A bit of a alternative universe this one, just for fun. So the heavy weight title can only change hands by KO. If the champ beats the challenger on points, then he remains champ. If the Challenger beats the champ on points the champion REMAINS champ. The only way to win the title is to knock out the reigning champ. Which are the most interesting changes?
So AJ knocked out Wlad (Fury's win over Wlad doesn't count), and Andy Ruiz Jr. knocked out AJ Andy Ruiz Jr. is the ruler of the HW category. Your suggestion is still good, regardless of my conclusions.
Earlier on this was a popular idea. Basically treat every decision like a NWS. Belts changing hands by decision were rare and whenever it happened there were murmurings about that.
Am I correct that the heavyweight championship never changed hands on a decision from Primo Carnera until Leon Spinks?
Depends who you viewed as the rightful champion between Frazier and Ali at the time of FOTC Edit:Baer-Braddock was a decision. I also think that’s one of the matchups where the other guy wins under the criteria set fourth in the thread.
Assuming we’re still talking a 15 round limit, if one of the legendary iron chinned fighters managed to win the title via KO, I guess they’d be holding on to same for a very long time, even in the face of shutouts. Randall Tex Cobb for one would’ve def. approved of this rule modification. But then, what if the Champ incurs a very bad, normally fight ending cut, would he simply be allowed to fight on because he hasn’t been literally knocked out? Very interesting premise Ferg.
If I'm the challenger I'm gonna keep targeting that old cut, getting multiple rematches. It's like a Grand Theft Auto infinite money glitch...!
Burns is the 1st casualty to not win the heavyweight title. Then Hart avoids defending against Johnson by saying he's already proven Johnson could not knock him out so Johnson becomes the 2nd casualty. I wonder who finally gets Hart down for the count and when...