Floyd Mayweather calls himself The Best Ever and now he has beaten Manny Pacquiao more observers are starting to believe him. Steady on.
A place among the elite demands more than just defensive brilliance. It requires supreme attacking skills and a willingness to engage in the kind of gloved combat which brings crowds to their feet.
In assembling my Great Eight, I have limited the choice to boxers I have seen personally.
1) Sugar Ray Robinson 1940-65
I watched Robinson when, as a boy, my father smuggled me into Earls Court for his fight against Randolph Turpin. Robinson lost but I was in awe at the time and the more I saw of him the more I appreciated his all-round supremacy.
2) Muhammad Ali 1960-81
Truly The Greatest in how he transcended boxing and became the most recognisable face on the planet.The best heavyweight I have seen live.
3) Sugar Ray Leonard 1977-97
The diamond in a quartet who glittered through boxing’s golden age.
4) Marvin Hagler 1973-87
Powerful and intimidating. Still believes to this day he won his epic fight with Leonard.
5) Thomas Hearns 1977-2006
Detroit hitman who engaged in historic wars with Leonard and Hagler.
6) Roberto Duran 1968-2001
Made up the hallowed foursome who fought each other without hesitation.
7) Evander Holyfield 1984-2011
Undisputed cruiserweight world champion, and the undisputed and only five-time world heavyweight champion.
8) Julio Cesar Chavez 1980-2005
Won nearly 100 fights before his first loss.
And why eight, not 10?
Perhaps a top-10 spot awaits Mr Money if he surpasses Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record.
THE EIGHT GREATS
W-L-D
Sugar Ray Robinson 173-19-6
Muhammad Ali 56-5-0
Sugar Ray Leonard 36-3-1
Marvin Hagler 62-3-2
Thomas Hearns 61-5-1
Roberto Duran 103-16-0
Evander Holyfield 44-10-2
Julio Cesar Chavez 107-6-2 – Daily Mail