How the phrase "pound for pound" was born - the best of the best

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At the dawn of boxing, it was possible for anyone to face anyone, regardless of weight, height or any other physical attributes. With the transformation of "fist fighting" into a sport, many changes were implemented, including the division of boxers into weight categories. In this way, the forces are even, with no more cases of giants against smaller boxers. But this makes distinguishing the best in the sport very difficult for fans and sports journalists and analysts alike.

The phrase "pound for pound" was first used by Sugar Ray Robinson, considered by many to be the greatest in the history of boxing. The term is used to describe the best boxer, regardless of the division he is in. And Robinson is the man who first used it to emphasize that, regardless of size, he is the most technically prepared boxer in history.

In his memorable career, Sugar Ray won countless titles and fights, recording only one loss in his first 128 fights in the boxing ring. Unfortunately, he fought well into his late 40s, far from his peak, but due to lack of money, he had to continue his boxing career. Nevertheless, the phrase "pound for pound" remains etched in the minds of everyone connected in any way to boxing, and even his biography is called "Pound for pound".

Nowadays, the phrase continues to be used to define the best boxer in the world, regardless of his weight. There are 4 separate rankings that are considered the most reliable. These are the rankings from ESPN, Ring magazine, the Boxing Press Association of America and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. BoxRec can be added to them.

The term "pound for pound" is extremely subjective, but it is the best method by which to determine who are the best boxers in the sport, not just in individual divisions.

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