Did something similar a few years back but a lot more have joined the site since then. What do you all reckon ? 1970 Muhammad Ali 1971 Joe Frazier 1972 Muhammad Ali 1973 George Foreman 1974 Muhammad Ali 1975 Muhammad Ali 1976 George Foreman 1977 Ken Norton 1978 Larry Holmes 1979 Larry Holmes 1980 Mike Weaver 1981 Larry Holmes 1982 Larry Holmes 1983 Larry Holmes 1984 Pinklon Thomas 1985 Michael Spinks 1986 Mike Tyson 1987 Mike Tyson 1988 Mike Tyson 1989 Mike Tyson A few may be surprised that I did n't give Frazier the 1970 award but the way I see it is that Ali accomplished more that year by beating Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena that Frazier did by besting Jimmy Ellis and Bob Foster. Ellis and Quarry victories are comparable but Bonavena was a far tougher match than Foster was.
I think I'd pick Shavers for 79. His destruction of Norton was sensational. Even though Holmes did beat him, it was sort of expected based on their first fight. But then again, Holmes survived a massive bomb in that rematch which was one of the greatest championship moments of all time. Hard to pick. And I'd definitely go with Frazier for 70. His victory over Ali is immortal.
Great list. 1970 is debatable, but aside from that I think it's perfect. I especially appreciate that you honored Weaver in 1980.
Holmes only had one fight that year. The James 'Bonecrusher' Smith defence in which he looked quite average. Pinklon Thomas beat Tim Witherspoon who had beaten Greg Page at the beginning of the year. That's why I gave Thomas '84.
Ellis was the recognized champion in 1970 and in fact had beaten both Quarry and Bonavena on the way up, making him the more valuable victory than either of those other two. Joe had also already recorded wins over Quarry and Bonavena. Of course Ali's coming back after such a long period to beat two ranked contenders was huge.. But I think I'd still give the 1970 award to Joe Frazier.
I see your point,Mr Magoo :good but Ali beat TWO quality fighters when he came back that year. Frazier only beat ONE. Bob Foster was an easy match for elite heavies. If both of Joe's fights had been against top men I'd have given him the '70 award for the same reason as you would. Good constructive debate on this.
