the most intimidating fighter

[rightsideup]

Of all time all divisions. If you are undecided name your contenders. Which fighter's had that aura that demoralized there opponent's before the bell rang?

[Ray Corso]

Most folks will think of Tyson and thats true to a degree until he stepped up to the high caliber who weren't intimidated.
The most intimadating was Dempsey who Tyson patterned himself after.
Only Tunney accepted the challenge willingly but had a ton of respect. Dempsey the only one who put the "Fighting Marine" down (long count)
Then there was Charles "Sonny" Liston and that was a scary looking fellow!!
Big George had a invincability stare to him that he borrowed from Liston.
Also Louis "Angel" Firpo who back in those days was an impressive fellow who stood 6' 2 1/2" and weighed 200 at weighins but was usually 220+.
Although his demeanor was rough and ready he fought stiffs to build his record and other than a heavy right hand didn't bring much talent.

Ray.

[Ben Bolt]

You have this old story about Liston winning fights seconds before first bell, just by staring his opponent in the eyes. And he efficiently used it, knowing it would give him the psychological advantage from start.
And the Ali camp turning that advantage around, figuring out what would be the only thing to make Liston feeling uncomfortable. And that would be an insane man. So Ali played near-insane in the preparations to their ’64 encounter.

Tyson, or the elder version of Foreman, rarely or never bothered to use the ‘stare out´ in the ring as their KO-records already brought fear.
And I always admired boxers of lesser ranks, taking on KO hitters. It must cross their minds a lot before a fight: “I’m taking a big risk here. How does it feel being flattened unconscious? And if so, will I recover from it? I want to win, but I’m taking a big risk here.”

[joeandthebums]

Joe Gans - a "White Lightweight Championship" was established during his reign as champion.

Ray Robinson - when Servo vacated the title, those nominated rejected opportunity to face him for championship and continued in similar vain once champion.

At present, Guillermo Rigondeaux situation is similar.

[billeau2]

I know another fellow in boxing circles, kind of similar to Ray in his knowledge base and experience....I asked him this question and he mentioned Roberto Duran as being very intimidating.

[ironalex]

I know another fellow in boxing circles, kind of similar to Ray in his knowledge base and experience....I asked him this question and he mentioned Roberto Duran as being very intimidating.

I remember reading a quote from Leonard talking about Durans cold eyes during a stare down. I think of all time fighters who are most intimidating - Tyson, Dempsey, Foreman, Liston, and Hagler.

[billeau2]

I remember reading a quote from Leonard talking about Durans cold eyes during a stare down. I think of all time fighters who are most intimidating - Tyson, Dempsey, Foreman, Liston, and Hagler.

As a white boy growing up in East Harlem and encountering many very tough Puerto Ricans, I instantly recognized the Duran stare haha.

I know Roberto was Central American but he had that look that made one want to cross the street, against traffic if necessary, when certain tough guys were coming fowards.... Camacho, who was Puerto Rican, and who could be evil in the ring with those fast hands, never quite had the same ambience outside the ring as Duran.

Camacho's outfits often looked positiviely feminine but to my mind the only guy who ever got away with calling him a madicone and having essentially the same facial structure, was Chavez.

[Sugar Adam Ali]

Tyson and young foreman.....


Lower weights... Probably Hearns

[Suckmedry]

Hearns had a stare that looked like he had just killed a man or was about too!

[sonnyboyx2]

Not already mentioned

Iran Barkley
James Toney
Nigel Benn
Evander Holyfield
Ron Lyle
Joe Frazier
Aaron Pryor