People who call fighters "Bums"

[LEFTYGUNZZ]

Nah. The term is a very old one actually, it originally referred to a craftsman who had completed an apprenticeship but was not yet (and might never become) a master.



I think we need to keep this in context. Whatever the dictionary definition the term generally has a specific usage here which is pretty much what the original poster suggested for 'journeyman'. Except in a few cases, I don't think any disrespect is implied, just an honest assessment of their place in the boxing scheme of things.

I sue the term differently I explained it earlier. What you would call a journeymen or a bum i would call a C fighter.To me a bum just goes in there for a pay day and doesnt try to win...Michael Spinks against Tyson was a bum in that fight.......That guy who foguht Juan Ma Lopez was a bum ......Lefty

[The Legacy]

Audley Harrison is a bum.

[Dan...]

LOL, i second this. Especially when ppl call multiple division world champions bums. That **** is just ******ed.

[liam_48@msn.com]

Well said m8!

[Mr. Ryan]

The second I see someone mention the word bum, I immediately file them under the "ignorant and ill-informed" classification. It's a sign of weakness, I can't discuss boxing with someone who calls fighters bums.

What's even funnier is when they see a guy with a 15-3 record and call him a bum just because he isn't Floyd Mayweather.

It's funny that people have mentioned Charlie Zelenoff in this thread like he is the standard of "bums". I've seen guys like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward called bums on this site, like they are on the same level of Charlie Zelenoff.

[Slotff]

I've seen fighters like Carlos Baldomir and Glenn Johnson called bums simply because they have a bunch of losses. Lets ignore the fact that they were both worthy of fighter of the year at one point, have won world titles, and scored ring magazine awards and beaten some of the best of their time.

[Dan...]

I've seen fighters like Carlos Baldomir and Glenn Johnson called bums simply because they have a bunch of losses. Lets ignore the fact that they were both worthy of fighter of the year at one point, have won world titles, and scored ring magazine awards and beaten some of the best of their time.

Exactly, two very good examples.

It's like, what? He has more than 2 losses? BUM!! Baldomir, Johnson, Gatti, the list just goes on. It is ridiculous.

[HappyBoxingFan]

Seriously, go **** yourselves. Especially the ones who've never set foot in a boxing ring themselves. No professional boxer deserves to be branded a bum/road cleaner. It's a term that pisses me off, especially when used to describe fighters who are talented, have more wins than losses, but aren't quite good enough to compete at title level. Call them Journeymen.

No offense and I know you mean well... but, this is dumb. Of course they're not bums. They're paid (ussually well) professionals. However, invective, exaggeration and name calling are parts of being a fan. Like it or not, and I do like it, it's not going anywhere.

[AntDawg]

so what do you call a guy that has like 5 wins and 20 Loses?

[primetime2124]

so what do you call a guy that has like 5 wins and 20 Loses?

a step above zelenoff