Perceived wisdom says “the better boxer wins the rematch” and I can think of loads of example of that. The technician can always learn more about his opponent and the slugger might run out of ideas.
Can anyone think of examples of a time where the first fight was close and when the rematch came around, the cruder/more offensive fighter won?
Just one of them threads where you think of something and want to ask the board.
A similar theme would be the Vernon Forrest -Ricardo Mayorga fights.
The first was a surprise stoppage win for the ultra crude and rough Mayorga. In the rematch Mayorga outpointed Forrest over the full 12.
Ok, it doesn’t 100% meet the criteria of the original poster’s subject, but the outcome was the same.
littlepug wrote: ↑16 May 2022, 10:45
Witherspoon v Bonecrusher
Yes, Witherspoon trounced Bonecrusher in their first meeting but Bonecrusher turned the tables in the first round of a stunning rematch at Madison Square Garden. Witherspoon wanted rid of Don King and showed no great desire to see out the round but Bonecrusher still nailed him and got him going. He deserves a lot of credit.
Henry Cooper's blitzing of Joe Erskine in 12 rounds is also worth a mention. The gifted Erskine held two wins over Cooper but Cooper nailed him with big left hooks and left Erskine draped over the ropes in dramatic fashion.
littlepug wrote: ↑16 May 2022, 10:45
Witherspoon v Bonecrusher
Yes, Witherspoon trounced Bonecrusher in their first meeting but Bonecrusher turned the tables in the first round of a stunning rematch at Madison Square Garden. Witherspoon wanted rid of Don King and showed no great desire to see out the round but Bonecrusher still nailed him and got him going. He deserves a lot of credit.
Henry Cooper's blitzing of Joe Erskine in 12 rounds is also worth a mention. The gifted Erskine held two wins over Cooper but Cooper nailed him with big left hooks and left Erskine draped over the ropes in dramatic fashion.
I should add, if anyone is interested, that Tim Witherspoon showed no great desire to see out the opening round after Bonecrusher had nailed him and put him down for the first of three knockdowns. Witherspoon's purse was horribly carved up by Don King after his previous defence against Frank Bruno and he wanted out of the relationship. Bonecrusher did him a favour.