BoxRec

If so, who?

I think Archie Moore had said that Joe Gans was the best boxer.
( although he never saw him in person of course)

Harry Greb.

How can we know? Unless you're about 150 years old, you haven't seen all the contenders, and can't accurately judge it.

I think he can realistically be rated anywhere between 1 and 5. And that's pretty impressive.

I don't think that the great Sugar Ray Robinson was #1. As a matter of fact, I think that he was the most overrated fighter in boxing history.

He was a great boxer. But not #1 in my view.

Years and years ago, there was a very strong contingent on here who all backed Homicide Hank as the being the best ever... The notion does seem to have died down somewhat.

Seamus wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024, 08:48 I think he can realistically be rated anywhere between 1 and 5. And that's pretty impressive.

Same.

You're splitting hairs really between which number you assign to whom in the guys that are all time Top 5.

Crease wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024, 11:53 Years and years ago, there was a very strong contingent on here who all backed Homicide Hank as the being the best ever... The notion does seem to have died down somewhat.

I still believe that Henry is the best.

elmersalsa wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024, 16:13I still believe that Henry is the best.

That's fair, I have him at number two. What he achieved is really unthinkable these days, cleaning out three divisions...

elmersalsa wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024, 16:13

Crease wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024, 11:53 Years and years ago, there was a very strong contingent on here who all backed Homicide Hank as the being the best ever... The notion does seem to have died down somewhat.

I still believe that Henry is the best.

Too many losses in his prime to be #1 IMO.

There was only one and that was against a great fighter who was in a heavier weight class.
His list of wins is as good as anyone. It's really hard to compare boxers in different weight classes, but Robinson has to be right there.

jwfg wrote: ↑17 Feb 2024, 09:10

elmersalsa wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024, 16:13

Crease wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024, 11:53 Years and years ago, there was a very strong contingent on here who all backed Homicide Hank as the being the best ever... The notion does seem to have died down somewhat.

I still believe that Henry is the best.

Too many losses in his prime to be #1 IMO.

He made up for it with some extraordinary prowess, unbeaten streaks and unbelievable achievements that have never been done in boxing history.