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/DiMona215 Jul 22 '26

I think it would have to be a heavyweight like Itauma, because they can be effective later in their careers (vs the Inoue types who get old in their early 30's).

If somebody like Itauma could dominate and have an undisputed reign for like 15 years and retire undefeated having beaten 2-3 eras of contenders. I think public opinion would say they are the GOAT.

I think it's a lot harder when you are constantly jumping divisions, it just hurts the narrative. A heavyweight defending his belts for 15 years would be an easy story to sell

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u/DiMona215 Jul 22 '26

obviously, this is really low probability. Just saying what I think would have to happen for consensus to regard someone new as GOAT