I think any time you beat the true champion it elevates your status. Is he an ATG? Im not sure. But it certainly improves his legacy in my opinion.
Why? The bottom line to assessing a legacy is the quality of the fighter beaten at the time, I have stated facts as to why Martinez isn't top quality anymore, his status as the true champion doesn't change those facts. Beating Billy Backus in 71 or Ali in 78 wouldn't elevate a fighters status despite being the true champions, they simply were not good at the time.
Comment