Best Rivalries in Boxing

[Willie Pep 229]

I put Louis-Schmeling and Leonard-Hearns on my list, so you know my stance on that. While it shouldn’t be required for boxers to have fought a trilogy for their rivalry to be considered real, I think it’s not controversial to say they need to have fought more than once in order to qualify as a candidate for ATG rivalry.

I undestand your point.

In the case of Louis-Schmeling there hadn't been a rivalry so geo-politically charged as when Yankee Sullivan faced off with Jim Morrissey in 1853.

There was such a fan rivalry betwen Leonard-Hearns that in the 1930/40s we would likely have gotten five ot maybe even six fights.

[The D3vil]

Hey man, Benn-Eubank was probably bigger in the UK than any of these in the US outside of Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Hearns, and maybe Bowe-Holyfield.

Also, I'd argue that Leonard-Duran was really SRL's defining rivalry

[Flickergrab98]

Hey man, Benn-Eubank was probably bigger in the UK than any of these in the US outside of Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Hearns, and maybe Bowe-Holyfield.

Also, I'd argue that Leonard-Duran was really SRL's defining rivalry

Benn and Eubank definitely deserves an honorable mention, first fight was great. But if you compare their rivalry to Leonard-Hearns fights, you’ll notice some similarities that would’ve made talking about both of them on this list seem redundant.

As for which of Leonard’s rivalries was the true defining one. I think the impact he and Hearns had on each other’s careers is equal to what he and Duran had; and if certain legends are to be believed, it might even surpass what him and Duran did for each other. I also feel the type of dynamic between Leonard and Duran is something we’ve seen before; the flashy, swift and charismatic boxer vs. the tough, intimidating and relentless brawler/infighter (Ali-Frazier, Pep-Saddler, Robinson-LaMotta). Whereas it was more nuanced with him and Hearns. When they were in the ring together, Hearns was forced to be the boxer while Leonard needed to act like a pressure fighter. It’s always interesting when a matchup brings out a side of fighters that are not seen as often. And I mean, compare Leonard’s trilogy with Duran and his two fight with Hearns for quality.

Leonard-Hearns
First fight-Classic fight with see-saw momentum and a shocking late stoppage.
Second fight-Excellent follow up that was extremely even and had some memorable knockdowns but is overshadowed by its controversial draw that people still debate from time to time

Leonard-Duran
First fight-Another classic edge of your seat fight with great displays of infighting and courage from both fighters.
Second fight-Decent fight with some bizarre moments and even stranger ending that left people disappointed at the time.
Third fight-This one might as well not exist, it’s that forgotten

[QueensburyRules]

- - Speaking of, Big George never really had any rivalries. He was too affable with a rare combination of devastation. Fighters were loath to ask for any more of that kind of pain.

Frazier and Peralta asked for more and got what they asked for...yup!!!

[Willie Pep 229]

- - Speaking of, Big George never really had any rivalries. He was too affable with a rare combination of devastation. Fighters were loath to ask for any more of that kind of pain.

Frazier and Peralta asked for more and got what they asked for...yup!!!

It speaks to Frazier's courage. No one seemed to want Big George (I) or (II), twice.

[billeau2]

- - Mike turned Mitch into hamburger.

OK, you'd rather be hamburger than nurse a sore mitt.

Guy on AOL took his pitbull for a walk downtown NY and ran into Mike for a brief social. Impressive...

Ill take a nasty shiner as compared to a bad hand injury. Alas it is not absolute. I can see arguments for either. I know from being around that hood at the time Mich was joking and that the general consensus was that mike had the more spectacular damage, but that neither guy was seriously injured.

[Flickergrab98]

It speaks to Frazier's courage. No one seemed to want Big George (I) or (II), twice.

George may not have had a rivalry in the traditional sense, but he did have a nemesis and we all know who that was

[QueensburyRules]

George may not have had a rivalry in the traditional sense, but he did have a nemesis and we all know who that was

- - Ali had a deep seated hatred of George that he never could quite reconcile with actual reality.

[Willie Pep 229]

- - Ali had a deep seated hatred of George that he never could quite reconcile with actual reality.

Maybe he felt the moniker The Greatest was in jeopardy?

He doesn't beat Foreman and Foreman doesn't lose the title until post 1980, where is Ali on our ATG lists today?

[QueensburyRules]

Maybe he felt the moniker The Greatest was in jeopardy?

He doesn't beat Foreman and Foreman doesn't lose the title until post 1980, where is Ali on our ATG lists today?

- - Ali felt small around Big George.