Overrated "Great" Fights

[salsanchezfan]

.............I've done this thread here before, but it's been awhile........

Name a fight that is considered to be great by most that you don't like, or at least find overrated. I'll begin.........


Duran-Leonard I : I will never understand why people call this a great fight. More of a mauling contest than anything.


Ward-Gatti I: One sensationally spectacular round, surrounded by "merely" good ones. I know I'm not alone in this opinion, I've seen it repeated here ad nauseum.

[GPater11093]

.............I've done this thread here before, but it's been awhile........

Name a fight that is considered to be great by most that you don't like, or at least find overrated. I'll begin.........


Duran-Leonard I : I will never understand why people call this a great fight. More of a mauling contest than anything.


Ward-Gatti I: One sensationally spectacular round, surrounded by "merely" good ones. I know I'm not alone in this opinion, I've seen it repeated here ad nauseum.

disagree with gatii ward i enjoyed every round it was a brutal war but thats my opinion

i think foreman ali is overrated its a bit of a maul


the valentine massacre with srr and jake lamotaa more of a one sided drubbing

[salsanchezfan]

disagree with gatii ward i enjoyed every round it was a brutal war but thats my opinion

i think foreman ali is overrated its a bit of a maul


the valentine massacre with srr and jake lamotaa more of a one sided drubbing



...........Great selections; I especially like the one about Robby-Lamotta.

McGrain should be flying in here sputtering with rage any second now. :lol:

[Drew101]

Yeah...I think Gatti-Ward 1 had several excellent rounds, one all-time keeper, and a final round recovery from Gatti that made it a hell of a fight in general.

Agreed about Duran-Leonard 1.

Never quite got the love for Bruce Curry-Monroe Brooks. That fight, while fun, seemed a bit too one sided to really be considered a cult classic.

[True Writer]

Duran Vs Leonard 1 is my favourite fight noway at all is it overated, that title goes to Ali vs Foreman.

Ali Vs Norton are probably the most overated trilogy - it is however a great way to get to sleep for all you insomniacs.

Hagler vs Leonard is also a dull fight.

[salsanchezfan]

Duran Vs Leonard 1 is my favourite fight noway at all is it overated, that title goes to Ali vs Foreman.

Ali Vs Norton are probably the most overated trilogy - it is however a great way to get to sleep for all you insomniacs.

Hagler vs Leonard is also a dull fight.



...............Why is Duran-Leonard your favorite fight? If you were a big Duran fan, I could see how it would be a memorable moment, but it wasn't much more than a Greco-Roman wrestling match.

[Robbi]

Ward-Gatti I: One sensationally spectacular round, surrounded by "merely" good ones. I know I'm not alone in this opinion, I've seen it repeated here ad nauseum.

You just need to watch the first 5 rounds, and that viewing alone doesn't put it anywhere near Pryor-Arguello I, Corrales-Castillo I, Barrera-Morales I, Ali-Frazier III, Bowe-Holyfield I, etc.

It's a very good fight. You could say "great" but certainly nowhere near the all-time classics in the history of the sport.

[Robbi]

disagree with gatii ward i enjoyed every round it was a brutal war but thats my opinion

The first 5 rounds, it was Ward coming forward, seldom getting off with many punches, far less landing any. Gatti was boxing very well behind the jab and doing all the scoring during those rounds. It wasn't a brutal war all the way through the fight. Thats a fact. Not unless a brutal war in your estimation is one fighter outclassing the other, and the fighter being outclassed doesn't get off with any punches.

It had one round that was was truely amazing. Other great fights in history maybe only have one or two as well. But that fight isn't in the same league or stratosphere as Pryor-Arguello I or Corrales-Castillo I. In those fights it was meaty punches landing from the opening bell by both fighters and edge of your seat viewing. Gatt-Ward I never had that until around the 6th or 7th round.

[catasyou]

I see Barrera vs Mrales II as being overrated altough it was a good fight.
Gatti vs Ward I was absolutely great.

[Robbi]

I see Barrera vs Mrales II as being overrated altough it was a good fight.
Gatti vs Ward I was absolutely great.

Barrera-Morales II isn't even rated by any boxing fans as a great fight. Never heard anyone before say it was a great fight.

[Robbi]

Gatti vs Ward I was absolutely great.

Yeah for only 50% of the fight.

[GPater11093]

i admit half the figth was ordiary but the other half was special

[Nemesis]

Hagler - Hearns. 1 great round and that was pretty much that.

The thing that makes Ward - Gatti I special was that 9th round, nothing in the Morales-Barrera trilogy come close to that round for shear drama

[My2Sense]

Hagler - Hearns. 1 great round and that was pretty much that.


Agreed.

Also: Leonard-Hearns I.

Very important fight, very dramatic watching it at the time, but it really wasn't a great fight in terms of pure excitement. It was rather modestly-paced and tactical for most of it. The 2nd fight was the better by far IMO, even if it wasn't as significant.

[Russell]

Ali/Liston I and II.

[Sweet Pea]

Duran-Leonard I : I will never understand why people call this a great fight. More of a mauling contest than anything.

You're a damn good poster Sal, but it's either been a very long time since you've seen this fight or you just flat out don't appreciate in-fighting, as what Duran was doing was some of the most impressive work I've ever seen in boxing. Leonard was the one looking to hold on because of Duran's ferocity and clear edge inside, but Duran's skill was so great that he was able to loosen his way out of the clinches and put in effective work nearly every time. I thought it was masterful stuff from Duran, brilliant display of in-fighting technique. When Leonard turned it on it only made the fight that much more exciting. It's probably my favorite fight of all time.

[True Writer]

...............Why is Duran-Leonard your favorite fight? If you were a big Duran fan, I could see how it would be a memorable moment, but it wasn't much more than a Greco-Roman wrestling match.

The way Duran & Leonard fought that night was remarkable, Duran was almost perfect, his movement, combinations, agression, body punching in round 3-4 are amazing and really got to Leonard. Leonard showed true heart and grit and an ability to mix it with the greatest brawler of all time. The fight swayed this way and that and they both could have fought another 15 round at the end. This fight for once was a super fight that exceeded expectations.

[Stonehands89]

...............Why is Duran-Leonard your favorite fight? If you were a big Duran fan, I could see how it would be a memorable moment, but it wasn't much more than a Greco-Roman wrestling match.
... Anyone here live in Washington State? Get over to Sal's place quickly. I think Angelo Dundee broke into his home, overpowered him, and is now writing posts on his laptop.

[salsanchezfan]

... Anyone here live in Washington State? Get over to Sal's place quickly. I think Angelo Dundee broke into his home, overpowered him, and is now writing posts on his laptop.



.................I have to admit that I wrote that more as a vehicle to stimulate discussion, though it is what I believe. :lol:


At least to a large extent.

[Rattler]

.................I have to admit that I wrote that more as a vehicle to stimulate discussion, though it is what I believe. :lol:


At least to a large extent.


OH YEAH!?

Well...

Well.. Salvador Sanchez was nothing more than a low rent poser!!! YEAH!


How you like THEM apples?





:bart

[salsanchezfan]

OH YEAH!?

Well...

Well.. Salvador Sanchez was nothing more than a low rent poser!!! YEAH!


How you like THEM apples?





:bart


.............That's just mean. :blood

[sweet_scientist]

You're a damn good poster Sal, but it's either been a very long time since you've seen this fight or you just flat out don't appreciate in-fighting, as what Duran was doing was some of the most impressive work I've ever seen in boxing. Leonard was the one looking to hold on because of Duran's ferocity and clear edge inside, but Duran's skill was so great that he was able to loosen his way out of the clinches and put in effective work nearly every time. I thought it was masterful stuff from Duran, brilliant display of in-fighting technique. When Leonard turned it on it only made the fight that much more exciting. It's probably my favorite fight of all time.

Same. Not even Ferdie Pacheco's hyperbole could ruin the fight for me. It's a masterpiece.

Probably the highest level ever displayed between two fighters (combined) on film.

[Stonehands89]

.................I have to admit that I wrote that more as a vehicle to stimulate discussion, though it is what I believe. :lol:

At least to a large extent.
The first time I saw it I actually got a bit bored with it. I was too young and full of beans to appreciate it. But I'll tell you, it is an acquired taste. There are moves that Duran does in there that you just know came right from the minds of those two old birds in his corner and they are beautiful. I'd like to research it someday because some recall fighters and moves from the 30s and 40s. Infighting itself is subtle and tough to appreciate anyway, as you know. In March 1990, everyone in the room with me during Chavez-Taylor were shocked, SHOCKED, when they finally noticed Taylor's face. Chavez was killing him in close, gradually and under the radar.

--Duran's performance was three times as good. The agility, the combinations, the slips and the turns and the angles and the pivots and the counters and the traps, Duran was both mad and masterful in there. It was the greatest fusion of aggression and skill ---"bridled aggression" if you will (bridled with unbelievable, maniacal, skill) that I have ever seen in the ring.

Ironically, Leonard, who was thinking of quitting after that bout, recovered better than Duran. It was Duran who even in those late, great performances that we all love to talk about, was never the same. He never approached that fusion again. Never... and I don't think anyone else ever did. And it required that level to beat the Great Leonard. It is no wonder that Duran would never beat Leonard again... he left that ferocity in Montreal, but took the skill. Duran at his best ....was both. And it required his best to beat Leonard, even if it did not to beat Moore and Barkley.

[TBooze]

Eubank/BennII is little more than interesting

Gatti/WardII and III were Ok, but nothing compared to Gatti's battles with Ivan Robinson.

Tyson/Douglas had its moments of excitement and of course you had the shock value at the end, but most of the fight was too one sided to be good.

[Rattler]

.............That's just mean. :blood


Well then don't be shitting on Gatti-Ward I. :bart

[bladerunner]

Hearns-Leonard
Marciano-Walcott
Gatti-Ward
Cotto-Margarito

[Robbi]

Duran-Leonard I was a brilliant fight. It wasn't quite on the same level as some other great fights for sheer volume of punches and drama. IMO, the quality of Duran's work was clearly the hallmark of the entire fight. His work inside, the third round springing to mind the most for myself, was a sight to behold when he pummeled Leonard downstairs like demon.

And I'm in love with the setup and delivery of his left hook halfway through the 2nd round when he had Leonard all over the place. Beautiful execution of slipping and countering. He circled on the the outside, jabbed to Leonard's body at long range, slipped back to avoid incoming offense, then immediately came back with an overhand right, followed by the left hook/uppercut which had Leonard on Queer Street.

[Rui]

Dempsey - Firpo

[MRBILL]

.............I've done this thread here before, but it's been awhile........

Name a fight that is considered to be great by most that you don't like, or at least find overrated. I'll begin.........


Duran-Leonard I : I will never understand why people call this a great fight. More of a mauling contest than anything.


Ward-Gatti I: One sensationally spectacular round, surrounded by "merely" good ones. I know I'm not alone in this opinion, I've seen it repeated here ad nauseum.

"Duran-Leonard 1" was a good fight with a great decision........ Duran won..... That was upsetting the odds at the time in '80........ Parts 2 & 3 sucked the bone.....

"Hagler-Leonard" was a great achievement for Ray Leonard. But the overall contest was mearly entertaining at best.... No real blood and cuts ever materialized...

I'm not big fans of either "Gatti or Ward," so I was never shocked or creaming my jeans in regards to the trilogy....

I'll think up some more "Overrated" fights in a bit.... Peace.....:deal

MR.BILL:bbb

EXTRA:

"Barrera-Morales" fights 2 & 3 were overrated.... Neither comes close to # 1...

[Jack]

Cotto-MargaritoThe problem with this fight, and a lot of others which have a truly granite chinned fighter in them, is that only one fighter get hurt. Everything was brilliant about this, except Margarito was never bothered by any of Cotto's punches. After a while, seeing clean shots bounce offf his head becomes a bit repetitive.

But I love the story of the fight. Cotto outboxing the slower Margarito, who was struggling to get into his rhythm until half way through the fight. Then after a certain point it became a question of "Will Margarito have enough time to get the job done?" and he did. This basic story of the fight is perfect.

It could have been slightly better, but I think it should go down as a great fight, anyway.

[Bill Butcher]

Leonard-Hearns I
It was a very good fight but if it wasnt for who the fighters were, it would be forgotten by now.


Gatti-Ward I
Take away rd 9 & its just a good fight, it was mostly Gatti outboxing Ward until late on.

[Bill Butcher]

Hagler - Hearns. 1 great round and that was pretty much that.

The thing that makes Ward - Gatti I special was that 9th round, nothing in the Morales-Barrera trilogy come close to that round for shear drama

Hearns-Hagler rd 2 was terrific too & we got a KO in the 3rd, best short fight in history.

Gatti-Ward rd 9 was awesome but there were a couple of rds in the Morales-Barrera trilogy that were on the same level.....
1st fight rd 5 & 3rd fight rd 11.

[Bill Butcher]

Duran-Leonard I : I will never understand why people call this a great fight. More of a mauling contest than anything.

As a big fan of both fighters I thought this was a brilliant fight, it was a war, there wasnt a lot of holding I could remember.

The thing about this fight for me is, as much as I try & watch both guys, I cant take my eyes off Duran in the same way I cant take my eyes off Leonard in the 2nd fight.
Those guys seen the best of each other & they sure let each other know it in these fights.

[PowerPuncher]

Off the top of my head:

Corrales-Castillo

[Drew101]

Off the top of my head:

Corrales-Castillo

I know it's heresy to think that way, but I kind of agree because the first six rounds, while a whole lot of fun, weren't fought at the same mind blowing pace of the eighth and tenth. It's a great fight, but I wouldn't say it's the greatest fight of all time, imo.

[Addie]

I know it's heresy to think that way, but I kind of agree because the first six rounds, while a whole lot of fun, weren't fought at the same mind blowing pace of the eighth and tenth. It's a great fight, but I wouldn't say it's the greatest fight of all time, imo.

There is nothing overrated about Corrales vs Castillo 1.

That fight is remarkable from opening bell to last, and if anyone says it's overrated; he's either blind, bet on Castillo to win by KO, or is looking for attention.

Round 8 is an insanely great round, and that isn't even seen as the best round of the fight. That's indicative of how truly great the entire fight was.

As for overrated great fights. I suppose we have quite a few honorable mentions.

Leonard vs Duran I

This is a fight for the purists. They say. All I really saw was a lot of holding, and the odd exchange, which is difficult to appreciate given the video quality of the film. That said, two of the greatest fighters of all time were effectively canceling one another out for most part, with the clear edge given to Duran by the end of round 15. A great fight in terms of significance, but it tends to get overrated.

Hagler vs Hearns

This is referenced everytime a great round comes along, and for very good reason. Hearns and Hagler were standout fighters of their era, and to see them going toe to toe for the entire first round is a fantastic spectacle, and often brutal to comprehend. That said, a very short fight, and none of the rounds that proceeded the first were as spellbinding. I don't think it's the greatest round in Boxing history, either.

Gatti vs Ward I

Neither of the combatants are what we would call the best of their generation or even truely great fighters. However, this isn't why I don;t get the fascination with this trilogy. There are so many rounds that are just one sided boxing lessons from Gatti. However, with the commentators screaming and with the truely great round 9 in their first fight, it suddenly gets built up. Gatti vs Ward I was a great scrap but I wouldn't put it in my top 50 fights of all time, let alone top 10.

Marquez vs Vasquez III

This is somewhat controversial, but I need to make myself very clear when I say this. Their rubber match was truely breathtaking, an all time great fight. However, I don't think it was as good as their second fight, and with the general consensus being that their third is their greatest effort, on that basis at least, this fight is somewhat overrated though. You have my permission to shoot me down, however.

My top 10 fights of all time

Barrera/Morales I
Pryor/Arguello I
Corrales/Castillo I
Cotto/Torres
Gatti/Rodriguez
Barrera/Mckinney
Ali/Frazier III
Cotto/Margarito (Personal Reasons)
Holyfield/Bowe I
Barrera/Morales III (Personal reasons)

[anon1]

seriously, someone has to say. what a stupid thread. you guys call yourself boxing fans?

hagler-hearns?
ali-foreman?

overrated?

yeah, boxing sucks, there were no great fights. they were all overrated.

[Dempsey1238]

I myself belive Ali Fraizer III is over rated.

[Addie]

I myself belive Ali Fraizer III is over rated.

:patsch

[Drew101]

There is nothing overrated about Corrales vs Castillo 1.

That fight is remarkable from opening bell to last, and if anyone says it's overrated; he's either blind, bet on Castillo to win by KO, or is looking for attention.

Round 8 is an insanely great round, and that isn't even seen as the best round of the fight. That's indicative of how truly great the entire fight was.

I respectfully disagree...Round 8 was a fabulous round, but the fight itself for the first sixth rounds, while a very good inside battle, was not as fast-paced or as dramatic as some of the other inside battles that I've seen throughout the years). Once Corrales hurt Castillo at the end of the seventh, up until the final moments, it became a great fight.

Monshipour-Sithchatawal had was more dramatic throughout, for example, then Castillo-Corrales. So too was Chacon-Limon IV, which I think should make everyone's top 10 list.

For that matter, I rate one of your overrated fights (Vasquez-Marquez III) ahead of it, because I thought it was better fight throughought the entire 12 round period.

My opinion, of course...in the same manner that you have yours.

[Dempsey1238]

:patsch

Well it is, Espn at least airs that fight once a week :lol:.

And most people seem to forget about the first fight which is a better fight imo.

I also belive fights like Gans Nelson, Marciano Walcott I and Charles I, Louis Schemling I, SRL Duran I, Ross McLarin III, and Canzi II were better fights imo. I hae a few others to add to the list. tired of people saying its the greatness fight of all time.

[Addie]

I respectfully disagree...Round 8 was a fabulous round, but the fight itself for the first sixth rounds, while a very good inside battle, was not as fast-paced or as dramatic as some of the other inside battles that I've seen throughout the years). Once Corrales hurt Castillo at the end of the seventh, up until the final moments, it became a great fight.

Monshipour-Sithchatawal had was more dramatic throughout, for example, then Castillo-Corrales. So too was Chacon-Limon IV, which I think should make everyone's top 10 list.

For that matter, I rate one of your overrated fights (Vasquez-Marquez III) ahead of it, because I thought it was better fight throughought the entire 12 round period.

My opinion, of course...in the same manner that you have yours.

Wow. Just Wow. :blood

[bladerunner]

Wow. Just Wow. :blood
wow is having Cotto-Margo in your top ten fights of all time.

but considering you only saw Corrales-Castillo for the first time last month or so its not a surprise.

[Bokaj]

Duran-Leonard I : I will never understand why people call this a great fight. More of a mauling contest than anything.

I just watched this one again, and I don't see how it's possible to overrate it. Possibly the most brilliant fight I've ever seen. Not quite the drama of "Manilla", but a lot more skill.

[salsanchezfan]

seriously, someone has to say. what a stupid thread. you guys call yourself boxing fans?

hagler-hearns?
ali-foreman?

overrated?

yeah, boxing sucks, there were no great fights. they were all overrated.



...............Take your Midol and join the fun. It's a legitimate subject. Everyone holds an unusual or sometimes unpopular decision, and this just gets people to talk about it.

[Addie]

wow is having Cotto-Margo in your top ten fights of all time.

but considering you only saw Corrales-Castillo for the first time last month or so its not a surprise.

:rofl That cut deep.

Your agenda against Cotto/Margarito is a little sad, but it's amusing too.

[Minotauro]

Hearns-Leonard
Marciano-Walcott
Gatti-Ward
Cotto-Margarito

I love this fight you see all the subtle movements that Walcott does truly the sweet science but he was aggressive in this match as well his jab was excellent. And Rocky although losing and cut manages to pull off a great comeback and one of the greatest ko's ever.

Dempsey vs Firpo is overrated.

[Drew101]

:rofl That cut deep.

Your agenda against Cotto/Margarito is a little sad, but it's amusing too.

As is your assertion that Vasquez-Marquez III was overrated, imo. But, when dealing with just how exciting fights are, these things do tend to be subjective.

[Shake]

I can't get over how many mentions the Brawl in Montreal gets. It is, without question, the best fight I've ever seen. So many little stories that develop in that match. Duran having to adjust to Leonard's speed in round 1, Leonards somewhat panick-stricken (but competitive!) reaction to Duran outclassing him inside in rounds two and three (Duran ducks under so many punches), Leonard finding a formula that works in round 4 by using subtle footwork to keep the middle distance and staying at centre ring (when he can)....it just keeps going and going like that.

They adjust, and then make re-adjustments, and it keeps going. All the while you're being punched, mauled, pushed, fouled, there's a battle of wits going on to complement the clash of wills and synergy of talents.

I even forgot to mention Leonard being gunshy early on, Duran taking advantage by feinting him to the ropes, and then Leonard ad******g, which Duran attempts to exploit by going for counter overhand rights from way outside. He manages to land one IIRC.

Meanwhile everything these two do is at the absolute peak of tiers. Jabs, sways, footwork, combinations, it is brilliant stuff. Put a random top ten fighter in with either and see what they do with 'em. These fighters together, pushing eachother to a higher plane, is a privelige.

Anyway, I'll mention Gatti-Ward 1. Great effort by both fighters, but not on the level of Montreal, Barrera-Morales and Vasquez-Marquez. Heart + skill > heart+.

[Drew101]

Actually, Pryor/Arguello 1 is kind of overrated, to be honest. It's a very good fight, but it's more of a high-quality dismantling, and less of a two-way, back-and-forth classic.

[salsanchezfan]

Actually, Pryor/Arguello 1 is kind of overrated, to be honest. It's a very good fight, but it's more of a high-quality dismantling, and less of a two-way, back-and-forth classic.



..........Agreed; too one-sided to be called great, but it was entertaining, certainly.


It featured a refreshing lack of grappling like Duran-Leonard I. :smoke

[Robbi]

..........Agreed; too one-sided to be called great, but it was entertaining, certainly.

You on the beer this afternoon? :huh

[Russell]

I really think Sanchez is Rooster, look how he's trolling everyone! :lol:

[salsanchezfan]

You on the beer this afternoon? :huh


.............No, not at all. :lol: I'm not even trolling with that one. It WAS one-sided. Arguello won at most four rounds.

[Robbi]

.............No, not at all. :lol: I'm not even trolling with that one. It WAS one-sided. Arguello won at most four rounds.

Too one sided to be called 'great' ? It sure was damn compeitive and wild affair the first bell to the last. If that wasn't a great fight, then god help us all.

I couldn't care if you scored every round for Pryor. He never won many rounds convincingly anyway, apart from 2 or 3 of the completed 13.

That was a crazy fight.

[True Writer]

I myself belive Ali Fraizer III is over rated.

Agreed - Although I don't think you are allowed to critise Ali on this site, or if you do you know nothing about boxing.

[RockyJim]

Ali-Foreman...1974....Foreman fights one of the dumbest fights I've sever seen...runs out of gas...and is KO'd by the light hitting Ali...

[Flea Man]

I'd say Vasquez-Marquez 3 is one of my top 5 fights of all time.

I think Hagler-Hearns is a little overrated in terms of what actually happened in the fight (best 1st round ever no doubt, but pretty dull 2nd and one-sided 3rd) but I think the two fighters involved lift it into the upper echelons.

[Flea Man]

Ali-Foreman...1974....Foreman fights one of the dumbest fights I've sever seen...runs out of gas...and is KO'd by the light hitting Ali...

Ali wasn't a 'light hitter'. Wasn't a one punch K.O artist but no doubt he had some serious power.

[sitiyzal]

Corrales-Castillo I - most overrated fight of all time. Complete bullshit ending.

[My dinner with Conteh]

I think Hagler-Hearns is a little overrated in terms of what actually happened in the fight (best 1st round ever no doubt, but pretty dull 2nd and one-sided 3rd) but I think the two fighters involved lift it into the upper echelons.


That's the case with Ali-Foreman moreso than any fight i've seen.

[McGrain]

I have to disagree with most of what is in the thread - I don't think Corrales-Castillo is overated, I don't think Ali-Frazier is overated, I certianly don't think Vasquez-Marquez III is overated. Why would Hagler-Hearns ever be considered overated!

I can't think of a single fight that I would think to myself about, "oooo, that's underated, people like that fight more than it should be liked." I probably overate Robinson-LaMotta VI a little bit, but so what? Everyone has a favourite fight.

[Arriba]

I have to disagree with most of what is in the thread - I don't think Corrales-Castillo is overated, I don't think Ali-Frazier is overated, I certianly don't think Vasquez-Marquez III is overated. Why would Hagler-Hearns ever be considered overated!

I can't think of a single fight that I would think to myself about, "oooo, that's underated, people like that fight more than it should be liked." I probably overate Robinson-LaMotta VI a little bit, but so what? Everyone has a favourite fight.

I agree. I don't think any of those fights are overrated at all. They're all great great fights.

[Arriba]

I can't get over how many mentions the Brawl in Montreal gets. It is, without question, the best fight I've ever seen. So many little stories that develop in that match. Duran having to adjust to Leonard's speed in round 1, Leonards somewhat panick-stricken (but competitive!) reaction to Duran outclassing him inside in rounds two and three (Duran ducks under so many punches), Leonard finding a formula that works in round 4 by using subtle footwork to keep the middle distance and staying at centre ring (when he can)....it just keeps going and going like that.


Absolutely agree. I understand the idea that everyone has a unique idea as to what a great fight is but I believe that there are just some things that just are what they are. This fight is one of (if not the #1) the greatest fight of all time IMO.

Every round is different. It's two master craftsmen changing strategies seemingly round by round adapting a new style and a new way to try and outclass another master strategist.

If Patton and Napoleon Bonaparte were to have a boxing fight, It'd probably look a bit like this.

[Bokaj]

That's one disturbing avatar, McGrain! Love it.

[Robbi]

I have to disagree with most of what is in the thread - I don't think Corrales-Castillo is overated, I don't think Ali-Frazier is overated, I certianly don't think Vasquez-Marquez III is overated. Why would Hagler-Hearns ever be considered overated!

I can't think of a single fight that I would think to myself about, "oooo, that's underated, people like that fight more than it should be liked." I probably overate Robinson-LaMotta VI a little bit, but so what? Everyone has a favourite fight.

Your avatar quality is evaporating downwards at an alarming rate. :D

[McGrain]

Not sure how long I can look at it...

[Bill Butcher]

I also think Marciano-Walcott was not as good as Id heard, the actual KO was overrated too.

[Robbi]

Not sure how long I can look at it...

It's quite bizarre and funny. :lol:

[TBooze]

Agreed - Although I don't think you are allowed to critise Ali on this site, or if you do you know nothing about boxing.


I would strongly disagree with that statement. Everyone I have debated and often disagreed with on this classic forum, do not go to such an extreme that you feel unwelcome... IMO.

To have an anti Ali view point is something I disagree with, but can fully understand why you might. Ali was put on this planet IMO to polarize views, which is a good thing.