What fight, had the outcome been different, would have had the most impact on boxing?

[SBleeder]

For instance, had Liston steamrolled over Clay.

Liston shuts the Louisville Lip. Clay never becomes Muhammad Ali, never has the same confidence. Liston holds the title for the better part of the 60s.

[Scott9945]

Jeffries beating Johnson
Schmelling over Louis in rematch
Frazier beating Foreman in Jamaica
Leonard beating Duran in Montreal
De La Hoya over Pacquiao

[jas]

vitali - lewis

[BKM-2010]

Tyson vs Holyfield 2. If Tyson won there would have been another giant PPV for the rubber match, no ear biting scandal and stigma that damaged the sport and the biggest star, plus Tyson wouldn't have been suspended for a year + so he'd still be at a high level instead of the shot, rusty version that came back against Botha. So then we'd have Tyson vs Lewis a lot sooner and more competitive, enough for another rematch against Lewis which would have been another huge PPV fight.

[Scott9945]

vitali - lewis

I respectfully disagree. Lewis never fought again, and Vitali was only in heavyweight title fights after. So everything that happens is the same, unless you think Lewis takes a rematch if he had lost.

[billeau2]

Louis does not lose to Schmelling the first time.... Perhaps wartime sentiment changes, Louis record of title years holds very firm indeed!

Tyson beats Douglas. Tyson is looked upon as an omnipotent juggernaught a little longer.

some of these instances are really magnified if you square them though!

Lets say Louis lossed to Billy Conn and loses to schmelling a second time...he may not be considered anywhere near as good as he is presently.

Roy Jones Beats Tarver....Jones maybe is not exposed does not go up to heavyweight and is considered even better.

[Awesome-O]

How about Mancini-Kim?

Along with financial motives, it influenced the change in weigh-in procedures and going from 15 to 12 rounds. Although maybe those were inevitable.

The tragedy being on CBS was obviously really bad for the sport. Didn't sponsors for boxing start decreasing after that? That's what I read.

Boxing's limited exposure on primetime TV has really hurt its mainstream popularity.

[GeneralZod]

Liston/Patterson
If Floyd won what becomes of Clay/Liston?

[soul_survivor]

For instance, had Liston steamrolled over Clay.

Liston shuts the Louisville Lip. Clay never becomes Muhammad Ali, never has the same confidence. Liston holds the title for the better part of the 60s.

the fight u talk of would have had the most impact on boxing history, nothing comes close, just end the thread here lol

[Scott9945]

Liston/Patterson
If Floyd won what becomes of Clay/Liston?

Since the heavyweight division had poor depth then, Clay beats Patterson for the title and then defends against Liston.