Most boxers' signature wins come during their prime. Every now and then,though,the special ones have one during their post-prime phase. A shortlist from myself - Muhammad Ali-George Foreman George Foreman-Michael Moorer Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson Sugar Ray Leonard-Marvin Hagler Sugar Ray Robinson- His title victories after 1952 Off the top of my head
Larry Holmes coming back at 42 years old to end Ray Mercer's undefeated streak was badass! Sonny Liston burying Floyd Patterson twice. Muhammad Ali beating Joe Frazier and Kenny Norton twice. Lennox Lewis beating Vitali Klitschko (which was fair and square!) Jersey Joe Walcott beating Ezzard charles after that walking left hook. Eddie Machen beating Jerry Quarry. Floyd Patterson beating Oscar Bonavena. Holyfield beating Michael Moorer. Archie Moore beating Nino valdes ex. .
Dick Tiger had a great middleweight career but I don't think many thought he was going to beat Jose Torres for the lightheavyweight crown. I still think Torres should have got the decision in their 2nd fight but for Tiger to win the lightheavyweight belt against a legit badass like Torres was remarkable especially considering he weighed 167 pounds for the fight and was a 3 to 1 underdog.
Excellent examples! I'd also like to add Dempsey over Sharkey, as well as Frazier's wins over Quarry and Ellis.
Joe Louis knocking out Jersey Joe Walcott would have been a magnificent end to his career. Too bad he couldn't make his retirement stick.
Forgot about this. Excellent examble! Yeah a lot of fighters ruin potentially perfect retirements, such as Ali, Holmes (had he gotten the decisions against Spinks), etc.
Marvin Johnson's wins against Leslie Stewart and Jean Emebe are two great examples. Both were favored to beat "Pops". Especially Stewart , whom was undefeated and looked like the future of the division.
