Who's Number 1: "Greatest Records"

[butterfly1964]

Seeing as how Spinks wasn't fighting the other champions, and he took his championship from Holmes who was only in charge of an alphabet title, and it's also nearly impossible to get title fights scheduled quick enough to swing four of them together in less than a year and a half, Mike Tyson accomplished a remarkable feat. Besides, when the fight between Tyson and Berbick took place, it was for the belt that most people take seriously, even today. Also, they did announce that Mike Tyson would be the youngest to win "a" heavyweight championship. I don't think that given these and other circumstances, anybody seriously considered Spinks the co-champ with Tyson.

I also think that the post about Ali's span is a little wierd.

I think the multiple divisions really screw up this list. It also makes boxing suck today.

Nonetheless, good thread by butterfly.

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[butterfly1964]

bump..........

[QueensburyRules]

- -Bump city for Rocco's 49-0, 43 KOs that's so easy to remember my next door who don't follow boxing can recite it.

And Joe Louis 26 consecutive title wins.

[HOUDINI563]

Knowledgeable boxing fans knew Spinks was the absolute true champion. It really is not a debate. Spinks beat Holmes. Holmes was the undefeated and true heavyweight champion. Once Spinks lost to Tyson he lost that title and the new champion was crowned. Who people believe is the best fighter in a division may or may not equate to that fighter being the true champion.

[Ben Bolt]

Holmes was the undefeated and true heavyweight champion.

It's a tricky question, when did Larry's reign start?
Against Norton 1978? Not a strong argument, because Ali didn't announce his retirement until next year.

On March 31, 1980, Larry retained his WBC belt against Leroy Jones on the same night as Mike Weaver beat John Tate for the WBA crown.
Because Larry already had retained his title against Weaver, The Ring started recognize Larry from that date.

Or when Larry beat Ali. Ali came back from retirement, still it was kind of a 'lineal title' bout.

At the time, I supported the 2nd version, because I thought it was fair.
But I believe most people think Larry's reign started with the Ali fight.

[QueensburyRules]

It's a tricky question, when did Larry's reign start?
Against Norton 1978? Not a strong argument, because Ali didn't announce his retirement until next year.

On March 31, 1980, Larry retained his WBC belt against Leroy Jones on the same night as Mike Weaver beat John Tate for the WBA crown.
Because Larry already had retained his title against Weaver, The Ring started recognize Larry from that date.

Or when Larry beat Ali. Ali came back from retirement, still it was kind of a 'lineal title' bout.

At the time, I supported the 2nd version, because I thought it was fair.
But I believe most people think Larry's reign started with the Ali fight.

- -I'd have supported 20 year convictions for the lot that put up this travesty and a lifetime conviction for King.

If Lewis comes out of retirement and Povetkin knocks him out, oh boy, be like christmas wrapped up in thanksgiving and deep fried in the 4th of July for Lineal Ninnys.

[Ben Bolt]

Well, Larry was the undisputed world champion 1980-85. The other guys were just alphabet champs.

The Ring had these years yet again become “The Bible of Boxing”, with new owners and Bert Sugar as captain. The Ring rating panel now consisted of 50 persons, spread around the world, whose voting decided the ratings. Probably the most unbiased boxing ratings that have ever occurred.

The years before, the late 1970s, The Ring had decline. The editor Nat Loubet, a son-in-law of Nat Fleischer, wasn’t that interested in boxing, so he was the wrong guy to lead the mag.

Before the arrival of internet, the voice of The Ring was the most important. The Ring’s belt was the most prestigious, and the champions didn’t have to pay the mag to receive it. Their skills between the ropes were payment enough.

[HOUDINI563]

Holmes became champion by the combination of 2-3 wins. His victory over Norton wiped out the No 1 contender from the heavyweight map. His victory over Shavers was another. By beating the unretired Ali Holmes closed the loop so to speak leaving no doubt who was the new champion. The WBA tournament void of Norton, Shavers or Ali had zero merit.

[Rusty Tromboni]

Nothing comes remotely close to Greb's.


His record is so great it's almost unfathomable. You could split his record, per se, and still have two of the best ever careers. It's almost su****ious how amazing it was. Obviously I don't believe there was foul play, nor do I believe he was a fictitious person. His record is just that amazing.


Packey McFarland is a distant second.

Walker kinda split the difference between Greb and Dempsey. The fast life and chasing gaudy achievements hurt him slightly. But still amazing.

Canzoneri sneaks in right behind him.


Benny Leonard's record is pretty terrific. Great power displayed.

Duran and Jack Britton come in just below that.

Pep, Armstrong, Louis can really be inserted anywhere based on their dominance, even if the competition wasn't always spectacular.

[Rusty Tromboni]

- -Bump city for Rocco's 49-0, 43 KOs that's so easy to remember my next door who don't follow boxing can recite it.

Joey Archer's claim to 49-0 is just as strong. But his competition was MUCH, MUCH better.

Mayweather, Holmes, Marciano .... they all kinda, just about, maybe showed Archer's greatness. Unfortunately for Joey, his brother was too proud to pay the price those guys and their management were all too happy to shell out.