Fights where a guy fought the fight of his life and still came up short

yes

 

He looked really good in the second Hearns fight

 

Wepner would probably feel different. Even though it wasn’t that great of a fight he still put in his best effort. Stallone found the fight inspiring enough to make a rather popular movie about it which is still spawning sequels and spin offs to this day.

 

Venice Borkorsor against Rafael Herrera

 

Yaqui Lopez in multiple fights really.

 

Michael Dokes vs. Evander Holyfield.
Ray Mercer vs. Lennox Lewis (and Holyfield).
Marco Antonio Barrera v.s Erik Morales I.
Erik Morales vs. Barrera III
Vitaly Klitschko vs. Lennox Lewis

 

Billy Hardy v Orlando Canizales 1

 

I’m not sure about Meldrick Taylor....you could argue him for the first JC Chavez fight, but I don’t know if I’d put it above his win over Buddy McGirt.

Maybe Tim Witherspoon against Larry Holmes.

 

Mike Weaver also gave a great performance against Larry Holmes, in their first fight.

 

Jeff Fenech from the first fight with Azumah Nelson...IMO he deserved the decision but since he didn’t get it, I would qualify him.

 

Paulie Malignaggi vs Cotto

 

Brennan - Dempsey 2

 

He really nailed Mancini with loads of big punches, and vice versa of course. Respect to both of them!