winning...that edge is what make a fighter great..not the flash, but the fundamental substance and that inner beast!!! Great post, true story another great example is foreman his second time around he took hard shots from Holyfield,moorer,and definitely Morrison. I think foreman could have KO Tyson if they had fought, he gets tired and frustrated easily if he he can't get to you by round 6-7 on a side note Larry Holmes had the intangibles you can't teach also

I do too, he threw 383 punches Compare that to his previous fights a few year ago. He threw more against tarver, pavlik, calzaghe. I actually looked that up because I couldn't believe it. Wow. Shumenov was so bad in that fight.

we are all TBE, larry.

Larry's smashed early today. Lets see how said fighter would do against someone who's actually a top fighter. Not a guy who's only significant win is a garbage broner. Precisely. Maidana is who he always was. Going into the Floyd fight he beat Karass, Lopez and Broner. In which all three opponents gave him some trouble. None of those guys are elite. Karass was giving Maidana the business for crying outloud. Leys not go over glorifying that like he turned into a world beater. He's been severely outboxed before, and in more impressive fashion. I know this slightly off topic, but everyone can read the underlining point of this thread.

Yeah Larry. I totally agree with you. Prime example is Pacquiao. Gets KTFO and gets back up to his feet and comes back and breaks Bradley's leg a second time. Too bad the best Floyd could muster was to make of mockery of boxing by actually running and hugging

Look at the names you listed...ELITE FIGHTERS...and he is 49 now and still throwing combos I don't get your point... He threw 497 punches vs Enrique ornelas

Anyone can look good when they are hitting the other man..but you never know how great a fighter is until you see him hurt,bleeding and tired..thats when you see his inner soul and get to witness a true champion

Agreed. He's never been the most physically gifted fighter, although I think his hand speed and reflexes are a tad underrated by most. His toughness, versatility, and his underrated boxing brain are what made him great. Floyd has all of that, plus the once in a generation athletic ability and skill. I guess what i am saying is a lot of boxing can be taught..but only a select few can can skill, talent and that " extra" Where they can take more then the average while remaining calm, focused and on top of their game/// It is truly amazing to witness

I do too, he threw 383 punches Compare that to his previous fights a few year ago. He threw more against tarver, pavlik, calzaghe. Look at the names you listed...ELITE FIGHTERS...and he is 49 now and still throwing combos

Cotto was never fast or had great reflexes...but he had the fundamentals and that along with his toughness allowed him to reach that next level...he has skills mixed with toughness that can not be taught..that is what makes elite fighters Agreed. He's never been the most physically gifted fighter, although I think his hand speed and reflexes are a tad underrated by most. His toughness, versatility, and his underrated boxing brain are what made him great. Floyd has all of that, plus the once in a generation athletic ability and skill.

I watch all Hopkins fights man, he was letting his hands go and even said after the fight " I AM A 15 ROUND FIGHTER"....he is more offensive and even got a knockdown I do too, he threw 383 punches Compare that to his previous fights a few year ago. He threw more against tarver, pavlik, calzaghe.

Did you see his last fight? I watch all Hopkins fights man, he was letting his hands go and even said after the fight " I AM A 15 ROUND FIGHTER"....he is more offensive and even got a knockdown

Hopkins has been much more active offensive lately Did you see his last fight?

Larry has such a gift for making threads all about Floyd without mentioning his name. One day I hope to be at such a level. Cotto was never fast or had great reflexes...but he had the fundamentals and that along with his toughness allowed him to reach that next level...he has skills mixed with toughness that can not be taught..that is what makes elite fighters

That's exactly what happened to Marquez once he moved up from Featherweight. He was in his mid 30's and had lost considerable reflexes and movement making him a more offensive minded fighter. Yep Marquez is another example..gets hit more but can take it and give it right back