Best fights to show a non boxing-fan?

Dempsey-Willard

 

Something like Hearns v Barkley 1 just to get them swimming with the tide for a couple of rounds then it's OMG!!

 

Bernard hopkins vs Joe calzaghe

then sit beside them and ramble on about subtle old-school roughousing, textbook defence,delaying tactics and tactical fouling holding back the tide of the younger man(don't mention he's past 35)and his unending volume of poorly delivered punches.

Make sure to include plenty of references to old-school technique winning out against vulgar modern stylings every time, ideally as another cuffing telegraphed hook slaps against Nard's shoulder, or he falls into a clinch after another over-extended right hand.

All the while sitting back enjoying the light and enthusiasm for getting into the sport drain from their eyes.

 

Nelson/DeLeon

If your friend can sit through that and still want to be a fan, they will be able to stomach anything you give them there after.

 

Carbajal-Chiquita Gonzalez I is an essential
Any of the first three Vasquez-Marquez fights
Rios-Alvarado I
Ortiz-Berto

Maybe throw in something exotic from the 70s, like Lopez-Ayala, Arguello-Olivares, or Sanchez-Nelson. One thing I've noticed is that novice fight fans always get hooked on Arguello and Sanchez as soon as they're introduced to those two.

 

tyson berbick
pacquiao margarito
Roy Jones Jr

 

Hagler-Hearns

Foreman-Lyle

Mayweather-Corrales

Plus a load of fights involving a prime Ali, Leonard, Tyson, RJJ or Pacman. Great fan friendly styles to watch.

 

Morales-Pacquiao 1 or 2

Morales-Barrera

 

Lewis - Mercer
Sanders - Rahman

 

A fight with Harold Johnson winning a decision. Mentor your friend whist he's watching it about the subtle craft and defensive wizardry that Johnson is performing and that indeed, the sport of boxing is not all about savagery, brutality and bloodletting. Emphasize how Johnson was capable of using any technical means at his disposal to avoid getting hit. This side of the sport needs to be sold to new comers and novices...and if your friend shows no interest,....then show him Hagler-Hearns or Zale-Graziano III.

 

It's because of that one shot drama that Arguello was good at and the magical artistry of Sanchez..and the fact that there aren't too many Mexicans with Afro's.

 

What McGrain said...

I remember I was in home with a person during Hopkins vs Wright and man that was harsh.....

 

I hope it's clear that I was being a bit tongue in cheek about showing them a b/w Harold Johnson fight...as much as I would enjoy it.....but seriously, Hagler-Hearns would be just perfect...absolutely perfect.