What do you think was the best boxing trilogy out of these fights? Gatti-Ward, Ali-Frazier, Bowe-Holyfield, Barrera-Morrales. All were great fights and it's tough to pick the best. So if you had a couple of hours to spare and could sit down with some buddies and some beer and watch one of these trilogies, which one would it be?
2006-09-11 21:40:31 · 17 answers · asked by Pancho 4 in Sports ➔ Boxing
Pancho ~
The Gatti vs Ward fights were good action packed fights, but they are hardly great fighters, both were at the end of the careers and in my opinion only one will be in the Hall of Fame. The Heavyweight Championship of the World holds a special significance to all Boxers and fans alike. Holyfield vs Bowe were tremendous fights both man taking the very best that the other had to offer, but in my opinion only one of these gentlemen belong in the Hall of Fame.
Ali vs Frazier trilogy is the one that all other trilogies will be judged. The amount of unbelievable punishment that each man absorbed not only once or twice but three times was truly incredible. The nonstop action was breath taking. Each one of these guys was well over 200lbs and threw more punches than most middleweights. Both of the gentlemen are in the Hall of Fame. Thank you Pancho for the great question.
2006-09-12 03:01:12 · answer #1 · answered by Santana D 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I'd eliminate Bowe/Holyfield for starters...the first fight was excellent, the second fight (with the "fan man" skydiving into the open air arena at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas) exciting and entertaining, and the third somewhat nodescript. It always seemed to me that Bowe just had Holyfield's number--remember it was Evander's lackluster performance in Bowe/Holyfield III that led people to speculate that he was putting his life on his line against Tyson in their subsequent fight.
The most disappointing fight trilogy is definitely Corrales/Castillo. The first fight was a classic, the 2nd fight was an easy Castillo victory as Corrales went to the trouble of making weight while Castillo didn't bother. The third fight never came off as Castillo was *way* over weight and has been suspended by the Nevada Athletic Comission for his lackluster training habits and their resulting damage to the sport.
The other three you cite are all worthy of consideration. Historically, Ali/Frazier is probably the most significant. Ali/Frazier I is on a short list of the biggest fights ever, and the fight itself lived up to the billing. Fight #3--known as the "Thrilla in Manilla--was also a classic fight (it won the RIng Magazine "fight of the year" that year if I remember correctly). The second fight at MSG was a decent enough fight but IMO at least fell short of the bookend events.
In terms of sheer excitement its a close call between Gatti/Ward and Barrera/Morales. I'd give a slight edge to Gatti/Ward, primarily for the 9th round of the first fight--I consider this round easily the best I've ever seen, and arguably the best in boxing history. Barrera/Morales ain't far behind tho...
2006-09-12 20:37:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Pancho! Those were some very good trilogies. I have a couple more to add to those. Ali vs Norton were all great and close fights and Zale vs Graziano were probably the most brutal and exciting trilogies in the history of boxing. Good question sir! Of the ones you mentioned I would pick Ali vs Frazier as they are classics and Gatti vs Ward were about as exciting as fights go.
2006-09-12 05:21:57 · answer #3 · answered by toughguy2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Gatti - Ward; Barrera - Morales; Ali - Frazier; Holyfield - Bowe.
I watched all 4 trilogies, granted Ali-Frazier as a kid, but for sheer barn-burning boxing it out - Gatti-Ward.
2006-09-12 01:40:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ali Frazier
2006-09-13 04:22:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier
Quite simply, when Ali and Frazier fought - the world watched! Yes, fight two was a disappointment, but the first and final bouts of the series, “The Fight of the century” and, “The Thrilla In Manila” are as mesmerising to watch today as they were when they occurred, some three decades ago. We can only dream of seeing a heavyweight fight this great today. Ali and Joe were willing to bear their souls in a bid to decide who was the better man and as a result we fans were treated to boxing that was both brutal and beautiful. Both men’s names will be forever linked. It is almost impossible to think of one of them without the other.
2006-09-12 18:21:00 · answer #6 · answered by tyrone b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, after reading these answers, I need to check out the Ali vs. Frazier fights.
But out of the other 3, I have to go with El Terrible - Morales vs. Barrera!
2006-09-12 06:10:43 · answer #7 · answered by eprometheus 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've been privileged to have been able to watch all the matches you listed, however, I'd have to say the 6 fights that Sugar Ray Robinson had with Jake LaMotta were far and away the best. Every fight went at least 10 rds. And these two men hated each other and it showed in the savagery of the fights. Sugar Ray won 5 out of 6 but the fifth fight was controversial with Ray winning a split decision. These fights spanned from 1942-1951 (10yrs of bad blood). Hope you are one day able to see some of them.
2006-09-14 01:06:29 · answer #8 · answered by OMG Help Ricky 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Out of the ones you mentioned Ali-Frazier. But I think if you could pick the best 3 out of Robinson-Lamotta you'd have an even better show.
2006-09-12 04:25:08 · answer #9 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
gatti ward for pure fights I'd have to go with ali frazier for highest stakes
2006-09-11 21:45:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋