And thank you for making mine with those very kind words. I appreciate tremendously. It was a tricky one to piece together for sure, the entire process was enjoyable. From collecting and sorting the data, to watching the fights I missed and rewatching ones I hadn't seen in a long while (and even rewatching several that I have seen very recently). It was a lot of fun for me, so I hope that people enjoy the run down. I actually still intend to watch many of the fights I haven't seen that didn't crack the Top 50.
Thanks @HDmexiqtioner You know, I was going to break down some of the trends, and I think I still will. I am curious to see how some of these things break down as well, both within the Top 50, and also outside of it down through all 290. Trends on decades (as you mentioned), weight classes, etc. The only reason I didn't add those things here onto my final conclusion is I knew I was already stretching past the 60 minute mark. But I am curious to do a deeper analysis, including fight outcomes in addition to decades and divisions. As for the unknown gems, I'm grateful to everyone who pointed me in the direction of Jung Koo Chang vs Katsuo Tokashiki and especially that first fight between Benny Kid Paret and Gaspar Ortega. But the other fights I had never seen all provided a wonderful viewing experience, too. And those included Matthew Saad Muhammad vs Marvin Johnson (1st meeting) and Nigel Benn vs Chris Eubank. And then there were a few others that I had seen highlights of previously, but never actually took the time to properly watch.
All true. I myself included Louis-Schmeling 2 which is a one-sided thing too but I thought its historical significance warranted it. The two Tyson things.........eh. But whaddya do, they were chosen. Which of these you hadn't seen was your favorite? Haven't seen Wlad-AJ or Ike-Tua, though the latter looks fun.
This video popped up in my YouTube suggestions this morning, I thought nothing of it and then only made the link when I checked this forum for the first time in weeks! It is a brilliant piece of work, well done. Really. Hope it was half as much fun to make as it is to watch. I regret not getting round to voting now. Y'know quite a number of the choices reflect that boxing, especially the heavyweights, is very much about the story and the sensation. Seldom do you get that AND a fantastic fight. I can't recall all of the 50 off the top of my head but fights in amongst it which were sensations without being great fights are numerous. Schmeling Louis 2. Firpo Dempsey. Tyson Holyfield 1. Tyson Spinks. Tyson Berbick. Tyson Douglas. Foreman Frazier. Foreman Moorer was no way on earth a better fight than Foreman Holyfield, but one was a sensation and made this top 50 and the other was not, and didn't. I would think all of those I've mentioned could easily get into a list of top 50 most significant fights, or top 50 times a fight bent the arc of boxing history, but that would be a different list to top 50 best fights of all time if that question is to be interpreted as most entertaining 50 fights. Some fights deserve to be in both lists, but it'd be interesting to see the Venn diagram. Again, brilliant work.
Which of these I hadn't seen in terms of heavyweight fights? I had seen all of those. But out of the ones I didn't see, the 1st fight between Gaspar Ortega and Kid Paret. I thought it was delightful, a real beauty of a fight. Wlad-AJ and Ike-Tua are both entertaining. Even as heavyweight fights, I'd venture a guess you will enjoy them. Although, I would have had them both lower than several other heavyweight fights that didn't make the cut.
Thank you for the kind words. You make a stellar and astute observation regarding fights which were "sensations". Excellent point, perfectly articulated.
You know I still meant to do an epilogue on the original series here from the other Survey. I intend to do both at some point down the line. But until then, I'd like to sneak in a 3rd and possibly 4th survey, before I start breaking stuff down more. Still debating ideas in my head for the next one.
Just watched it @Rumsfeld . What a fantastic piece of work. Great stuff. I’m definitely keen to be involved in a collaborative survey like that again.
