BoxRec

Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Pep, Joe Louis and George Foreman fought more than their share of stiffs, tomatoe cans and bums of the month. Somehow they're pardoned for taking easy fights, while Chavez' opponents are questioned on internet forums. Even in an era of multiple title holders, JC Superstar fought and beat more champions than anyone else from the 80s to the present. His overall quality of opposition is far greater than most champions and rates a perfect 10 in that catagory.

He took risks against Mario Martinez, Rocky Lockridge, Roger Mayweather (twice), Edwin Rosario, Jose Luis Ramirez, Meldrick Taylor (twice)...

It's always great to see Chavez receive a standing ovation when he walks into a packed arena without even being announced.

I admire Chavez immensely as a boxer. It's a shame he's still fighting now. And I just feel that he could have been just as great without the easy fights he took. I know those who lost to him can say they fought and lost to the great Chavez, but still.

wlvrne wrote:I admire Chavez immensely as a boxer. It's a shame he's still fighting now. And I just feel that he could have been just as great without the easy fights he took. I know those who lost to him can say they fought and lost to the great Chavez, but still.

Wlvrne

Whaty about the real old timers like Pep, Greb, etc with huge numbers of ifghters on their records? I really think its a positive thing that Chavez fought so often. I don't see it as a negative in the slightest.

I can tell by their respective records that they fought alot. But that's as far as my knowledge about those 2 and others from that era goes.
As for JCC, I've been watching him for years. Aside from his title fights, the average level of opponent could be better. Maybe he fought so much just to stay in shape. I mean, look at Yory-Boy Campas. He had a similar record, but was never the champion that Chavez won, and his record came under scrutiny whenever I've seen him fight.
The main difference between the 2 is that Chavez won his championship fights while Campas lost his.

wlvrne wrote:I can tell by their respective records that they fought alot. But that's as far as my knowledge about those 2 and others from that era goes.
As for JCC, I've been watching him for years. Aside from his title fights, the average level of opponent could be better. Maybe he fought so much just to stay in shape. I mean, look at Yory-Boy Campas. He had a similar record, but was never the champion that Chavez won, and his record came under scrutiny whenever I've seen him fight.
The main difference between the 2 is that Chavez won his championship fights while Campas lost his.

I agree that it's the big fights which make him great. I am just asking about your perception of these small fights. I'd rather a fighter stayed in shape by fighting regularly than turning out twice a year. Chavez didn't need these fights. i just think it's good for the sport if our top champions turn out as often as possible.

Ezzard wrote:

wlvrne wrote:I can tell by their respective records that they fought alot. But that's as far as my knowledge about those 2 and others from that era goes.
As for JCC, I've been watching him for years. Aside from his title fights, the average level of opponent could be better. Maybe he fought so much just to stay in shape. I mean, look at Yory-Boy Campas. He had a similar record, but was never the champion that Chavez won, and his record came under scrutiny whenever I've seen him fight.
The main difference between the 2 is that Chavez won his championship fights while Campas lost his.

I agree that it's the big fights which make him great. I am just asking about your perception of these small fights. I'd rather a fighter stayed in shape by fighting regularly than turning out twice a year. Chavez didn't need these fights. i just think it's good for the sport if our top champions turn out as often as possible.

And thereby giving these fighters a chance to mix it up with the great JCC where normally they'd have no chance to do so?
Since you put it in that perspective Ezzard, I'll agree with you then. In one way, I'd always thought of it as him picking on less-talented fighters by having these fights. But seeing it in the light of what you're saying, I gotta respect him for doing that. And even more so if his proceeds did go to charities and one poster said.

you guys can say he fought tomato cans as well as better and tougher opponents. also, u guys can say he fought easier opponents in quantity.. the reason is because everybody else was afraid of facing him on the ring. he was a warrior and was so active and that greatly deserves the achievement as one of the bests in the sport ever.