What if Holmes retired at 50-0?

[VG_Addict]

What if Holmes not only met Marciano's undefeated record, but BROKE it, and retired at 50-0? Would he go down as the GOAT?

[Capaedia]

Undefeated records aren't as important as for example, who you beat, in my opinion.

He already ranks above Marciano anyway.

Although if he had Jinxed Spinks twice and then retired, I would rank him higher than I currently do. All he ever did after that point was lose to the great/good fighters he fought (except Ray Mercer, but who really cares?)

I don't count losses against a fighters standing, I count their wins. It's more about having Spinks x2 on his record than having an undefeated record.

[ArtThouFurious?]

What if Holmes not only met Marciano's undefeated record, but BROKE it, and retired at 50-0? Would he go down as the GOAT?

Not. Even. Close.

Undefeated records aren't as important as for example, who you beat, in my opinion.

He already ranks above Marciano anyway.

Nope.

[Capaedia]

Nope.

How do you justify this?

Much longer reign (his title reign was about the same length as Marciano's entire career) with consistently better opposition.
Holmes stepped up to world-class in his 27th fight, whereas it took Marciano 36 fights to step up.

He beat more significant fighters than Marciano.

Layne
Louis (Shot)
Walcott
La Starza
Charles
****ell
Moore

Vs.

Shavers
Norton
Ali (Shot)
Cooney
Witherspoon
Weaver
Snipes
Bonecrusher Smith
Williams
Mercer

(and perhaps most importantly of all, Butterbean)

As flawed as H2H is I don't see how Marciano has a case there either.

[Sugarj]

What if Holmes not only met Marciano's undefeated record, but BROKE it, and retired at 50-0? Would he go down as the GOAT?

Holmes often falls to third place behind Ali and Louis in heavyweight listings..........and I don't think that would be much different if he hadn't lost to Spinks.

Being undefeated may have earned him a mythical status in some fan's minds. But I thinks its clear that Ali had the slightest edge in skill and speed and in Louis's case.....12 years and 25 defenses is hard to argue with when it comes to spaces 1 & 2.

[BennyST]

Not. Even. Close.




Nope.

Agree with the first.

Yes.

[jabsRstiff]

Holmes and Marciano are even when it comes to records and accomplishments. But, Holmes would have spanked him pretty handily had they fought.

[Anthony342]

GOAT? No. Better resume than Marciano I'll buy though. Retiring at 50-0 would probably give him a little better legacy though, since he wouldn't have ended up losing the title to a light heavyweight moving up for a title shot.

Either way, Holmes will always be one of my favorites.