What fighter in defeat, was rated higher than he was before the match? In other words, What fighter gained the most admiration and respect, in a losing effort? For me, it would be .....Duran Vs Hagler. Duran was all Machismo in that match, he went down in defeat, to one of the greatest MW champions of all time in 15 rounds. Daring and taunting Hagler to fight him the whole time. Just epic performance in defeat. He was WINING after 12 rounds on the cards. Just Awesome. Any other fights come to mind?
Your choice probably rates higher than mine, but Ray Mancini came out of the loss to Arguello with more respect and higher status than before it.
Duran vs Hagler is the obvious choice, but with that one already mentioned... ... I will go with the (then) unknown Azuma Nelson, whose stock skyrocketed following his courageous stand against the great Salvador Sanchez.
No way. That fight raised serious questions about whether Frazier would be able to compete with elite heavyweights going forward.
Ohh How about Conns loss to Joe Louis! Conn was amazing that night. It cemented his legacy as an ATG.
Nothing epic but Jose Luis Ramirez v Arguello and Nate Campbell v Casamayor both qualify. Maybe even Rosario v Camacho?
Groves vs Froch 1, many thought Groves would get destroyed but was winning the fight before the dodgy stoppage.