Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s place among the modern greats

[The Gambler1981]

I think the boxing guide needs to update its guide for modern also, 1943 is a long ass time ago. I don't really consider some of those guys modern.

[Larry the boss]

so the 40's is modern?

[Capaedia]

good list but there are guys left off who fit his criteria moreso than guys in the top 20

Sammy Angott is in the top 20 but no Canzoneri who fought everyone in his era, almost beat everyone and won 3/4 titles at 3 weights by age 22

Barney Ross and Jimmy McClarnin

are more deserved of a top ten placing than Ike Williams, Angott, and Carlos Ortiz

Fighters prior to 1943 are excluded to keep the list "modern"

[Joe Beamish]

Decent list. Doug Fischer is a good voice in boxing today, a real fan, but...he picked Canelo to beat Mayweather for chrissakes. He's always dogging Floyd.

I'd definitely put Hagler in the top 20. I might include Marciano, since he beat three of the guys in the top 20 list. They were past their prime, but with the exception of Louis, still very good. Hard to think of many others around 185lbs as good as he was.

Holmes was one of the best HWs of all time; I'd pick him to beat Holyfield face to face with no hesitation. (I"m sure this doesn't jibe with Fischer's criteria, which I'm skipping.)

Leaving Tyson totally out of the picture just seems wrong. His greatness was short-lived, but incredible.

These lists are never perfect, too subjective, so I'm not very critical. But if nothing else, you gotta have Hagler -- possibly the greatest MW of all time -- in the top 20.

Mayweather hasn't retired yet, so the jury's still out for me. But if he retired today, I'd put him in the top 20 as fast as Hopkins or Holyfield. He's so much better than his peers. Then again, he should have fought the other great of the day, Pacquaio.

[MPX309]

I think one thing to consider is, most greats weren't relevant at Floyd's age. . . they'd faded well before 37, or 38 by the time he's finished. . . I guess that's worth something in the longevity box

[slipcatchroll]

I think one thing to consider is, most greats weren't relevant at Floyd's age. . . they'd faded well before 37, or 38 by the time he's finished. . . I guess that's worth something in the longevity box

Yeah but they also competed in a lot more fights as well and in shorter time periods. Age can only really hinder you if you've taken a lot of punishment.

[MPX309]

Yeah but they also competed in a lot more fights as well and in shorter time periods. Age can only really hinder you if you've taken a lot of punishment.

Yes that is true, and granted his 49 pro fights in a career isn't as many as most but with the fights he has taken the lack of punishment inflicted on him has been down to his defense, so there's also that to consider, but you do make a valid point.

[Joe Beamish]

Yes that is true, and granted his 49 pro fights in a career isn't as many as most but with the fights he has taken the lack of punishment inflicted on him has been down to his defense, so there's also that to consider, but you do make a valid point.

Floyd is also a man of his times, cherry picking his opposition. His preference for flat footed sluggers over speedsters is noteworthy.

[MPX309]

Floyd is also a man of his times, cherry picking his opposition. His preference for flat footed sluggers over speedsters is noteworthy.

Still, could be worse, could be fighting Rios, Algeri, Salka etc. . .

[A-Wolf]

Pretty good lookin list. Mayweather wouldn't make mine either.