It always seems surprising when a champion loses his belt by quitting or retiring on his stool between rounds rather than going out on his shield. But it happens. Who are some fighters who lost their titles by quitting? Roberto Duran, notoriously, in the No Mas fight vs. Leonard. (Bellyache or maybe just from being humiliated) Sonny Liston vs. Muhammad Ali. (claimed injury although he clearly could have kept fighting) Marcel Cerdan vs. Jake LaMotta. (Injury) Who else is there? (And we can throw in some challengers, like Willie Pep quitting twice vs. Sandy Sadder, to add to the discussion.)
As Sonny Liston quit on his stool against Muhammad Ali on Feb 25 1964, Ali later on Oct 2 1980 quit on the stool in a title bout against WBC champion Larry Holmes after taking a very horrifying beating. Joe Frazier was not allowed out for round 14 against champion Muhammad Ali on Sept 30 1975.
While some fighters have remained on their stool/not come out for the next round - it is sometimes murky as to whether they quit or if their corner stopped it. As far as I know, Ali’s corner stopped his fight vs Holmes. I think there is contention as to whether Tszyu quit against Hatton - one version I read was that Kostya was asked if he wanted to continue but his reply was incoherent - which spoke for itself but wasn’t quitting per se. Also, didn’t Chavez claim he wanted to continue against De La Hoya in the rematch but there were indicators suggesting otherwise and that he did in fact quit?
Barkley was stopped between rounds vs Toney but he most certainly didn’t quit. He wanted more. Eddie MM was worried Iran would attack him if he stopped it but had his best interests
Alexis Arguello was no longer a champion at the time but he quit against Aaron The Hawk Pryor in their 1983 rematch. This to me is an example of a fighter quitting that I think the right thing to do. Arguello had accomplished so much in his career, he was in against a wild animal who was even madder than normal. He didn't need to get up so he could possibly die or get injured permanently in front of his son and all his fans. It takes nothing away from the fighter he had been. It was a sign of intelligence. Eerily similar scenario Erik Morales quitting vs Manny. Both Arguello and Morales were sitting up looking at the canvas accepting it was over.
I dunno, try standing in front of a mirror and repeating “Sonny Liston Man” five times and see if a murderous looking Bear doesn’t appear behind you ...….I dare ya!
Depends what you think of a guy whose best achievement is a win over Eddie Machen? Am I describing Ingo or Sonny? Hm