Quote Originally Posted by The Rookie Fan
I think this is a great topic.

One that comes to mind is Ali - Foreman

At this point Ali had lossed twice and was the underdog probably for the first time in his life since Liston. Foreman was an unstopable force who had tottally destroyed and demolished both men who beat Ali. After the fight, Ali's career got a HUGE seccond wind. Had Ali Lossed that fight I don't think he would be what he is today. It is quite possible that he would not have finished the triology with Frazier or gotten the re-match with Norton. Foreman in the other hand never recovered and had to wait an incredible 20 years before winning a title.


Good one, you beat me to it. That was the epitome of a psychological knockout. Foreman came in invincible and left broken even though Ali took the greater physical beating.

I'd also have to include Leonard Duran II in the same vein. Having already lost to Duran, if Leonard had lost the second fight I'm fairly certain his legacy would have been seriously tarnished. Leonard beat Duran psychologically the same way Ali took out Foreman. The post fight interviews were very telling, with Duran announcing his retirement after saying "No Mas" Of course he came back and continued to wreck havoc, but for the short term you just can't beat the mind fwock of the 7th round... gives me goose bumps every time I watch it.