Can Jake Paul actually become a world champion one day?
Want to get a good laugh from a hardcore boxing fan? Suggest that Jake Paul could win a major world title one day.
Paul, who is scheduled to face rival Tommy Fury in a pay-per-view bout Sunday in Saudi Arabia, is undefeated and his demonstrated some natural ability. However, the 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer has had seven total fights (six pro, one amateur) in his life. And none of his opponents were genuine boxers.
He’s like a beginning dancer learning a complicated new step; he might have the basic idea but an educated eye can see he’s still trying to figure it all out. And he might never look anything like Fred Astaire.
“That’s like saying a pig’s going to fly,” Fury told Sky Sports when asked whether Paul could one day win a major title.
That perception doesn’t seem to deter Paul, however. He’s convinced that anything is possible with hard work and enough time.
[lawrence-related id=35794,35790,35780,35776]
And he’s not alone. His trainer, BJ Flores, supports in his dreams. And so do some who aren’t working with him, including Hall of Famer Shane Mosley.
“I want to become a world champion,” Paul told Sky Sports. “I’m going to become a world champion, and these fights are all just stepping stones to get there. I’m slowly improving.
“I’ve sparred against world champions and done phenomenal against them, so who knows what can happen in two to three years from now when I go into my athletic prime? I’m starting to really, really get this sport and all aspects of it.
“It’s really actually scary what could possibly happen. I think not only will I become a world champion, I think I will be a dominant world champion and knock someone out for the belt.”
Mosley, who worked with Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) early in his career, said in an interview with FightHype.com that Paul “is a real fighter.”
The former two-division world champion said Paul might want to target one-time middleweight titleholder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as one of those stepping stones.
Chavez recently lost a decision to former MMA star Anderson Silva, who Paul outpointed in his most-recent fight.
“It’s a possibility because he has the frame, he has the speed, he has the power,” Mosley said of Paul’s chances of earning a belt. “He might need to lose a little bit of weight, but he fights at cruiserweight, so maybe he goes down to light heavyweight.
“It’s going to be hard for him at any of the weights once you get to that level. Then he has to work with the right people. … It will probably take him two, three, four years to even be in that section, that area.
“He’s not there yet. But if he fights the right people, then maybe he can do it.”
Flores, a former cruiserweight contender, said he’ll be by Paul’s side no matter what happens.
“[Winning a word title is] still a way away and a lofty, lofty goal” Flores said. “… I’m behind him all the way and we’re going to ride this thing out as long as it goes.”
It could happen sooner rather than later. WBC officials inexplicably have said that Paul could land in there rankings if he wins on Sunday. Then he’d be a position to face a titleholder … ready or not.
Can Jake Paul actually become a world champion one day?
Want to get a good laugh from a hardcore boxing fan? Suggest that Jake Paul could win a major world title one day.
Paul, who is scheduled to face rival Tommy Fury in a pay-per-view bout Sunday in Saudi Arabia, is undefeated and his demonstrated some natural ability. However, the 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer has had seven total fights (six pro, one amateur) in his life. And none of his opponents were genuine boxers.
He’s like a beginning dancer learning a complicated new step; he might have the basic idea but an educated eye can see he’s still trying to figure it all out. And he might never look anything like Fred Astaire.
“That’s like saying a pig’s going to fly,” Fury told Sky Sports when asked whether Paul could one day win a major title.
That perception doesn’t seem to deter Paul, however. He’s convinced that anything is possible with hard work and enough time.
[lawrence-related id=35794,35790,35780,35776]
And he’s not alone. His trainer, BJ Flores, supports in his dreams. And so do some who aren’t working with him, including Hall of Famer Shane Mosley.
“I want to become a world champion,” Paul told Sky Sports. “I’m going to become a world champion, and these fights are all just stepping stones to get there. I’m slowly improving.
“I’ve sparred against world champions and done phenomenal against them, so who knows what can happen in two to three years from now when I go into my athletic prime? I’m starting to really, really get this sport and all aspects of it.
“It’s really actually scary what could possibly happen. I think not only will I become a world champion, I think I will be a dominant world champion and knock someone out for the belt.”
Mosley, who worked with Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) early in his career, said in an interview with FightHype.com that Paul “is a real fighter.”
The former two-division world champion said Paul might want to target one-time middleweight titleholder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as one of those stepping stones.
Chavez recently lost a decision to former MMA star Anderson Silva, who Paul outpointed in his most-recent fight.
“It’s a possibility because he has the frame, he has the speed, he has the power,” Mosley said of Paul’s chances of earning a belt. “He might need to lose a little bit of weight, but he fights at cruiserweight, so maybe he goes down to light heavyweight.
“It’s going to be hard for him at any of the weights once you get to that level. Then he has to work with the right people. … It will probably take him two, three, four years to even be in that section, that area.
“He’s not there yet. But if he fights the right people, then maybe he can do it.”
Flores, a former cruiserweight contender, said he’ll be by Paul’s side no matter what happens.
“[Winning a word title is] still a way away and a lofty, lofty goal” Flores said. “… I’m behind him all the way and we’re going to ride this thing out as long as it goes.”
It could happen sooner rather than later. WBC officials inexplicably have said that Paul could land in there rankings if he wins on Sunday. Then he’d be a position to face a titleholder … ready or not.
Boxing Hall of Fame: Guide to three-class 2022 induction weekend.
Two canceled induction weekends have made this year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame celebration in Canastota, New York, an embarrassment of riches.
The IBHOF will welcome three classes of all-time great boxers into its fold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which finally subsided enough to allow for a supersized event this weekend. Those elected will be formally inducted on Sunday.
Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins top the deep list of men who will enter the Hall in the modern category.
And those being inducted will also include the first class of women boxers, including Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker in the modern classification.
Here is a list of the inductees (in alphabetical order), with commentary for each one.
CLASS OF 2020
MEN
Bernard Hopkins (pictured at right during is victory over Karo Murat) was a first-ballot inductee. AP Photo / Tim Larsen
BERNARD HOPKINS
Record: 55-8-2, 32 KOs Active: 1988-2016 Key victories: Glen Johnson, Simon Brown, Antwun Echols (twice), Keith Holmes, Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones Jr., Jean Pascal, Tavoris Cloud, Beibut Shumenov Titles: Middleweight (1995-2005), light heavyweight (2011-14) Background: BeHop wasn’t super athletic or powerful. He was merely an enduring boxing wizard, which ultimately earned him reverence as one of the greatest ever in the sport. He set the middleweight record for successful title defenses, 20, which alone would’ve been enough to earn him a place in the Hall. He then became the oldest to ever win a major title when, at 48, he outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win a light heavyweight title.
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Record: 56-7-1, 40 KOs Active: 1993-2014 Key victories: Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz (twice), Manny Pacquiao Titles: Featherweight 2003-05, 2006-07; junior lightweight 2007-08; lightweight 2009-12, 2012-13 Background: Marquez started as one third of the great Mexican trio that included Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera but he ended up surpassing his countrymen. The master counterpuncher is best known for his four-fight series with Manny Pacquiao, in which he went 1-2-1. Some believe he deserved to win all four fights. And he claimed the most-dramatic victory of the series, a one-punch knockout that stunned the boxing world in 2012. He was still a world class fighter past 40.
SHANE MOSLEY
Record: 49-10-1, 41 KOs Active: 1993-2016 Key victories: Phillip Holiday, John John Molina, Oscar De La Hoya (twice), James Leija, Wilfredo Rivera, Fernando Vargas (twice), Ricardo Mayorga (twice), Antonio Margarito Titles: Lightweight (1997-99); welterweight (2000-02, 2009-10); junior middleweight (2003-04) Background: Sugar Shane, quick and explosive, made his biggest mark at welterweight and heavier but he might’ve been at his best at lightweight, at which he was 32-0 (30 KOs). However, he became a star when he jumped to welterweight and in 2000 outpointed Los Angeles rival Oscar De La Hoya in their first of two fights. He would remain a major figure in the sport for the next decade-plus.
WOMEN
Christy Martin (at left fighting Dakota Stone) appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jeff Gross / Getty Images
CHRISTY MARTIN
Record: 49-7-3, 32 KOs Active: 1989-2012 Key victories: Deirdre Gogarty, Mia St. John, Dakota Stone Titles: Junior middleweight (2009-10) Background: Martin was a creation of promoter Don King, who had her fight repeatedly on the undercard of Mike Tyson fights. And she became popular, culminating with her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” also was a natural warrior who improved as a boxer as her career progressed. Her biggest fight came in 2003, when she was stopped by Laila Ali. Martin won the 154-pound title when she outpointed Dakota Stone in 2009 at 41.
LUCIA RIJKER
Record: 17-0, 14 KOs Active: 1996-2004 Key victories: Chevelle Hallback, Andrea DeShong, Jane Couch Titles: Junior welterweight (1997, 1998) Background: Some of those familiar with Rijker, who trained under Joe Goossen, Freddie Roach and Emanuel Steward, believe she’s the greatest female boxer of all-time. The accomplished martial artist from the Netherlands sparred regularly with elite male boxers, who respected her all-around ability. She largely flew under the radar because she wasn’t showcased like Christy Martin, Mia St. John and Laila Ali were. She enjoyed her greatest fame as an actress in the film “Million Dollar Baby.”
CLASS OF 2021
MEN
Wladimir Klitschko was the dominant heavyweight of his era. Alexander Koerner / Getty Images
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Record: 64-5, 53 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Samuel Peter (twice), Hasim Rahman, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin Titles: Heavyweight (2000-03, 2006-15) Background: Dr. Steelhammer was the most-accomplished heavyweight of his era, reigning as the No. 1 big man for more than a decade largely as a result of his jab and lethal right hand. He had some slip-ups early in his career but rebounded to surpass Joe Louis and Larry Holmes as the longest-reigning heavyweight champions, serving as champion for 12 years when you combine his two reigns. His only true rival in his prime was his brother, Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Record: 50-0, 27 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao Titles: Junior lightweight (1998-2002); lightweight (2002-04); junior welterweight (2005-06); welterweight (2006, 2006-08; 2014-16); junior middleweight (2007, 2012-16) Background: Mayweather was polarizing outside the ring but as consistent as anyone in history inside it. His sublime skills combined with his work ethic – he was ready to fight every time he stopped into the ring – made him largely untouchable during his career, which culminated in a convincing victory over rival Manny Pacquaio in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in 2015. Some people (including Mayweather) would argue that he’s the greatest fighter of all time. “Money” also earned far more than any other fighter, reportedly $800 million in the ring alone.
ANDRE WARD
Record: 32-0, 16 KOs Active: 2004-17 Key victories: Edison Miranda, Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Sakio Bika, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Sergey Kovalev (twice) Titles: Super middleweight (2009-15), light heavyweight (2016-17) Background: The last American man to win a gold medal wasn’t flashy or particularly powerful but few have had his level of skill and ring acumen. He burst upon the professional scene in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, in which the then-young fighter defeated Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch to win the tournament title and establish himself as a star. Sergey Kovalev gave him his toughest fight but was knocked out in their rematch.
WOMEN
Laila Ali had more than just a big name. Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
LAILA ALI
Record: 24-0, 21 KOs Active: 1999-2007 Key victories: Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Suzette Taylor, Valerie Mahfood (twice), Gwendolyn O’Neil, Erin Toughill, Christy Martin Titles: Super middleweight (2002-07), Background: Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, had the advantage of her last name but it turned out that she had both ability and punching power. She made a splash by defeating the daughter of her father’s rival, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, in 2001 but had many more quality victories. Her highest-profile fight came in 2003, when she stopped overmatched Christy Martin in four rounds.
ANN WOLFE
Record: 24-1, 16 KOs Active: 1998-2006 Key victories: Dakota Stone, Mary Ann Almager, Vienna Williams, Gina Nicholas, Marsha Valley, Valerie Mahfood, Vonda Ward Titles: Junior middleweight (1995-2002), light heavyweight (2004) Background: Wolfe was a skillful, powerfully built fighter known for her dedication in the gym. Her one-punch, first-round knockout of 6-foot-6 Vonda Ward in 2004 went viral on YouTube but she destroyed many other opponents too. She went on to become a trainer, most notably working with James Kirkland.
CLASS OF 2022
MEN
Roy Jones Jr (at left fighting Glen Kelly) was a monster in his prime. Eliot Schechter / Getty Images
MIGUEL COTTO
Record: 41-6, 33 KOs Active: 2001-17 Key victories: Randall Bailey, Demarcus Corley, Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06); welterweight (2006-08, 2009); junior middleweight (2010-12, 2017); middleweight (2014-15) Background: Cotto was one of greatest Puerto Rican stars of all time, using his combination of ability and professionalism to fight at the highest level of the sport for a decade and a half. The four-division titleholder was never afraid to fight the best possible opponents. And while he didn’t always win his biggest fights – for example, he lost to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez – he always gave a good account of himself.
ROY JONES JR.
Record: 66-9, 47 KOs Active: 1989-2018 Key victories: Bernard Hopkins, Thomas Tate, James Toney, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin, Virgil Hill, John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad Titles: Middleweight (1993-94); super middleweight (1994-96); light heavyweight (1997, 1997-2003, 2003-04); heavyweight (2003-04) Background: When Jones was at his best, no one on this list could touch him. His combination of speed, athleticism and crushing power – as well as the ability to use them to destroy opponents – was something to behold from middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. The fact he defeated two fellow inductees (Hopkins and Toney) on Sunday says a lot about him. He made history by outpointing John Ruiz to win a heavyweight title but was never the same after gaining and then losing weight to move back down to 175 pounds.
JAMES TONEY
Record: 77-10-3, 47 KOs Active: 1988-2017 Key victories: Merqui Sosa, Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (twice), Iran Barkley, Tim Littles, Charles Williams, Vassiliy Jirov, Evander Holyfield Titles: Middleweight (1991-93); super middleweight (1993-94); cruiserweight (2003) Background: Toney was as gifted as anyone who will enter the Hall on Sunday. He was a born boxer, with once-in-a-generation instincts, but he didn’t have the discipline between fights to realize his full potential. As it was, he was one of the best of his era. He made a splash by stopping unbeaten Michael Nunn to win a middleweight title in 1991 and fought at an elite level for another 20 years.
WOMEN
Holly Holm was a star in both boxing and MMA. Justin Edmonds / Getty Images
REGINA HALMICH
Record: 54-1-1, 16 KOs Active: 1994-2007 Key victories: Jill Matthews, Hollie Dunaway, Elena Reid, Kim Messer, Delia Gonzalez Titles: Flyweight (1995-2007); junior bantamweight (1998-99, 2004), junior flyweight (1996-2007) Background: The former kickboxer from Germany ventured outside Europe only once – losing to Yvonne Trevino in 1995 in the U.S. – but she was dominating on her native continent. She had two reigns as flyweight champion, with an incredible 28 total successful defenses. She was a major figure in her home country.
HOLLY HOLM
Record: 33-2-3, 9 KOs Active: 2002-13 Key victories: Christy Martin, Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Mary Jo Sanders, Jane Couch, Chevelle Hallback, Mia St. John, Jaime Clampitt Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06, 2010, 2012-13); welterweight (2006-09, 2012): junior middleweight (2006-08) Background: Holm became a hometown favorite in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she fought the majority of her bouts. The former kickboxer, who had excellent boxing skills, won a reported 14 titles in three divisions. She went on to compete in mixed martial arts, in which she knocked out UFC star Ronda Rousey in a significant upset.
Boxing Hall of Fame: Guide to three-class 2022 induction weekend.
Two canceled induction weekends have made this year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame celebration in Canastota, New York, an embarrassment of riches.
The IBHOF will welcome three classes of all-time great boxers into its fold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which finally subsided enough to allow for a supersized event this weekend. Those elected will be formally inducted on Sunday.
Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins top the deep list of men who will enter the Hall in the modern category.
And those being inducted will also include the first class of women boxers, including Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker in the modern classification.
Here is a list of the inductees (in alphabetical order), with commentary for each one.
CLASS OF 2020
MEN
Bernard Hopkins (pictured at right during is victory over Karo Murat) was a first-ballot inductee. AP Photo / Tim Larsen
BERNARD HOPKINS
Record: 55-8-2, 32 KOs Active: 1988-2016 Key victories: Glen Johnson, Simon Brown, Antwun Echols (twice), Keith Holmes, Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones Jr., Jean Pascal, Tavoris Cloud, Beibut Shumenov Titles: Middleweight (1995-2005), light heavyweight (2011-14) Background: BeHop wasn’t super athletic or powerful. He was merely an enduring boxing wizard, which ultimately earned him reverence as one of the greatest ever in the sport. He set the middleweight record for successful title defenses, 20, which alone would’ve been enough to earn him a place in the Hall. He then became the oldest to ever win a major title when, at 48, he outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win a light heavyweight title.
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Record: 56-7-1, 40 KOs Active: 1993-2014 Key victories: Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz (twice), Manny Pacquiao Titles: Featherweight 2003-05, 2006-07; junior lightweight 2007-08; lightweight 2009-12, 2012-13 Background: Marquez started as one third of the great Mexican trio that included Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera but he ended up surpassing his countrymen. The master counterpuncher is best known for his four-fight series with Manny Pacquiao, in which he went 1-2-1. Some believe he deserved to win all four fights. And he claimed the most-dramatic victory of the series, a one-punch knockout that stunned the boxing world in 2012. He was still a world class fighter past 40.
SHANE MOSLEY
Record: 49-10-1, 41 KOs Active: 1993-2016 Key victories: Phillip Holiday, John John Molina, Oscar De La Hoya (twice), James Leija, Wilfredo Rivera, Fernando Vargas (twice), Ricardo Mayorga (twice), Antonio Margarito Titles: Lightweight (1997-99); welterweight (2000-02, 2009-10); junior middleweight (2003-04) Background: Sugar Shane, quick and explosive, made his biggest mark at welterweight and heavier but he might’ve been at his best at lightweight, at which he was 32-0 (30 KOs). However, he became a star when he jumped to welterweight and in 2000 outpointed Los Angeles rival Oscar De La Hoya in their first of two fights. He would remain a major figure in the sport for the next decade-plus.
WOMEN
Christy Martin (at left fighting Dakota Stone) appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jeff Gross / Getty Images
CHRISTY MARTIN
Record: 49-7-3, 32 KOs Active: 1989-2012 Key victories: Deirdre Gogarty, Mia St. John, Dakota Stone Titles: Junior middleweight (2009-10) Background: Martin was a creation of promoter Don King, who had her fight repeatedly on the undercard of Mike Tyson fights. And she became popular, culminating with her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” also was a natural warrior who improved as a boxer as her career progressed. Her biggest fight came in 2003, when she was stopped by Laila Ali. Martin won the 154-pound title when she outpointed Dakota Stone in 2009 at 41.
LUCIA RIJKER
Record: 17-0, 14 KOs Active: 1996-2004 Key victories: Chevelle Hallback, Andrea DeShong, Jane Couch Titles: Junior welterweight (1997, 1998) Background: Some of those familiar with Rijker, who trained under Joe Goossen, Freddie Roach and Emanuel Steward, believe she’s the greatest female boxer of all-time. The accomplished martial artist from the Netherlands sparred regularly with elite male boxers, who respected her all-around ability. She largely flew under the radar because she wasn’t showcased like Christy Martin, Mia St. John and Laila Ali were. She enjoyed her greatest fame as an actress in the film “Million Dollar Baby.”
CLASS OF 2021
MEN
Wladimir Klitschko was the dominant heavyweight of his era. Alexander Koerner / Getty Images
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Record: 64-5, 53 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Samuel Peter (twice), Hasim Rahman, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin Titles: Heavyweight (2000-03, 2006-15) Background: Dr. Steelhammer was the most-accomplished heavyweight of his era, reigning as the No. 1 big man for more than a decade largely as a result of his jab and lethal right hand. He had some slip-ups early in his career but rebounded to surpass Joe Louis and Larry Holmes as the longest-reigning heavyweight champions, serving as champion for 12 years when you combine his two reigns. His only true rival in his prime was his brother, Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Record: 50-0, 27 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao Titles: Junior lightweight (1998-2002); lightweight (2002-04); junior welterweight (2005-06); welterweight (2006, 2006-08; 2014-16); junior middleweight (2007, 2012-16) Background: Mayweather was polarizing outside the ring but as consistent as anyone in history inside it. His sublime skills combined with his work ethic – he was ready to fight every time he stopped into the ring – made him largely untouchable during his career, which culminated in a convincing victory over rival Manny Pacquaio in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in 2015. Some people (including Mayweather) would argue that he’s the greatest fighter of all time. “Money” also earned far more than any other fighter, reportedly $800 million in the ring alone.
ANDRE WARD
Record: 32-0, 16 KOs Active: 2004-17 Key victories: Edison Miranda, Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Sakio Bika, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Sergey Kovalev (twice) Titles: Super middleweight (2009-15), light heavyweight (2016-17) Background: The last American man to win a gold medal wasn’t flashy or particularly powerful but few have had his level of skill and ring acumen. He burst upon the professional scene in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, in which the then-young fighter defeated Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch to win the tournament title and establish himself as a star. Sergey Kovalev gave him his toughest fight but was knocked out in their rematch.
WOMEN
Laila Ali had more than just a big name. Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
LAILA ALI
Record: 24-0, 21 KOs Active: 1999-2007 Key victories: Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Suzette Taylor, Valerie Mahfood (twice), Gwendolyn O’Neil, Erin Toughill, Christy Martin Titles: Super middleweight (2002-07), Background: Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, had the advantage of her last name but it turned out that she had both ability and punching power. She made a splash by defeating the daughter of her father’s rival, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, in 2001 but had many more quality victories. Her highest-profile fight came in 2003, when she stopped overmatched Christy Martin in four rounds.
ANN WOLFE
Record: 24-1, 16 KOs Active: 1998-2006 Key victories: Dakota Stone, Mary Ann Almager, Vienna Williams, Gina Nicholas, Marsha Valley, Valerie Mahfood, Vonda Ward Titles: Junior middleweight (1995-2002), light heavyweight (2004) Background: Wolfe was a skillful, powerfully built fighter known for her dedication in the gym. Her one-punch, first-round knockout of 6-foot-6 Vonda Ward in 2004 went viral on YouTube but she destroyed many other opponents too. She went on to become a trainer, most notably working with James Kirkland.
CLASS OF 2022
MEN
Roy Jones Jr (at left fighting Glen Kelly) was a monster in his prime. Eliot Schechter / Getty Images
MIGUEL COTTO
Record: 41-6, 33 KOs Active: 2001-17 Key victories: Randall Bailey, Demarcus Corley, Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06); welterweight (2006-08, 2009); junior middleweight (2010-12, 2017); middleweight (2014-15) Background: Cotto was one of greatest Puerto Rican stars of all time, using his combination of ability and professionalism to fight at the highest level of the sport for a decade and a half. The four-division titleholder was never afraid to fight the best possible opponents. And while he didn’t always win his biggest fights – for example, he lost to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez – he always gave a good account of himself.
ROY JONES JR.
Record: 66-9, 47 KOs Active: 1989-2018 Key victories: Bernard Hopkins, Thomas Tate, James Toney, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin, Virgil Hill, John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad Titles: Middleweight (1993-94); super middleweight (1994-96); light heavyweight (1997, 1997-2003, 2003-04); heavyweight (2003-04) Background: When Jones was at his best, no one on this list could touch him. His combination of speed, athleticism and crushing power – as well as the ability to use them to destroy opponents – was something to behold from middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. The fact he defeated two fellow inductees (Hopkins and Toney) on Sunday says a lot about him. He made history by outpointing John Ruiz to win a heavyweight title but was never the same after gaining and then losing weight to move back down to 175 pounds.
JAMES TONEY
Record: 77-10-3, 47 KOs Active: 1988-2017 Key victories: Merqui Sosa, Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (twice), Iran Barkley, Tim Littles, Charles Williams, Vassiliy Jirov, Evander Holyfield Titles: Middleweight (1991-93); super middleweight (1993-94); cruiserweight (2003) Background: Toney was as gifted as anyone who will enter the Hall on Sunday. He was a born boxer, with once-in-a-generation instincts, but he didn’t have the discipline between fights to realize his full potential. As it was, he was one of the best of his era. He made a splash by stopping unbeaten Michael Nunn to win a middleweight title in 1991 and fought at an elite level for another 20 years.
WOMEN
Holly Holm was a star in both boxing and MMA. Justin Edmonds / Getty Images
REGINA HALMICH
Record: 54-1-1, 16 KOs Active: 1994-2007 Key victories: Jill Matthews, Hollie Dunaway, Elena Reid, Kim Messer, Delia Gonzalez Titles: Flyweight (1995-2007); junior bantamweight (1998-99, 2004), junior flyweight (1996-2007) Background: The former kickboxer from Germany ventured outside Europe only once – losing to Yvonne Trevino in 1995 in the U.S. – but she was dominating on her native continent. She had two reigns as flyweight champion, with an incredible 28 total successful defenses. She was a major figure in her home country.
HOLLY HOLM
Record: 33-2-3, 9 KOs Active: 2002-13 Key victories: Christy Martin, Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Mary Jo Sanders, Jane Couch, Chevelle Hallback, Mia St. John, Jaime Clampitt Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06, 2010, 2012-13); welterweight (2006-09, 2012): junior middleweight (2006-08) Background: Holm became a hometown favorite in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she fought the majority of her bouts. The former kickboxer, who had excellent boxing skills, won a reported 14 titles in three divisions. She went on to compete in mixed martial arts, in which she knocked out UFC star Ronda Rousey in a significant upset.
Neither Shane Mosley nor Sergio Mora would win another world title after fighting one another on Sept. 18, 2010 in Los Angeles, but they had enough in the tank to give us a compelling scrap that night. Mosley was in his “opponent” stage, when he …
Neither Shane Mosley nor Sergio Mora would win another world title after fighting one another on Sept. 18, 2010 in Los Angeles, but they had enough in the tank to give us a compelling scrap that night.
Mosley was in his “opponent” stage, when he served as a big-name foil for major stars at the time — Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez, all of whom easily outpointed him.
After Mayweather and before Pacquiao and Alvarez was the bout with Mora, a slick boxer who was nearer his prime than Mosley. He had recently won and then lost a 154-pound title against Vernon Forrest.
The junior middleweight fight turned out to be an even match, as the scores indicated: 116-112 for Mosley, 115-113 for Mora and 114-114, a split draw.
In this installment of DAZN’s “Saturday Fight Live,” Mora watches the fight with Todd Grisham and breaks down his fight against Mosley.
Naazim Richardson, the longtime trainer of Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley, Steve Cunningham and many others, has died.
Boxing has lost another great trainer
Naazim Richardson, the mentor of Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley, Steve Cunningham and many others, has died. He reportedly suffered a stroke in 2007 and had been in poor health the past few years.
Richardson, from Philadelphia, assisted Bouie Fisher before becoming a noted trainer in his own right working out of the Shuler Gym.
He arguably had his most success working with Hopkins, the seven-time world titleholder and a competitive fighter into his late 40s. Hopkins and Richardson both overcame challenges to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
“We feed off each other’s adversity,” Hopkins told the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2014. “Everyone has a story that could have ended their lives or stopped their careers. But somehow we found a way to not fall victim to those challenges. It’s good to know that he’s a fighter, not a quitter.”
Richardson made news in 2009, when, as the trainer of Mosley, he discovered a foreign object in the hand wraps of Antonio Margarito during routine oversight at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Mexican was allowed to fight and suffered a knockout loss.
Afterward, Margarito was suspended and his trainer, Javier Capetillo, was banned from working corners.
Richardson was a favorite of boxing writers. He was always available for interviews and invariably offered thoughtful, insightful comments.
His sons Tiger and Rock Allen, as well as nephew Karl Dargan, have fought professionally.
Roger Mayweather, another respected trainer, died in March.
RIP to my oldhead. Was the only Philly trainer to show me love when I started out. Was the last person in the locker room when Jrock lost to Charlo. And the last person in the locker room when Jrock beat Hurd. My man! pic.twitter.com/DFTSqmDt88
Floyd Mayweather’s resume at 147 pounds doesn’t stack up against that of Sugar Ray Leonard. There certainly isn’t any shame in that.
Floyd Mayweather recently expressed his frustration on a FightHype.com video after someone suggested that Sugar Ray Leonard was a better welterweight than he was.
One of the arguments Mayweather used in pleading his case: “How can you have a guy ranked No. 1 when his first loss was to a lightweight, Roberto Duran?”
Think about that for a second. Mayweather dismissed Duran as “a lightweight.”
Well, first of all, Duran arguably was the greatest lightweight who ever lived. Two, he wasn’t a lightweight when he fought Leonard. That was his ninth fight at welterweight or heavier. And, three, it was Roberto-Freakin-Duran.
I’m shaking my head.
In my opinion, Mayweather was not as good a 147-pounder as Leonard. At the very least, he didn’t prove it if he was.
Mayweather was 12-0 (3 KOs) as a welterweight. His best victories: Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley.
Leonard was 26-1 (18 KOs) as a 147-pounder. His best victories: Thomas Hearns, Duran (in the “no mas” rematch) and Wilfredo Benitez.
All six of those opponents are or will be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. But there’s a difference. Let’s take a look at each opponent.
Pacquiao (UD 12) – The 2015 victory over the Filipino star carries weight – particularly in light of his recent victory over Keith Thurman – but the fact is Pacquiao, 36, was past his prime when Mayweather outpointed him. That fight should’ve happened five years earlier.
Plus, if you believe Pacquiao, he fought with an injured shoulder. And, if Mayweather is going to call Duran a lightweight, I’ll call Pacquiao a natural 140-pounder. He’s still a small welterweight.
Marquez (UD 12) – Mayweather criticizes those who suggest that Marquez was too small for him given the fact he knocked out Pacquiao at welterweight three years later.
Now I’m scratching my head.
The fact is that Marquez never fought above 135 pounds and was a 126-pounder only six fights earlier when he met Mayweather. Everyone knew at the time that fighting even at a catch weight of 144 was asking too much of the 36-year-old Mexican.
Mosley (UD 12) – Mayweather points out that Mosley was coming off a sensational knockout victory over Antonio Margarito. True. But what Mayweather fails to mention is that Mosley was 38 and had been out of the ring for 16 months when they met.
Also, a quick glance at Mosley’s record indicates he was in decline. He never won another important fight and, including the Mayeather loss, he was 3-5-1 to finish his career.
Now a look at Leonard’s opponents.
Hearns (TKO 14) – The lean, but powerful “Hit Man” was young, not quite 23, but had built a reputation as an unusually dangerous boxer-puncher. He was 32-0, with 30 knockouts, when he met Leonard for the first time. This version of Hearns was an absolute monster.
Duran (TKO 8) – Say what you want about Duran’s natural size. He was one of the best ever to lace up gloves and was only 29 for the rematch with Leonard, who, instead of brawling with Duran as he had in the first fight, boxed circles around him until he quit.
Benitez (TKO 15) – The superb boxer from Puerto Rico made history when he upset the great Antonio Cervantes to win a 140-pound title at 17 years old. He was only 21 and at his peak when Leonard outboxed and then stopped him.
And please note: Leonard not only beat the three legends mentioned above in only a 22-month period, he stopped all three!
I’m not sure if a prime Mayweather would’ve beaten any of the three. Hearns’ style was all wrong for Mayweather. The only way to beat Hearns was to hurt him and that wasn’t Mayweather’s strength. Jose Luis Castillo and Marcos Maidana gave Mayweather problems with aggression. Can you image what Duran would’ve thrown at him? And Benitez was good enough to give anyone in history problems.
This column isn’t meant to demean Mayweather’s accomplishments. Honestly. I believe strongly that he was the best fighter of his era, which means he’s one of the best fighters of all time.
His resume at 147 pounds simply doesn’t stack up against that of Sugar-Freakin-Ray Leonard. There certainly isn’t any shame in that.
Trainer Robert Garcia breaks down the 2009 Shane Mosley-Antonio Margarito fight in this installment of Saturday Fight Live.
The Shane Mosley-Antonio Margarito fight is remembered most for what was found in Margarito’s hand wraps before the bout took place.
A substance described as being like plaster of Paris was discovered in Margarito’s wraps. He was ordered to re-wrap his hands and the fight went on as scheduled on Jan. 24, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The fall out from the loaded gloves was severe. Margarito was suspended and didn’t fight again for more than a year. His trainer, Javier Capetillo, was banned from working corners in the U.S. for life.
The fight itself might be obscured by the scandal.
Mosley, aging but still capable, outboxed and then stopped Margarito in the ninth round in what turned out to be the last great performance of Sugar Shane’s career.
In this installment of DAZN’s “Saturday Fight Live,” trainer Robert Garcia, who later worked with Margarito, watches the fight on video and provides his commentary.
Six degrees of separation is a theory that everyone in the world is separated by no more than six social connections. In other words, you know someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows Queen Elizabeth. …
Six degrees of separation is a theory that everyone in the world is separated by no more than six social connections.
In other words, you know someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows Queen Elizabeth. Or so the concept goes.
We’re borrowing the six degrees concept – well, sort of loosely – to connect fighters from the past to their more contemporary counterparts in our new occasional feature, “Degrees of Separation.”
Example: Let’s connect Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Super easy; we did it in two steps. Senior fought Grover Wiley, who fought Junior.
In this installment of the Boxing Junkie feature, we decided to stick with family matters. We linked Tyson Fury with his father, John Fury, in our last installment.
This time, we decided to connect former junior middleweight titleholder Tony Harrison with his grandfather, Henry Hank, a top middleweight and light heavyweight in the 1950s and ’60s out of Detroit who last fought in 1972.
It took us 13 steps but we did it.
Check it out:
Henry Hank fought …
Eddie Jones, who fought …
Tom Bogs, who fought …
Carlos Monzon, who fought …
Jose Napoles, who fought …
Armando Muniz, who fought …
Carlos Palomino, who fought …
Wilfredo Rivera, who fought …
Shane Mosley, who fought …
Canelo Alvarez, who fought …
Erislandy Lara, who fought …
Vanes Martirosyan, who fought …
Jermell Charlo, who fought …
Tony Harrison
Could you do it in fewer steps? Let us know via Twitter or Facebook. Or you can contact me on Twitter. And please follow us!
ESPN2 is showcasing five of the most controversial decisions of the past 30-plus years beginning at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).
You be the judge.
ESPN2 is showcasing five of the most controversial decisions of the past 30-plus years beginning at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday). The classic fights can also be seen on ESPN+.
The lineup kicks off with Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad from 1999. De La Hoya, the biggest star in the sport at that time, was leading on the cards when he inexplicably ran the last three-plus rounds, which cost him the decision.
At 8 p.m. is De La Hoya vs. Shane Mosley II from 2000. Mosley won their first meeting by a split decision. And the second give-and-take fight also was close. De La Hoya outlanded Mosley 221-127, according to CompuBox, but lost a unanimous decision.
At 9 p.m. is Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez III from 2011. Many believe Marquez deserved to win a decision in this fight but Pacquiao emerged with the majority-decision nod.
At 10 p.m. is Marvin Hagler vs. Sugar Ray Leonad from 1987. Leonard came back from almost three years away from the sport to stun Hagler and the boxing world by winning a split decision. Did he deserve it?
And at 11 is Floyd Mayweather vs Jose Luis Castillo I. This might’ve been the most difficult fight of Mayweather’s career, as Castillo’s mauling tactics made the pound-for-pound king’s life miserable. Mayweather emerged with a unanimous decision but not everyone was convinced.
