What were some of boxing’s worst comebacks?

[GhostofDempsey]

Some frequently mentioned:

Jim Jeffries coming off a six year retirement and losing up to 100 pounds to face Johnson.

Joe Louis coming back in 1950, which was more about money than pride or ego.

Ray Leonard coming back one last time for Camacho.

Tyson comeback for back to back losses to Williams and McBride.

All of Duran’s comebacks after the third Leonard fight.

Who else?

[famicommander]

Holyfield vs Belfort.

[Willie Pep 229]

Are Ali-Holmes and/or Ali-Berbick combacks? Both certainly are disasters.

There was only a year and a month between Ali-Spinks II and Holmes, and a year and two months between Holmes and Berbick. But I think (not sure) Ali announced a retirement after Spinks II

[GhostofDempsey]

Are Ali-Holmes and/or Ali-Berbick combacks? Both certainly are disasters.

There was only a year and a month between Ali-Spinks II and Holmes, and a year and two months between Holmes and Berbick. But I think (not sure) Ali announced a retirement after Spinks II

I would say if a fighter announced his retirement, anything afterwards would be considered a comeback. Or they had a > 2 year layoff, though technically a younger fighter would recover better from such a layoff so it’s a judgment call I suppose.

[mrbig1]

Moorer vs Tua. Moorer was one of my favorite fighters. One bomb and it's over.

[The Old LefHook]

Boxing is overdosed with failed comebacks. The worst reason for a comeback was not the idea of Jefferies. In response to the vaunted physical strength of Jefferies, Johnson said he would pin Jeff's arms to his side, and he quite literally and visibly did that several times.

What causes more comebacks, money or pride?

[GhostofDempsey]

Boxing is overdosed with failed comebacks. The worst reason for a comeback was not the idea of Jefferies. In response to the vaunted physical strength of Jefferies, Johnson said he would pin Jeff's arms to his side, and he quite literally and visibly did that several times.

What causes more comebacks, money or pride?

Money undoubtedly inspires more comebacks than pride. Fighters such as Ray Leonard, Jones Jr., Foreman, we’re likely motivate more by pride or ego, but I’m sure the money didn’t hurt. Foreman went on to become one of the wealthiest fighters off all time when he rolled out the Foreman grill during his comeback years.

[QueensburyRules]

- - Joe Louis comeback was epic. He held Charles close, beat a few top 10s, won the BBBc title, the White title, and was schooling Rocky before succumbing.

[markusmod]

Hatton's last fight. Buster Douglas' failed return run. Bowe. Heavyweights tend to make these crazy comebacks more than most.

Trinidad returning to fight Roy Jones.

[QueensburyRules]

Hatton's last fight. Buster Douglas' failed return run. Bowe. Heavyweights tend to make these crazy comebacks more than most.

Trinidad returning to fight Roy Jones.

- - Emphatically disagree. Buster fighting his way off his death bed after he blew up 400+ lb as his prediabetic prime >>> full blown diabetes.

He made major lifestyle changes to fight his way back into to boxing shape, 8-1, 5 KO and fringe contender status as a DIABETIC!!! Most of his opponents sported substantial winning records. Buster picked by Roy for his heavy debut, canceled after his Daddy nixed the fight. They picked John Ruiz instead.

Here is his proto Buster analog, the 400+ lb Buster Mathis who succumbed prematurely to death's fatal kiss, age 42. Douglas age 61 now, but diabetic treatments are massively improved today. My mom succumbed age 47 approximately 8 years after her diagnosis and she was still as trim as any teenage girl as did my brother at the same age. Diabetes is a wickedly vicious disease even with modern pharma and treatment plans, so I admire the F out everything Buster ever did in boxing, so anyone dismissing him gonna have to go thru moi!!!


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