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Originally Posted by Mad about Boxing
Fair enough. In your opinion, what makes Napoles stand out based on the criteria?
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He was just one of the most smooth, skilled fighters of all time, and one of the most versatile. His only real flaw in my honest opinion was his soft skin.
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Leonard i was going to include, but eventually decided against it, thinking other fighters at welterweight would be considered better based on everything.
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I think Leonard proved his ability to adapt better than pretty much anyone. He was able to adapt his style to beat 3 of the greatest of all time, and was able to outclass the ultra-slick Benitez at his own game. I think he was overall, and technically, one of the very best ever.
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How do you think Leonard would have faired vs Whitaker?
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I think Whitaker's jab might've had him faring better than Benitez(though I don't think he fares any better against Hearns), but I just can't see him beating the more natural Leonard at the weight, given how skilled Leonard proved to be overall, and against that style. His own speed and ability to counter the counter-puncher(as well as his size edge in this one) would lead him to a clear points win over Pea.
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I don't anywhere near as much as you about fighters from the earlier eras, so in all honesty they didn't get taken into account as much as they probably should have. I didn't start the thread though to have a pointless era arguement (as has been done in the past too many times), i'm actually curious to learn about some of these fighters. Any footage or analysis would be great!!
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I myself need to see more footage of certain fighters, quite a few actually. Recently I'm interested in getting more footage of Luis Manuel Rodriguez. The poster Raging B(_)LL(a man whose opinions I hold in higher regard than just about anyone) holds him in VERY high esteem.
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What about guys like Kid Galivan whom i know you rate quite highly?
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I rate him very highly, though Robinson did beat him twice at WW so you'd have to at least give him the edge there. I also slightly favor Napoles. Guys like Griffith and the aforementioned Rodriguez are ones to consider as well.
This is where it gets into the eras argument. I personally believe the modern era in terms of modern techniques and whatnot, started around the 1940's, where you could see the high guard and modern techniques being the norm. Their were of course pioneers like Barney Ross, Benny Leonard, etc, beforehand though.