“Controversy Reigns: Fans Slam 2015 Pound-For-Pound List as ‘Inexplicable’ and ‘Absurd’!”
In a whirlwind of controversy and fervent debate, boxing aficionados have been left reeling following the resurfacing of Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound rankings from 2015. As fans and pundits alike scrutinize the names and placements immortalized in this snapshot of boxing history, dissent and disagreement run rampant, with many decrying the list as “criminal” and “inexplicable.”
The revelation came courtesy of talkSport editor Michael Benson, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to unveil the rankings that once dictated the hierarchy of the boxing world. Topping the list was none other than the undefeated Floyd Mayweather, fresh off decisive victories over Manny Pacquiao and Andre Berto. Yet, despite the undeniable prowess of the fighters listed, fans wasted no time in voicing their discontent.
In a display of fervent passion and unwavering opinion, boxing enthusiasts flooded the comment section with their grievances and objections. One particular bone of contention emerged with the inclusion of Tim Bradley, whose presence on the list drew ire from fans who deemed it unwarranted. While Bradley’s resurgence in 2015 may have been commendable, his inclusion alongside boxing luminaries raised eyebrows and sparked heated debate.
Meanwhile, the enduring dominance of Canelo Alvarez elicited both admiration and skepticism, with fans marveling at his longevity within the top ten rankings. Despite nearly a decade passing since the 2015 list, Alvarez’s continued presence serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
He wrote, “Ring Magazine pound-for-pound top ten in early 2015: Floyd Mayweather, Wladimir Klitschko, Manny Pacquiao, Roman Gonzalez, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Tim Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Carl Froch, Canelo Alvarez, and Gennady Golovkin.”
📋 Ring Magazine pound-for-pound top ten in early 2015:
1️⃣🇺🇸 Floyd Mayweather
2️⃣🇺🇦 Wladimir Klitschko
3️⃣🇵🇭 Manny Pacquiao
4️⃣🇳🇮 Roman Gonzalez
5️⃣🇨🇺 Guillermo Rigondeaux
6️⃣🇺🇸 Tim Bradley
7️⃣🇲🇽 Juan Manuel Marquez
8️⃣🇬🇧 Carl Froch
9️⃣🇲🇽 Canelo Alvarez
🔟🇰🇿 Gennady Golovkin
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 8, 2024
The absence of certain names, however, proved equally contentious. Fans pointed to the omission of Andre Ward, a glaring oversight in the eyes of many, particularly given his triumph over Carl Froch, who inexplicably retained a spot on the list despite retiring the previous year.
Yet, perhaps the most egregious misstep highlighted by fans was the relegation of Gennady Golovkin to the bottom of the rankings. Described as “criminal” by one outraged commentator, Golovkin’s impressive track record in 2015, which saw him secure victory after victory via knockout, only served to exacerbate the perceived injustice.
Amidst the cacophony of dissent, one resounding sentiment echoed through the digital ether – the unmatched dominance of Floyd Mayweather. As the only fighter on the list to have never tasted defeat, Mayweather’s triumphant victories over three of his fellow top-ten contenders only served to solidify his status as “The Best Ever” in the eyes of many.
As the dust settles on this latest controversy, one thing remains abundantly clear – boxing rankings, like the sport itself, are a hotbed of subjectivity and impassioned discourse, where opinions clash and legends are made and unmade.
