Top fighters people in 2002 thought were overrated.

**GhostofDempsey** · 06-12-2017, 10:44 AM

In order to be overrated, that means that the media and a large segment of the boxing fan base must be touting said fighter and crowning him with accolades that are beyond his skill and ability, or level of competition.

Hopkins gets overrated in my book because of his level of opposition, hiding out at 160 for too long, and often losing when stepping up.

Jose Torres was overrated. Didn't want any part of Bob Foster who was the true king at 175.

Can't really say Johansson is overrated because he never really received all that much glory or admiration. No one talked about him after his loss to Patterson. He was never on anyone's all-time great list at any time.

Primo Carnera was hyped in order to sell fights. Many of his wins were either fixed or came against no-hopers. Watch the movie "The Harder they Fall" with Humphrey Bogart for a fictional yet accurate portrayal of Carnera's career.

Marciano was rated right where he should be. A small, late-comer to boxing, who fought whoever was there at the time. Criticized for fighting guys past their prime, but in fairness, that's what was there during the 50s.

Ruben Carter wasn't anything special. He gained more notoriety for his time in prison and the book and movie that told the story of his life and career. To this day his guilt/innocence is still contested.

Valdes was never on anyone's ATG list either. He fought some great fighters and there was no shame in losing to them. He also out pointed a prime Ezzard Charles.

The list at the bottom looks like it was written by a bitter fanboy of a particular fighter.

**Freedef** · 06-12-2017, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by GhostofDempsey

In order to be overrated, that means that the media and a large segment of the boxing fan base must be touting said fighter and crowning him with accolades that are beyond his skill and ability, or level of competition.

Hopkins gets overrated in my book because of his level of opposition, hiding out at 160 for too long, and often losing when stepping up.

Jose Torres was overrated. Didn't want any part of Bob Foster who was the true king at 175.

Can't really say Johansson is overrated because he never really received all that much glory or admiration. No one talked about him after his loss to Patterson. He was never on anyone's all-time great list at any time.

Primo Carnera was hyped in order to sell fights. Many of his wins were either fixed or came against no-hopers. Watch the movie "The Harder they Fall" with Humphrey Bogart for a fictional yet accurate portrayal of Carnera's career.

Marciano was rated right where he should be. A small, late-comer to boxing, who fought whoever was there at the time. Criticized for fighting guys past their prime, but in fairness, that's what was there during the 50s.

Ruben Carter wasn't anything special. He gained more notoriety for his time in prison and the book and movie that told the story of his life and career. To this day his guilt/innocence is still contested.

Valdes was never on anyone's ATG list either. He fought some great fighters and there was no shame in losing to them. He also out pointed a prime Ezzard Charles.

The list at the bottom looks like it was written by a bitter fanboy of a particular fighter.

Beating Tito in his best. Oscar,tarver,Roy(yeah both old),Pascal as 40+ years old grandpa not many guys did that. Or going Distance with big puncher like Kovalev at age of 50 man. no one did that. Man even Pavlik or Winky are good wins in my eyes.

**GhostofDempsey** · 06-12-2017, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Freedef

Beating Tito in his best. Oscar,tarver,Roy(yeah both old),Pascal as 40+ years old grandpa not many guys did that. Or going Distance with big puncher like Kovalev at age of 50 man. no one did that

Tito and DLH were blown up welterweights, RJJ was already past his prime and damaged goods in the rematch, Pascal was never anything special. I respect his conditioning and ability to fight for as long as he did, but his style of clinching, fouls, and fighting guys like Robert Allen 3x allowed him some longevity.

**creekrat77** · 06-12-2017, 01:17 PM

Were Morrison, Cooney, Paz, Camacho even considered highly rated in '02?

**Freedef** · 06-12-2017, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by creekrat77

Were Morrison, Cooney, Paz, Camacho even considered highly rated in '02?

Maaaan Cooney was Great White Hope that will kick that Black ass in one round

plot twist he got killed by Larry man

that was pleasure to watch

**GhostofDempsey** · 06-12-2017, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by Freedef

Maaaan Cooney was Great White Hope that will kick that Black ass in one round

plot twist he got killed by Larry man

that was pleasure to watch

Prior to the fight Holmes was an 8-5 favorite to win. Cooney's hype came from his KO wins over Norton, Lyle and Young. He was a big HW with a big left hand. Had that been a 12 round fight, and Cooney didn't have three points deducted for low blows, he actually would have won that fight on the scorecards. It was close, but Cooney faded and Larry was the better boxer. Cooney was actually underrated as a HW IMO. He went 13 competitive rounds with a top ten all-time HW.

**HarvardBlue** · 06-12-2017, 04:18 PM

Any list that has Aaron Pryor and Pernell Whitaker as overrated can't be taken seriously.

**Madison Boxing** · 06-12-2017, 04:58 PM

i dont think theres any fighter in history on this site that hasnt been called overrated.

Top fighters people in 2002 thought were overrated.