Best fights to a decision
Whenever we talk about great fights, knockdowns and knockouts seem to be common elements. In many cases those mark the ebb and flow of a particular night. But in boxing, knockdowns and knockouts are often simply a reflection of either a mismatch or one or both guys not having exceptional defensive skills. I love long fights. Some truly extraordinary fights, full of drama ebb, flow and skill have not been riddled by knockdowns and have gone to a decision. Here are some exceptional fights that have gone to a decision with no more than one knockdown.
Joe Gans and Sam Langford, 1903-Two ATG's. Gans was fighting for the second day in a row and it made a difference. The lightweight champion hurt Langford in the first round with a triple hook and controlled the first five rounds. But then he tired (Gee ya think?) and The Boston Terror controlled the second half of the fight for a 15 round decision win.
Benny Leonard and Lew Tendler, 1922-An ATG and a HOFer. Watching this fight is startling. One old fashioned, upright orthodox fighter and the other a southpaw (incredibly rare at that time). They stay in the pocket for 15 rounds, every round is razor close and the defensive skill displayed is remarkable. Leonard wins a very, very close newspaper decision.
Harry Greb and Mickey Walker, 1925-The welterweight and middleweight champions face off. Both are ATG's and Walker is giving away seven pounds. Walker wins the early rounds with a fast paced body attack. Greb responds with body shots of his own and takes control in the fourth and hurts Walker to end the eighth. By the 12th Greb has a big lead when Walker makes his final stand as he rattles Greb to the head. But Walker is now puffy and tired and Greb dominates the last three rounds for a decision win.
Henry Armstrong and Lew Ambers I, 1938-This fight is more important for what it meant than the quality of the fight itself. In an era with only eight divisions and one belt per division, Armstrong is currently the featherweight champion of the world and the welterweight champion of the world. HOFer Lightning Lew Ambers is the lightweight champion and Armstrong is seeking to become the first man ever to hold three belts simultaneously. Though Ambers cut Armstrong over the eye and caused Armstrong to bleed all over both of them from a torn lip, Armstrong survives, barely, a torrid 15th round onslaught from Ambers to win the championship by split decision.
Sugar Ray Robinson and Kid Gavilan I, 1948-This is a fight I have never seen. But it is the closest Robinson came to losing to a welterweight. The judges had Robinson the clear winner, the fans at Yankee Stadium didn't like the decision and it earned Gavilan a title shot a year later which Robinson controlled.
Rocky Marciano-Ezzard Charles I, 1954-This is Ezzard's last great night. He is in top condition and Nat Fleischer said "No fighter in the world could have lasted 15 rounds against Charles that night." But he was fighting the very best Rocky Marciano. This fight had one, ONE clinch in 15 rounds. Marciano wears down Charles in the championship rounds to win a decision. It is the only time the Rock is taken 15.
Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali I, 1971-Simply the greatest mutual display of skill ever in the heavyweight division. Frazier nearly drops Ali with a left hook in the 11th and in the 15th he does and hands the Greatest his first loss. Truly one of the Ring's greatest nights.
Larry Holmes and Kenny Norton, 1978-Two savvy, smart, gifted and spirited heavyweights. A good fight all the way along culminating in a legendary 15th round with everything on the line. Holmes wins the narrowest of split decisions.
Roberto Duran and Ray Leonard, 1980-Manos de Piedra is allowed to maul, brawl, lean on, lunge at, turn, grab, puch, butt, slug, and defeat Ray Leonard for one of boxing's most prestigious wins.
Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler, 1987-I still say it doesn't matter what you thought of the decision, what Ray Leonard did that night was one of the remarkable feats in boxing history.
Robert Quiroga and Kid Akeem Anifowashe, 1991-As fast a paced fight as you will ever see. Blood all over the place and incredible give and take. Quiroga wins a split decision and Kid Akeem collapses and barely survives brain surgery. Both of these gallant fighters die far too young.
Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero, 1997-The Battle for Albuquerque. Mi Vida Loca always created electricity, but this night New Mexico took over Las Vegas and the crowd was simply extraordinary. At one point in his corner after another close, fast paced and thrilling round, Tapia's cornerman says "You're doing it!" Tapia responds n"No, WE'RE doing it!" I get chills just writing it.
Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barerra I, 2000-Two ATG's who are the same size, who's styles complement one another and who share a mutual animosity. it doesn't get better than this. Morales by split decision.
Izzy and Raffy III, 2008-Just an absolute privilege to watch these two great fighting spirits and high skill levels going at it.
Have at it.
Re: Best fights to a decision
A fight among less than great fighters, but still a very tough fight, was Carmelo Negron/ James Pipps. The decision was a draw but both men got 30 day suspensions.
I've often heard about the first Zivic/Ray Robinson fight, which was a very closely contested 10 round split decision. The second fight, I've read, was even closer until Robinson scored a one punch ko in the 10th.
Re: Best fights to a decision
Kevin Kelley vs Troy Dorsey
Iran Barkley vs Roberto Duran
Evander Holyfield vs Dwight Muhammad Qawi 1
Johnny Tapia vs Paulie Ayala 1
Bobby Chacon vs Cornelius Boza Edwards 2
Bobby Chacon vs Rafael Limon 4
James Toney vs Vassiliy Jirov
Erik Morales vs Manny Pacquiao 1
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ICB
Kevin Kelley vs Troy Dorsey
Iran Barkley vs Roberto Duran
Evander Holyfield vs Dwight Muhammad Qawi 1
Johnny Tapia vs Paulie Ayala 1
Bobby Chacon vs Cornelius Boza Edwards 2
Bobby Chacon vs Rafael Limon 4
James Toney vs Vassiliy Jirov
Erik Morales vs Manny Pacquiao 1
You dropped tough guy Troy Dorsey on us? I am impressed!
The only reason I left the Chacon fights off (two of my all-time faves) is they had more than one knock down each. Those are two of THE special fights in history.
For some reason I ALWAYS forget Toney-Jirov. Great fight.
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
marbleheadmaui
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ICB
Kevin Kelley vs Troy Dorsey
Iran Barkley vs Roberto Duran
Evander Holyfield vs Dwight Muhammad Qawi 1
Johnny Tapia vs Paulie Ayala 1
Bobby Chacon vs Cornelius Boza Edwards 2
Bobby Chacon vs Rafael Limon 4
James Toney vs Vassiliy Jirov
Erik Morales vs Manny Pacquiao 1
You dropped tough guy Troy Dorsey on us? I am impressed!
The only reason I left the Chacon fights off (two of my all-time faves) is they had more than one knock down each. Those are two of THE special fights in history.
For some reason I ALWAYS forget Toney-Jirov. Great fight.
Yea Troy Dorsey was a great little action fighter. His fights vs Paez, Leija, Johnson, were awesome and he was a world kickboxing champion, so obviously he was pretty badass LOL.
Some others i just remembered.
Orlando Canizales vs Sergio Reyes 1
Ricardo Lopez vs Rosendo Alvarez 2
Gaby Canizales vs Louis Curtis
Michael Brodie vs In-Jin Chi 1
Re: Best fights to a decision
Gatti-Ward 1(think it was only the one knock down)
Tua-Ibeabuchi
Calzaghe-Lacy
McCullough-Morales
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Phil
Gatti-Ward 1(think it was only the one knock down)
Tua-Ibeabuchi
Calzaghe-Lacy
McCullough-Morales
Coupla great ones there!
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ICB
Quote:
Originally Posted by
marbleheadmaui
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ICB
Kevin Kelley vs Troy Dorsey
Iran Barkley vs Roberto Duran
Evander Holyfield vs Dwight Muhammad Qawi 1
Johnny Tapia vs Paulie Ayala 1
Bobby Chacon vs Cornelius Boza Edwards 2
Bobby Chacon vs Rafael Limon 4
James Toney vs Vassiliy Jirov
Erik Morales vs Manny Pacquiao 1
You dropped tough guy Troy Dorsey on us? I am impressed!
The only reason I left the Chacon fights off (two of my all-time faves) is they had more than one knock down each. Those are two of THE special fights in history.
For some reason I ALWAYS forget Toney-Jirov. Great fight.
Yea Troy Dorsey was a great little action fighter. His fights vs Paez, Leija, Johnson, were awesome and he was a world kickboxing champion, so obviously he was pretty badass LOL.
Some others i just remembered.
Orlando Canizales vs Sergio Reyes 1
Ricardo Lopez vs Rosendo Alvarez 2
Gaby Canizales vs Louis Curtis
Michael Brodie vs In-Jin Chi 1
I like to think of myself as the world's biggest Finito worshiper. For this oversight I should be horsewhipped!
Re: Best fights to a decision
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
generalbulldog
Bowe-Holyfield 1
My sister, at the time a near hippie, pacifist, no nukes liberal was living in Atlanta with her boyfriend (later to be husband). I was visiting and she was disgusted David and I were going to watch that barbaric fight. But to be polite she sat down and read while we watched. I could see her getting caught up and when Evander got rocked and then came back to hurt Bowe in the ninth (?) Tenth (?) she came out of her chair shouting "Get'im Evander!"
I like to think that fight turned her completely around. She's now a hyper-responsible Mother of four who makes me look like Dennis Kucinich!
Re: Best fights to a decision
Morales-Pacquiao 1
De La Hoya-Quartey(very high level of boxing)
Mosely-De La Hoya(same as above)
Tapia Ayala 1
Gatti-Ward 1
Robinson-Gatti 1
Marquez-Pacquiao 1
Ibeabuchi vs Tua
Re: Best fights to a decision
Thats a solid list. Kid keem and Quiroga stands out as personal fav. Sad story of what never was after and maybe Anifowashe would still be with us if had not resumed training back home. Epic fight.
I've always contended way to much emphasis is put on ko's etc as many distance bouts can be far more entertaining. The shifts in momentum, see a fighter thinking and making adjustments as you go...or in some cases two guys are just too damn stubborn to fall over and its like throwing two forks in a blender and hitting the switch ;D Let the sparks fly!! Off the top a few that stand out...
-Zack Padilla vs Ray oliveria...just, WOW!
-Terry Ray vs Kenny Keene 1...lesser known guys but 12 rounds of raw face first exchanges and ebbs and flows. One of THE best cruiser battles eva! Rematch,ehh not so much
-Leonard Dorin vs Raul Balbi 1...outstanding battle
-Bert Cooper vs Ray Mercer...think Cooper was down once but both guys took turns throwing from left field!
-Frankie Randall vs Julio C Chavez 1...Not exactly a give and take but one of the best execution of a game plan I've seen by a fighter in Randall. Pleasure to watch fight. Only one KD and it was a BEAUT.
-Ras-I Bramble vs Oba Carr...just love this fight! And think Bramble got shafted. Both rocked bad, solid stuff.
-Troy Dorsey vs Kevin Kelly was a stunner. Dorsey's war with late Rudy Zavala stands out too.
Jorge Paez vs Tracy Spann....great great fight where Paez shows warriors heart and Spann drops some serious bricks.
-Ras-I Bramble vs Ray Mancini 2...nice shifts with Ray boxing better and Brambles insid game on display.
-Kevin Pompey vs Harold Brazier 1...the 'Troy tiger' had a handful of these scraps but loved this one.
Jake Rodriquez vs Charles Murray...nerf ball throwing unknown Jake the snake came in with peaking champ and just worked, hustled and ground it out. Nice upset of a Championship fight.
Re: Best fights to a decision
A few that deserve a mention at the very least...
Briggs vs. Adamek I (both fights were outstanding)
Monzon vs. Valdez II
Mando Ramos vs. Cruz I
Pac vs. Morales I
Duddy vs. Campas
Ali vs. Doug Jones
LaStarza vs. Marciano I
Rafa Marquez vs. Johnson I
Collazo vs. Berto
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Spicoli
Thats a solid list. Kid keem and Quiroga stands out as personal fav. Sad story of what never was after and maybe Anifowashe would still be with us if had not resumed training back home. Epic fight.
I've always contended way to much emphasis is put on ko's etc as many distance bouts can be far more entertaining. The shifts in momentum, see a fighter thinking and making adjustments as you go...or in some cases two guys are just too damn stubborn to fall over and its like throwing two forks in a blender and hitting the switch ;D Let the sparks fly!! Off the top a few that stand out...
-Zack Padilla vs Ray oliveria...just, WOW!
-Terry Ray vs Kenny Keene 1...lesser known guys but 12 rounds of raw face first exchanges and ebbs and flows. One of THE best cruiser battles eva! Rematch,ehh not so much
-Leonard Dorin vs Raul Balbi 1...outstanding battle
-Bert Cooper vs Ray Mercer...think Cooper was down once but both guys took turns throwing from left field!
-Frankie Randall vs Julio C Chavez 1...Not exactly a give and take but one of the best execution of a game plan I've seen by a fighter in Randall. Pleasure to watch fight. Only one KD and it was a BEAUT.
-Ras-I Bramble vs Oba Carr...just love this fight! And think Bramble got shafted. Both rocked bad, solid stuff.
-Troy Dorsey vs Kevin Kelly was a stunner. Dorsey's war with late Rudy Zavala stands out too.
Jorge Paez vs Tracy Spann....great great fight where Paez shows warriors heart and Spann drops some serious bricks.
-Ras-I Bramble vs Ray Mancini 2...nice shifts with Ray boxing better and Brambles insid game on display.
-Kevin Pompey vs Harold Brazier 1...the 'Troy tiger' had a handful of these scraps but loved this one.
Jake Rodriquez vs Charles Murray...nerf ball throwing unknown Jake the snake came in with peaking champ and just worked, hustled and ground it out. Nice upset of a Championship fight.
VERY nice list! Livingstone/Ras-I was bad mammajamma and that second fight with Mancini with Ray bleeding all over the place was one for the books!
And where would we have been without Moramero!
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CutMeMick
A few that deserve a mention at the very least...
Briggs vs. Adamek I (both fights were outstanding)
Monzon vs. Valdez IIMando Ramos vs. Cruz I
Pac vs. Morales I
Duddy vs. Campas
Ali vs. Doug Jones
LaStarza vs. Marciano I
Rafa Marquez vs. Johnson I
Collazo vs. Berto
Nice list, the bold in particular. Iwatched Clay-Jones again a few weeks back. Looke to me like a clean win by Clay despite the controversy.
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
marbleheadmaui
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CutMeMick
A few that deserve a mention at the very least...
Briggs vs. Adamek I (both fights were outstanding)
Monzon vs. Valdez II
Mando Ramos vs. Cruz I
Pac vs. Morales I
Duddy vs. Campas
Ali vs. Doug Jones
LaStarza vs. Marciano I
Rafa Marquez vs. Johnson I
Collazo vs. Berto
Nice list, the bold in particular. Iwatched Clay-Jones again a few weeks back. Looke to me like a clean win by Clay despite the controversy.
I think what makes Jones punching stand out is that Clays head was allover the place...
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
marbleheadmaui
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CutMeMick
A few that deserve a mention at the very least...
Briggs vs. Adamek I (both fights were outstanding)
Monzon vs. Valdez IIMando Ramos vs. Cruz I
Pac vs. Morales I
Duddy vs. Campas
Ali vs. Doug Jones
LaStarza vs. Marciano I
Rafa Marquez vs. Johnson I
Collazo vs. Berto
Nice list, the bold in particular. Iwatched Clay-Jones again a few weeks back. Looke to me like a clean win by Clay despite the controversy.
It was close IMO it easily could of been a draw, but i have no problem with Muhammad Ali winning by a point or two.
Some more i just remembered.
Orlando Canizales vs Sergio Reyes 1
Dick Tiger vs Henry Hank
Arturo Gatti vs Ivan Robinson 1
Julio Cesar Chavez vs Juan La Porte
Azumah Nelson vs Jeff Fenech 1
Paul Banke vs Daniel Zaragoza 1 or 3
ODLH vs Shane Mosley 1
Erik Morales vs MAB 3
Re: Best fights to a decision
Quote:
Originally Posted by
marbleheadmaui
Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali I, 1971-Simply the greatest mutual display of skill ever in the heavyweight division. Frazier nearly drops Ali with a left hook in the 11th and in the 15th he does and hands the Greatest his first loss. Truly one of the Ring's greatest nights.
For drama, and excitement, Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali I, had to be one of the best, if not the best HW fights ever. I have to admit at the time, I was pulling for Ali, but in retro, i'm glad that Frazier won that fight, and that can never be taken away from him.
