How can you tell when a boxer is truly "past it?"

[Mintcar923]

When he loses consistently to journeymen.

Good point, although it's also possible for an ATG to lose to a journeyman in a "bad day at the office" situation. We've seen it quite a few times over the years.

[Tom8888]

It seems as though certain guys appear to be shot then later on put on some commanding performances. Others end up being completely shot even at a young age never to regain their form. Should we rank fighters based on their longevity or how good they were at their absolute best?

You can't.

[Scott9945]

You can't.

You can't WHAT?

[Anthony342]

Good point, although it's also possible for an ATG to lose to a journeyman in a "bad day at the office" situation. We've seen it quite a few times over the years.

Yes, but when he does it consecutively, a few times in a row or loses to someone you know they'd easily beat in their prime, then you know they're done. Tyson knew it in his last fight and promptly retired, even said so in the post fight interview.

[Ray Corso]

I knew Pep for 30 years, I was last with him in 1995 and he was the same ol' Pep telling stories and having a good time. He died at 85 (I think) and if he slowed towards the end we all will!!!
Pep fought a zillion bouts and was a master at "not getting hit" but ofcourse we all got abused to one degree or another. You can put Pep in with LoMatta because to fight over 325 times and live to be 85 is saying something! Ray

[BennyST]

I reckon the initial stage is when their fire just drops to embers, then they start to lose their legs. Once their legs are gone, it's nearly always over. Or, at least it's over as much as their best is concerned. Many greats have still competed at the top favourably, but never the force they once were.

Morales is a classic, yet odd, example of it. You could see things sliding for him leading up to Pac I. He was getting hurt more, his wasn't as mobile and his balance just seemed a little off. He looked ok in their first fight, but then I think the whipping he took from Raheem after that war took whatever he had left and dumped it in the bin, because his legs for the next two Pac fights were really bad. No balance, coordination and no strength.

Yet, after taking some time off and not having to cut so much weight, he actually looked better. You could clearly see he was an old fighter, all but shot, and yet he still fought better.

Even if that case though, it's not as if he was making a great comeback. He had some admirable fights against young guys, but still was a shell. Once the legs go, it's over and you'll never see their best again.

[BennyST]

You can't WHAT?

You just can't!

[mickey malone]

Past it?.... Soon as they start talking like Holyfield

[Sugar Adam Ali]

When he can no longer compete at the highest levels they had previously competed at..