When it comes to ranking fighters across boxing\u2019s many categories, Bob Arum is uniquely spoiled for choice.<\/p>\n
The former lawyer celebrated his 94th birthday in December and has spent more than half a century working alongside many of the sport\u2019s greatest names.<\/p>\n
From Muhammad Ali to Manny Pacquiao, the Top Rank supremo could populate any list \u2014 greatest fighter, toughest competitor, most underrated \u2014 with ease. But when asked to name the most exciting of them all by Sky Sports<\/a>, Arum did not hesitate.<\/p>\n \u201cJulio Cesar Chavez.\u201d<\/p>\n After a decade as a professional and 73 fights without defeat, Chavez left Don King to sign a six-fight deal with Arum in December 1990, a contract reportedly worth $15 million. At the time, the Mexican icon was the reigning super lightweight champion and already the owner of victories over the likes of Meldrick Taylor<\/a>, Edwin Rosario and Rocky Lockridge.<\/p>\n Chavez\u2019s blend of relentless pressure, savage body punching, extraordinary stamina and indomitable will made him not only a national hero in Mexico, but a figure revered by boxing fans worldwide.<\/p>\n