What's the most beautiful boxing performance you've ever seen?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Mandela2039, Apr 19, 2025.

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  1. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 Philippians 2:10-11 Full Member

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    when I say beautiful, I’m not talking about the most technical, clean, or dominant showing. It doesn’t have to be a masterclass or some flawless display of skill.

    I mean the kind of fight that reaches inside you and hits something deeper — a performance that moves you, sticks with you, and for some reason you just can’t forget it. It’s not about stats, resumes, or legacy. It’s about feeling. The way a fight can grab your heart, shake it, and leave you different by the end.

    For me personally, one of those fights is the Brawl in Montreal. There was something about that night — Duran's energy, his attitude, the way he stood in front of Sugar Ray and just took the moment. The intensity, the rawness, the way both of them refused to back down. It wasn’t just a fight, it felt like a storm. That performance had a soul, and it’s hard for me to put into words, but it felt like something bigger than just boxing, it felt like the fight itself was alive.

    So yeah, what’s that one fight for you — the one that wasn’t just great, but beautiful in a way that you still feel it when you think about it?
     
    Mandela2039, Apr 19, 2025
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  2. dmt

    dmt Hardest hitting hw ever Full Member

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    Duran Leonard 1 for sure.

    Also love Toney vs Jirov. Toney was just masterful vs such a difficult opponent.
     
    dmt, Apr 19, 2025
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  3. bolo specialist

    bolo specialist Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Basilio-Robinson 1
    Ali-Frazier 1
    Duran-Barkley
    Pacquiao-DeLaHoya
    Usyk-Fury 1
     
    bolo specialist, Apr 19, 2025
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  4. KasimirKid

    KasimirKid Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Canzoneri v. McLarnin 1 and Ambers 1
     
    KasimirKid, Apr 19, 2025
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  5. drenlou

    drenlou VIP Member

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    I've seen alot, but Mayweathers destruction of Corrales was a thing of beauty.
     
    drenlou, Apr 19, 2025
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  6. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 MONZON VS HAGLER 2025 Full Member

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    Actually a little unheralded one is Jirov vs Toney if you watch it in slow motion you’ll really see how tough Jirov is and how good Toney was… Toney vs Holyfield also gets little attention, understandable both were old war horses at the time.
     
    Journeyman92, Apr 19, 2025
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  7. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Duran v Palomino
    Holmes v Shavers I
     
    robert ungurean, Apr 19, 2025
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  8. The Undefeated Lachbuster

    The Undefeated Lachbuster On the Italian agenda Full Member

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    Locche vs Fuji
     
    The Undefeated Lachbuster, Apr 19, 2025
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  9. FThabxinfan

    FThabxinfan Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Duran vs De Jesus III, Olivares vs Castillo I, Rodriguez vs Griffith III,Harada vs Jofre I.
     
    FThabxinfan, Apr 19, 2025
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  10. Eddie Ezzard

    Eddie Ezzard Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Joe in FotC. Both of them in the Thrilla. Those conditions, that punishment. It was other worldly. Ali in the Rumble. Evander in the first Bowe fight. They all had real soul for me.

    In terms of beautiful boxing, Toney v Barkley, Sanchez v Gomez, Chavez v Rosario all stick in my mind.
     
    Eddie Ezzard, Apr 20, 2025
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  11. Fireman Fred

    Fireman Fred Active Member Full Member

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    Duran-Barkley especially the 11th round knockdown which was exquisite.

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    Fireman Fred, Apr 20, 2025
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  12. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    “That man just got too much heart. Too much heart.” – Iran Barkley

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    McGrain, Apr 20, 2025
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  13. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    "It would have been easy to say "I quit" but she wasn't that kind of woman and she wouldn't have wanted me to do that. Mother. My mother. God bless her heart." - James Douglas.

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    McGrain, Apr 20, 2025
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  14. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    "I, too, am a champion." - Archie Moore

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    McGrain, Apr 20, 2025
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  15. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Barkley vs Duran, great answer.
    I'll never forget watching that fight for the first time, my heart was in my mouth.
    Not one boring round there and Duran winning a title 17 year's after his first.. crazy.
     
    Fergy, Apr 20, 2025
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