What was the most important fight in super middleweight history?

My pick is Calzaghe v Kessler, what do you think?

 

Toney Jones by a huge and obvious margin. Two top 5 p4p undefeated young champions on ppv.

 

interesting thread I would rate the megabattles first between actual ATG/elites which has to be the obvious number 1, so thats -

1. Toney - Jones.

Anyone claiming that anything tops seeing an ATG and elite facing off is lying.

2. Ward -Dawson also has claim to this seeing as both had claim to be elite, and Ward has claim to be ATG for sure. Furthermore, it was the two top dogs in 2 divisions.

3. Ward- Froch - an ATG vs an elite


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Next layer is the HoFers/backdoorHoFers/ elites

4. Calzaghe - Kessler JOINT WITH Froch -Kessler 2, both being for plural titles, albeit one was over a one handed opponent.

5. Froch - Bute, elite unification

6. Barkley - Toney - battle of 2 elites, single title

7. Froch Kessler 1 - single title win between 2 elites

8. Benn McClellan , not just an elite bout, but had great historical significance in Britain.


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Next section is that contained one elite or less

9. Eubank Watson equal with Benn - Watto ... brits remember these fondly

10. Ottke - Mitchell - difficult as it is to include perennial cheat Sven in here, it was a valid unification fight even if it wasnt a recogniseable win. the only successful unification here that doesnt include elite level boxers.

Historically significant -

Hearns Leonard

 

Benn v Eubank 2 has to be top 10 two belts on the line Eubank unbeaten, crowd of 55000, polar opposite personalities, genuine rivalry

 

SRL and Tommy needs a mention.
As does Nigel Benn v Gerald McLellan

 

Ottka vs Reid

 

The one where Reid was warned for landing a clean punch

 

It depends on what we deem as important to the division's history, really.

Jones Jr. / Toney is clearly one of the highest profile bouts in the division, due to the fighters involved, at the time; their caliber and the point they were both at, in their respective careers.

However, for sheer devastation; a shocking display, lopsided result and aftermath, in light of one of the most divisive build-ups to a fight I had seen for some time, I think the Calzaghe/Lacy bout carried immense importance of a 'make or break' nature for the fighters themselves - and, a subsequent impact to the division, overall.

It effectively and finally established a consensus view of Calzaghe, as a genuine force in Boxing, whilst, to all intents and purposes, Lacy's meaningful career was over. Calzaghe would reap much reward from this one fight, after more than 12 years as a professional; 9 of those as a world title holder.

Personally, I think the whole affair woke the division up, as well as drew to it much wider attention and focus.

 

Jones-Toney. By a large margin.

Incredibly significant when it happened. And it's significance has ony increased over time due to the amazing Hall of Fame careers both fighters had AFTER the megafight between them was over.

 

title fight between a lesser title holder and a weak holder of a major surely cannot be the greatest SMW fight ever.

Surely noone would consider the modern equivalent, IBOs eubank vs, say James DeGale as the greatest ever.

However it was Calzaghes best fperformance, I'll give you that.

 

Jones v Toney has got to be the most important in this division. The build up to the event ,and also the two massive names involved. The fight itself was a let down compared to the hype but still the top dog .

 

The thread title asks for the most important; not the greatest.
As I suggested in my earlier post, it depends on what we consider to be important to a division's history.
It certainly was a fine performance from Calzaghe, though.

 

thats cool if you personally think thats most important.

 

Errrrr Calzaghe vs David Starie?

 

Not a fan of either guy but quite likely RJJ-Toney as has been said