Can a fighter look good in defeat? Is there such a thing as a moral victory? I just rewatched Lennox vs Vitali and had forgotton alot of the percieved ideas of Vitali's fortitude (although among some they remain!)...he gave a good showing and had a solid chance at victory barring his cut...yet he won the crowd over and seemingly dispelled some of these notions people had of him...His record says L TKO....yet he won in the eyes and hearts of fans...Who else lost yet grew in reputation or respect? I think of Azumah Nelson losing to Sanchez..he gave a gritty performance and went on to become one opf my favs...from who?? to Wow overnight! Anyone else?
I would agree with that...the only thing is i am not sure how much he gained in the way I viewed him. It was a gutsy performance that made me say wow this legend can move up and still hang. But it was a great performance.
Razor Ruddock and Vitali Klitschko made their careers off defeats, so to did Andrew Golota. Edwin Rosario revived his career losing to Camacho. Jim McDonnell and Pat Cowdell never got more credit than when they lost to Azumah Nelson and Salvadsor Sanchez respectively...
Well, Ruddock always crawled to his feet no matter how unbelievable the punch that landed on him. It was kind of ridiculous. Qawi "losing" to Holyfield the first time comes to mind.
Barkley v Duran. - Iran fought brilliantly; maybe the best he ever looked. Holyfield v Bowe 1. - Evander proved a lot of doubters wrong that night. Foreman v Holyfield. - Old Man River did very well and took the much younger champ the full 12. Pierre Coetzer v Bowe. - Ougunned and outskilled, Coetzer was brave to a fault and gave Bowe some uncomfortable moments. Bowe low blow was BS. Tommy Farr v Joe Louis - Given little chance of lasting the distance, Farr did just that and fought bravely throughout. Joe Walcott v Joe Louis 1 - Outright robbery. Joe Walcott v Marciano - fought aggressively and well. Ahead on points before killer blow. Ray Mancini v Alexis Arguello - The young, tough kid gave Arguello fits before capitulating.