Most likable boxers.

Well sports fans, here's the story.

I'm sitting at "Starbucks" after a meeting and wondering what type of fast list I can put together. The list, of course, is a tribute to the top 10 most likable boxers I've ever seen. Of course, I love Ali but realize there are extreme reactions to him coming from every direction. I think this is a list that most of you guys will agree on.

Nobody on this list has threatened to eat anyones children, no jail sentences for being a violent criminal, no comments on race either way (Unless we include Schmeling and Coetzee, both of whom I think worked beautifully within the racist environments of which they came.) and no domestic violence accusations. They all give or gave great interviews and always made people feel important for watching them. They are NOT listed in any particular order. I just like them all.

Add ons are welcome.



1. Alexis Arguello

2. Manny Pacquiao

3. Rocky Graziano

4. Michael Spinks

5. Earnie Shavers

6. Gerrie Coetzee & Max Schmeling

7. Tommy Hearns

8. Gerry Cooney

9. Glen Johnson

10. Ray Mancini

Frank wrote:Well sports fans, here's the story.

I'm sitting at "Starbucks" after a meeting and wondering what type of fast list I can put together. The list, of course, is a tribute to the top 10 most likable boxers I've ever seen. Of course, I love Ali but realize there are extreme reactions to him coming from every direction. I think this is a list that most of you guys will agree on.

Nobody on this list has threatened to eat anyones children, no jail sentences for being a violent criminal, no comments on race either way (Unless we include Schmeling and Coetzee, both of whom I think worked beautifully within the racist environments of which they came.) and no domestic violence accusations. They all give or gave great interviews and always made people feel important for watching them. They are NOT listed in any particular order. I just like them all.

Add ons are welcome.



1. Alexis Arguello

2. Manny Pacquiao

3. Rocky Graziano

4. Michael Spinks

5. Earnie Shavers

6. Gerrie Coetzee & Max Schmeling

7. Tommy Hearns

8. Gerry Cooney

9. Glen Johnson

10. Ray Mancini

the second coming of George foreman was a very liked fighter. Gatti also was liked

Eff Mancini.....add Bobby Czyz

arguello manny pac graziano and boom boom are great choices..id add marciano for sure.. lamotta joe louis and you cant help love tony galento or max baer..

cooney frank also great pick on your part...sergio martinez.

Tex Cobb....."I'll sling leather darlin'".

Jack Dempsey was very well liked as well.

Vinny Pazienza was far from great as a fighter, but he was GREAT to fans. Never turned down an autograph request and I once saw him walk all the way from a casino to his car and back again, just to give a fan an autographed photo.

Sumbu Kalambay is a nice a soul as has ever laced em up. A true gentleman.

Frankie Liles is super nice too.

James Toney, for all his bluster, always has time to talk to fans.

Dempsey wasn't universally liked during his time as HW Champ. He was deemed a slacker for ditching the draft.

I'd modern guys that are likably are Bradley, Adamek, Arreola, Hatton(when he was around).

GrantZilla wrote:Dempsey wasn't universally liked during his time as HW Champ. He was deemed a slacker for ditching the draft.

I'd modern guys that are likably are Bradley, Adamek, Arreola, Hatton(when he was around).

jabba is not likeable. he acts stupis and is very annoying. he is nowhere near likeable for me

what about gene tunney? i dont know much about him with the fans but he seemed like a great guy in and out of the ring

powerpuncher wrote:what about gene tunney? i dont know much about him with the fans but he seemed like a great guy in and out of the ring

...tunney was a good guy like you said but he never was a fan favorite..he actualy was the villan for the second dempsey fight..i guess fans couldnt identify with gene back then maybe because he appeared aloof..

I'm not sure on the criteria for being likable. Is it guys with clean records? Guys who are polite to fans? Guys who are charismatic? Guys who are exciting in the ring? Popular fighters?

I think De La Hoya has to be way way up there. In his day he had everything.

Gumby wrote:I'm not sure on the criteria for being likable. Is it guys with clean records? Guys who are polite to fans? Guys who are charismatic? Guys who are exciting in the ring? Popular fighters?

I think De La Hoya has to be way way up there. In his day he had everything.

The criteria is what ever you'd like it to be. I was trying to find guys who pretty much everyone liked for one reason or another.

maybe except for the great interview bit,kostya was likeable,never trash talked,polite(lol),open,etc.the kinda guy you'd like your daughter to bring home.same goes for azumah!

boxinglawyer wrote: Jack Dempsey was very well liked as well.

Vinny Pazienza was far from great as a fighter, but he was GREAT to fans. Never turned down an autograph request and I once saw him walk all the way from a casino to his car and back again, just to give a fan an autographed photo.

Sumbu Kalambay is a nice a soul as has ever laced em up. A true gentleman.

Frankie Liles is super nice too.

James Toney, for all his bluster, always has time to talk to fans.

I once saw Vinny run from a casino 'cause he owed them so much money...