How many times have the 2 recognised best boxers ever fought before?

[J_C]

I know theres a couple of similar threads knocking about at the moment but this question is slightly different.

I dont think anyone could argue against Mayweather and Pac as definitely being the best 2 boxers in the world right now. So in pure boxing match up terms (disregarding political and cultural factors) have the 2 best P4P talents in the world fought before?

Just for some random examples to discuss, do the following fights fit the bill?

Ali Frazier
Ali Foreman
Hagler Hearns
Leonard vs Hagler/Duran/Hearns
Tyson Holyfield

I dont know what the whole boxing scenes were like during the eras. I imagine Ali/Frazier were the 2 best heavyweights but obviously theres tons of other weight classes. At the time of Tyson/Holyfield, was someone like Roy Jones considered a better P4P talent?

[OumaFan]

I know Tyson-Holyfield wasn't, not at all.

As for the others I really don't know what the P4P lists were at the time but

Leonard had come back from a long layoff when he fought Hagler so no.

Doubt it with Hagler and Hearns.

Leonard-Duran seems possible but again I have never looked at P4P lists from the 60's, 70's, early to mid 80's.

Chavez-Whittaker was 1-2 unless I'm totally mistaken.

[Dark Lord Al]

[quote=OumaFan;811864]I know Tyson-Holyfield wasn't, not at all.

As for the others I really don't know what the P4P lists were at the time but

Leonard had come back from a long layoff when he fought Hagler so no.

Doubt it with Hagler and Hearns.

Leonard-Duran seems possible but again I have never looked at P4P lists from the 60's, 70's, early to mid 80's.

Chavez-Whittaker was 1-2 unless I'm totally mistaken.[/quote]
Chavez Whittaker is the only one i can think of , pitting 1and2 p4p.

[rjj tszyu]

Had Jones-Hopkins been 10 years later then that would be one. Shame really that they met so early (both mens first title shot) as it only made a Riddick Bowe undercard. Had it been later when both had made their names it would have been a big spectacle and in some people's eyes 1-2 p4p.

[Howlin Mad Missy]

Morales-Barrera at Superbantam?

[HattonTheHammer]

Morales-Barrera at Superbantam?

They were the best in their own division, not the 2 p4p outright best in the world

In my lifetime the only one that possibly springs to mind would be oscar-tito!