Their Very Best Night

[marbleheadmaui]

Hopkins Vs Trinidad: TKO12 - Huge underdog going into fight. Used excellent boxing ability, ring IQ and hard punching to totally overwhelm Trinidad and eventually stop him in the 12th.

Bradley Vs Holt: UD12 - Bradley got dropped hard early but came back and fought his heart out, was relentless every round, not caring whether he landed or not, just made sure he was making Holt work every minute. He went on to outwork and outpunch Holt to a clear UD win.

Cotto Vs Judah: TKO11 - Brutal beatdown. Cotto was losing early, also rocked a couple of times before taking over the fight with brutal punching and combinations and constant pressure. The ref ended Judah's beating in the 11th round.

Pacquiao Vs Cotto: TKO12 - Brutal beatdown. Fast paced, both guys traded shots early on until Pacquiao took over in 4th with a huge left uppercut that dropped Cotto. From then on, Cotto was on the backfoot, trying to get away from Pacquiao's rapid combinations. He couldn't get away as Pacquiao left his face in a mess and the fight came to a halt in the final round.

Marquez Vs Diaz 1: TKO9 - A war from start to finish. Both guys traded blows constantly, not only showing there durability but their ring IQ and ability to put great combinations together. Marquez started to take over around the 7th, eventually dropping Diaz in the 9th round, then dropping him a second time with a brutal uppercut which immediately forced the ref to stop the bout.

Nice ones. I agree on Manny and BHOP and I've been struggling with JMM. I think maybe Diaz is the right fight, but that turned in the third round when JMM sat on the ropes and began catching Diaz's punches with his hands like he was using focus mitts

Marquez's defense did improve early but Diaz still did relatively well with his pressure and combos right through till the 6th.

The 7th round was the round were Diaz started to fade and Marquez started landing more frequently.

Yeah but Diaz lost his chance to win the fight in the third round. I'm gonna go watch that one again, it was fun. Thanks!

[Pugilistic]

Hopkins Vs Trinidad: TKO12 - Huge underdog going into fight. Used excellent boxing ability, ring IQ and hard punching to totally overwhelm Trinidad and eventually stop him in the 12th.

Bradley Vs Holt: UD12 - Bradley got dropped hard early but came back and fought his heart out, was relentless every round, not caring whether he landed or not, just made sure he was making Holt work every minute. He went on to outwork and outpunch Holt to a clear UD win.

Cotto Vs Judah: TKO11 - Brutal beatdown. Cotto was losing early, also rocked a couple of times before taking over the fight with brutal punching and combinations and constant pressure. The ref ended Judah's beating in the 11th round.

Pacquiao Vs Cotto: TKO12 - Brutal beatdown. Fast paced, both guys traded shots early on until Pacquiao took over in 4th with a huge left uppercut that dropped Cotto. From then on, Cotto was on the backfoot, trying to get away from Pacquiao's rapid combinations. He couldn't get away as Pacquiao left his face in a mess and the fight came to a halt in the final round.

Marquez Vs Diaz 1: TKO9 - A war from start to finish. Both guys traded blows constantly, not only showing there durability but their ring IQ and ability to put great combinations together. Marquez started to take over around the 7th, eventually dropping Diaz in the 9th round, then dropping him a second time with a brutal uppercut which immediately forced the ref to stop the bout.

Nice ones. I agree on Manny and BHOP and I've been struggling with JMM. I think maybe Diaz is the right fight, but that turned in the third round when JMM sat on the ropes and began catching Diaz's punches with his hands like he was using focus mitts

Marquez's defense did improve early but Diaz still did relatively well with his pressure and combos right through till the 6th.

The 7th round was the round were Diaz started to fade and Marquez started landing more frequently.

Yeah but Diaz lost his chance to win the fight in the third round. I'm gonna go watch that one again, it was fun. Thanks!

You watch it again, great fight.

[p4pking]

James Toney beating Iran Barkley is an absolutely masterful performance to me, he displayed so much ring craft in that fight while still being in great condition which quickly teetered off in the years following. Another fight I've showed a few friends and could watch frequently is his war with Jirov. Toney clearly wasn't the same physical force at cruiserweight and wasn't at his best form, but it was a great testament to his skills the way he wore down a much stronger guy who fought out of his skin as well that night. That was the fight that really got me into boxing actually, I was blown away by the tactics he used and the way he was able to close the fight out. I can't imagine Toney threw half as many punches as Jirov did but was surgical in there.

[X]

Cassius Clay v Cleveland Williams

Sonny Liston v Wayne Bethea

Floyd Patterson v Henry Cooper

and one for the connoisseurs ....... Roland LaStarza v Rocky Marciano

[marbleheadmaui]

James Toney beating Iran Barkley is an absolutely masterful performance to me, he displayed so much ring craft in that fight while still being in great condition which quickly teetered off in the years following. Another fight I've showed a few friends and could watch frequently is his war with Jirov. Toney clearly wasn't the same physical force at cruiserweight and wasn't at his best form, but it was a great testament to his skills the way he wore down a much stronger guy who fought out of his skin as well that night. That was the fight that really got me into boxing actually, I was blown away by the tactics he used and the way he was able to close the fight out. I can't imagine Toney threw half as many punches as Jirov did but was surgical in there.

Toney's hard. I mean your choice is as good as any, but Jirov, the Bodysnatcher II also both show the sheer brilliance of Toney (fit or not).

[generalbulldog]

Hagler-Minter

[Spicoli]

Meldrick Taylor vs James buddy Mcgirt...materpiece.

[THE THIRD MAN]

Ali V Williams - It's the perfect Ali fight, you see the speed, the flair and the power of Ali all in 3 short rounds. Ali was unbeatable in 1966.

Foreman V Frazier 1 - This demolition of Joe Frazier was one of the most frightening displays of brute force ever seen in the ring. This was Joe Frazier he was fighting, the man who beat Ali, yet George destroys 'Smokin Joe' in 2 rounds. Incredible!

Sanchez V Gomez- If anyone ever doubts how great Salvador Sanchez was, then look at his demolition of knockout king Wilfredo Gomez. Sanchez was cut down in the prime of life (dead at 23), but may not have reached his prime in the ring yet. Imagine this boxing fans, Sanchez would have dominated the Featherweight, Super Featherweight and most likely Lightweight division throughout the 80's. He would've fought Nelson again, maybe a trilogy? and JCC might never have won a World Super Featherweight title?

Leonard V Benitez - A flawless display against one of the most underrated fighters of all time. Leonard was in perfect form this night.

Duran V Leonard 1- Duran was at his finest in this fight, it has everything the Duran legend has told us about the man. He completely intimidated Leonard in this fight, watch the ref instructions, Leonard knew who could not win.

Hearns v Duran - The Hitman lived up to his nickname and destroys Duran in 2 rounds, similar to Foreman over Frazier, you wouldn't believe it unless you saw it for yourself.

Hagler v Hearns- The marvellous one threw caution to the wind and took on big hitting Tommy Hearns and walked through his best shots.

Whitaker V JCC- One of the greatest boxing displays of all time and all he gets is a draw? WTF?

Mosely V DLH 1- Sugar Shane Mosley's finest hour, he took on the golden boy and nullified him in his prime. Mosely was simply not going to be beaten that night, oddly enough judges had this fight closer than the second fight which Mosley was soundly beaten IMO.

Pacquaio V Hatton- Hatton didn't stand a chance against a rampaging Pacman, one punch and lights out. The fatboy has been on the happy snacks ever since!

[marbleheadmaui]

Ali V Williams - It's the perfect Ali fight, you see the speed, the flair and the power of Ali all in 3 short rounds. Ali was unbeatable in 1966.

Foreman V Frazier 1 - This demolition of Joe Frazier was one of the most frightening displays of brute force ever seen in the ring. This was Joe Frazier he was fighting, the man who beat Ali, yet George destroys 'Smokin Joe' in 2 rounds. Incredible!

Sanchez V Gomez- If anyone ever doubts how great Salvador Sanchez was, then look at his demolition of knockout king Wilfredo Gomez. Sanchez was cut down in the prime of life (dead at 23), but may not have reached his prime in the ring yet. Imagine this boxing fans, Sanchez would have dominated the Featherweight, Super Featherweight and most likely Lightweight division throughout the 80's. He would've fought Nelson again, maybe a trilogy? and JCC might never have won a World Super Featherweight title?

Leonard V Benitez - A flawless display against one of the most underrated fighters of all time. Leonard was in perfect form this night.

Duran V Leonard 1- Duran was at his finest in this fight, it has everything the Duran legend has told us about the man. He completely intimidated Leonard in this fight, watch the ref instructions, Leonard knew who could not win.

Hearns v Duran - The Hitman lived up to his nickname and destroys Duran in 2 rounds, similar to Foreman over Frazier, you wouldn't believe it unless you saw it for yourself.

Hagler v Hearns- The marvellous one threw caution to the wind and took on big hitting Tommy Hearns and walked through his best shots.

Whitaker V JCC- One of the greatest boxing displays of all time and all he gets is a draw? WTF?

Mosely V DLH 1- Sugar Shane Mosley's finest hour, he took on the golden boy and nullified him in his prime. Mosely was simply not going to be beaten that night, oddly enough judges had this fight closer than the second fight which Mosley was soundly beaten IMO.

Pacquaio V Hatton- Hatton didn't stand a chance against a rampaging Pacman, one punch and lights out. The fatboy has been on the happy snacks ever since!

Great list. Agree on all the bold.

A question on Ray Leonard. I know he was older and slower and that Hagler was fading too, but do you think that fight might have been the best way to show Ray? He was giving up so much in the way of strnegth and power.

[THE THIRD MAN]

Ali V Williams - It's the perfect Ali fight, you see the speed, the flair and the power of Ali all in 3 short rounds. Ali was unbeatable in 1966.

Foreman V Frazier 1 - This demolition of Joe Frazier was one of the most frightening displays of brute force ever seen in the ring. This was Joe Frazier he was fighting, the man who beat Ali, yet George destroys 'Smokin Joe' in 2 rounds. Incredible!

Sanchez V Gomez- If anyone ever doubts how great Salvador Sanchez was, then look at his demolition of knockout king Wilfredo Gomez. Sanchez was cut down in the prime of life (dead at 23), but may not have reached his prime in the ring yet. Imagine this boxing fans, Sanchez would have dominated the Featherweight, Super Featherweight and most likely Lightweight division throughout the 80's. He would've fought Nelson again, maybe a trilogy? and JCC might never have won a World Super Featherweight title?

Leonard V Benitez - A flawless display against one of the most underrated fighters of all time. Leonard was in perfect form this night.

Duran V Leonard 1- Duran was at his finest in this fight, it has everything the Duran legend has told us about the man. He completely intimidated Leonard in this fight, watch the ref instructions, Leonard knew who could not win.

Hearns v Duran - The Hitman lived up to his nickname and destroys Duran in 2 rounds, similar to Foreman over Frazier, you wouldn't believe it unless you saw it for yourself.

Hagler v Hearns- The marvellous one threw caution to the wind and took on big hitting Tommy Hearns and walked through his best shots.

Whitaker V JCC- One of the greatest boxing displays of all time and all he gets is a draw? WTF?

Mosely V DLH 1- Sugar Shane Mosley's finest hour, he took on the golden boy and nullified him in his prime. Mosely was simply not going to be beaten that night, oddly enough judges had this fight closer than the second fight which Mosley was soundly beaten IMO.

Pacquaio V Hatton- Hatton didn't stand a chance against a rampaging Pacman, one punch and lights out. The fatboy has been on the happy snacks ever since!

Great list. Agree on all the bold.

A question on Ray Leonard. I know he was older and slower and that Hagler was fading too, but do you think that fight might have been the best way to show Ray? He was giving up so much in the way of strnegth and power.

Sugar Ray Leonard was a very smart fighter, extraordinary abilty to think things through not only post fight (Duran), but during a fight too (Hearns 1) I think he simply out smartered Hagler who i believe took him lightly. Hagler may have faded by 87', there was certainly not the urgency and unforgiving relentless approach that he had with Hearns 2 years earlier? The decision has always caused controversy, but i've seen a lot worse and in reality Hagler didn't do enough to win. As for my choice of the perfect Leonard fight, his countering of Benitez is a sight to behold and Benitez was one of the best boxers of the past 50 years! Leonard never looked like losing it.

[marbleheadmaui]

Ali V Williams - It's the perfect Ali fight, you see the speed, the flair and the power of Ali all in 3 short rounds. Ali was unbeatable in 1966.

Foreman V Frazier 1 - This demolition of Joe Frazier was one of the most frightening displays of brute force ever seen in the ring. This was Joe Frazier he was fighting, the man who beat Ali, yet George destroys 'Smokin Joe' in 2 rounds. Incredible!

Sanchez V Gomez- If anyone ever doubts how great Salvador Sanchez was, then look at his demolition of knockout king Wilfredo Gomez. Sanchez was cut down in the prime of life (dead at 23), but may not have reached his prime in the ring yet. Imagine this boxing fans, Sanchez would have dominated the Featherweight, Super Featherweight and most likely Lightweight division throughout the 80's. He would've fought Nelson again, maybe a trilogy? and JCC might never have won a World Super Featherweight title?

Leonard V Benitez - A flawless display against one of the most underrated fighters of all time. Leonard was in perfect form this night.

Duran V Leonard 1- Duran was at his finest in this fight, it has everything the Duran legend has told us about the man. He completely intimidated Leonard in this fight, watch the ref instructions, Leonard knew who could not win.

Hearns v Duran - The Hitman lived up to his nickname and destroys Duran in 2 rounds, similar to Foreman over Frazier, you wouldn't believe it unless you saw it for yourself.

Hagler v Hearns- The marvellous one threw caution to the wind and took on big hitting Tommy Hearns and walked through his best shots.

Whitaker V JCC- One of the greatest boxing displays of all time and all he gets is a draw? WTF?

Mosely V DLH 1- Sugar Shane Mosley's finest hour, he took on the golden boy and nullified him in his prime. Mosely was simply not going to be beaten that night, oddly enough judges had this fight closer than the second fight which Mosley was soundly beaten IMO.

Pacquaio V Hatton- Hatton didn't stand a chance against a rampaging Pacman, one punch and lights out. The fatboy has been on the happy snacks ever since!

Great list. Agree on all the bold.

A question on Ray Leonard. I know he was older and slower and that Hagler was fading too, but do you think that fight might have been the best way to show Ray? He was giving up so much in the way of strnegth and power.

Sugar Ray Leonard was a very smart fighter, extraordinary abilty to think things through not only post fight (Duran), but during a fight too (Hearns 1) I think he simply out smartered Hagler who i believe took him lightly. Hagler may have faded by 87', there was certainly not the urgency and unforgiving relentless approach that he had with Hearns 2 years earlier? The decision has always caused controversy, but i've seen a lot worse and in reality Hagler didn't do enough to win. As for my choice of the perfect Leonard fight, his countering of Benitez is a sight to behold and Benitez was one of the best boxers of the past 50 years! Leonard never looked like losing it.

Pretty hard to argue with any of that. The oddest thing about the Benitez fight? Ray was the older man.

[marbleheadmaui]

Meldrick Taylor vs James buddy Mcgirt...materpiece.

Here's what's funny about that one. I was training at Gleason's in the runup to that fight and Buddy was training there. He was so sharp, so agile, so smart in his sparring I called my Dad and said "He's going to kill Meldrick. I've never seen someone look better in my life!"

Oops!

That experience really taught me just how big the gaps can be between good, very good, great, HOF and ATG kinds of categories. Buddy was always a very good fighter. That night? Meldrick was transcendant.

[Master]

Meldrick Taylor vs James buddy Mcgirt...materpiece.

Here's what's funny about that one. I was training at Gleason's in the runup to that fight and Buddy was training there. He was so sharp, so agile, so smart in his sparring I called my Dad and said "He's going to kill Meldrick. I've never seen someone look better in my life!"

Oops!

That experience really taught me just how big the gaps can be between good, very good, great, HOF and ATG kinds of categories. Buddy was always a very good fighter. That night? Meldrick was transcendant.

I have always admired the boxing skills of Buddy McGirt, but you are right Whitaker and Taylor were great fighters and better than him.

[Master]

Trinidad v Vargas
Bowe V Holyfield
Tyson v Berbick
Pacquia v Margarito

[jon09]

Douglas vs Tyson
Whitaker vs Chavez
Mayweather vs Corrales
Toney vs Holyfield
Bhop vs Pavlik
Sanders vs Klitschko