Some fighters have a little more glass in their jaws than others. There are even those whose jaws are primarily responsible for their going no farther.
It is no accident that almost every all time great had an iron jaw. I consider it the most important attribute of a boxer seeking all time greatness.
Kenny Norton is often placed as an all time top 15-20 heavyweight. With a better jaw he would certainly be higher on that list.
Tommy Hearns is probably the highest ranking ATG of any weight with a semi-glassy jaw. If he possessed Hagler's or Robinson's or even Leonard's jaw, what would Hearns be? Possibly a replacement for Robinson, is what.
But that is from dreamland. Tommy had his jaw, not Robinson's, and the Cobra's jaw is the final factor on where he is placed on ATG lists IMO.
Are there many other great fighters whose jaws kept them from a more lofty perch on our lists?
It is no accident that almost every all time great had an iron jaw. I consider it the most important attribute of a boxer seeking all time greatness.
Kenny Norton is often placed as an all time top 15-20 heavyweight. With a better jaw he would certainly be higher on that list.
Tommy Hearns is probably the highest ranking ATG of any weight with a semi-glassy jaw. If he possessed Hagler's or Robinson's or even Leonard's jaw, what would Hearns be? Possibly a replacement for Robinson, is what.
But that is from dreamland. Tommy had his jaw, not Robinson's, and the Cobra's jaw is the final factor on where he is placed on ATG lists IMO.
Are there many other great fighters whose jaws kept them from a more lofty perch on our lists?
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