That special quality - rising to the occasion

[TigerMoth]

I don't like Muhammad Ali and I don't like Sugar Ray Leonard. But, I have to admit and admire that they each had that special quality - the ability to rise to the occasion. Ali vs Foreman, SRL vs Hearns 1 - fantastic ability demonstrated to rise to the occasion and deliver the goods.

I also think Larry Holmes had it - as demonstrated in his fight with Ken Norton for his first heavyweight championship.

Roberto Duran had it - when he beat SRL. When after the "no mas" disgrace with SRL, he beat Iran Barkley, stood toe to toe with Marvin Hagler....

Actually, not in his first career but in his 2nd career, I think George Foreman had it - as demonstrated in his fight against Ron Lyle.

Carmen Basilio had it - 30 rounds with Sugar Ray Robinson - 1 close win, 1 close loss.

And, of course, SRR had it. The best boxer of all-time in my opinion.

Who else do you think had that special quality?

[gilgamesh]

Buster Douglas had it for one hellacious night.

Pacquiao definitely had it against Barrera and in his 2 rematches with Morales. Plus all of his big fights since then pretty much.

Sergio Martinez had it last year for damn sure.

most big time fighters rise to the occasion at some point. Or we'd never hear much about them.

[yancey]

Smokin' Joe Frazier.

He clearly lost quite a bit after the 3/8/71 FOTC, but he did summon himself and rose to the occasion for the Thrilla in Manila in '75.

Just wish he would have been sent out for the 15th round.

[TigerMoth]

[quote="yancey"]Smokin' Joe Frazier.

He clearly lost quite a bit after the 3/8/71 FOTC, but he did summon himself and rose to the occasion for the Thrilla in Manila in '75.

Just wish he would have been sent out for the 15th round.[/quote]

I should have mentioned Smokin Joe. One of my 5 favorite fighters - I actually went out of my way and visited his boxing facility in Philly - sorry that he wasn't there that day, but, a thrill anyway.

[Goodnight, Irene]

Smokin' Joe Frazier.

He clearly lost quite a bit after the 3/8/71 FOTC, but he did summon himself and rose to the occasion for the Thrilla in Manila in '75.

Just wish he would have been sent out for the 15th round.

Occasions hardly get any bigger than that first fight, & Frazier absolutely shone (despite winning by a narrower margin on my card than the official ones). All heart, all balls

[SaadOffTheDeck]

Holyfield loved the bright lights.