Last time two lineal champs met?

Dawson is not a 'lineal champ'. Erdei is the last 175lbs 'lineal champ'.

As for your question. Holmes/SpinksI immediately comes to mind. At a push Holyfield/Douglas. Starling was 147lbs 'lineal' champ when he fought Nunn.

 

Mayweather (147) and Hatton (140)?

Or even Pacquaio and Hatton, as Pacquaio was the lineal 130 champ after beating Marquez the year before although he had vacated it.

 

like tbooze said, some still consider erdei the linear champ at 175 but the last time the ring 168 champ fought the ring 175 champ was calzaghe vs hopkins only four years ago.

 

The last time "reigning" lineal champs met was Monzon-Napoles back in the 70's I think.

 

Hatton/Mayweather Jr, as has been mentioned by masterold, was the last between 'reigning' champs.

 

Whatever it was it won't be boring as this will be.

 

Easily:

Hill beat Maske to win the vacant 'lineal crown'

Michalczewski beat Hill

Gonzales beat Michalczewski

Erdei beat Gonzales

Erdei made 11 defences of his crown, had a non title over the weight limit match, had one more match at 175, then had a fight a year ago again weighing under the limit.

So under 'linear' Erdei has a claim.

 

this is why the linear championship means next to nothing imo. there's lots of instances where the so called linear champ was not the best fighter in the division.

 

Clearly, or else the title would never change hands!

Linear is a tool to help you judge who maybe the finest fighter in the division. As shown here, where Erdei has a 'claim' that is correct, but flawed.