Comments Thread For: Heavyweight Title Has Truly Gone Global Over The Years

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Ron Lewis - For most of its existence, the world heavyweight title seldom strayed beyond the borders of the United States, yet when Andy Ruiz Jr defends WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF heavyweight titles against Anthony Joshua is Diriyah next week, Saudi Arabia will become the 24th country to stage a world heavyweight title fight. It is 127 years since...
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[Kreklo]

Tyson/Tubbs and Tyson/Douglas not on the list.

[Mick Higgs]

Great Britain's Bob Fiyzsimmons was the first non USA born World champion, not Max Schmelling!

[Monty Fisto]

Tyson/Tubbs and Tyson/Douglas not on the list.

No, it doesn't, but it's not trying to be an exhaustive list of every bout outside the US, it's talking about HW title fights coming to countries for the first time. Japan is covered under the Foreman vs Roman fight from 1973.

[Marchegiano]

Lee Savold was the IBU champion as well. BBBoC/IBU champion.


Good article though that makes a fair point all the same. Even if Bob predates Max by 30 years and Lee was recognized by two bodies.

[OctoberRed]

Good stuff, really good stuff.

[Mick Higgs]

Lee Savold was the IBU champion as well. BBBoC/IBU champion.


Good article though that makes a fair point all the same. Even if Bob predates Max by 30 years and Lee was recognized by two bodies.

How could Lee Savold be BBBofC Champion? He was American!..

[Marchegiano]

How could Lee Savold be BBBofC Champion? He was American!..

They used to sanction world champions.

[The D3vil]

I love boxing as an international sport.

There should be more of this.

I'd love to see fights in places like Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, China, Phillippines, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, France, etc. . .

And of course Mexico City, which I think Ruiz/Joshua II should've been held.

[Mick Higgs]

They used to sanction world champions.

The board have always been a bit odd in there affiliations, back in the 70's they didn't recognize the WBA which caused problems for both (at the time undisputed champions) Ken Buchanan & John H.Stracey. "Fi$h £yed" Frank Warren has a lot to be blaimed for the introduction of both the IBF & WBO!...........