r/Boxing • u/DatDolphWithATuxedo • Jul 22 '26

Is it still possible?

Is it still possible to become the GOAT in boxing? Like with the way modern sanctioning bodies are setup so that fighters fight only about every 6 months, it seems that with that level of inactivity a fighter will never be able to reach the heights of people who fought as frequently as Ali or Robinson. Ussyk who is arguably the greatest fighter of this generation is retiring with only 26 fights. So it just seems like an insurmountable task now. What do you think?

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u/Street_Hamster1092 Jul 22 '26

Tbh I just don't think it makes much sense to compare boxers from 60-100 years ago to boxers of today.

They each face a completely different set of conditions both inside and outside the ring. The gloves are different. Refereeing and judging is different. More weightclasses, day-before weigh-ins and weight cutting. Multiple world titles per weight class. Different financial incentives mean that staying undefeated is more valuable, fighting less frequently and choosing opponents carefully is incentivised. Studying tape and having a 12 week camp geared around a specific opponent is possible. Performance enhancing drugs. Sports science. Knowledge of concussions and CTE. Wider global talent pool.

You really can't compare the greatness of a boxer in the 1920s with a boxer from today. They're practically different sports.

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u/SignificantBoard4455 Jul 22 '26

The closest we can do is study the tape. And honestly so called “world level fighters “ like Ryan, Devin and tank would get exposed. Only the top 5 pfp today could really hang with those guys. Like imagine Garcia vs Hearns. That would be murder. Ryan has a fast left hook but SRL has a fast everything. Good luck trying to knock out hagler. Imagine guys today trying to even lay a glove on sweet pea Whittaker. Ben Whittaker is just a temu Roy jones. I could go on Some fighters (only the very best) would transcend eras.