Fights where fighters took quantum leaps

Of course he was.

 

Lewis against Ruddock.

 

I was an apologist for Toney's performance in that fight for years. But the assumption here is that Toney could have beaten Jones Jnr if he was in shape. I no longer believe that would ever have been the case, weight drained or not.

 

Holmes vs. Shavers 1. Holmes just seemed sort of average, though highly rated, before the Shavers fight. Against Earnie was the first time he showed he was special.

 

Pipino Cuevas in the first Espada fight.

 

Sor Rungvisai vs Roman 1. SSR had already been a champ and lost his belt in a war against Cuadras. He was considered a walkover for Roman.

 

Warrington has already been mentioned, but I was not expecting such a brilliant performance against Selby.

 

Lyle against Ali. Nobody thought Lyle had the tools to fight competitively for that long. Same with Shavers against Ali. Nobody thought Earnie could hang in there for 12 rounds against an Ali, let alone 15 rounds. But Earnie fought a measured and disciplined fight.