The 10 Best Fighters of the 1970s

[elmersalsa]

Last topic was about the best ten boxers of the 1940s decade. Many differ in the opinions about the great Willie Pep, as the best of that decade.

Let's talk about another decade that had superstars just like the 1980s. It wasn't quite close like the 80s in terms of superstardom power in almost all the weight classes. Mainly because the heavyweight division was so loaded with talent, that the rest of the other weight classes didn't get all the equal attention. But, the decade produced some fine all time greats who many considered in four or five weight classes, the best ever of their respective divisions. You will see what I am talking about below. These to me, were the ten best pound per pound boxers of the 1970s decade:

1. Roberto Duran
2. Carlos Monzon
3. Muhammad Ali
4. Alexis Arguello
5. George Foreman
6. Wilfredo Gomez
7. Carlos Zarate
8. Miguel Canto
9. Ruben Olivares
10. Bob Foster

Honorary mention:
Joe Frazier: There is a saying that there is no best of the 70s decade, especially in the heavyweight division without Smokin' Joe. That is somewhat true. The other truth of the matter is that this is a pound per pound ranking and not a political popular choice. Yes, Frazier won the biggest and most anticipated fight in the history of the heavyweight division, putting the great Muhammad Ali flat on his back in the last round of that extraordinary and fantastic night at The Garden. Yes, he was twice The Ring Fighter of the Year in 1970 and 1971. But, in the decade, Frazier didn't fight enough. He only had 12 bouts in the whole entire decade. Yes, he decapitated the great Bob Foster in two with a left hook and also bludgeoned Jimmy Ellis for the undisputed title, but, he had his most horrendous and humiliating defeat in Jamaica at the hands of the great George Foreman in only two rounds and only won 8 fights. Not enough wins, but lots of noise. The others above, had more to offer. It was the 1960s that he was truly as one of the best.

Sugar Ray Leonard: Came a little late for the party. He won the Olympic gold in Montreal and jumped off to superstardom in perhaps the greatest US Olympic boxing team ever in '76. By the end of the decade, he won the welterweight title by stopping the great Wilfred Benitez in 15 masterful rounds. He went 26-0 as a pro in the decade, which was the precursor of the next decade, which he was clearly the best.

Wilfred Benitez: Became making headlines when he was the youngest boxer, at 17 years of age, to win a world title. This feat probably will never be duplicated. And he just didn't beat just any champion. He beat a grown man in his prime in Antonio Cervantes in March '76. But, the Teenager did not stopped there. Three years later, he took the crown from champion Carlos Palomino for his second division title. Was unbeaten in first 39 fights until he met, we all know who.

Antonio Cervantes: Was a two-time fantastic world jr. welterweight champion that made 15 title defenses in two reigns. But, we all forgot that before that, Nicolino Locche whupped him and gave him a boxing lesson in Argentina for his first title try in '71. And a teenager that should've been in school worrying about homework gave him another lesson 5 years after that. But, between that, he won 39 fights in the decade. He made history by becoming the first world champion ever from his native Colombia.... He beat Esteban Dejesus, Alfonso "Peppermint" Frazer (twice), Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez, Hector Thompson, Saoul Mamby and avenged his loss to Locche in Venezuela. With all that, a fight with the great Roberto Duran did not materialized.

Larry Holmes: Undefeated in the decade winning 32 fights and also the WBC world heavyweight crown in a spectacular 15-round slugsfest with the champion Ken Norton in June '78. He came a little late for the party of the heavyweight elite of Ali, Foreman and Frazier. Beat dangerous puncher Earnie Shavers twice, and also Mike Weaver, Ossie Ocasio and Alfredo Evangelista in title defenses. But, in the 80s is when he got his props by being recognized first as the true lineal champion and all time great heavyweight status.

[Kurgen22]

Good choices. At times you have to sit back and look at the decade, vice the total Career. Duran and Ali both peacked in the 70s for example.

[dr_devious]

Ali peaked in the 60s

[Syntax Error]

Good list.

Difficult to argue against it from my point of view.

[scartissue]

Your list is good but I think it does a disservice to Antonio Cervantes as only an honorable mention. He should be well up in that list nearer top five IMO. Let's compare what he achieved over the course of the decade ('70-'79) to Wilfredo Gomez and Bob Foster.

First of all, Gomez and Foster were great fighters, but looking at accomplishments as a whole over that 10 year period pales in comparison with Cervantes. And I think that's what we're looking at if I am understanding this correctly. Cervantes went 39-2 over the span of the decade and 17-2 in world title fights. Foster, on the other hand was done by '74. How is this an accomplishment through the decade? On top of that, he was stripped of his title for failure to defend against the outstanding challengers of the day. he did hold some decent wins over Rondon, Quarry, Finnegan and Fourie, but he was also KO'd by Ali and Frazier in those ventures up in weight and the bad decision/draw with Ahumada was awful. Again, we're talking accomplishments, not talent or legendary status.

Wilfredo Gomez didn't turn pro until '74 and won the title in '76. He had really only 12 meaningful fights to feather his nest with to make this list. actually I'll give you one more. The Albert Davila fight before he won the title to make it 13. And let me tell you about those 13. There are quite a few of those fighters who should have been very beholding to the creation of the super bantams. Because they would never have gotten a title shot at feather without the recent creation of 122.

Again, Foster and Gomez were great fighters, but Cervantes far exceeds them in accomplishments through the decade.

[elmersalsa]

Your list is good but I think it does a disservice to Antonio Cervantes as only an honorable mention. He should be well up in that list nearer top five IMO. Let's compare what he achieved over the course of the decade ('70-'79) to Wilfredo Gomez and Bob Foster.

First of all, Gomez and Foster were great fighters, but looking at accomplishments as a whole over that 10 year period pales in comparison with Cervantes. And I think that's what we're looking at if I am understanding this correctly. Cervantes went 39-2 over the span of the decade and 17-2 in world title fights. Foster, on the other hand was done by '74. How is this an accomplishment through the decade? On top of that, he was stripped of his title for failure to defend against the outstanding challengers of the day. he did hold some decent wins over Rondon, Quarry, Finnegan and Fourie, but he was also KO'd by Ali and Frazier in those ventures up in weight and the bad decision/draw with Ahumada was awful. Again, we're talking accomplishments, not talent or legendary status.

Wilfredo Gomez didn't turn pro until '74 and won the title in '76. He had really only 12 meaningful fights to feather his nest with to make this list. actually I'll give you one more. The Albert Davila fight before he won the title to make it 13. And let me tell you about those 13. There are quite a few of those fighters who should have been very beholding to the creation of the super bantams. Because they would never have gotten a title shot at feather without the recent creation of 122.

Again, Foster and Gomez were great fighters, but Cervantes far exceeds them in accomplishments through the decade.

I see your point, and if in your list Antonio Cervantes "Kid Pambele" is one of the 70s decade best, is reasonable.

But, I picked first Bazooka over Kid Pambele because at 122lbs, I have not seen nothing like him. He was a destroyer that won all of his 29 or 30 bouts by KO. That was very impressive. Plus, he tied at the time the record of the great Roberto Duran with 10 straight title wins by knockout. That, at any weight class is remarkable. And he beat some good competition like Leonardo Cruz and the great Carlos Zarate. When he destroyed Zarate in Puerto Rico in just 4 rounds, he solidified himself as one of the best and winning one of the top fights of the decade.

The great Bob Foster could not hang with the BIG DOGS, THE HEAVYWEIGHTS. But, at his weight class, he was INVINCIBLE to say at least. He made 14 title defenses and was the TOP DOG of the light-heavyweights. His impressive win over WBA champion Vicente Rondon solidified that.

[TBEwasLangford]

Last topic was about the best ten boxers of the 1940s decade. Many differ in the opinions about the great Willie Pep, as the best of that decade.

Let's talk about another decade that had superstars just like the 1980s. It wasn't quite close like the 80s in terms of superstardom power in almost all the weight classes. Mainly because the heavyweight division was so loaded with talent, that the rest of the other weight classes didn't get all the equal attention. But, the decade produced some fine all time greats who many considered in four or five weight classes, the best ever of their respective divisions. You will see what I am talking about below. These to me, were the ten best pound per pound boxers of the 1970s decade:

1. Roberto Duran
2. Carlos Monzon
3. Muhammad Ali
4. Alexis Arguello
5. George Foreman
6. Wilfredo Gomez
7. Carlos Zarate
8. Miguel Canto
9. Ruben Olivares
10. Bob Foster

Honorary mention:
Joe Frazier: There is a saying that there is no best of the 70s decade, especially in the heavyweight division without Smokin' Joe. That is somewhat true. The other truth of the matter is that this is a pound per pound ranking and not a political popular choice. Yes, Frazier won the biggest and most anticipated fight in the history of the heavyweight division, putting the great Muhammad Ali flat on his back in the last round of that extraordinary and fantastic night at The Garden. Yes, he was twice The Ring Fighter of the Year in 1970 and 1971. But, in the decade, Frazier didn't fight enough. He only had 12 bouts in the whole entire decade. Yes, he decapitated the great Bob Foster in two with a left hook and also bludgeoned Jimmy Ellis for the undisputed title, but, he had his most horrendous and humiliating defeat in Jamaica at the hands of the great George Foreman in only two rounds and only won 8 fights. Not enough wins, but lots of noise. The others above, had more to offer. It was the 1960s that he was truly as one of the best.

Sugar Ray Leonard: Came a little late for the party. He won the Olympic gold in Montreal and jumped off to superstardom in perhaps the greatest US Olympic boxing team ever in '76. By the end of the decade, he won the welterweight title by stopping the great Wilfred Benitez in 15 masterful rounds. He went 26-0 as a pro in the decade, which was the precursor of the next decade, which he was clearly the best.

Wilfred Benitez: Became making headlines when he was the youngest boxer, at 17 years of age, to win a world title. This feat probably will never be duplicated. And he just didn't beat just any champion. He beat a grown man in his prime in Antonio Cervantes in March '76. But, the Teenager did not stopped there. Three years later, he took the crown from champion Carlos Palomino for his second division title. Was unbeaten in first 39 fights until he met, we all know who.

Antonio Cervantes: Was a two-time fantastic world jr. welterweight champion that made 15 title defenses in two reigns. But, we all forgot that before that, Nicolino Locche whupped him and gave him a boxing lesson in Argentina for his first title try in '71. And a teenager that should've been in school worrying about homework gave him another lesson 5 years after that. But, between that, he won 39 fights in the decade. He made history by becoming the first world champion ever from his native Colombia.... He beat Esteban Dejesus, Alfonso "Peppermint" Frazer (twice), Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez, Hector Thompson, Saoul Mamby and avenged his loss to Locche in Venezuela. With all that, a fight with the great Roberto Duran did not materialized.

Larry Holmes: Undefeated in the decade winning 32 fights and also the WBC world heavyweight crown in a spectacular 15-round slugsfest with the champion Ken Norton in June '78. He came a little late for the party of the heavyweight elite of Ali, Foreman and Frazier. Beat dangerous puncher Earnie Shavers twice, and also Mike Weaver, Ossie Ocasio and Alfredo Evangelista in title defenses. But, in the 80s is when he got his props by being recognized first as the true lineal champion and all time great heavyweight status.

Good list, my only points would be;

Foster, whilst a great LH champion only really fought til 74 and his opposition, whilst decent (excellent wins over Finnegan and Rondon), wasn't out of this world. The fact that he was also so convincingly dismantled by Frazier and Ali IMO should have a bearing on his position within a 70's P4P list. Cervantes should be above him.

I also would have Ken Buchanan as an honourable mention, considered by many to be Britain's greatest post war fighter. At his peak in early 70's only the brilliant Duran was better than him in the lightweight division, he was a wonderful all round boxer.

[ClivePatrickLyons]

The 3 that really stand out are......Ali.....Duran.....Monzon ...............Tony Mundine and Hector Thompson were very unlucky fighter's.

[BoxBuzz]

Your list is good but I think it does a disservice to Antonio Cervantes as only an honorable mention. He should be well up in that list nearer top five IMO. Let's compare what he achieved over the course of the decade ('70-'79) to Wilfredo Gomez and Bob Foster.

First of all, Gomez and Foster were great fighters, but looking at accomplishments as a whole over that 10 year period pales in comparison with Cervantes. And I think that's what we're looking at if I am understanding this correctly. Cervantes went 39-2 over the span of the decade and 17-2 in world title fights. Foster, on the other hand was done by '74. How is this an accomplishment through the decade? On top of that, he was stripped of his title for failure to defend against the outstanding challengers of the day. he did hold some decent wins over Rondon, Quarry, Finnegan and Fourie, but he was also KO'd by Ali and Frazier in those ventures up in weight and the bad decision/draw with Ahumada was awful. Again, we're talking accomplishments, not talent or legendary status.

Wilfredo Gomez didn't turn pro until '74 and won the title in '76. He had really only 12 meaningful fights to feather his nest with to make this list. actually I'll give you one more. The Albert Davila fight before he won the title to make it 13. And let me tell you about those 13. There are quite a few of those fighters who should have been very beholding to the creation of the super bantams. Because they would never have gotten a title shot at feather without the recent creation of 122.

Again, Foster and Gomez were great fighters, but Cervantes far exceeds them in accomplishments through the decade.

I agree, 100%. Ok actually 110%


Elmer.....I suggest you upgrade your list with due diligence. Leaving Cervantes out of your list, based on your timeline, was a pretty big error on your part.

[Ambling Alp II]

So Duran and Monzon are #1 and #2 for the 1970s, Pep is #1 for the 1940s, and Pep and Armstrong are #1 and #2 for All-Time Featherweights.

By total coincidence, elmer just happens to be a huge fan of Duran, Monzon, Pep and Armstrong. This is all really working out well for him.

[elmersalsa]

So Duran and Monzon are #1 and #2 for the 1970s, Pep is #1 for the 1940s, and Pep and Armstrong are #1 and #2 for All-Time Featherweights.

By total coincidence, elmer just happens to be a huge fan of Duran, Monzon, Pep and Armstrong. This is all really working out well for him.

It's not because I like them, their accomplishments were very hard to ignore

[elmersalsa]

Your list is good but I think it does a disservice to Antonio Cervantes as only an honorable mention. He should be well up in that list nearer top five IMO. Let's compare what he achieved over the course of the decade ('70-'79) to Wilfredo Gomez and Bob Foster.

First of all, Gomez and Foster were great fighters, but looking at accomplishments as a whole over that 10 year period pales in comparison with Cervantes. And I think that's what we're looking at if I am understanding this correctly. Cervantes went 39-2 over the span of the decade and 17-2 in world title fights. Foster, on the other hand was done by '74. How is this an accomplishment through the decade? On top of that, he was stripped of his title for failure to defend against the outstanding challengers of the day. he did hold some decent wins over Rondon, Quarry, Finnegan and Fourie, but he was also KO'd by Ali and Frazier in those ventures up in weight and the bad decision/draw with Ahumada was awful. Again, we're talking accomplishments, not talent or legendary status.

Wilfredo Gomez didn't turn pro until '74 and won the title in '76. He had really only 12 meaningful fights to feather his nest with to make this list. actually I'll give you one more. The Albert Davila fight before he won the title to make it 13. And let me tell you about those 13. There are quite a few of those fighters who should have been very beholding to the creation of the super bantams. Because they would never have gotten a title shot at feather without the recent creation of 122.

Again, Foster and Gomez were great fighters, but Cervantes far exceeds them in accomplishments through the decade.

I agree, 100%. Ok actually 110%


Elmer.....I suggest you upgrade your list with due diligence. Leaving Cervantes out of your list, based on your timeline, was a pretty big error on your part.

Kid Pambele was a fine boxer, it he is at the list of someone else's all time 70s best I don't have a problem with that. But, losing to a teenager leaves him out of the list in my view.

[campfire]

I'v had a rethink Ali is numero uno look what he did in the 70's no heavyweight in history could emulate that

[yancey]

Even though I've always maintained Joe Frazier's real peak was '68-'69, he still should be a Top 10 '70s fighter on the strength of his winning the Fight of the Century, destroying Jimmy Ellis to unify the heavyweight title, and while clearly past his peak, whipping Jerry Quarry and pushing Ali to the point of wanting the gloves cut off in arguably the second most memorable fight of the '70s decade. Besides that, he could have very well beaten Ali in their '74 12 rounder had the rules been enforced.

But I guess getting knocked down 6 times and losing his title in two rounds is as far as some can see.

Myself, I've always thought getting back up again and again after taking some hellacious shots from a truly murderous puncher only confirmed what a great champion and warrior Frazier truly was. Smoke went out on his shield. The same can't be said for some other heavyweight champions.

[scartissue]

[quote="elmersalsa
Kid Pambele was a fine boxer, it he is at the list of someone else's all time 70s best I don't have a problem with that. But, losing to a teenager leaves him out of the list in my view.[/quote]

Elmer, using that logic, one has to also state that Miguel Canto lost his title in '79 to a 10 bout novice in Park Chan-Hee and that Bob Foster lost to a 9 bout novice in Mustapha Wassaja or that he got stopped by journeyman Bob Hazleton. That teenager that Cervantes lost to was Wilfredo Benitez, an all-time great. Chan-Hee and Wassaja should never be mentioned in the same breath as Benitez. And for the record, I believe Cervantes would have regained his title from Benitez had Wilfredo not ducked out on their rematch.

[Ambling Alp II]

I'v had a rethink Ali is numero uno look what he did in the 70's no heavyweight in history could emulate that

But did he beat anyone as good as Ken Buchanan?

[BoxBuzz]

Even though I've always maintained Joe Frazier's real peak was '68-'69, he still should be a Top 10 '70s fighter on the strength of his winning the Fight of the Century, destroying Jimmy Ellis to unify the heavyweight title, and while clearly past his peak, whipping Jerry Quarry and pushing Ali to the point of wanting the gloves cut off in arguably the second most memorable fight of the '70s decade. Besides that, he could have very well beaten Ali in their '74 12 rounder had the rules been enforced.

But I guess getting knocked down 6 times and losing his title in two rounds is as far as some can see.

Myself, I've always thought getting back up again and again after taking some hellacious shots from a truly murderous puncher only confirmed what a great champion and warrior Frazier truly was. Smoke went out on his shield. The same can't be said for some other heavyweight champions.

Getting up from a murderous puncher should always be a benchmark of greatness. Ali never got up from a punch that Foreman delivered. You make a Good point. Great minds agree. Anyway's I think Joe should make the list as well.

Rules enforced? You mean the "stop hitting Joe Frazier so much rule?" or the full 3 minute round rule? Which of those rules are you talking about?

[BoxBuzz]

Your list is good but I think it does a disservice to Antonio Cervantes as only an honorable mention. He should be well up in that list nearer top five IMO. Let's compare what he achieved over the course of the decade ('70-'79) to Wilfredo Gomez and Bob Foster.

First of all, Gomez and Foster were great fighters, but looking at accomplishments as a whole over that 10 year period pales in comparison with Cervantes. And I think that's what we're looking at if I am understanding this correctly. Cervantes went 39-2 over the span of the decade and 17-2 in world title fights. Foster, on the other hand was done by '74. How is this an accomplishment through the decade? On top of that, he was stripped of his title for failure to defend against the outstanding challengers of the day. he did hold some decent wins over Rondon, Quarry, Finnegan and Fourie, but he was also KO'd by Ali and Frazier in those ventures up in weight and the bad decision/draw with Ahumada was awful. Again, we're talking accomplishments, not talent or legendary status.

Wilfredo Gomez didn't turn pro until '74 and won the title in '76. He had really only 12 meaningful fights to feather his nest with to make this list. actually I'll give you one more. The Albert Davila fight before he won the title to make it 13. And let me tell you about those 13. There are quite a few of those fighters who should have been very beholding to the creation of the super bantams. Because they would never have gotten a title shot at feather without the recent creation of 122.

Again, Foster and Gomez were great fighters, but Cervantes far exceeds them in accomplishments through the decade.

I agree, 100%. Ok actually 110%


Elmer.....I suggest you upgrade your list with due diligence. Leaving Cervantes out of your list, based on your timeline, was a pretty big error on your part.

Kid Pambele was a fine boxer, it he is at the list of someone else's all time 70s best I don't have a problem with that. But, losing to a teenager leaves him out of the list in my view.

You have to be kidding me. That is bar none one of the silliest "rules of thought" I have ever heard tell. Purely on "age discrimination?" That list by whomever that "someone else" you speak of is, is certainly on to something, by totaly ruling that thought out.

[giacomino]

Last topic was about the best ten boxers of the 1940s decade. Many differ in the opinions about the great Willie Pep, as the best of that decade.

Let's talk about another decade that had superstars just like the 1980s. It wasn't quite close like the 80s in terms of superstardom power in almost all the weight classes. Mainly because the heavyweight division was so loaded with talent, that the rest of the other weight classes didn't get all the equal attention. But, the decade produced some fine all time greats who many considered in four or five weight classes, the best ever of their respective divisions. You will see what I am talking about below. These to me, were the ten best pound per pound boxers of the 1970s decade:

1. Roberto Duran
2. Carlos Monzon
3. Muhammad Ali
4. Alexis Arguello
5. George Foreman
6. Wilfredo Gomez
7. Carlos Zarate
8. Miguel Canto
9. Ruben Olivares
10. Bob Foster

Like the list. The early '70s is when I learned to box and started following the sport big time and Duran and Monzon, possibly flipped, would be my #1 and #2. Cervantes would be on my list too. Don't have any problem with Bazooka Gomez being in top 10. Dude was an effing monster in the 70s. Can't argue with top 4, not sure about Foreman at #5.

[elmersalsa]

In 1974, the great Alexis Arguello lost his first world title bout against Ernesto Marcel of Panama in Panama City. Since then, Arguello won 19 title bouts on a row in 3 weight classes...Remarkable

And he did it by not taking a shortcut. He beat the best champion of every weight class he stepped in.

[elmersalsa]

The Greatest, Muhammad Ali recovered the heavyweight crown from champion George Foreman. Then, four years later, he lost it and recovered it from a novice of only 8 fights: Leon Spinks.

Ali, I believe, is the only man to beat more than 3 Olympic gold medalist fighters in a decade: Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson and Spinks. He became the first boxer in '78 to win the heavyweight crown three times!

[elmersalsa]

[quote="elmersalsa
Kid Pambele was a fine boxer, it he is at the list of someone else's all time 70s best I don't have a problem with that. But, losing to a teenager leaves him out of the list in my view.

Elmer, using that logic, one has to also state that Miguel Canto lost his title in '79 to a 10 bout novice in Park Chan-Hee and that Bob Foster lost to a 9 bout novice in Mustapha Wassaja or that he got stopped by journeyman Bob Hazleton. That teenager that Cervantes lost to was Wilfredo Benitez, an all-time great. Chan-Hee and Wassaja should never be mentioned in the same breath as Benitez. And for the record, I believe Cervantes would have regained his title from Benitez had Wilfredo not ducked out on their rematch.[/quote]

The PROBLEM is that Kid Pambele lost the crown to a teenager in his prime. The Radar gave him a boxing lesson.

The great Miguel Canto was already in decline by 1979. So, was the great Bob Foster in '78.

[scartissue]

[quote="elmersalsa
Kid Pambele was a fine boxer, it he is at the list of someone else's all time 70s best I don't have a problem with that. But, losing to a teenager leaves him out of the list in my view.

Elmer, using that logic, one has to also state that Miguel Canto lost his title in '79 to a 10 bout novice in Park Chan-Hee and that Bob Foster lost to a 9 bout novice in Mustapha Wassaja or that he got stopped by journeyman Bob Hazleton. That teenager that Cervantes lost to was Wilfredo Benitez, an all-time great. Chan-Hee and Wassaja should never be mentioned in the same breath as Benitez. And for the record, I believe Cervantes would have regained his title from Benitez had Wilfredo not ducked out on their rematch.

The PROBLEM is that Kid Pambele lost the crown to a teenager in his prime. The Radar gave him a boxing lesson.

The great Miguel Canto was already in decline by 1979. So, was the great Bob Foster in '78.[/quote]

Elmer, Cervantes was not in his prime. His prime would have been between '72 - '74, not at the age of 30 with 86 bouts behind him and making his 11th title defense. Canto was also 30 with about 65 fights behind him. the difference was that Cervantes had a longer stretch at the top, regaining his title in a vacant title scenario. He was just that good. Canto had the opportunity to regain his title from his conquerer and came close, but Cervantes never had that chance. His conquerer ducked out on the rematch and I'm wondering how people would think of Cervantes today had he beaten Benitez in the rematch (like I believe he would have) had he been given the opportunity. Of course Foster and Canto were getting towards the end of their tether, but Cervantes continued at the top way past his prime dominating throughout the decade. IMO Cervantes is top five by way of sheer dominance for this decade. Not some honorable mention.

[elmersalsa]

The great George Foreman was The Ring Fighter of the Year in 1973 and 1976. He only lost 2 fights in the 70s decade.

[Ambling Alp II]

Since winning Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year is such a big deal, and Ali won Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year 4 Times in the 1970s and the great Carlos Monzon only won it once, and the great Roberto Duran not all, Ali should move up to the top spot.

Not to mention that Ali has wins over two Fighter who won the award twice in the 1970s, and the great Carlos Monzon and the great Roberto Duran have none against fighters who won the award in the 1970s.