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Different people have different definitions of great. So I'm going to with whether or not the boxer in question would get into the HOF if he retired tomorrow. Bear in mind that this leaves out that possibility that one of the people on the below list gets KTFO in their next fight. This is significant because, had I written this list a few months ago, Mijares would've been on it.
Whether or not a boxer is in his prime is a matter of opinion, but usually there isn't too much debate on the topic.
The below list is my attempt at naming all the possibilities, not the boxers that I feel deserve it. I'll try and list why some people might consider them great, even if I myself do not agree.
Heavyweights:2
Wladimir Klitschko (some good wins, has dominated the division for a few years and is recognised as the best fighter in the division)
Vitali Klitschko (A couple of world titles. His 2 losses are the results of injuries/cuts. Managed to recapture title after long layoff)
Cruiserweights: 0
Light heavyweights:1
Joe Calzaghe (Most agree that he is HOF worthy. Some people consider him to be prime because his 2 best wins have been within the past 13 months)
B Hop and RJJ are greats but are clearly past their prime. Chad Dawson is prime but hasn't done enough to be considered great.
SMW: 1
Jermain Taylor (Held the undisputed title at 160 rather than just an ABC belt. Has consistently faced tough opposition. Wins over Hopkins are better wins than some HOFers, so I guess you could make a case based upon that)
Middleweight: 0
LMW: 0
Welterweight: 1
Miguel Cotto (Wins over several former or future champions. Solid resume)
LWW: 1
Ricky Hatton (Has been very popular. As some people will vote for Gatti and Hamed, I'm sure Hatton will get votes as well. Has the true title at 140, also won belt at 147)
Lightweight: 2
Pacquiao (hopefully no explanation needed). JMM (Belts in 3 weight classes, 2 very close fights with Pacquiao)
SFW: 0
FW: 0
SBW: 2
Vasquez and Marquez
JBW: 0
Bantamweight: 1
Hozumi Hasegawa (I don't know much about this guy as I don't really follow the division. Some people seem to rate him..?)
JBW: 0
Flyweight: 0
Junior Flyweight:1
Ivan Calderon (Has beaten a lot of top contenders, including those who are significantly larger than himself. Lots of wins in world title fights)
Minimumweight: 0
So, being as kind as possible, the highest number you could possibly come out with is 12.
IMO the only certain HOFers out of those 12 are Calzaghe, Pacquiao, and maybe JMM and Calderon. I don't consider Calzaghe to be prime. JMM does not have a great resume, and as a fan I am perhaps biased in considering him great. Both Pac and JMM are fighting above their best weight class. Calderon's record lacks a unification fight or any particularly great win/opponent.
So...yeah, just figured I would point out that it could be argued that there are no prime, great fighters who are fighting in their best weight class.
Whether or not a boxer is in his prime is a matter of opinion, but usually there isn't too much debate on the topic.
The below list is my attempt at naming all the possibilities, not the boxers that I feel deserve it. I'll try and list why some people might consider them great, even if I myself do not agree.
Heavyweights:2
Wladimir Klitschko (some good wins, has dominated the division for a few years and is recognised as the best fighter in the division)
Vitali Klitschko (A couple of world titles. His 2 losses are the results of injuries/cuts. Managed to recapture title after long layoff)
Cruiserweights: 0
Light heavyweights:1
Joe Calzaghe (Most agree that he is HOF worthy. Some people consider him to be prime because his 2 best wins have been within the past 13 months)
B Hop and RJJ are greats but are clearly past their prime. Chad Dawson is prime but hasn't done enough to be considered great.
SMW: 1
Jermain Taylor (Held the undisputed title at 160 rather than just an ABC belt. Has consistently faced tough opposition. Wins over Hopkins are better wins than some HOFers, so I guess you could make a case based upon that)
Middleweight: 0
LMW: 0
Welterweight: 1
Miguel Cotto (Wins over several former or future champions. Solid resume)
LWW: 1
Ricky Hatton (Has been very popular. As some people will vote for Gatti and Hamed, I'm sure Hatton will get votes as well. Has the true title at 140, also won belt at 147)
Lightweight: 2
Pacquiao (hopefully no explanation needed). JMM (Belts in 3 weight classes, 2 very close fights with Pacquiao)
SFW: 0
FW: 0
SBW: 2
Vasquez and Marquez
JBW: 0
Bantamweight: 1
Hozumi Hasegawa (I don't know much about this guy as I don't really follow the division. Some people seem to rate him..?)
JBW: 0
Flyweight: 0
Junior Flyweight:1
Ivan Calderon (Has beaten a lot of top contenders, including those who are significantly larger than himself. Lots of wins in world title fights)
Minimumweight: 0
So, being as kind as possible, the highest number you could possibly come out with is 12.
IMO the only certain HOFers out of those 12 are Calzaghe, Pacquiao, and maybe JMM and Calderon. I don't consider Calzaghe to be prime. JMM does not have a great resume, and as a fan I am perhaps biased in considering him great. Both Pac and JMM are fighting above their best weight class. Calderon's record lacks a unification fight or any particularly great win/opponent.
So...yeah, just figured I would point out that it could be argued that there are no prime, great fighters who are fighting in their best weight class.
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