Rematch GOAT

Schmeling II alone is as great a single rematch victory as probably anyone has. Ali's in Norton II or III and Frazier II or III? Any of Robinson's? Hearns vs. Leonard II? Lewis vs. Holyfield II? The long count? Meh. Wouldn't say any of those are definitely better.

..and that's just the cherry on top of an 11-0 (9) mark in repeat engagements.

 

Tied with Israel Vazquez, yes.

Mikkel Kessler a close third.

Marvin Hagler a close fourth.

Fifth I guess Mike Tyson.

 

:yep

Mayweather didn't lose the first time with Castillo or Maidana IMO.

...but yeah. Lewis gets extra credit for obliterating both of his conquerors in the rematch, joining Mayweather in the "beat every man they faced" club but doing so in more scintillating fashion.

 

Hagler and Louis/Tyson have plenty in common, in terms of their savage temperament, intimidation/badass mystique and training discipline.

All five are technically skilled boxers who could punch and weren't afraid to rumble; all five have excellent jabs and well-rounded skills offensively and defensively with a fully stocked five-punch-threat in their arsenal, capable of throwing everything in the book with textbook precision and devastating explosive power... and were all in their comfort zone when counter-punching (without ever shying away from a fight, preferring to stalk or swarm).

 

Only major difference with Hagler is that he's a southpaw.

For the record, Pete Whitaker makes my top ten as well.

 

Good shout, and you didn't even mention Tyson or Qawi.

The draw & loss in Ruiz & Lewis II respectively do bring him down a notch though, in fairness.