Which boxer of any era made the best role model?

Question

Of the boxers of every era, which one stands out most as a good role model for young people (or adults)? Why?

For current boxers only, please answer my other question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060606174123AArQ07J

Answer 1

I totally disagree with the Oscar comments. He is anything but a role model. He cheats on his wife, he is a commercialized kiss *** fighter, and he has a gambling problem. Having said that, he was great for boxing---but not a role model. A role model boxer? Chris Byrd. He's religious and his whole family is part of his team. Did you see that his mom is in his corner coaching and advising as a cutperson. He, by the way is not a superstar and a boring fighter, but a role model boxer.

Answer 2

The boxer that sticks in my mind as a role model for children is George Foreman. Most people think of him as the guy pushing BBQ grills, or whatever it is he sells, but his public persona is that of a nice guy, a good dad, etc.

For adults, I don't know. Ali was NOT an overly popular figure when he was a young man. His accepting jail rather than going to Vietnam was widely unpopular (the antiwar movement was a minority at that time) and conversion to Islam and changing his name was considered weird by the mainstream. Today, he is viewed with great respect (deservingly so).

Sugar Ray Robinson (Walker Smith) was highly respected in his time. Sugar Ray Leonard was extremely charismatic and attractive to the general public. Roberto Duran was a model of courage as he fought bravely past his prime. Oscar de la Hoya had charm, power and determination.

I guess that's my short list. I am sure I am forgetting someone.

Answer 3

Mohammed Ali

Answer 4

Sugar Ray Leonard
I also forgot Rueben Carter

Answer 5

Rocky Marciano, He did not let his record or the Heavyweight Championship change him....49-0, 43 ko's, He did not let money change him, he still lived at home, ate with his family etc...The Brockton Blockbuster never drank, did drugs or gambled...All his life was, was for training & Boxing......He also only got knocked down twice in his career....He NEVER turned down a fight, fought EVERYONE, (only adding this cause people say he never fought a black man on one of my questions)
RIP Rocky Marciano, you were a TRUE LEGEND.....

Answer 6

Mickey Ward or Arturo Gatti. Their fight trilogy showed the true spirit of boxing, a never give up attitude. Even now they are good friends, Ward can be seen in Gatti's corner supporting him.

Answer 7

Evander Holyfield. He always came into every fight in great shape and with total focus and concentration. Every bout he gave 110%. And he was classy and gracious outside the ring.

Answer 8

Uhh, Rocky Balboa??? No, just kidding, Evander Holyfield. He seems like a good person.

Answer 9

Joe Louis,,but think about it,,none of them really,,to promote beating the crap out of someone else,,,look at those brain dead ex fighters walking around,,Ali for example

Answer 10

Oscar de la Hoya (AKA Golden Boy.)