Part II: The Most Defining Fights Per Weight Class: Today The Heavyweights

Shibata Vs Saldivar: the true end of an era. Saldivar had made a comeback after a self-imposed retirement and shot back to the top of the rankings with solid wins over quality operators Legra and Famechon, not only cementing himself as the best 126lber of the 60s but also one of the ATGs of the division.

Shibata, a vulnerable but classy operator, got more and more into the fight as it went down the stretch, causing a corner retirement, and ending the Saldivar era once and for all, stopping Saldivar building into his devastating rhythm and breaking him down with his fast combos.

I'll let someone else do Saddler-Pep series ;-)

 

:good What was the other thread Mand'? Must've missed it.

 

George Dixon V's Terible Terry McGovern: Turn of the last century and its the archetypal boxer V's brawler with the younger brawler coming out on top over the veteran boxer at the end of his run. McGovern was coming fresh off the first ever 1 round KO win in a world title fight and he moved up to fight (not sure about this bit) the longest reigning champion at that point George Dixon, a black dude (so you know he's amazing to be champ back then) at the end of his legendary run. McGovern, younger and seemingly unstoppable scored an 8th round stoppage and defended his title 4 more time that year. He was a whirlwind of destrucstion, a precuser of Jack Dempsey that everybody thought was unstoppable. That is until a supreme boxer with mental and physical toughness stood up to him and beat him. Its a story that keeps repeating itself, in this instance it was Young Corbett II by 2nd round KO, Dempsey it was Tunney on points and Tyson was Douglas then Holyfield.

 

Good shout JBTB....but technically that was a Bantam fight ;-)

 

Yeah. But it was the Featherweight Title on the line.

 

Anyone got a link to the original thread?

I ain't been a regular on here for a while

 

Did I?

Well bugger me sideways and all ways. My memory ain't what it used to be.

 

Where I mentioned Mijares-Rojas?

Yeah, what a great shout that was by me.

 

Salvador Sanchez Vs Wilfredo Gomez

Despite Gomez moving up he was the heavy favourite going in and got totally demolished.

I think this was the first fight at the weight where both fighters got payed 7 digits:good

 

Another good shout LP, one of the more famous clashes between a red-hot Gomez who had won all his fights by K.O and looked to be the most complete fighter on the planet, as well as the rounded Sanchez, who looked to be the man to beat @ 126 despite Pedrozas presence.

Some cracking choices so far :good