And it still works like a charm. Because you can't forget it. You still have nightmares about me, and I can prove it. :good
I'm ever present in your life. :deal Whenever you have any sort of thoughts, a picture of me appears in your head. I'm someone you can't forget, and for good reason. That was a beatdown you received. :good
Schmeling II alone is as great a single rematch victory as probably anyone has. Ali's in Norton II or III and Frazier II or III? Any of Robinson's? Hearns vs. Leonard II? Lewis vs. Holyfield II? The long count? Meh. Wouldn't say any of those are definitely better. ..and that's just the cherry on top of an 11-0 (9) mark in repeat engagements.
While not rematch GOATS, two recent memory honorable mentions are: Lewis Mayweather Both avenged their 2 losses in rematches.
Louis doesn't get enough appreciation here on the general forum. The most well-rounded technical heavyweight of all time. But Holyfield is my pick. Not too many rematches to chose from, but outboxing Bowe, flattening Moorer, and giving Lewis a seriously tight go is good stuff. Holyfield was a lot better when he came with a plan instead of coming to brawl.
Tied with Israel Vazquez, yes. Mikkel Kessler a close third. Marvin Hagler a close fourth. Fifth I guess Mike Tyson.
:yep Mayweather didn't lose the first time with Castillo or Maidana IMO. ...but yeah. Lewis gets extra credit for obliterating both of his conquerors in the rematch, joining Mayweather in the "beat every man they faced" club but doing so in more scintillating fashion.
Marvin because he's from near your hometown? He's so much different from the rest of the guys on this list in styles. I can't see any parallels... well maybe him and Tyson have SOME parallels. :think
Hagler and Louis/Tyson have plenty in common, in terms of their savage temperament, intimidation/badass mystique and training discipline. All five are technically skilled boxers who could punch and weren't afraid to rumble; all five have excellent jabs and well-rounded skills offensively and defensively with a fully stocked five-punch-threat in their arsenal, capable of throwing everything in the book with textbook precision and devastating explosive power... and were all in their comfort zone when counter-punching (without ever shying away from a fight, preferring to stalk or swarm).
Only major difference with Hagler is that he's a southpaw. For the record, Pete Whitaker makes my top ten as well.
Good shout, and you didn't even mention Tyson or Qawi. The draw & loss in Ruiz & Lewis II respectively do bring him down a notch though, in fairness.