Fighters who were past their prime and able to turn back the clock one final time

Edwin Rosario vs. Loreto Garza.

Chapo was way past his best, and was considered damaged goods going into this fight against a fighter who was considered one of the hotter new champions in the game. So, of course, he decimated Garza in three, scoring four kd's in the process.

 

Tony Tubbs was thought to be done (and selected for that reason) when he gave Riddick Bowe all he could handle. The decision went to the young prospect, but most people thought the fat man took it.

 

Nice call this. I looked into Rosario's face before the fight and thought to myself "he's gonna win this." He just looked so ready.

One of my favorites has to be Hearns-Hill. I honestly thought Tommy was going to lose, but lo and behold, he dusts off the cobwebs one last time and gives a resounding performance over a pretty good champion. He also - almost out of nowwhere - unleashes a word-class left hook, when most thought the danger punch would be his right hand.

 

James Braddock against Max Baer,,,,

 

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I don't think it's a case of being a long decline on the other side of the mountain, but still a decline was the Robinson--Fullmer 3, if memory serves correct. A 37 year old guy 1 punching a tough hombre--who was 11 years younger--like Fullmer is incredible.

 

First one that came to mind, here.

What about Toney's HW fights? He was not a young man.
Peter I?

 

Holmes against Mercer. Larry still had so much he wanted to prove and he found the perfect moment against a highly-regarded young lion he was able to tame using all the mastery he had acquired with blood, sweat and tears over the years.

His wife's utter joy at the decision was a fitting end to the man's great career.

 

..............I don't think Ali-Spinks II is a real example of this. He didn't turn back the clock at all, in fact from a purely physical standpoint he was worse than he'd been the first time. The difference was that he actually trained the second time and was greatly aided by Spinks' own lack of focus and inability to handle being champion. There are many tales of how Spinks would simply disappear fom training camp and be located days later partying in Vegas or New Orleans.


I was thinking maybe Chacon in his fourth fight with Limon. Bobby had almost been written off, but trained seriously and exhibited stamina and resolve in this fight that belied his recent outings.

 

Ah the memories. If they serve me right Rosario dropped Garza right at the very start, perhaps even with the first right hand he threw and never relinquished control at all.

 

Jesse Fergusan upsetting Ray Mercer deserves a mention