My heavyweight of the year awards for 1970-1989

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Stevie G, Dec 14, 2015.


  1. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    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.
     
  2. Pugilist_Spec

    Pugilist_Spec Hands Of Stone Full Member

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    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.
     
  3. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes but Frazier beat Ali in '71.
     
  4. Pugilist_Spec

    Pugilist_Spec Hands Of Stone Full Member

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    Oh god, my bad. :lol::patsch

    Though I'd still pick Frazier. :good
     
  5. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    Based on what exactly? :huh
     
  6. Vince Voltage

    Vince Voltage Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Great list. 1970 is debatable, but aside from that I think it's perfect. I especially appreciate that you honored Weaver in 1980.
     
  7. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Earnie would definitely be my runner up for that year.
     
  8. heerko koois

    heerko koois Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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  9. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    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.
     
  10. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    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.
     
  11. heerko koois

    heerko koois Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    :good
     
  12. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    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.