Hopkins/Ray Robinson....

[grayfist]

You won't put Spinks ahead of Billy Conn, either.

Nope, I won't. Not if one is talking about a fighter who, as LightHeavy champ, "did to his rival as he pleased." (New York Times) and led on two of three judges scorecards in a challenge of the immortal Joe Louis at Heavyweight before being KOd in the thirteeth (first fight). An important matter that one should take into consideration, perhaps, is that Conn never lost as a LightHeavy. Most of his losses were at Middleweight and below, along with his losses to Louis at Heavy.

Many of those who don't like Conn are quick to point to his performance in the return match vs. Louis, that resulted in the Associated Press' calling him, "The Flop of the Year." But, again, that fight was at Heavyweight.

Not that my opinion really matters.

[mECHsLAVE]

The list of great/good/above average/current/past MW's and SMW's who would have beaten the Tarver from Saturday night is so long that I don't even want to start typing it. LOL

So yes, the original poster is right, let's not get carried away.

[THE REAL NINJA]

Nope, I won't. Not if one is talking about a fighter who, as LightHeavy champ, "did to his rival as he pleased." (New York Times) and led on two of three judges scorecards in a challenge of the immortal Joe Louis at Heavyweight before being KOd in the thirteeth (first fight). An important matter that one should take into consideration, perhaps, is that Conn never lost as a LightHeavy. Most of his losses were at Middleweight and below, along with his losses to Louis at Heavy.

Many of those who don't like Conn are quick to point to his performance in the return match vs. Louis, that resulted in the Associated Press' calling him, "The Flop of the Year." But, again, that fight was at Heavyweight.

Not that my opinion really matters.

Ezzard Charles would have beat Spinks at LH with one hand

[THE REAL NINJA]

The list of great/good/above average/current/past MW's and SMW's who would have beaten the Tarver from Saturday night is so long that I don't even want to start typing it. LOL

So yes, the original poster is right, let's not get carried away.

who the hell is Tarver anyways one big win !!!!! well 2 or 3 but he is not on the level of fighters that should bring up such a debate

[grayfist]

Ezzard Charles would have beat Spinks at LH with one hand

A vast majority thinks so too. I saw a poll some years back that had Charles topping the list of the Greatest LighHeavies ever, followed by Archie, then Bob, then Billy. Spinks was at 5th. When asked if Ezzard could handle Spinks who had done what he had not been able to do (win the Heavyweight crown) most people replied, not only Charles but also Archie would have walked over Michael. Many were not too sure about Bob and Billy. Those who doubted Billy looked at his low KO rate, while those who suspected Bob said they were not sure because no challenger really ever tested Foster at LightHeavy.

I'm not too sure, but in an edition of The Ring reflecting the opinions of its writers, also some years back, I think it had Conn at third and Bob 4th.

[jabsRstiff]

A vast majority thinks so too. I saw a poll some years back that had Charles topping the list of the Greatest LighHeavies ever, followed by Archie, then Bob, then Billy. Spinks was at 5th. When asked if Ezzard could handle Spinks who had done what he had not been able to do (win the Heavyweight crown) most people replied, not only Charles but also Archie would have walked over Michael. Many were not too sure about Bob and Billy. Those who doubted Billy looked at his low KO rate, while those who suspected Bob said they were not sure because no challenger really ever tested Foster at LightHeavy.

I'm not too sure, but in an edition of The Ring reflecting the opinions of its writers, also some years back, I think it had Conn at third and Bob 4th.

Charles & Moore would have had their hands full with Spinks, believe me.

A guy who decisions Eddie Mustafa Muhammad & Dwight Braxton- & never lost at 175- is not going to be easily handled by any 175lber.
Spinks was a versatile, awkward fighter.....who carried legitimate one punch power in both fists.

[GunStar]

While being completely amazed & blown away by Hopkins' performance & accomplishment this weekend......
The one thing I've heard a few times that I don't want to hear, anymore-"Hopkins did what Ray Robinson couldn't.....win a lt. heavy title."

Well, guess what? Robinson did something Bernard Hopkins NEVER will do.....& that's be the greatest welterweight in the history of the sport.
Remember that........Welterweight is 13lbs less than middleweight. That's where Robinson started.

Also 96 straight wins, losing 1 fight in his first 130+ fights.
Good post Jabs!

[grayfist]

Charles & Moore would have had their hands full with Spinks, believe me.

A guy who decisions Eddie Mustafa Muhammad & Dwight Braxton- & never lost at 175- is not going to be easily handled by any 175lber.
Spinks was a versatile, awkward fighter.....who carried legitimate one punch power in both fists.

I am not among those polled, so, I am not one of those who think Spinks will be easy for both Charles and Moore. It is my opinion that Spinks awkward style may give the two some pause, but, I also think both will solve the problem rather well.

Quawi and Eddie Mustaffa are truly quality opposition. I recall that both were in The Ring's top 20 LightHeavies ever. Can't recall their exact positions in the roll though.

[THE REAL NINJA]

Charles & Moore would have had their hands full with Spinks, believe me.

A guy who decisions Eddie Mustafa Muhammad & Dwight Braxton- & never lost at 175- is not going to be easily handled by any 175lber.
Spinks was a versatile, awkward fighter.....who carried legitimate one punch power in both fists.

ok .. Michael Morrer and a cruiserweight Holyfield would have gave him all he could handle

[jabsRstiff]

ok .. Michael Morrer and a cruiserweight Holyfield would have gave him all he could handle

Truthfully....

Spinks woulda knocked Moorer out cold at 175.