BoxRec

The heavyweight division has always been the main division in Boxing, and down the years there have been some masteful performaces by heavyweight fighters.

I would like you to name your choice of top-3 greatest performaces by a heavyweight fighter, and why you have chosen that fighter in that specific contest?

Here's my picks:

1. Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling, 1938

Without question, the GREATEST performance ever by a heavyweight fighter. There was so much pressure on Joe, and he just done the business and performed to his best. This was Louis' peak performace. Completely demolished Schmeling. The bout was the most siginificent in heavyweight history.

2. Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes

IMO, Tyson;s best was aginst Holmes, not Michael Spinks. People may disagree, but Holmes was a full heavyweight, despite being 38 years old at the time of the bout with Mike. Holmes was still a top tier fighter, and he proved this by going the distance against Evander Holyfield four years later. Holmes had 'ring smarts' and they stay with a boxer for a very long time, even when he is not Physically as capable as he use to be. The way in which Mike got the job done was clinical and precise. Very accurate puching by Tyson - anyone else apart from Holmes, and they would not have gotten up from the first knockdown!

3. Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali, 1971

The biggest fight of all time at the time, the highest grossing fight, and the most paid to two athletes at the time $2.5m each. Ali was favourite, by Joe had other ideas. Some people feel the fight was closer, than it actually was, in fact, IMO, Frazier won the bout clearly. He nearly had Ali out in the round 11, and decked him in round 15. Ali had to go to hospital with a broken jaw. Frazier dominated the people's champ, and after the victory, no one could deny that Frazier was the real champion.

So, they are my picks. I know I am going to be mauled for not having Ali vs Williams and other performaces, but its my decision, as it will be yours for your top-3.

Remember, it is your choice!

Hmm...I'm going to have to give a little more thoughth my top three of all-time, but the three that I've enjoyed watchingthe most as they where happening (as opposed to older fights I've only seen on tape) were:
Holmes-Norton an often overlooked classic, that may not be as historically important as some, but was entertaining and competative as hell (2nd fight with Shavers was pretty great too).
Holyfield-Bowe I and III's up there as well.
Tyson-Holyfield I ...if only it had happened a few years earlier, when it should have.

I dis-agree with Tyson-Holmes. It was Holmes first fight in almost 3 years, and he'd hardly trained. When he fought Holyfield, he had already fought other tune-ups and had gotten better prepared.
Tyson-Tubbs goes a little higher in my book then either Spinks or Holmes.

But top 3 EVER? Well, if you mean performance as in boxing performance and not entertainment, I'd say

1) Joe Frazier-Oscar Bonavena 1- If you want to show a young kid how you survive serious moments of trouble, show him this film. Frazier, in a bout with a 3 KD TKO rule, is down twice against the power-punching Bonavena, with over almost 2 whole minutes remaining. What does Joe do, he stays on his feet the rest of the rd and wins most of the other ones. Classic example of pure heart, grit, and skill overcoming adversity.

2) Joe Louis-Jack Sharkey-Yes Sharkey was past his prime but he was still a tough veteran who had only been previously KO'd (controversially) by Dempsey and Carnera, both in bouts in which he was leading on the scorecards. But Sharkey got completly outclassed from the opening bell, as Louis showcased an almost perfect example of textbook boxing and punching. Hell, go and watch any Louis fight pre his 1st retirement.

3) Larry Holmes-Earnie Shavers 2- Another example of how to recover from a crisis situation and then kill the guy who did it.

Rocky Balboa wrote:The heavyweight division has always been the main division in Boxing, and down the years there have been some masteful performaces by heavyweight fighters.

I would like you to name your choice of top-3 greatest performaces by a heavyweight fighter, and why you have chosen that fighter in that specific contest?

Here's my picks:

1. Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling, 1938

Without question, the GREATEST performance ever by a heavyweight fighter. There was so much pressure on Joe, and he just done the business and performed to his best. This was Louis' peak performace. Completely demolished Schmeling. The bout was the most siginificent in heavyweight history.

2. Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes

IMO, Tyson;s best was aginst Holmes, not Michael Spinks. People may disagree, but Holmes was a full heavyweight, despite being 38 years old at the time of the bout with Mike. Holmes was still a top tier fighter, and he proved this by going the distance against Evander Holyfield four years later. Holmes had 'ring smarts' and they stay with a boxer for a very long time, even when he is not Physically as capable as he use to be. The way in which Mike got the job done was clinical and precise. Very accurate puching by Tyson - anyone else apart from Holmes, and they would not have gotten up from the first knockdown!

3. Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali, 1971

The biggest fight of all time at the time, the highest grossing fight, and the most paid to two athletes at the time $2.5m each. Ali was favourite, by Joe had other ideas. Some people feel the fight was closer, than it actually was, in fact, IMO, Frazier won the bout clearly. He nearly had Ali out in the round 11, and decked him in round 15. Ali had to go to hospital with a broken jaw. Frazier dominated the people's champ, and after the victory, no one could deny that Frazier was the real champion.

So, they are my picks. I know I am going to be mauled for not having Ali vs Williams and other performaces, but its my decision, as it will be yours for your top-3.

Remember, it is your choice!

I'm inclined to agree, but might relace your second choice with Tyson - Spinks or Tyson - Williams.

yip agreed tho would have lennox tyson at 2, just cos im biased

Interesting thread, but Tyson/Holmes?? WTF is that? Holmes was great heavy, but was way past his prime, had lost twice to Spinks, basically retired in disgust and hadn't fought in nearly 2 years. Great performance by Tyson, but c'mon, this was nowhere close to a prime Holmes he was in against.

Others that definitely merit consideration - I think top-3 is too narrow, should be at least the top 10:

Ali/Liston I - Ali, nearly blind from Liston's cut medication getting in his eyes, weathers the storm and takes out the previously unstoppable Liston.

Ali/Foreman (can't believe no one has mentioned this one yet)

Marciano/Walcott I - incredible show of guts by the Rock, eerie similarities to Ali/Liston I.

Marciano/Charles 2 - Marciano is getting his head boxed off by the technically superior Charles, fight in danger of being stopped on cuts, Marciano throws caution to the winds and stops the tough Ez.

Charles/Walcott I - Charles wins a lopsided UD over a prime (and much bigger) Walcott in his first fight for a version of a world title (I consider this a more significant win by Charles than his win over an aging Louis a year later - Louis came out of retirement and hadn't fought for over 2 years.)

Charles/Walcott 3 - 1951 Ring FOY

Patterson/Johansson 2 - Floyd avenges his brutal KO loss of the previous year in convincing fashion.
I'm less familiar with the more long-ago eras (e.g. the Dempsey era,) but from what I've read about it, Dempsey-Willard merits consideration as well.

Rocky Balboa wrote:The heavyweight division has always been the main division in Boxing, and down the years there have been some masteful performaces by heavyweight fighters.

I would like you to name your choice of top-3 greatest performaces by a heavyweight fighter, and why you have chosen that fighter in that specific contest?

Here's my picks:

1. Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling, 1938

Without question, the GREATEST performance ever by a heavyweight fighter. There was so much pressure on Joe, and he just done the business and performed to his best. This was Louis' peak performace. Completely demolished Schmeling. The bout was the most siginificent in heavyweight history.

2. Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes

IMO, Tyson;s best was aginst Holmes, not Michael Spinks. People may disagree, but Holmes was a full heavyweight, despite being 38 years old at the time of the bout with Mike. Holmes was still a top tier fighter, and he proved this by going the distance against Evander Holyfield four years later. Holmes had 'ring smarts' and they stay with a boxer for a very long time, even when he is not Physically as capable as he use to be. The way in which Mike got the job done was clinical and precise. Very accurate puching by Tyson - anyone else apart from Holmes, and they would not have gotten up from the first knockdown!

3. Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali, 1971

The biggest fight of all time at the time, the highest grossing fight, and the most paid to two athletes at the time $2.5m each. Ali was favourite, by Joe had other ideas. Some people feel the fight was closer, than it actually was, in fact, IMO, Frazier won the bout clearly. He nearly had Ali out in the round 11, and decked him in round 15. Ali had to go to hospital with a broken jaw. Frazier dominated the people's champ, and after the victory, no one could deny that Frazier was the real champion.

So, they are my picks. I know I am going to be mauled for not having Ali vs Williams and other performaces, but its my decision, as it will be yours for your top-3.

Remember, it is your choice!

Hey, Balboa, what about Schmeling-Louis I in 1936? or can only an american boxer make a good fight...........

???
i dont remember clubber laing saying that...... oh, sorry mate, i see what you mean!
come on bubi mate, the fella`s just giving his opinion, not trying diss the germans. your letting one bad peice of judging get to you.

If we're talking about a great fighter at his absolute peak delivering a career-defining performance, it has to be
1. Ali- Foreman. For those of us old enough to remember, this was a truly remarkable upset. We just hoped that poor old Ali could maintain his dignity against Big George's pounding. Instead, Ali made Foreman look amateurish and dumped him before half an hour elapsed.
2. Frazier-Ali I. A world-stopping mega-event, no exaggeration. For once, Ali's taunting backfired and Smokin' Joe reached down for something extra. He would not be denied.
3. Louis-Schmeling II. Joe avenged his lone loss in overwhelming fashion. Again a fight of worldwide note, but just look at the utter calm on Joe's face. He looks as unperturbed as a man eating his lunch.

If we talk of fights where an underdog stunned the world, go with Douglas-Tyson, Young-Foreman, Clay-Liston.

Number 1: Joe Frazier's unanimous decision over Ali in 1971 was an incredible feat. Frazier was the naturally smaller man, giving Ali significant height, reach, and weight advantages. The politics of that era resounded with pro-Ali sentiment, and Frazier carried the heavy burden of being labeled an "uncle Tom" by Ali and Ali supporters. The fight itself was a classic. Both men left it all in the ring, and Frazier's left hook prooved to be the difference in one of the best fights of any era.

Number 2: Ali's knockout over George Foreman in Zaire. Foreman was "unbeatable" at the time, and many people thought Ali would be lucky to survive the distance, let alone win the fight. Amazing victory for Ali.

Number 3: Gerry Cooney TKO loss to Larry Holmes. Okay, I know this is a stretch, but Cooney had no business in the ring with a peaking Larry Holmes. Holmes was already staking his claim to greatness, and he was extremely motivated for this fight because of the "white hope" angle used during the promotion. Cooney not only fought well, but he actually won some rounds and landed several viscous punches. A lesser champion might well have lost the title to Cooney on that night.

John P. Fernandez wrote:Number 3: Gerry Cooney TKO loss to Larry Holmes. Okay, I know this is a stretch, but Cooney had no business in the ring with a peaking Larry Holmes. Holmes was already staking his claim to greatness, and he was extremely motivated for this fight because of the "white hope" angle used during the promotion. Cooney not only fought well, but he actually won some rounds and landed several viscous punches. A lesser champion might well have lost the title to Cooney on that night.

I think many people forget what this fight was like. It was an intense, tough battle and Holmes took a lot of punishment from Gerry. There are few heavyweights who could have taken the shots Cooney landed.

But I don't necessarily think that Cooney overachieved that night. He had real talent: solid handspeed, very good power, and an AWESOME left hook. If he had not been rushed (and didn't have his later substance abuse problems), he could have achieved a lot more in boxing.

#3 Spinks vs Holmes 1, #2 Tyson vs Spinks, & finally the best performance by a hw was Ali vs Foreman.

if you think about beating an all time great in a dominant fashion without any excuses then these come to mind.
Ali v. Foreman
Foreman v. Frazier I
It is hard to think of a third one as poignant as those two, maybe Tyson/Holyfield I or Dempsey/Tunney I even though both losers were on the downside of their careers they were still excellent. Another one that comes to mind is Liston/Patterson. Dominance personified.
i

Upon further thought these are 3 fights that really defined an all time great fighter:

Joe Louis v. Jersey Joe Walcott II - After the controversial first fight, Louis got revenge by knocking out Walcott showing his greatness for the last time. It is amazing how he was able to do this against an outstanding fighter in his prime like Walcott that late in his career.

Mike Tyson v. Trevor Berbick - Berbick may have been the best fighter Tyson fought while still in his prime and demolished him. One of the fights that made him a legend.

Jack Dempsey v. Jess Willard - Beating of the century.

perrycarter wrote:
Mike Tyson v. Trevor Berbick - Berbick may have been the best fighter Tyson fought while still in his prime and demolished him. .

Berbick Tyson's best opponent???

arguably yes. Which goes to show he didnt really beat anyone back in the 80's when he was at his best. Other candidates for Tyson's best opponent were Tony Tucker and blown up light heavyweight Spinks. I am not saying Berbick was anything more than average but he was a seasoned veteran and yes, IMO was the best Tyson fought in the 80's.

Now that I've had more time to think about it, I would probably rank Dempsey/Firpo as a greater performance than Dempsey/Willard. Willard's main claim to fame was that win over a 37-year -old Jack Johnson a few years earlier, but he'd lost to no small number of guys and despite his big size advantage needed 26 rounds to stop Johnson.

Firpo, on the other hand, had only lost twice, both early in his career, had not lost in over 4 years and 20 fights at the time he fought Dempsey, and had just KOd Willard a few months earlier himself. Dempsey was 4 years older (he was only 28, but with his lifestyle he was burned out at 30) and had fought just once the preceding year, winning a 15-round decision over loight-heavyweight Tommy Gibbons - noit exactly the best preparation for facing a giant like Firpo. Here is the New York Times description of thye fight, which one of the eds. added to the record just recently:

In the shortest and fiercest battle ever fought between heavyweights, Jack Dempsey knocked out Luis Firpo at the Polo Grounds. But no champion ever had a closer call. In the first round, after Firpo had gone down seven times, one of his long smashing rights caught Dempsey fairly and knocked him clear through the ropes. The champion's head disappeared over the edge of the ring, his white-clad legs shot up in the air, and it seemed a new world champion was about to enter into his glory. On the count of nine, Dempsey managed to stagger back into the ring, but the end of the round found him obviously badly shaken, and staggering as he had never been staggered before. In the second round Firpo's right was too slow to reach the champion, who was striking in with all his power. He caught Firpo with a right and put him down. Two seconds later the challenger was up but a moment more and he was down again for a count of five. Once more Firpo staggered to his feet, Dempsey was on him instantly, caught him with a left to the jaw and then toppled him with a right as he sank. Bleeding slightly at the mouth, Firpo turned slowly over, striving vainly to rise as the referee's pumping arm reached the counts of eight and nine, and stiffened helplessly as the tenth count ended his championship hopes for the time.

dempseyfire wrote:

perrycarter wrote:
Mike Tyson v. Trevor Berbick - Berbick may have been the best fighter Tyson fought while still in his prime and demolished him. .

Berbick Tyson's best opponent???

Spinks, Holmes and Thomas were better. As was Ruddock.

gensu3k1 wrote:

dempseyfire wrote:

perrycarter wrote:
Mike Tyson v. Trevor Berbick - Berbick may have been the best fighter Tyson fought while still in his prime and demolished him. .

Berbick Tyson's best opponent???

Spinks, Holmes and Thomas were better. As was Ruddock.

I respect your opinion but my thinking was that Berbick was fresh off a win over Thomas and Holmes was not the Holmes of the past. It has been well documented that Holmes just wanted the paycheck and did not train. I can definately see the arguement for Spinks though.

Eric the Viking wrote:Now that I've had more time to think about it, I would probably rank Dempsey/Firpo as a greater performance than Dempsey/Willard. Willard's main claim to fame was that win over a 37-year -old Jack Johnson a few years earlier, but he'd lost to no small number of guys and despite his big size advantage needed 26 rounds to stop Johnson.

Firpo, on the other hand, had only lost twice, both early in his career, had not lost in over 4 years and 20 fights at the time he fought Dempsey, and had just KOd Willard a few months earlier himself. Dempsey was 4 years older (he was only 28, but with his lifestyle he was burned out at 30) and had fought just once the preceding year, winning a 15-round decision over loight-heavyweight Tommy Gibbons - noit exactly the best preparation for facing a giant like Firpo. Here is the New York Times description of thye fight, which one of the eds. added to the record just recently:

In the shortest and fiercest battle ever fought between heavyweights, Jack Dempsey knocked out Luis Firpo at the Polo Grounds. But no champion ever had a closer call. In the first round, after Firpo had gone down seven times, one of his long smashing rights caught Dempsey fairly and knocked him clear through the ropes. The champion's head disappeared over the edge of the ring, his white-clad legs shot up in the air, and it seemed a new world champion was about to enter into his glory. On the count of nine, Dempsey managed to stagger back into the ring, but the end of the round found him obviously badly shaken, and staggering as he had never been staggered before. In the second round Firpo's right was too slow to reach the champion, who was striking in with all his power. He caught Firpo with a right and put him down. Two seconds later the challenger was up but a moment more and he was down again for a count of five. Once more Firpo staggered to his feet, Dempsey was on him instantly, caught him with a left to the jaw and then toppled him with a right as he sank. Bleeding slightly at the mouth, Firpo turned slowly over, striving vainly to rise as the referee's pumping arm reached the counts of eight and nine, and stiffened helplessly as the tenth count ended his championship hopes for the time.

Nicely stated. Dempsey was floored in that fight though so it was not as dominating of an opponent as Williard. However Firpo was a better opponent and he overcame adversity to win.

All three of Julius Longs performances against Karriem Respress.

Louis-Schmeling II...the greatest performance, completely one sided.

Tunney-Dempsey I...Tunney wasn't given much of a chance, Dempsey was supposed to kill him...3 year layoff rotted Dempsey's ring skills and Tunney became a legend.

(tie)
Ali - Liston I...Ali was given virtually zero chance to win, by the 6th round was totally dominating Liston.

Ali - Foreman...Again, Ali not given much of a chance. 32 year old Ali, who certainly didn't have the hand & leg speed of 10 years earlier, STILL found a way to dismantle another 'on paper' unbeatable King Kong!

Ali was favourite, by Joe had other ideas.

Just for the record...Ali was NOT the favorite...the odds with the bookies were even, and it was 50 - 50 with the general public...I was a big Ali fan, went to the closed circuit telecast at an arena with thousands of people, and I vividly recall as much cheering for Frazier as there was for Ali...the political climate surrounding the fight amplified this...there were people there rooting for Frazier just because they hated Ali, many weren't even boxing fans!!!

Top three performances by heavyweight:

3) Foreman over Moorer. Sure he was dominated the whole fight, but with one punch he became the oldest heavyweight champ of all time, and I am not even a Foreman fan. Guy deserves his props.

2) Ali over Foreman. Anybody not picking this fight should have their head examined. Nobody outside of Ali's camp gave him much of a chance against the beast Foreman. People who loved Ali feared for him. The reality exposed people's specious perceptions like few other sporting contests ever have.

1) Douglas over Tyson. Tell the guy that cleaned up betting the 38-1 odds this wasn't the greatest performance of all time. Only one mistake, the uppercut he took from Tyson when he had the champ pinned against the ropes. This dropped him, but he got up, and he about took Tyson's head off. Tyson was considered invincible by people at this time, just like Foreman was in Zaire.

Joe Louis beat a washed up Max Schmeling. Schmeling was actually well past his peak when he beat Louis in their first fight. Tunney twice beat a soft Dempsey. If Conn had avoided that damn left hook, he'd be number one all time performer.

1. Holyfield/Tyson I. How do you beat a monster? Just like that.
2. Ali/Foreman. Ditto!
3. Holmes/Norton. Just an incredibly close, exciting fight with a v good match of styles.

Also up for consideration among fights I've watched would be Ali/Frazier 3 (which effectively finished both of them) Holmes/Shavers 2. And Holyfield/Bowe 3.