As Seamus just reminded me that it is in fact July 4th, and by extension the anniversary of Johnson-Jeffries, it got me to wondering; what do you consider to be the biggest watershed event in the history of the heavyweight division? Please choose from one of the three, and discuss.......or think of another!
Ali-Frazier I 1971. The most signifigant. You had two unbeaten fighters who both had valid claims in being the world champion,the political backdrop,and a great fight which backed up the hype.
I voted for Louis-Schmeling.......given the social implications of the time, no fight before or since has had the attention of an entire planet the way that one did. It transcended sport in a way no other could.
As noted in my thread, Dempsey-Willard was the third best heavyweight fight of that day. And how they let a Slacker fight on the the Great Nation's Birthday is beyond me.
The other two bouts mentioned were very signifigant,but unlike the FOTC,none can actually be described as great fights. The former was a drawn out slaughter,and the latter a one round beatdown.
Very true, but I'm not talking about the quality of the fights themselves. That kind of definition keeps it more boxing-centric, which is important only to that small fringe that actually follows boxing. For me, the question is more about overall historical importance.
.......i'm picking one that wasn't on the list......louis/braddock.....first black heavyweight champion since jack johnson....first to even get a shot at the title.....