Since boxing has evolved so much who wins these match ups.

[robertzimmerman]

Just look at other sports, WR's have been dropping consistently and by sizeable amounts.
I'm not suggesting the modern boxers are like for like better but a 2015 against a 1970 fighter there is only one winner modern sport is so much more advance.

Why on earth are you comparing boxing to other sports?

There's plenty of fighters from the 70's who would be able to compete against and beat today's best guys.

[robertzimmerman]

This sums up the whole thing perfectly! Nothing more needs to be added to this.

Boxing has evolved from his roots. However, it doesn't keep progressing in the same way that some other sports do. Otherwise, today's best fighters would be the greatest fighters of all time. Yet clearly they aren't. There's guys from 50 years ago who could beat some of the guys of today. Whereas that wouldn't be possible in some other sports.

[Sheldon312]

Why would they?

Because Wilder is bigger than Foreman and hits harder

[robertzimmerman]

You might find exceptions but as a generalisation, modern era will beat historical. You'll always get people who like to harp back to the good old days.
Your example puts a multiple time WC who reigned for a period of time up against someone who won a WT and never defend, and a WC against a contender in modern day.
I'd have Ali as the greatest HW of all time that doesn't mean I think he'd beat every heavyweight.

The divisions in boxing ebb and flow and they have done for a while now.

The early 90's was now 25 years ago. That's a long time. Compare the MW division of the early 90's to the current one.

There's no contest.

[robertzimmerman]

If you were speaking purely on an athletic competition (like swimming, sprinting, etc.) modern technology, medicine and nutrition would give modern athletes an advantage.

Boxing is as much reliant on (moreso IMO) skill, instincts, and durability than pure athletic ability and while skills can be taught, the other two cannot and when you look at modern fighters, they tend to be fundamentally less skilled than older eras as they rely on athleticism more.

A great post.

[robertzimmerman]

Boxing has evolved? WTF you talking about? If anything, it has devolved. Fighters today are fighting twice per year against cherry-picked opposition. They are more protected now than ever, fights get stopped earlier, gloves are bigger, and trainers are quicker to throw in the towel.

Fighters of previous eras were masters of the sweet science. They perfected their infighting game, they were in top condition, and fought more often. Boxing is the one sport where athletes have not evolved over the decades.

Great post.

[robertzimmerman]

Ward vs Monzon at what weight?
Monzon was a legit 160 Ward might have fought 3 times at 160+ a few.

GGG vs Hagler would be a great match up while it lasted.
Hagler has the better skill set and experience as a pro. GGG
has determination and is willing, I'd pay to see it.
I'd favor Hagler because I've seen him under pressure GGG doesn't have the talent base in his opponents that Hagler had.

Thurman vs Sugar Ray Robinson................seriously?
It better be at the hospital parking lot because Thurman is far far
over his head!

Pep vs Lomo would be interesting, again never seen Lomo in tough other than Salido surprising him.

The "Modern Era" of boxing began in the early 1930's with Tunney and Conn using lateral movement and slide stepping with jabs.
Theres is NOTHING today thats new, NOTHING! No new punches developed less technically superior fighters now and less rounds fought in championship bouts and far less activity compared to then.

Duran beats the crap out of Manny, I like Manny but just watch the film!

Ray

Great post Ray.

[Sheldon312]

Boxing has evolved from his roots. However, it doesn't keep progressing in the same way that some other sports do. Otherwise, today's best fighters would be the greatest fighters of all time. Yet clearly they aren't. There's guys from 50 years ago who could beat some of the guys of today. Whereas that wouldn't be possible in some other sports.

I always thought that skills pay the bills so I don't understand how some are Saying Wilder beats Ali and Thurman would supposedly beat Robinson.

[robertzimmerman]

Because Wilder is bigger than Foreman and hits harder

I'd have bet my house on George beating Wilder.

[robertzimmerman]

I always thought that skills pay the bills so I don't understand how some are Saying Wilder beats Ali and Thurman would supposedly beat Robinson.

Because they're ignorant and uneducated, casual fans of the sport.