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Who is truly a Boxing Master?
Throughout the annals of boxing's history, there have been many great champions that were great fighters for their era, weight, etc. but were not true boxing masters.
Examples
1. Mike Tyson:
Once considered to be the "Baddest Man on the Planet," Mike Tyson is the comet that once illuminated across the sky of the boxing world, but has since faded almost into oblivion. A diminuitive man built like a small tank with explosive speed and bone crushing power. Trained under the late great boxing trainer, Cus D'Mato, Tyson turned from a project with phenemonal physical gifts into, to quote the character Micky from the "Rocky" film series, "a Wrecking Machine." Through the mid to late 1980's, Tyson dominated the heavyweight ranks like no one before him, becoming the youngest fighter to win the heavyweight title at the age of 20(1986). Using the Peek-a-Boo slugger style of former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson. Often knocking opponents out within the first few rounds, Tyson was thought to be unbeatable. But then on one night in Tokyo the era of Iron Mike Tyson had ended. Outpunched and outclassed by his underdog opponent, James "Buster" Douglas, Tyson was soundly defeated and forever lost his title as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. After his conviction on rape charges, Tyson returned to the world of boxing, mounted impressive victories even winning a portion of the title in 1996, leading up to his historic matchup with fellow heavyweight great, Evander Holyfield. The matchup that the boxing world had been waiting for finally had happened. Once again outclassed by a superior boxer in Holyfield in both of their matches, Tyson lashed out by biting the right ear of Holyfield, which resulted in a disqualification(I believe). Since then Tyson has only fought in several fights, the most high profile against former champion Lennox Lewis in Memphis, Tennessee in 2002. After an impressive first round, Tyson looked exhausted and intimidated by the champion, as Lewis gave him one of the worst beatings he had ever taken in his career. Tyson is now almost faded out in boxing today, now trying to get a career in the K-1 fighting circuit.
2. George Foreman
Probably the most devastating puncher in heavyweight history, "Big George" Foreman dominated the heavyweight ranks in the mid 1970's. After destroying Smokin' Joe Frazier other heavyweight contenders, Foreman took his title to Kinshasa, Zaire for his famous "Rumble in the Jungle" with the Greatest Heavyweight, and arguably the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali. Going in as the favorite, many thought the Foreman would utterly destroy the former champion, but Ali showed that still had tricks up sleeve as he unwielded his "Rope-A-Dope" strategy by lying on the ropes and letting Formean pound away on his arms and elbows. Conditioning was the main factor in this strategy, as Foreman had punched himself out of the fight by the eighth round, in which Ali capitalized by finishing him off with a dazzling 1-2 combination which sent Foreman collapsing on the canvas. He was not the same fighter after that defeat, but he would return to boxing later on in life, and probably pull off boxing greatest achievements, being the oldest fighter ever to win the heavyweight title at the age of 44 in 1992 against Michael Moorer. Now Forman is an announcer for HBO fight nights, and has his own grilling oven that has made millions.
3. Rocky Marciano
The "Brockton Blockbuster" was a tremendous puncher who could not only dish out great amounts of punishment, but take it greatly as well. Not known for being a boxing tactician, Marciano dominated skillfully superior opponents with his amazing power and granite like chin. He is the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated.
Great boxers:
Truly masters of their craft, these are some of the individuals that make boxing the "Sweet Science" that it is, and make it to the place where it should be considered on equal ground with other martial arts.
1. Sugar Ray Robinson
Considered to be pound for pound the best fighter that has ever lived, "Sugar" Ray Robinson is a true boxing master. Encompassing every physical gift that a boxer could ever ask for(blazing speed, devastating power, excellent conditioning), Robinson a used cunning ring tactics and soundly defeated some of the greatest boxers that have ever lived. He won the Middleweight crown five times and also dominated the welterweight division as well. He had fought 18 other world champions in his time, including Jake LaMotta, and Kid Gavilan.
2. Muhammad Ali
The self proclaimed "Greatest of All Time," Muhammad Ali proved to world that he is indeed not only one of its' greatest fighters, but also one of social figures. Using uncanny speed and boxing skill not normally seen in a heavyweight, Ali dominated the heavyweight division during the early to mid 1960's before his banishment due to his refusal for inductment into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Upon his return in 1970, Ali was thought to not have the skills he once had, but he adapted his fighting style from a lightning quick dancing master, to a carefully patient methodical attacker. Unlike many fighters who fight their best fights in their primes, Ali fought his best after his prime. From his three legendary fights with Smokin' Joe Frazier, to his historic over George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle," onto his third heavyweight championship title win over Leon Spinks in 1978, Ali showed that no matter what the odds or circumstances, the better man with the better skill will come out on top.
3. Roy Jones Jr.
The best pound for pound fighter of this generation, Roy Jones Jr. brings back memories of the late great Sugar Ray Robinson. Possessing a seemingly endless myriad of boxing skills, Jones has won world titles at the Middleweight, Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and Heavyweight classes. His only drawback is a lack of competition, until his showdown with Antonio Tarver in 2004. Noted to not be at 100% for the fight, Jones vowed that he would defeat Tarver in their rematch this May.
What skills are required to truly master the art and science of boxing?(Just my opinion, please feel free to add or detract if you would like.)
NOTE: I did not have all my information and ideas together when I did this thread, so please forgive me, I did this on the fly.
Goals
1. To hit and not get hit at will.
2. To control the fight, the opponent, the ring, and yourself at all times.
A. Physical gifts
1. Speed
2. Power
4. Stamina
5. Body durability(Chin, Midsection)
6. Arm Reach
B. Boxing Skills: Although not considered to be as technical or versatile as other fighting systems, boxing is truly a technical and scientific fighting style, encompassing multiple strikes and movements with multiple strategies in which to use them.
1. Mastery of different punches(With both hands to both the head and body, except Overhands)
Jabs
Crosses
Straight Punches
Hooks(Short, Long, Shovel, Haymaker)
Uppercuts(Regular, Bolo, Haymaker)
Overhands
2. Mastery of different styles/stances(Southpaw stance is not mentioned due to the need to master each stance with both hands)
Standard Boxer
Freestyle(Ali stance)
Crouching Slugger
Peek-A-Boo Slugger
Crab style
Other stances to be used depending on fighter's style.
Strategies
Offensive Fighting
Defensive Fighting(Counter Attacking, Rope-A-Dope, etc.)
Range Fighting
In Fighting(Slugging, Clinch fighting)
[U]3. Other Strikes[/U](Not legal in the boxing ring, but still useful in a self defense situation that real boxing trainers teach their fighters)
1. Elbows
2. Forearms
3. Headbutts
4. Shoulderbutts
4. Foot stomps
4. Footwork
Stepping(Short, Long, Forward, Sidestep, Backward)
Footshuffling
Pivoting
5. Blocks and Defensive Maneuvers
Bob
Weave
Slip
Leanback
Covering
Parrying
C. Intangibles: These are skills that are not neccessarily taught, but are internal within each and every fighter themselves that they use to overcome their opponent.
1. Desire
2. Heart
3. Will
4. Aggressiveness
5. Patience
6. Tenacity
7. Intelligence
8. Many more internal skills to name
Examples
1. Mike Tyson:
Once considered to be the "Baddest Man on the Planet," Mike Tyson is the comet that once illuminated across the sky of the boxing world, but has since faded almost into oblivion. A diminuitive man built like a small tank with explosive speed and bone crushing power. Trained under the late great boxing trainer, Cus D'Mato, Tyson turned from a project with phenemonal physical gifts into, to quote the character Micky from the "Rocky" film series, "a Wrecking Machine." Through the mid to late 1980's, Tyson dominated the heavyweight ranks like no one before him, becoming the youngest fighter to win the heavyweight title at the age of 20(1986). Using the Peek-a-Boo slugger style of former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson. Often knocking opponents out within the first few rounds, Tyson was thought to be unbeatable. But then on one night in Tokyo the era of Iron Mike Tyson had ended. Outpunched and outclassed by his underdog opponent, James "Buster" Douglas, Tyson was soundly defeated and forever lost his title as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. After his conviction on rape charges, Tyson returned to the world of boxing, mounted impressive victories even winning a portion of the title in 1996, leading up to his historic matchup with fellow heavyweight great, Evander Holyfield. The matchup that the boxing world had been waiting for finally had happened. Once again outclassed by a superior boxer in Holyfield in both of their matches, Tyson lashed out by biting the right ear of Holyfield, which resulted in a disqualification(I believe). Since then Tyson has only fought in several fights, the most high profile against former champion Lennox Lewis in Memphis, Tennessee in 2002. After an impressive first round, Tyson looked exhausted and intimidated by the champion, as Lewis gave him one of the worst beatings he had ever taken in his career. Tyson is now almost faded out in boxing today, now trying to get a career in the K-1 fighting circuit.
2. George Foreman
Probably the most devastating puncher in heavyweight history, "Big George" Foreman dominated the heavyweight ranks in the mid 1970's. After destroying Smokin' Joe Frazier other heavyweight contenders, Foreman took his title to Kinshasa, Zaire for his famous "Rumble in the Jungle" with the Greatest Heavyweight, and arguably the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali. Going in as the favorite, many thought the Foreman would utterly destroy the former champion, but Ali showed that still had tricks up sleeve as he unwielded his "Rope-A-Dope" strategy by lying on the ropes and letting Formean pound away on his arms and elbows. Conditioning was the main factor in this strategy, as Foreman had punched himself out of the fight by the eighth round, in which Ali capitalized by finishing him off with a dazzling 1-2 combination which sent Foreman collapsing on the canvas. He was not the same fighter after that defeat, but he would return to boxing later on in life, and probably pull off boxing greatest achievements, being the oldest fighter ever to win the heavyweight title at the age of 44 in 1992 against Michael Moorer. Now Forman is an announcer for HBO fight nights, and has his own grilling oven that has made millions.
3. Rocky Marciano
The "Brockton Blockbuster" was a tremendous puncher who could not only dish out great amounts of punishment, but take it greatly as well. Not known for being a boxing tactician, Marciano dominated skillfully superior opponents with his amazing power and granite like chin. He is the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated.
Great boxers:
Truly masters of their craft, these are some of the individuals that make boxing the "Sweet Science" that it is, and make it to the place where it should be considered on equal ground with other martial arts.
1. Sugar Ray Robinson
Considered to be pound for pound the best fighter that has ever lived, "Sugar" Ray Robinson is a true boxing master. Encompassing every physical gift that a boxer could ever ask for(blazing speed, devastating power, excellent conditioning), Robinson a used cunning ring tactics and soundly defeated some of the greatest boxers that have ever lived. He won the Middleweight crown five times and also dominated the welterweight division as well. He had fought 18 other world champions in his time, including Jake LaMotta, and Kid Gavilan.
2. Muhammad Ali
The self proclaimed "Greatest of All Time," Muhammad Ali proved to world that he is indeed not only one of its' greatest fighters, but also one of social figures. Using uncanny speed and boxing skill not normally seen in a heavyweight, Ali dominated the heavyweight division during the early to mid 1960's before his banishment due to his refusal for inductment into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Upon his return in 1970, Ali was thought to not have the skills he once had, but he adapted his fighting style from a lightning quick dancing master, to a carefully patient methodical attacker. Unlike many fighters who fight their best fights in their primes, Ali fought his best after his prime. From his three legendary fights with Smokin' Joe Frazier, to his historic over George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle," onto his third heavyweight championship title win over Leon Spinks in 1978, Ali showed that no matter what the odds or circumstances, the better man with the better skill will come out on top.
3. Roy Jones Jr.
The best pound for pound fighter of this generation, Roy Jones Jr. brings back memories of the late great Sugar Ray Robinson. Possessing a seemingly endless myriad of boxing skills, Jones has won world titles at the Middleweight, Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and Heavyweight classes. His only drawback is a lack of competition, until his showdown with Antonio Tarver in 2004. Noted to not be at 100% for the fight, Jones vowed that he would defeat Tarver in their rematch this May.
What skills are required to truly master the art and science of boxing?(Just my opinion, please feel free to add or detract if you would like.)
NOTE: I did not have all my information and ideas together when I did this thread, so please forgive me, I did this on the fly.
Goals
1. To hit and not get hit at will.
2. To control the fight, the opponent, the ring, and yourself at all times.
A. Physical gifts
1. Speed
2. Power
4. Stamina
5. Body durability(Chin, Midsection)
6. Arm Reach
B. Boxing Skills: Although not considered to be as technical or versatile as other fighting systems, boxing is truly a technical and scientific fighting style, encompassing multiple strikes and movements with multiple strategies in which to use them.
1. Mastery of different punches(With both hands to both the head and body, except Overhands)
Jabs
Crosses
Straight Punches
Hooks(Short, Long, Shovel, Haymaker)
Uppercuts(Regular, Bolo, Haymaker)
Overhands
2. Mastery of different styles/stances(Southpaw stance is not mentioned due to the need to master each stance with both hands)
Standard Boxer
Freestyle(Ali stance)
Crouching Slugger
Peek-A-Boo Slugger
Crab style
Other stances to be used depending on fighter's style.
Strategies
Offensive Fighting
Defensive Fighting(Counter Attacking, Rope-A-Dope, etc.)
Range Fighting
In Fighting(Slugging, Clinch fighting)
[U]3. Other Strikes[/U](Not legal in the boxing ring, but still useful in a self defense situation that real boxing trainers teach their fighters)
1. Elbows
2. Forearms
3. Headbutts
4. Shoulderbutts
4. Foot stomps
4. Footwork
Stepping(Short, Long, Forward, Sidestep, Backward)
Footshuffling
Pivoting
5. Blocks and Defensive Maneuvers
Bob
Weave
Slip
Leanback
Covering
Parrying
C. Intangibles: These are skills that are not neccessarily taught, but are internal within each and every fighter themselves that they use to overcome their opponent.
1. Desire
2. Heart
3. Will
4. Aggressiveness
5. Patience
6. Tenacity
7. Intelligence
8. Many more internal skills to name
Did nothing but present himself as a thug and a criminal. Making comments like, "I want to eat his children" doesnt endear you to the media, it only makes you appear to be a madman. Tyson was supposed to be "boxing Royalty." He was the last great fighter trained by Cus D amato, and I always hoped that he would somehow carry Cus's legacy with dignity and honor, Call it sentimental,but for me, Tyson was supposed to be "the last jedi". What a dissapointment.
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