Speaking of manner: with an eye on not even attempting a full career biography, I shall write a short sentence or two re: each pugilist as a by-line of sorts. I am quite open to further debate and discussion, and with my other eye toward doing that, will be hosting an Extra Edition Kibbitz. A link to the show shall be placed HERE upon its completion -- but if you'd like to Kibbitz live, please call into the show tomorrow, Thursday evening June 8th between 6 & 7 PDT (657) 383-1172. I'd love to Kibbitz with ya gentlepersons.
Oh, and I paired them each with a nice cigar, gentlepersons. It's my schtick.
10. Mike Tyson - Room101 Uncle Lee
A famously mercurial monster who spoke to both times of old and new; as in both an ode to Mr. Jack Dempsey and a dawning of must-see PPVs.
9. Floyd Mayweather - My Father no. 3 Crema
Say thou wilt, but he is this generations representative. Five weight divisions at their highest levels, met sans defeat.
8. Larry Holmes - Perla del Mar
There is a bridge from the times of Ali and Norton to the times of Holyfield and McCall. That bridge is an adept one in Mr. Holmes, whose spot in history is often and unfairly tenuous -- as on don't control his given time.
7. Lennox Lewis - Lost & Found Le Pigeon
Only Gene Tunney and Rocky Marciano retired wearing the Undisputed Heavyweight crown minus a single unavenged defeat. Brilliant ring IQ with a wholly new physicality of athleticism in the giant realm.
6. Eder Jofre - Las Cumbres Senorial
Simply the greatest Brazilian boxer of all-time. Tremendous physical specimen even still, as a septuagenarian. Knocked down only once and was a murderous puncher at Bantam/Featherweight.
Twelve defenses as the undisputed Middleweight crown-bearer while touting the highest (78%) knockout percentage of such divisional kings along that way. In turn, he possessed a chin which could chip away at granite.
4. Julio Cesar Chavez - Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo Robusto
When you are the pride of a prideful nation, and one steeped in pugilism's storied history, you make the list. In 115 prizefights, he fought the greatest, which is key to becoming amongst them.
3. Roberto Duran - Man O War Ruination
The greatest Lightweight of all time, with a career spanning five decades with crowns in four weight classes. Hands of Stone was a brawler par excellence, with too, a fantastic pugilistic mind which fired wonderfully Ray Arcel trained reflexes.
A chin that could chip away at Hagler's granite chipping chin. A bully in a phone-booth. An true pioneer of the bullying and swarming style of the somewhat less than Sweet Science in that respect. Watch how he rolls with punches, gentlepersons.
1. Sugar Ray Leonard - Sobremesa Cervantes Fino
Quite simply, he best answers the query posited of greatest living pugilist practitioner. As the head of the Fabulous Four who kept boxing relevant in the Post-Ali 1980's, Mr. Leonard was heir to Muhammad Ali once -- and now again.
Honorable Mentionings go out to one Mr. Thomas "Hitman" Hearns. Give that man a Crowned Heads Jericho Hill. The Twelve Honest Men Lancero vitola, natch.
Why a particular pairing? Ask me in the Kibbitz! And gentlepersons, as always and ever, I thank ya for your attentions.