The single greatest accomplishment in boxing history

[Miburo]

When has the WBC belt being a alphabet belt? Winning it legit too. Tyson fought FULL grown big grown men. That said and he Benitez fought most ppl with losing records or their first fight up to the title. Tyson didn't, that's the difference on why he isn't talked about as much. Great accomplishment of course. VERY

All the belts are alphabet belts except for the Ring, the WBC isn't exempted from this (in fact the WBA was the original title). The titles had split, so he didn't claim the true world title until 21 (obviously still very impressive, even given the era).

You mention quality of opposition, but isn't it a more impressive feat to have basically never been in the ring with someone world class and still manage to win the linear title against a champion like Cervantes? Benitez was world-ranked by age 15, how insane is that?

[JAB5239]

Oh, I don't think he avoided any fighters per se; he was just a class above most of the available opponents during the bulk of his reign, it was somewhat of a weak era. Many of those he fought shouldn't have even been in the same ring with him, hence "bum of the month club".

I could make a case that he would have completely dominated every era up till the late 60's, early 70's and would have been dominant in the late 70's, early 80's.

I could also make a case that he fought in one of the 3 or 4 best era's in heavyweight history.

By the way, I've always loved that picture of Fedor ion your av. Even busted up and bleeding the guys expression never changes. Guy is a beast!

[JAB5239]

All the belts are alphabet belts except for the Ring, the WBC isn't exempted from this (in fact the WBA was the original title). The titles had split, so he didn't claim the true world title until 21 (obviously still very impressive, even given the era).

You mention quality of opposition, but isn't it a more impressive feat to have basically never been in the ring with someone world class and still manage to win the linear title against a champion like Cervantes? Benitez was world-ranked by age 15, how insane is that?

That is crazy! Never knew it either, thanks.

[#1Assassin]

tommy hearns knocking guys out from 147 to 200lbs is pretty impressive. obviously not the most impressive thing ever, but just wanted to drop something that hadnt been mentioned already. my #1 pick would be armstrong or robinson.

[JAB5239]

tommy hearns knocking guys out from 147 to 200lbs is pretty impressive.

You gotta throw Mickey Walkers hat in that ring than.

[KnockoutTheFat]

Qawi being 5-6 winning a piece of the CW title. FFS Celestino Caballero towers over him and yet is 8 weight classes lighter then Qawi that's gotta be impressive

[Miburo]

I could make a case that he would have completely dominated every era up till the late 60's, early 70's and would have been dominant in the late 70's, early 80's.

I could also make a case that he fought in one of the 3 or 4 best era's in heavyweight history.

I think if he had fought the succession of Walcott, Charles, and Marciano in his prime at least one of them would have gotten him, although rematch results would likely differ. It's hard to say how he would do against Liston, that's a very hard match to evaluate. Frazier would also be an interesting match-up. As I've stated before though, I don't see him beating Ali or Foreman, and I'd add Holmes to that list.

By the way, I've always loved that picture of Fedor ion your av. Even busted up and bleeding the guys expression never changes. Guy is a beast!

Thanks. Fedor displays a frightening level of concentration once he steps into the ring - one of the most intimidating stares in all of combat sports, just ice with no emotion whatsoever.

[1SILVA]

**** Henry Armstrong winning 3 championship in 3 weight classes at the same time!!!!!

Yessir, I have to agree with that one.

[Verstyle]

All the belts are alphabet belts except for the Ring, the WBC isn't exempted from this (in fact the WBA was the original title). The titles had split, so he didn't claim the true world title until 21 (obviously still very impressive, even given the era).

You mention quality of opposition, but isn't it a more impressive feat to have basically never been in the ring with someone world class and still manage to win the linear title against a champion like Cervantes? Benitez was world-ranked by age 15, how insane is that?

Impressive to do it at 15 but Tyson and many other fighters couldn't turn pro at that age.Haha. It's like a handicap since they couldn't do what he did. To most ppl alphabet are belts that really don't mean as much. So I can't include that one.

Once again, 17 is a great feat. I just wish other ppl had the opportunity to turn pro at the time he did.

[TredKiller]

when jack johnson fought jeffers, the whole crown was chanting "kill the ******"
and jack johson beat him, was the first black HW champ.

when harry greb fought a record 48 times in 1 year, amazing.