Passing the Torch: When Fingers Get Burned

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by The Kurgan, Nov 1, 2011.


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  1. The Kurgan

    The Kurgan Boxing Junkie banned

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    There are many famous "passing the torch" fights in heavyweight history, when the title of "best boxer in the world" goes from one heavyweight to the next. In almost all cases, the younger boxer succeeds at their moment of destiny. However, what about cases where the younger boxer loses?

    Apart from Lewis-Klitschko, where the old lion beat the young lion who was to be arguably the best heavyweight for the next 9 years, has the old lion ever won? Is Vitali unique in being someone who failed to grasp the torch and had to pick it up after Lewis retired on top?
     
    The Kurgan, Nov 1, 2011
    The Kurgan, Nov 1, 2011
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  2. AREA 53

    AREA 53 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Although no Torch on offer could you include Joe Louis getting a reality check from Max Schemling ? Joe was starting to Collect a few former Torch bearers on his record, Carnera and Bear, and was looking a sure thing for Torch'Hood, of course he went on to more that forfill the early promise.
     
    AREA 53, Nov 1, 2011
    AREA 53, Nov 1, 2011
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  3. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    Louis v walcott
    Holmes v cooney
     
    lufcrazy, Nov 1, 2011
    lufcrazy, Nov 1, 2011
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  4. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    This content is protected

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    Mendoza, Nov 2, 2011
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  5. DonBoxer

    DonBoxer The Lion! Full Member

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    DonBoxer, Nov 2, 2011
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  6. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    The example given is the perfect one for the hw division; lewis on his way down, vitali on his way up.

    Wasn't sanders older than vitali as well btw?
     
    lufcrazy, Nov 2, 2011
    lufcrazy, Nov 2, 2011
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  7. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    To an extent:

    Moore-Harold Johnson
    Hopkins-Trinidad/Pavlik/Taylor/Pascal
    Moorer-Foreman
    Robinson-Fullmer/Basilio
    Calzaghe-Kessler
    Greb-Walker/Flowers/Loughran/Tunney
    Marquez-Diaz
    Whitaker-Delahoya/Hurtado

    Most of those weren't dominant new champions and Greb wasnt that old though

    Weren't they the same age? I see the point. Holmes was near his prime against Cooney

    :|:|:|:|

    Lennox Lewis TKO6 Vitali Klitschko
     
    PowerPuncher, Nov 2, 2011
    PowerPuncher, Nov 2, 2011
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  8. DonBoxer

    DonBoxer The Lion! Full Member

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    :happy:happy:happy
     
    DonBoxer, Nov 2, 2011
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  9. bodhi

    bodhi Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Vitali was never ever the man for the next 9 years after Lewis TKOed him. Not even arguably.

    Monzon-Valdez is the most obvious one.
    Britton-Walker is up there too.
     
    bodhi, Nov 2, 2011
    bodhi, Nov 2, 2011
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  10. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    Marcel-arguello
     
    lufcrazy, Nov 2, 2011
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  11. ThinBlack

    ThinBlack Boxing Addict banned

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    Sanchez-LaPorte
     
    ThinBlack, Nov 2, 2011
    ThinBlack, Nov 2, 2011
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  12. The Kurgan

    The Kurgan Boxing Junkie banned

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    The first is a good example.

    Cooney was never "the man", so the second example is not a good example.
     
    The Kurgan, Nov 2, 2011
    The Kurgan, Nov 2, 2011
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  13. ChrisPontius

    ChrisPontius March 8th, 1971 Full Member

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    Dempsey vs Sharkey.

    As far as heavyweights go, I think only Dempsey (Sharkey), Joe Louis (Walcott) and Lennox Lewis (Vitali Klitschko) have had the honor to defeat prime versions of the future heavyweight champion. Quite an accomplishment.
     
    ChrisPontius, Nov 2, 2011
    ChrisPontius, Nov 2, 2011
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  14. bodhi

    bodhi Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Frazier did the same with Ali. :D
     
    bodhi, Nov 2, 2011
    bodhi, Nov 2, 2011
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  15. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Cant think of any other fighters that did that feat. I guess in a way you can add Ali Norton lol.
     
    Dempsey1238, Nov 2, 2011
    Dempsey1238, Nov 2, 2011
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