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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.
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Originally Posted by ICB
Let the sparks fly!! Off the top a few that stand out...
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