INSPIRED by the previous article regarding the upcoming rematch between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev, I found myself thinking, “What are my favorite rematches of all time?” I have tried to narrow it down to my top five.
Here are the top five rematches that lived up to the hype and excitement of the first contest:
5) Sugar Ray Leonard vs Tommy Hearns: although eight years after their first legendary tussle the two kings came together once again for a fiercely fought contest which ended in a draw despite Hearns scoring two knockdowns.
4) Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward 2: the first fight was the stuff of legends! The second … another war! Gatti would take a unanimous decision and set up the rubber match.
3) Israel Vazquez vs Rafael Marquez 2: the first was a hellacious firefight which ended when Vazquez couldn’t continue through a badly damaged nose. The second fight was fight of the year 2007, both fighters traded heavy punches and knockdowns before Vazquez halted his foe in the sixth round setting up a fantastic rubber match.
2) Evander Holyfield vs Riddick Bowe 2: the first fight is part of fistic folklore for the bombs these two detonated on each other! The rematch was a much more tactical affair. While although it was still a great fight it is synonymous with two words – ”Fan Man.” Holyfield would win the rematch setting up a great rubber match in which the two warriors laid it all on the line.
1) Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier 3: although this is technically a rubber match, this is one of the greatest contests seen in a boxing ring. Having boxed a previous two bouts they knew everything about each other’s style, coupled with the fact there was genuine needle and contempt. This formula provided for a titanic struggle which Muhammad Ali prevailed to once again prove he’s The Greatest!
These are my personal choices, what do you think? What would be your top five?
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