Do you respect a retired undefeated boxer more than a fighter with a few defeats?

[Dice]

No disrespect to the rock, but he was fighting a lot of big names on their way out, kind of what we today would call past their prime. Also at the time fighters were putting on a lot more mileage then he was. Only 49 fights compared to the guys he was fighting is pretty damn low.

That is true but its no ones fault if the comp is good or bad, its ur job to be good not to make sure ur comp is on top of their game. The rock also beat some solid guys and while he only had 49 fights he was in some battles

[SpArKeD-CoLd]

no unless they have trully tested themselves in 50/50 fights where theres a big chance of them loosing....

for mayweathers ability hes not properly teasted himself, hes cruised through all his fights

[Pugilistic™]

It all depends on their level of competition.

[joshyp18]

every atg has at least 1 defeat or a gift decision throughout there career

[BlackHat]

it actually depends, not unless your pointing mayweather out.

[S.G.]

this thread is so obviously geared towards dissing Mayweather

you can't use examples who all vary in skill and greatness

i would hypothetically respect a 30-0 fighter more than i would respect a 28-2 of roughly equal status in the boxing world

[Randall_Hopkirk]

No, i wouldn't hold an undefeated record against a fighter also. However those that do retire with an "0" in the loss column invariably come under higher scrutiny than those who don't lose for obvious reasons.

[Scary]

You can't put it up like you do.

Ofcourse its more cool to retire undefeated. It deserves more respect.
If Muhammed Ali had fought against everyone he fought back then, and won each time, he should deserve more respect. If he fought lesser opponents and retired undefeated, he shouldn't deserve as much credit, compared to, if he had fought and lost against top opponents.

[FatNJerseykid]

It depends on how many fights the fighter has fought as well. Nobody is going to go to the Hall of Fame with a 20-0 record. 30-0 depends on the competition. 40-0 boderline. 50-0 is impressive even if it is not against quality oppenents.
Im more impressed with retired Undisputed Champions with losses, especially with all the sanctioning bodies around today. Here's my levels of respect for retired fighters:

1. Undisputed Champions
2. Champions who faced top level opposition
3. Undefeated fighters
4. Fighters who faced top level opposition
5. Journeymen

[JAB5239]

No. I judge a fighter on who they have faced and defeated. Whether they themselves have been beaten means very little to me.

Co-sign. Good post. Who cares if you're undefeated if you've never faced anyone who could threaten you?

Exactly. Good posts!