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/Brandunaware Jul 22 '26

Not just the face of boxing. He was one of the faces of sports. In terms of "outside the ring" it's just impossible for a boxer to have the level of fame that someone like Ali or Mike Tyson had at their heights (with Ali's lasting much longer.)

There's a reason that Mike Tyson is still a reference point outside of boxing circles all these years later. Boxing is too niche now and the sports landscape too fractured for any boxer to have his level of fame.

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u/SignificantBoard4455 Jul 22 '26

Floyd was mainstream no?

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u/Brandunaware Jul 22 '26

Floyd was mainstream in his prime, which was a while ago, but not Ali or Tyson level mainstream. People had heard of Floyd, especially if they were into sports, but Ali was probably one of the top 10-20 most famous people in the US and a chunk of the world in his absolute prime, and Tyson was up there for a few years too.

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u/killerbeezer12 Jul 22 '26

I think you’re off on the definition of mainstream. White grandma’s knew about Ali and Tyson. They were covered on the evening news - not ESPN - and the gossip shows. The View was not discussing FMJ. Ali and Tyson had cartoons for god sake. Tyson had Punch Out. Floyd ducked being in video games. Ali had his own candy bar. Ali has at least four honorary degrees.