The Biggest Boxing Matches in My Lifetime
The genesis of my boxing love affair began on September 16, 1981 at the tender age of eight. On this memorable night, Sugar Ray Leonard stopped Thomas "The Hit Man" Hearns via TKO after fourteen exhilarating rounds of back-and-forth action. This was the first fight that I ever heard being discussed by my father and his friends; advertised on television, and promoted on billboards and posters on the street. In an era when most big fights could be seen on network or cable television, this fight was only available via closed-circuit broadcast (viewable on a large screen, at a large facility and for a large fee). All of these factors made the big fight an event, one that grabbed my attention and didn't let go.
My family's finances were too modest to afford cable, and closed-circuit was a pipe dream. I eventually watched the fight several weeks later on ABC. In the fight, Hearns stung Leonard with his piston-like left jab and right hand early and often, until the swollen and battered Leonard turned the tide late in a gut-wrenching battle filled with drama, suspense and violent closure. As I watched in awe, the fight somehow lived up to the unbelievable hype that preceded it. Little did I know that this concept would escape many superfights for years to come.
For me, no superfight can surpass my "first" on September 16, 1981. However, here are three others that left lasting impressions on me - the good, the bad and the ugly.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas "Hitman" Hearns, 04.15.85
The Good. Sometimes superfights can actually live up to the hype. That's what I told myself after watching replay after replay of Hagler-Hearns. Hagler's scintillating TKO victory (3) over Hearns exemplified the notion of "quality over quantity," as it was the only time that I have seen fans content after paying to watch a three round fight. The action was that memorable. To this day, it ranks as the most exciting fight that I have ever seen between Hall of Fame boxers in/near their prime.
Felix Trinidad vs. Oscar De La Hoya, 06.11.82
The Bad. Superfights often don't live up to the hype. Everything Hagler-Hearns was, Trinidad-De La Hoya was not. In a fight that appeared to have all of the ingredients necessary to make a superfight - massive pre-fight buzz, a sold out arena, and two champions in their physical primes, the proverbial egg was laid. Early on, the "Golden Boy" befuddled Trinidad with his jab and lateral movement, but seemingly ran out of gas (and to many observers) courage, as he put on his dancing shoes and spent most of the waning rounds darting away from the ineffective aggressor Trinidad. The judges apparently overlooked the "ineffective" part of Trinidad's aggression, and awarded him with a highly-controversial majority decision over De la Hoya. The bigger story was that the fight had no drama, excitement or memorable moments. I'll always remember this fight for being the biggest disappointment in my years watching the sport.
Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney, 06.11.82
The Ugly. The American scourge of racism was all over this bout the day the fight was signed. Not since Jack Johnson challenged Jim Jeffries in 1910, had a heavyweight title fight had such racial overtones, with Cooney playing the role of the "Great White Hope" and Holmes acting as the "Black Hat" in this superfight. Many fans rooted for Holmes (blacks) and Cooney (whites) for reasons "skin deep." Holmes's dominant TKO (13) victory over the game, but overmatched Cooney, is still one of the most-watched fights in the history of the sport, for better and for worse.
Author: Jalil Dawson
For boxing news, previews, reviews and views, visit http://www.fightinsight.com
McCain: Stand up and fight - Chicago Tribune
Washington Post McCain: Stand up and fight Chicago Tribune, United States - In an appeal to independents and Democrats, McCain acknowledged widespread economic angst and pledged to "stand on your side and fight for your future. ... McCain takes swipe at Bush, pledges to recover Americans' trust Next test for McCain and Palin: winning undecideds Conventions Make Political Arguments of 9 11 -Strong ties with Pak, to jointly fight terror: US - Economic Times
BBC News Strong ties with Pak, to jointly fight terror: US Economic Times, India - ... inside its territory, Washington has said the two countries maintain "strong" ties and would closely work to fight the Taliban and al Qaida elements. ... Pakistan Angry, But Vows To Fight Terror Pakistan: US responsible for deadly attack, says military official Source: US troops launch helicopter assault in Pakistan -Liddell ready for the next fight - FOXSports.com
MMAjunkie.com Liddell ready for the next fight FOXSports.com - As Liddell nears 40 years old, it may seem reasonable for fans to wonder how much fight he has left in him, mentally and physically. ... After UFC 88, Dana White Says, 'Chuck Liddell Could Fight Forrest ... Liddell: 'I still love to fight ' It's slim pickings at UFC 88, but here are a few storylines to note -