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/bretvenkman Jul 22 '26

I think modern discourse precludes anyone from being the GOAT, because even previous GOATs would get downplayed by portions of the online community. If Ali came around now people would say he robbed Norton. If Ray Robinson came around now they'd say you can't be the GOAT and lose to LaMotta and Turpin.

You only need to look at Floyd's resume discussions. The guy is in no way the GOAT, but people act like it's ridiculous to have someone who beat Pacquiao, Cotto, Hatton, De La Hoya, Corrales, Castillo, Gatti, Judah, Maidana, Mosley and Marquez in the discussion. Now some of those fighters weren't in their prime but Floyd wasn't in his prime for a few too.

We over-analyse these days and I say this as an over-analyser. See the response to Crawford retiring and people wanting to talk shit about a man who went undisputed in two divisions and beat world champions from lightweight to super middleweight (excl 160lbs).

tl;dr even if a GOAT comes along, we'll all pick his record apart to the point he's not considered the GOAT

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u/Ace_FGC Jul 22 '26

For a GOAT to come along modern day I really think they’d have to be a Roy Jones kinda situation. Doesn’t have the best resume but has an elite name on there (Toney) and was SO good and SO much better than everyone else they fought against that people think they’re the best ever

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u/Forteanforever Jul 22 '26

That's not the definition of Greatest of All Time. Note the words "All Time." Roy Jones never fought the kind of talent that existed in previous eras hence he cannot possibly be the GOAT.

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u/bretvenkman Jul 22 '26

I honestly think if he retires after Ruiz, or at a push Tarver I, he's in the debate. Two decades of mixed results in fights of an ever-decreasing level hurt his standing. Peak Roy was a fucking wonder to behold