What was the greatest fight in history?

I'd be pretty happy to watch Ali-Frazier III again so it gets my vote. I thought about Hearns-Hagler, or Lyle - Foreman, but I like my fights being super competitive and lasting as long as possible.

Lots of competition though.

 

Foreman-Lyle stands out as my favourite fight of all time.

If I were to compose a top ten it might look like this

1. Foreman-Lyle
2. Ali-Frazier III
3. Chavez-Taylor
4. Robinson-Basilio II
5. Bowe-Holyfield I
6. Morales-Barrera I
7. Leonard-Hearns
8. Ross-Canzoneri II
9. Frazier-Ali I
10. Holmes-Norton

 

1. Walcott-Marciano I
2. Ali-Liston II for the absurdity of it.

 

Significance or quality?

 

Depends on your criteria.
For occasion and event...Ali-Foreman.
or Ali -Frazier 1.
For great boxing match for me Holmes-Norton.
plus everyone's gonna have their own personal favourite fighters and their best moments.

 

If you are incorporating the sweet growing anticipation factor into the enjoyment, and the historical significance, Then i do not think you can beat the "Global Event" that was Ali Frazier 1st ...

Two Undefeated Fighters claiming to be Heavyweight Champ
Two Men who were complete contrasts, the Graceful Mobile Boxer Ali vs the Destructive Pressure Hooker Frazier, The extrovert Vs the Introvert

Global Communications had advanced to such a Stage that Communist Countries, Muslim Countries, Asian Countries, African Countries, The whole darn world was watching this Event, News Programmes were carrying Training camp updates in the Run up which kept the stew sizzling

From Old guys in Barber Shops Via People in Shops,to Young Kids sparring in the school playground, Boxing Fans and Non Boxing Fans alike, The world Waited with Baited Breath...Even before the First Bell...

 

To me, when you add in all the factors, actual fight, build up/media coverage, location, importance, the fighters and their records, etc., it has to be the first Frazier - Ali fight.

Massive build up to the fight, Madison Sq. Garden, two great fighters, anybody that was anybody (and who could afford it) was their.

A truly great fight and even bigger event.

 

Chavez v taylor was probably my favourite.
both prime and both were absolutely on it that night, dazzling combinations and defense, full range of shots inside and out barely a clinch, brutal expert exchanges and manoeuvring on a level all by themselves. plus a desperate last seconds stoppage.

 

Johnson-Jeffries was greater than Frazier-Ali, both in media coverage and in consequences, in my opinion.

 

1- Hagler vs Hearns
2- Larry Holmes vs Ken Norton
3- Dempsey vs Firpo
4- Frazier vs Ali Manila
5- Basilio vs DeMarco I
6- Corrales vs Castillo
7- Foreman vs Lyle
8- Ward vs Gatti the first
9- Escalera vs Arguello
10- Basilio vs DeMarco II

 

Marciano-Walcott I...(1952)...
Basilio-DeMarco-1955...(BOTH)...
Dempsey-Firpo-1923...
Hagler-Hearns-1985...
Zale-Graziano-ALL 3...
Ali-Frazier I-1971...
Johnson-Jefferies-1910...
Chavez-Taylor-1990...just to name a few...

 

I was at that fight between Ali/Frazier FOTC.
The greatest boxing event I have ever seen, but not necessarily the
greatest fight....I think the fight I saw between Ray Robinson and
Randy Turpin #2 at the Polo Grounds, when the great SRR rallied from a badly cut eye and stopped tough Turpin in the 10th round was more
action packed than the FOTC, IMO...

 

For build-up and world interest it has to be Ali vs Frazier I.

 

There might be better fights but I agree with everything you said!
As a senior in high school, the buildup was off the board!
I guess you had to be there to experience it!
I remember telling my friend Tom on the way home from school that afternoon that: Tomorrow morning one of these guys is going to be a beaten fighter.
Sidebar: MONEY has, for a large part, ruined sports!
Interesting that Muhammad & Joe (correct me if I'm wrong) went at it on a TUESDAY nite!
Just checked, it was a Monday nite fight.