Your Top Ten Fights Ever

[mikeeod]

Have been thinking about this recently and am interested to hear what other fans consider the best/their favorite fights in history. These would be the 10 fights you would pick if you were told you could only watch 10 fights for the rest of your life. Please add some detail as to why you pick those fights as well. Mine are

1. Marvin Hagler vs. Tommy Hearns: Most ferocious fight I've ever seen, with two ATG fighters who were unbelievably skilled. Both guys tore into each other like two rabid dogs and threw all of their formidable skill, natural gifts, and souls into winning this war. I'm still in awe when I watch these two go at it on youtube.
2. Bernard Hopkins vs. Tito Trinidad: Two ATG fighters who were at their peak, with both being top 10 p4p guys (Tito was #2 at the time behind Roy) and considered the undisputed top 2 middleweights fighting to unify the championship for the first time since Marvelous Marvin Hagler over a decade before. Hop put on a masterpiece in this fight and it was one of the most complete performances I've ever seen, right up to the point where he went out and closed the show in the last round. Tito was a phenomenal fighter who had a ton of mental toughness and pride, and took the loss without making excuses.
3. Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera 1: Two ATG fighters whose strengths and weaknesses came played perfectly off each other. Add to that the fact that both were extremely prideful fighters who carried the honor of Mexico on their shoulders and were fighting to become the heir apparent to Julio Ceasar Chavez, and possessed a natural dislike for each other, and you have the makings of a classic. This fight didn't disappoint at all, and to this day it will be difficult to find two equally skilled, equally tough, equally proud fighters who were able to fight at that pace and perform at that level on the biggest stage.
4. Julio Ceasar Chavez vs. Meldrick Taylor: Fight of the decade between the top two p4p fighters who were fighting to cement their legacy. Contrasting styles meshed well together and there was excitement throughout thanks to Taylor's fast hands and willingness to fight, as well as Chavez's relentless pressure and punching power advantage. Breaks my heart that Taylor lost this fight, but both guys performed beautifully that night and showed what true greatness is. Should be noted that Taylor swallowed two pints of his own blood, had broken ribs and suffered a fractured orbital bone, yet never even thought about giving up. True Philly fighter.
5. Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson 1: Great match up of styles (Tyson was all aggression, Evander was the consumate counter puncher) between two proud warriors who were both past their best. Evander was a HUGe underdog in this fight but went in and did what he does best, surviving some hellacious shots and scary moments to break Tyson's will and stop him late in a competitive fight and unbelievable upset. I had waited for over a decade to see this fight, and unlike the Manny vs. Floyd farce, this one lived up to the hype for me (and then some).
6. Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo: Vicious war between two aggressive punchers who abandoned their outside game to stand toe to toe in the trenches and test each other's will and inside fighting ability. Castillo was the more effective overall, and was starting to pull away before Chico rose from two knockdowns to land the punch of his life and knock the sense out of Castillo. Diego showed true heart and grit by overcoming exhaustion and pain to unleash a fusillade of punches on Castillo's face, trapping him on the ropes and forcing the ref to step in and stop the fight.
7. Raphael Marquez vs. Izzy Vasquez 2: First three fights were all classics and difficult to choose between. All were fought with unbelievable skill, at a ridiculous pace, and with bombs thrown by two ATG fighters known for packing big power. Both of these guys were ridiculously skilled and naturally talented, and it's a shame that they weren't able to make more money for the amount of effort they put in and punishment they took during their careers.
8. James Toney vs. Vassily Jirov: There are tons of Toney fights I could've put here, such as his knockouts of Nunn, Barkely, Evander Holyfield, and Prince Charles Williams, but this one was my favorite since it solidified James' greatness and capped off his comeback. Jirov was a beast who pressured fighters and threw non stop punches from the inside, while James is the master counterpuncher who loves fighting aggressive fighters who try to knock him out. This fight didn't disappoint with Jirov applying constant pressure and punches and James laying on the inside and slipping, parrying, catching, and ducking shots while retaliating with pinpoint counters. Best part of the fight is Roach telling Toney to put Jirov on his ass and Toney going out and doing just that. Great fight.
9. Sweet Pea Whitaker vs. Julio Ceasar Chavez: Top two p4p guys fighting for the welterweight championship and supremacy of the sport. I will never forget watching Pea walk out to the ring and seeing the joy/glee and confidence in his face and knowing he was going to dominate. Pea did just that, putting on the best pure boxing masterpiece I've ever seen, especially considering he was fighting the p4p #1, 84-0 monster in Chavez. It falls to 9 on my list since the judges got it wrong and called it a draw, and the due to the fact that it was more one sided than the others on my list.
10. Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns: Does it get any better than this? Top two guys in their prime fighting each other. Tommy was undefeated and looked unstoppable at 147, Ray had one defeat to ATG Duran, and had avenged that loss in spectacular fashion in the rematch. The fight itself was full of suspense and drama, with both men exchanging leads and styles throughout the fight (boxer, puncher, counter puncher...etc.), and Ray coming back from behind and with a horribly swollen eye to stop Tommy in the 14th round.

Honorable Mentions: Oscar vs. Vargas, Floyd vs. Corralles, Floyd vs. Hatton, Evander vs. Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis vs. Ray Mercer, Pac vs. JMM (all of them), Roy vs. Tarver 1, MAB vs Morales (the other two), and Izzy vs. Raph Marquez (1/3), Moorer vs. Cooper, and Benn vs. Eubank (both).

[TitoFan]

Excellent list. I'm going to add one more and the explanation.

Trinidad-Vargas:

The anticipation to the fight was HUGE. Two undefeated fighters from the two countries with the biggest rivalry in the sport. True animosity (at least from Vargas' side), even as evidenced during the ring walk and referee instructions before the bell. Huge, boisterous crowd built up to a fever pitch.

Then the fight itself. Non-stop action from the very beginning. Ebb and flow with the best of fights. Suspense at every corner. Knockdowns on both sides. The fight itself was excellent. Vargas was KTFO'ed... but to his credit went out on his shield.

It is MY personal favorite of all time for obvious reasons. But even objectively, it was a fight for the ages. One of those mega fights that truly lives up to its pre-fight hype. The type of fight you seldom see anymore.


Oh wait..... let me add one more.

Arguello-Pryor I:

The rematch was just as good, but Pryor already had his number from the first fight. Another mega match of epic proportions. Arguello hit Pryor with everything but the kitchen sink. Some huge shots that would've knocked down a redwood. Pryor blinked and kept coming. I was rooting for Arguello and was completely depressed at the outcome. But all credit to Pryor (and to Arguello) for a helluva fight.


Wait.... another one comes to mind.

Gomez-Zarate:

Zarate was 56-0 at the time, having defeated fellow undefeated fighter Alberto Zamora in the battle of the Mexican Z's. Tall order for "Bazooka" Gomez, but that's when people realized what an extraordinary talent and ATG Gomez really was. Action filled fight while it lasted.

[mikeeod]

Excellent list. I'm going to add one more and the explanation.

Trinidad-Vargas:

The anticipation to the fight was HUGE. Two undefeated fighters from the two countries with the biggest rivalry in the sport. True animosity (at least from Vargas' side), even as evidenced during the ring walk and referee instructions before the bell. Huge, boisterous crowd built up to a fever pitch.

Then the fight itself. Non-stop action from the very beginning. Ebb and flow with the best of fights. Suspense at every corner. Knockdowns on both sides. The fight itself was excellent. Vargas was KTFO'ed... but to his credit went out on his shield.

It is MY personal favorite of all time for obvious reasons. But even objectively, it was a fight for the ages. One of those mega fights that truly lives up to its pre-fight hype. The type of fight you seldom see anymore.


Oh wait..... let me add one more.

Arguello-Pryor I:

The rematch was just as good, but Pryor already had his number from the first fight. Another mega match of epic proportions. Arguello hit Pryor with everything but the kitchen sink. Some huge shots that would've knocked down a redwood. Pryor blinked and kept coming. I was rooting for Arguello and was completely depressed at the outcome. But all credit to Pryor (and to Arguello) for a helluva fight.


Wait.... another one comes to mind.

Gomez-Zarate:

Zarate was 56-0 at the time, having defeated fellow undefeated fighter Alberto Zamora in the battle of the Mexican Z's. Tall order for "Bazooka" Gomez, but that's when people realized what an extraordinary talent and ATG Gomez really was. Action filled fight while it lasted.

Great additions and I'm sorry that I forget them, especially the Tito vs. Vargas fight. That was a war. Vargas showed a ton of heart to get out of the first round and get himself back into the fight, but Tito was a machine and was especially relentless on that night. Thanks for the reply and for the great examples.

[Spicoli]

Great mentions those. Quick one that pops to mind as far as fan favorite Troy Dorsey vs Kevin Kelly. Rewatched again last week, absolute buzzsaw!

[Gandalf]

Calzaghe/ Lacy
Benn/McClennan
Barrera/Morales 1
Toney/Jirov
Pac/Cotto
Klitschko/Lewis
Ali/Foreman
Pac/Morales 1

Too tired to think of anymore!

[mikeeod]

Great mentions those. Quick one that pops to mind as far as fan favorite Troy Dorsey vs Kevin Kelly. Rewatched again last week, absolute buzzsaw!

That was a great fight. Dorsey was such a tough, solid fighter, while Kelley was a phenom with ridiculous speed and serious pop. Dorsey set a high tempo pace in what was Kelley's first big test. I remember Dorsey tearing into Kevin in a corner later in the fight and Kelley letting out a scream while tearing back into him. Kelley had a good career and some spectacular wins, but I always thought he underachieved a little. Great fight though.

[Spicoli]

Great mentions those. Quick one that pops to mind as far as fan favorite Troy Dorsey vs Kevin Kelly. Rewatched again last week, absolute buzzsaw!

That was a great fight. Dorsey was such a tough, solid fighter, while Kelley was a phenom with ridiculous speed and serious pop. Dorsey set a high tempo pace in what was Kelley's first big test. I remember Dorsey tearing into Kevin in a corner later in the fight and Kelley letting out a scream while tearing back into him. Kelley had a good career and some spectacular wins, but I always thought he underachieved a little. Great fight though.

I always had a soft spot for Dorsey who always seemed to be matched tough and churning out punches like rain water and hampered by thin flesh. Good point on Kelly. Seemed to stay locked down in local venues until that war propelled him into first hbo date. His comeback ko on Rivera was a thing of beauty and sheer guts. Man was as a sharp as they came on the microphone too, great announcer if not a bit long winded .

[Master]

I terms of significant fights in history it would be

Johnson v Jefferies
Louis v Scheming 2
Rocky v Louis
Ali v Frazier 1
Ali v Foreman
Ali v Frazier

My lifetime

Leonard v Hagler

Barrera v Morales 1
Benn v G Man
Tyson v Berbick
Tyson v Spinks
Tyson v Rudduck 1 & 2
Oscar v Tito
Toney v McCallum
Lewis v Holyfield
Naz v Johnson

[erics44]

the fights I have enjoyed watching the most is probably a lot different than a widely recognised best fights list

I couldn't put a fight in my best fights list that I have not watched as they happened, I don't think you get anywhere near the same buzz from watching a recording

in no particular order

Eubank v Benn 1
Benn v Mclellan
Calzaghi v Lacy - I was there and the atmosphere was unreal during the fight
Macklin v Moore - the only fight that went a reasonable distance that I have ever watched more than twice, when it was happening I couldn't believe my eyes
Bruno v Witherspoon
Bruno v McCall
Lewis v Holyfield 1 - was at a party, everyone stayed up for it and I pulled after the fight
Cotto v Margarito 1 - the only fight that doesn't involve a british fighter, I thought it was a great fight, exciting every second
Eubank v Thompson 1
Mitchell v Johanason

[powerpuncher]

the fights I have enjoyed watching the most is probably a lot different than a widely recognised best fights list

I couldn't put a fight in my best fights list that I have not watched as they happened, I don't think you get anywhere near the same buzz from watching a recording

in no particular order

Eubank v Benn 1
Benn v Mclellan
Calzaghi v Lacy - I was there and the atmosphere was unreal during the fight
Macklin v Moore - the only fight that went a reasonable distance that I have ever watched more than twice, when it was happening I couldn't believe my eyes
Bruno v Witherspoon
Bruno v McCall
Lewis v Holyfield 1 - was at a party, everyone stayed up for it and I pulled after the fight
Cotto v Margarito 1 - the only fight that doesn't involve a british fighter, I thought it was a great fight, exciting every second
Eubank v Thompson 1
Mitchell v Johanason

You Brits must have boring lives. Those are seriously the best fights you have seen? Watch some other nationalities and you will be amazed at how much better boxing is.

[TitoFan]

the fights I have enjoyed watching the most is probably a lot different than a widely recognised best fights list

I couldn't put a fight in my best fights list that I have not watched as they happened, I don't think you get anywhere near the same buzz from watching a recording

in no particular order

Eubank v Benn 1
Benn v Mclellan
Calzaghi v Lacy - I was there and the atmosphere was unreal during the fight
Macklin v Moore - the only fight that went a reasonable distance that I have ever watched more than twice, when it was happening I couldn't believe my eyes
Bruno v Witherspoon
Bruno v McCall
Lewis v Holyfield 1 - was at a party, everyone stayed up for it and I pulled after the fight
Cotto v Margarito 1 - the only fight that doesn't involve a british fighter, I thought it was a great fight, exciting every second
Eubank v Thompson 1
Mitchell v Johanason

You Brits must have boring lives. Those are seriously the best fights you have seen? Watch some other nationalities and you will be amazed at how much better boxing is.

To be fair, eric's a point outside the curve.
That.............. and an unabashed Bruno fanatic.

[holmcall]

1. Bobby Chacon vs. Rafael "Bazooka " Limon: On December 11, 1982, Chacon was dropped in the 4th and 10th, Limon in the 15th round (1982 Fight of the Year - Ring Magazine). It contained all of the criteria listed above and then some. Bobby came back from the brink to win in dramatic fashion. Had to see it to believe it.



2 Bobby Chacon vs. Cornelius Boza-Edwards on May 15, 1983: Same as number one. Ebb and flow, savagery, courage, violence, technical skills...everything was included. 1983 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. Chacon rose from a knockdown in round one and recovered from a dangerous cut to drop Boza Edwards in round twelve and avenge an earlier defeat. Redemption at a high cost.


3.Yvon "The Fighting Fisherman" Durelle vs. Archie Moore: on December 10, 1958 in Montreal. On the canvas 3 times in round one and once more later in the mid rounds, Moore somehow regrouped and slowly came back. He knew every trick in the boxing book and used every one of them to come back and batter the game Durelle for an 11th-round stoppage. The fight defined courage and will. Only Robinson vs. Basilio kept this from being Ring Magazine Fight of the Year...but that was just plain wrong. Hell, this should have been fight of the Decade.



4. Monroe Brooks vs. Bruce Curry: on April 7, 1978. Old school battle featuring controlled violence until both threw simultaneous hooks in the ninth round with Curry's landing first. This was Gatti-Ward before Gatti-Ward. Violence with a purpose. The exchange of punishing shots was incredible.



5. Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez vs. Matthew Saad Mohammed: on July 13, 1980 in New Jersey. The first half was dominated by Lopez and in round eight (named "Round of the Year"), he pinned Saad in a corner landing 20 wicked consecutive blows. Muhammad somehow got out of that round and stopped the arm weary Lopez in the 14th round. (1980 Fight of the Year - Ring Magazine)


6. Jaime Garza vs. Juan "Kid" Meza: on November 13, 1983. Sudden fury in Kingston, NY. First Meza down, then Garza down and out. The ko was named 1984's Knockout of the Year by KO Magazine. The old adage "never hook with a hooker" did not apply, for both fighters were deadly with this punch.


7. Elvir "The Kosovo Kid" Muriqi vs. "Slamming" Sam Ahmad: On July 23, 2002 in New Rochelle, NY. A pier six, ebb and flow brawl. A total of 6 knockdowns called and 2 not called but should have been..


8. Tommy Hearns Vs. Marvin Hagler-"The War" -Enough said


9. Micky Ward vs. Reggie Green: this cult classic was fought on October 1, 1999 and was arguably better than the first Gatti-Ward. I was there and can vouch for the ebb and flow action and dramatic ending in the 10th when Ward finally caught up with the courageous Green. Two lions in the ring. Breakthrough fight for Ward that segued him to glory.


10. Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo: With his left eye almost totally closed and already down twice in the 10th, Corrales miraculously climbed off the deck and battered Jose Luis Castillo into submission along the ropes to score one of the most dramatic TKO's in boxing history on May, 2005. Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.



Honorable Mention:


2002: Ward vs. Gatti
2002: Gonzalez vs. Letterlough

1991: Kid" Akeem Anifowoshe vs. Robert "Pikin" Quiroga
1983: Duran vs. Moore

1981: LoCicero vs. Lee
1976: Foreman vs. Lyle
1976: Williams vs. Shavers
1947: Graziano vs. Zale--picl' em

[Manju]

SRL v Duran I.

This should be on the shortlist of greatest fight ever. Like Hagler - Hearns you have "two ATG fighters who were unbelievably skilled" who go to war. But its a different type of brawl. There's no KO and its goes on for 15 long densely packed winding rounds.

And its a much more even fight. Hagler had it won by the end of the 1st IMO, with only the cut standing in his way. But SRL - Duran had an ebb and flow...with SRL going from almost being KOed to almost winning. The Greatest 3 Rounds in Boxing History may very well be the greatest brawl ever. But it may also be benefiting from our short attention spans. Everyone should sit down with a beer or 15 and watch what transpires in Montreal. There is virtually no let up in action, drama, or skill. One wonders how either one lived to tell about it.

[TitoFan]

SRL v Duran I.

This should be on the shortlist of greatest fight ever. Like Hagler - Hearns you have "two ATG fighters who were unbelievably skilled" who go to war. But its a different type of brawl. There's no KO and its goes on for 15 long densely packed winding rounds.

And its a much more even fight. Hagler had it won by the end of the 1st IMO, with only the cut standing in his way. But SRL - Duran had an ebb and flow...with SRL going from almost being KOed to almost winning. The Greatest 3 Rounds in Boxing History may very well be the greatest brawl ever. But it may also be benefiting from our short attention spans. Everyone should sit down with a beer or 15 and watch what transpires in Montreal. There is virtually no let up in action, drama, or skill. One wonders how either one lived to tell about it.

Excellent post, and not a more deserving fight than this one. Add the anticipation, only matched by the first Ali-Frazier fight, and you have an even more compelling argument for this fight. Fortunately for us fans, it more than lived up to the hype.

[Spicoli]

On personal fav will always love Breland v Davis. Has to be a case of first few years watching live and knew you were hooked as well as a top notch war. Davis was just a dogged ever determined tough fighter who maybe never got his due.