Fights where fighters took quantum leaps

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Saintpat, Mar 26, 2019.


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  1. Saintpat

    Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I’m not talking about just a guy who seemed to be good or pretty good defeated a great (i.e. Buster Douglas vs. Tyson), but more where a fighter showed a major evolution in growth in his approach to the sport.

    The best example I can think of is Roberto Duran in his third fight with Esteban De Jesus — up to that point he was a savage, swarming pressure fighter with good inside skills and power and a great body attack, but hadn’t shown the measure of ATG skill we came to know him for at mid-range and with his feints and generalship.

    De Jesus had handed Duran his first defeat and lost the rematch, knocking Roberto Duran down in the first round both times. Freddie Brown, I believe, told Duran if he rushed out against Esteban in the third fight he’d be waiting with that left hook and knock him down again. So Duran transformed himself, showing those boxing skills to set up his attack and dominate and batter his foe.

    On this night, Duran took the quantum leap forward to being the all-round fighter he was to become.

    What are some other examples?
     
    Saintpat, Mar 26, 2019
    Saintpat, Mar 26, 2019
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  2. emallini

    emallini Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    Barrera vs Naz
     
    emallini, Mar 26, 2019
    emallini, Mar 26, 2019
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  3. JC40

    JC40 Boxing fan since 1972 banned Full Member

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    Ali vs Liston 1.
     
    JC40, Mar 26, 2019
    JC40, Mar 26, 2019
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  4. Ken Ashcroft

    Ken Ashcroft Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Julio Cesar Chavez moving up in weight to challenge the much feared and powerful lightweight champion, Edwin Rosario. Everyone knew Chavez was good beforehand but no one including heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, who was working in Rosario's corner that night knew just how good he really was. You could say that was the breakout fight that Chavez truly earned his nickname of JC Superstar.
     
    Ken Ashcroft, Mar 26, 2019
    Ken Ashcroft, Mar 26, 2019
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  5. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Jose Napoles beating up Curtis Cokes.
    Monzon crushing Nino.
     
    Longhhorn71, Mar 26, 2019
    Longhhorn71, Mar 26, 2019
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  6. Rope-a-Dope

    Rope-a-Dope Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Benitez beating Cervantes.
     
    Rope-a-Dope, Mar 26, 2019
    Rope-a-Dope, Mar 26, 2019
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  7. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    Pacquiao knocking out Barrera in 2003.
     
    Jel, Mar 26, 2019
    Jel, Mar 26, 2019
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  8. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Roy Jones Jr utterly schooling Toney. Sure Jones had got to P4P #3 against Toney's #2 but that was more on promise and perception than anything with any depth. Toney had a lot more experience and some really good victories behind him yet he got absolutely whupped. Jones put it all together.
     
    JohnThomas1, Mar 27, 2019
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  9. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Azumah Nelson vs Salvador Sanchez is another. Nelson of very little experience and resume rises to the occasion and doesn't get beaten for 8 years.

    IMO Hearns, despite some dominant showings against decent fighters ramped it up another level vs Ceuvas.

    I would argue George Foreman went to another level when he smashed Frazier, *Fraizer sorry.

    Mike Tyson i believe put it all together against Berbick.

    Mike Weaver's turning point was the fight with Holmes. He had found some dedication and confidence and fought well.

    There's a few to get things going.
     
    JohnThomas1, Mar 27, 2019
    JohnThomas1, Mar 27, 2019
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  10. GoldenHulk

    GoldenHulk Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Maskaev both times against Rahman, particularly in the rematch when he won the WBC belt. His chin never was very sturdy against lesser fighters, but against Rock he showed suprising durabilty and toughness in both fights.
     
    GoldenHulk, Mar 27, 2019
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  11. 88Chris05

    88Chris05 Active Member Full Member

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    Buddy McGirt against Simon Brown. Before that, McGirt was seen as one of those fighters who might win the odd alphabet belt if they stuck around long enough, but would never be a divisional kingpin or amongst the elite. It's not that he won - it's how he won. Dominated from start to finish and made the (then) best Welterweight in the world look a mug. Came as a surprise to a lot of people.
     
    88Chris05, Mar 27, 2019
    88Chris05, Mar 27, 2019
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  12. juppity

    juppity Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Lloyd Honeyghan. Yes Curry had excuses but Honeyghan confidence for this fight and the way he lifted was incredible.
     
    juppity, Mar 27, 2019
    juppity, Mar 27, 2019
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  13. thanosone

    thanosone Love Your Brother Man Full Member

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    Toney was severely weight drained.
     
    thanosone, Mar 27, 2019
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  14. The Funny Man 7

    The Funny Man 7 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Brandon Rios showed a new level of potential in his fight with Anthony Peterson and then demonstrated an extra gear on top of that against Miguel Accosta

    I thought Oscar De La Hoya raised his game when he punched Paez's lights out. It was definitely a step up from getting dropped by Narciscco Valenzuela or struggling with the southpaw stance of Jimmi Bredahl.
     
    The Funny Man 7, Mar 27, 2019
    The Funny Man 7, Mar 27, 2019
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  15. PH1882

    PH1882 Member Full Member

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    Warrington v Frampton - never saw that coming.
     
    PH1882, Mar 27, 2019
    PH1882, Mar 27, 2019
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