Cockiest Fighters Of The Decade

Today, Motivedia dive into a one off feature of cockiest fighters which previews a decade of sharp tongues, audacious claims and infamous characters. The love-hate qualities that have allowed some to elevate the sport, reaching new record-breaking highs, but have also for others, dished out hard hitting reality checks. Check out the video presentation below…

Number 10 – Danny (& Angel Garcia):

First up, a throwback trash talker who continues to turns his son’s fights into must see TV. Whilst Danny generally maintains a humble demeanour, Angel with his volitivity, tries to intimidate and get under the opponent’s skin. Sometimes working in their favour, other times not so much. Fortunately, he excels at both puppet-master and cornerman, which has transformed them into one of the sport’s greatest father son duos.

Number 9 – Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman:

Thurman, a former opponent of Garcia’s was at one time one of boxing’s most formidable finishers. Though rising through the ranks making more and more noise, he eventually suffered a 5 year dry streak and so with his moniker losing its potency but his brashness reaching new heights, it was a lose-lose situation against Pacquaio last summer which ended in true trash talk gone wrong.

Number 8 – David ‘Haymaker’ Haye:

Where Thurman’s undoing came through injury. British cruiserweight David Haye’s demise was much more self-inflicted. Losing focus in his move up to heavyweight, the Haymaker became more interested in gaining celebrity status, than a heavyweight title. Also, in similar fashion to Thurman, Haye’s last two fights saw more trash talk than the rest of his entire career.

Number 7 – Roy Jones Jr:

Finally retired in 2018, fans were pleased to see the American call time on an illustrious career. In his day, inch for inch and prime for prime, Roy was undoubtedly an top 10 all-time great but oh boy, did he know it! Fortunately, unlike some names on our list, Roy was able to back up his brashness and bold claims with insane speed and incredible skills.

Number 6 – Chris Eubank Jr:

Next, a different form of cockiness, this time hereditary. Eubank Jr was knocking out opponents in devastating style – bringing the same swagger and attitude that transformed his father into a household name. Though with confidence which bordered delusion came unnecessary pressure. Whist this paid off financially, the Brit fell short in the two biggest nights of his career, leaving him plenty still to prove.

Number 5 – Charles ‘Prince’ Martin:

The fans love nothing more than to see an overconfident fighter humbled. And if the Eubank’s were guilty of using exaggeration to sell a fight, then the next man took it to a whole new medal. One of the decades most iconic, bittersweet heavyweight moments, as Charles Martin was made to swallow his words against Anthony Joshua with a second round demolition.

Number 4 – Prince Patel:

IFL have played a huge part in British boxing’s rise over the last decade, giving a voice to the country’s hottest prospects. Although amongst all the characters, not gave notoriety as quickly and divisively as Prince Patel. Fighting 17 times in the last 2 years, his first loss came in July, throwing all of his audacious claims into jeopardy, seeming to the delight of boxing fans around the world.

Number 3 – Ricardo ‘El Matador’ Mayorga:

When you talk about boxing controversy, Ricardo Mayorga is one of the first names that spring to mind. If WWE boss Vince McMahon created a boxing persona, we’d expect the Nicaraguan to be the end result. A true love-hate character whose antics and pre-fight vitriol drew audiences that far surpassed his ability. Though his words often motivated his opponents to deliver punishing KO’s at his own expense.

Number 2 – Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner:

Adrien Broner’s fall from grace as one of the sport’s most promising talents is one of the decades most unforgettable scenes. Hype is the next TBE, with claims he may even surpass his predecessor’s achievements. Words that in due course, came back to haunt him. Love him or hate him, his slick tongue still draws huge paydays and you can’t knock his creativity.

Number 1 – Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather:

As if there was any doubt, Money May has a case for being the sports cockiest fighter, ever since his debut back in ’96 – though as pound for pound king and the highest bread winner the sports has ever seen, he’s certainly earned the right to be. A man who mastered the bad guy role in boxing, becoming one of the most iconic figures of his generation and the only name in the list to have never tasted defeat inside the squared circle.

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