You think your having a boxing conversation by assuming a seasoned pro like de la hoya just mysteriously decided to stop using his jab for no reason at all in possibly the biggest fight of his career? Where is the logic in that?
I don't really tend to get invested in fighters, and I'd rarely call myself a fan of someone, but I was gutted for Ted Cheeseman after his performance against Sergio Garcia. Really thought he'd win that one and kick on to better things. Manny Pacquiao disappointed me and the rest of the world with his performance against Mayweather.
At nearly 10 years old at the time, I was a huge Norton fan. I was so disappointed when Ali got the decision in Yankee Stadium. So when Norton crushed Bobick so easily I was elated. In retrospect, I can totally understand being a Bobick fan and being really disappointed. I feel a bit bad for Duane. He worked really hard to build his record prior to Norton, as well as to come back after Norton, and it didn't pan out for him. I don't think I put Douglas-Holyfield in my first post. Going in, before the weights were announced, I had no idea who would win. Douglas' effort left a lot to be desired.
WELL AT LEAST DUANE MADE SOME GOOD MONEY WITH FRAZIER, HIS 25TH VICTORY UNDER DENVER BUISNESSMAN BILL DANIELS CONTRACT -HE FOUGHT HAROLD CARTER IN A HIGH SCHOOL GYM , IN WEST VIRGINIA, FOR $450 .
I'm going with Sergi Liakovich vs Shannon Briggs. Liakovich just came off a much better-than-expected fight with Brewster (maybe the only quality heavyweight fight throughout the decade) and then he comes in and puts on the most boring show not starring Johnny Ruiz. Then in his next fight against Valuev he showed none of the ingenuity he showed against Brewster and just ate jabs all night long.
Mcguigan-Taylor: Bernard quitting highly disappointing Page-Chaplin ll- Greg should have came in shape, and looking to improve his performance. Instead, he only, to some degree, certified the doubts, including those of fellow contender Dokes. Czyz-Hamsho- Mustafa a big step up in competition, but Bobby still could have done better. McCrory-Jones l and ll. Before these fights, I thought Milton would beat Donald Curry. Afterwards, convinced that Milton had a long way to go and in some ways, never recovered. Davis Jr-Watts-Howard should have made a better effort, and kept his mouth shut, and do his duty.
Michael Spinks v Mike Tyson. I didn't expect Spinks to win but I expected him to stay out of Tyson's way for a few rounds and pose a few puzzles at least. .... and while Tyson can't be faulted at all that night, it wasn't a particularly spectacular finish by Tyson's standards. Also, the cameras didn't seem to catch the final punch from any ideal angle.
So many to choose from and the lists on here have them covered. Being a big Duran fan the Laing fight was stunning, after which I wasn't that surprised at the Benitez fight. But I'd say the Floyd Pacman fight was ridiculous, I kept waiting for a fight to happen and it never did, what I got was before the 12th round Manny and Floyd hugging each other like the bride at a wedding.. I thought, mission accomplished Floyd stays undefeated and Manny made more money in one night than in his entire career.
LMR came over here to the UK in the early 70s to fight our own Bunny Sterling ( vastly underrated ) wow, was I excited, had only read about his exploits in BN so was looking forward to seeing him in the flesh. Whished I had stuck to the written word, he was diabolical, no coordination, no footwork, all I remember is, a rather big posterior sticking out for most of the fight, well non fight to be exact, shame.
Oh yeah, I'd completely forgotten about Mayweather-Pacquiao. That was so bad it deserves to be forgotten. I say outright that was an 'arranged' one. Both guys took it easy and waltz off with hundreds of millions. Crazy. And they would have pulled it over on us again if Mayweather hadn't decided he could fleece his fans just as lucratively with the McGregor one instead, a farce I never watched and doubtful if I ever will.
Probably to new to be on the classic forum but Andy Ruiz coming into his first title defense the way he did was incredibly disappointing. He definitely did not put himself in the best position to win.