A Study of Boxing Upsets - #1

[aquariusone]

With the &quot;big fight&quot; having been formally announced and the bookies having lined up the odds, it is time to take a glimpse at some boxing upsets in history. <br />
<br />
But before that, here is what is...

[Fibroso]

Was this an upset? Can we see this again anytime soon?


http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk318/fibroso/Round-6-Knockout-Video-Pacquiao-vs-Marquez-4-Highlights_zps595dfdf4.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/user/fibroso/media/Round-6-Knockout-Video-Pacquiao-vs-Marquez-4-Highlights_zps595dfdf4.jpg.html)

I remember Roach saying "We got to knock this guy out!!!"

Walla, he got knocked out.

[aquariusone]

An upset is defined as an "unexpected result or expectation". Perhaps in that regard, it could be considered as an upset.

In the context of this post, however, an "UPSET" is deemed to be the consequence of one boxer who wins against great odds.

ALI vs. FOREMAN

Ali was coming from a unanimous decision loss to Joe Frazier 3 years before he faced George Foreman in 1974. Foreman was then a 25 year old big heavyweight who KOed Frazier in 1973. In spite of the brilliance of the younger Ali, few gave him a chance against a rising heavyweight with a 40-0 record, 37 by knock out!

Ali had been in quite a few rumbles himself with 44-2 record. (He lost to Ken Norton and Joe Frazier.) Many saw the fight as a "last chance" for Ali to earn a big payday. If you all remember, that was the time when Ali often stayed on the ropes covering himself while Foreman was pummelling him freely. (He later called it the "rope-a-dope".)

True or not, he said after the fight that he knew his only chance against the 7-year younger Foreman was to "tire him out" and then take him in the later round, which he did in round 8. He knocked out Foreman with combinations and became the heavyweight champion again.

The odds favoured Foreman by a great margin. His mistake was expending all his effort in the first 7 rounds trying to take out Ali the same way he did most of his opponents including the great Joe Frazier (who was 29-0 when he lost to Foreman).

Ali upset Foreman with his "natural skills".
http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000049/49913a_lg.jpeg

ROBERTO DURAN vs DAVEY MOORE

Almost like ALI vs. FOREMAN, Davey Moore was 24 years old when he fought Roberto "Hands of Steel" Duran (age 32). Duran was a ring veteran with 76 wins and only 4 loses. With so many rounds of boxing, Duran at that time was no longer considered relevant. In fact some thought that he was a "shot fighter" having lost to the great Wilfred Benitez and Kirkland Laing.

Davey Moore was 12-0 with an outstanding amateur career and a world title at super middleweight. As if fate would intervene, Moore was scheduled to fight a bright boxing prospect, Tony Ayala, Jr. when the latter was convicted of rape and sentenced to 35 years in prison. That event set up Moore's fight against the aging Duran.

Duran, then a lightweight standing 5'7" was up against Moore, 5' 10" with a reach advantage of 3 inches. (Is this getting interesting? Could there be bigger odds with a young 24 year old against a "shot fighter" almost 8 years his senior?)

It was no contest! Strangely, while clearly the underdog by bookies, Duran was a crowd favourite at Madison Square Garden (hmm...another coincidence?). Duran responded by putting on a boxing lesson on Moore. Records show, however, that Moore took on the fight after having his wisdom tooth extracted 5 days earlier. Doctors believed it was a big factor in the fight. Moore was helpless. The fight ended with a TKO in 8 (same as Ali/Foreman).

Unfortunately, that fight changed Davey Moore's prospect. Ultimately, at age 28, he died in a freak accident when he was pinned by his car as he tried to stop it from rolling off the driveway.

http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-WE728_0131ko_J_20130131174701.jpg

[wnton]

If I recall Tyson claimed that he had knocked Douglas down and a very slow count by the referee saved Douglas. Heard it on one of those one man shows by Tyson.

[aquariusone]

If I recall Tyson claimed that he had knocked Douglas down and a very slow count by the referee saved Douglas. Heard it on one of those one man shows by Tyson.

You are absolutely right. Tyson caught Douglas with a vicious uppercut 10 seconds before the end of round 8. At the count of 9, Douglas was on his feet. However, Don King protested that "long count" after the fight. The two sanctioning bodies (WBC and WBA) withheld awarding of the fight to Douglas initially. IBF, however, proclaimed Douglas winner. With public uproar, WBC and WBA capitulated and awarded the heavyweight championship to Douglas 4 days after the fight.

[rudee]

I believe the time keeper does the counting... the ref turns and takes up the count after making
sure the other boxer goes to a neutral corner.. then comes back to the fallen fighter and takes up the
count from the timekeeper... don't know if he is on his own then, or has to sync up with the timekeeper.
Takes me back to Tunney and Dempsey.
Tyson trained with the Geisha girls and the Sake when he fought Douglas...

[aquariusone]

Rudee on Tyson: "He trained with Geisha Girls and the Sake when he fought Douglas." Funny!

HOPKINS vs. TRINIDAD

If we knew then what we know now about Bernard Hopkins, we probably would not have considered his fight with Trinidad in September 2001 to have been quite an upset. Bernard was 39-2 at that time while Felix was 40 - 0. Felix held a few belts and was in his prime at age 28. The "Executioner" meanwhile, as impressive as he was leading to the fight, was considered already on "his way out".

Trinidad blew out his competition at welterweight during his reign. He was a most exciting boxer to watch. His fight against Dela Hoya was a battle with him getting the nod from the judges. What I enjoyed the most was his fight against Fernando Vargas (at super welterweight), and much later, against Ricardo Mayorga.

Having exhausted big fights at welterweight, he moved on to challenge at middleweight against Hopkins.

The anticipated excitement fizzled out early as Hopkins got on the "hit and run" wagon instead of the "brawling" style he was famous for. He did not engage Trinidad who clearly showed his frustration. As the rounds progressed, Trinidad knew that he was toast and tried a last gasp to KO Hopkins in the 10th but all it did was empty his gas tank. He exhausted all his energy and Steve Smoger saved him from total humiliation before the start of the 12th round.

It was a sad day for the brilliant Puerto Rican and many of his fans. I never expected him to lose to Hopkins.
http://static.boxrec.com/thumb/d/db/Felix_Trinidad_vs._Bernard_Hopkins_(poster).jpg/250px-Felix_Trinidad_vs._Bernard_Hopkins_(poster).jpg

[Fibroso]

I made $1000 bucks on that one. betting against Tito wasn't easy but Hopkins was a better fighter than him. Trinidad was a puncher not a boxer, that made me go with Hopkins. I always take a boxer over a puncher. Tito's physical condition for that fight wasn't the best making him vulnerable to Hopkins boxing skills. This fight made him what he is today. There was no upset as far as I know, the best man won.

[bucko]

I made $1000 bucks on that one. betting against Tito wasn't easy but Hopkins was a better fighter than him. Trinidad was a puncher not a boxer, that made me go with Hopkins. I always take a boxer over a puncher. Tito's physical condition for that fight wasn't the best making him vulnerable to Hopkins boxing skills. This fight made him what he is today. There was no upset as far as I know, the best man won.

Exactly correct on all counts..........I never had a doubt on Hopkins.................Cobra

[aquariusone]

Exactly correct on all counts..........I never had a doubt on Hopkins.................Cobra

Bucko is.....Cobra?

[bucko]

Bucko is.....Cobra?

That`s right genius.......LMAO...........................I`m on vacation in Florida till mid March using a friend`s computer. Too freakin` cold at home.

[aquariusone]

Fight of the Century
Ali vs. Frazier

Three months after Sonny Liston was found dead (with his body not discovered for a week) at age 38, Muhammad Ali, then only 29 years old with an incredible record of 31-0, 25 KOs, would return to the ring to challenge Joe Frazier, World Heavyweight Champion (26-0, 23 KOs) who was 2 years younger.

You will recall that Ali was stripped of his Heavyweight crown for refusing to be drafted in the armed forces. Although he won his belt from two fights against Sonny Liston (the 2nd one a very questionable KO in the first minute of the 1st round) and defended it a few times, his conscription woes robbed him of a few precious years of boxing - and the title.

His fight against Frazier was considered bigger than the Eiffel Tower. They were guaranteed to earn $2.5 million each (compared to $120/$80 million for Pac/Mayweather). It was circus-like at Madison Square Garden with tons of celebrities on hand. It was the return to the ring of the deadly poetic young Cassius Clay, who called the exact round when he would KO his opponent. To many, he was a hero of the anti-war crowd, a symbol of the black, liberal, and the young.

Although Frazier held the heavyweight crown he won against Buster Mathis and Jimmy Ellis; although he had an impressive KO record (23); he was clearly the underdog. This was going to be the "welcome back party" for the "exiled ex-champ" who floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee".

The first 3 rounds belonged to Ali but as the fight wore on, Frazier was determined to take it to the charismatic champ. The 15-round fight may have been the very first time Ali was to be seen clinging and grabbing desperately to avoid the ferocious Frazier with the deadly left hook. He bombarded Ali with stinging body shots. Those ringside were on their feet for many of the rounds as the fight see-sawed back and forth. At the end, Frazier upset the odds, retaining his heavyweight crown - and gave Ali his very first loss.

Ali would take his revenge in the trilogy, the first one again at Madison Square Garden and the ultimate: The Thrilla in Manila.

http://media.philly.com/images/091212-ali-frazier-400.jpg
http://newyorknatives.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ali-frazier.jpg

[TLG]

doug "the cobra" dewitt vs matthew hilton

23624

This one was an upset particularly for us Montrealers ,, the kid left it all in the ring
that night but it wasn't meant to be

on a side note ,, I was watching this fight at Richards in Mississauga,, sitting at the
table next to me was none other than "Coaches Corner" Don Cherry ,, after the fight
in true Cherry fashion , he was freaking out about the dad stopping the fight.
check out the 11th round ... cheers

23625


http://youtu.be/RF2qVJ_kbnA

[aquariusone]

I remember Matthew Hilton. He brought back interest in boxing to Canada. Coming from a family of boxers, Davey, Matthew and Alex were trained by their Dad, Dave Sr., who was himself a professional...

[TLG]

Your right about all of it Aqua, ,,
if I'm not mistaken , the sadnes moved on when Matthew robbed that bank

[aquariusone]

RAHMAN vs. LEWIS

It was April, 2001. Who could ever forget that fight between the world's heavyweight champ at the height of his career, Lennox Lewis, riding high on his many conquest in the division which included Evander Holyfield, David Tua, Shannon Briggs, Andrew Golota and meeting Hasim Rahman in the ring? It was for the 3 titles (IBO, IBR, and WBC). Lewis was a 20-1 favorite. By all accounts, Lewis towered over Rahman. Rahman was to be chopped liver on a pair of rye bread.

Do you remember what happened? http://www.thefightcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/111Rahman-wins.jpg

Rahman repeated the feat by Oliver McCall, knocking out the champ in the 5th round. Lewis avenged his loss though with a 4th round KO of Rahman 7 months later.

HOLMES vs. SPINKS

The "Easton Assassin" was undefeated heavyweight champ at 48-0. He was gunning to tie Rocky Marciano's record of 49-0 when he met Michael Spinks who was a "light heavyweight" in Las Vegas in 1985.
http://178.32.177.128/thumb/4/4e/Holmes-Spinks_II_BE056566.jpg/370px-Holmes-Spinks_II_BE056566.jpg

I can't remember the odds but this bout was like between David and Goliath. Holmes carried with him a fantastic resume with wins against Ali, Shavers, Ken Norton, Gerry Cooney, Trevor Berbick, just to name a few. Michael Spinks, although undefeated at that time with 27-0 against virtually unknowns, was a little guy. It was expected to be a massacre by the Easton Assassin who was then age 36.

It went the distance but all three judges gave the unanimous decision to Spinks. Holmes bitter statement about failing to match Marciano's record, "Rocky Marciano could not carry my jockstraps," reverberated throughout the boxing world earning him great rebuke for the remark. He later apologized. It was the "1985 upset of the year by Ring Magazine.

A rematch in April of the following year against Spinks had the same result - split decision in favour of Spinks. Larry Holmes was again a sore loser calling the judges and referees names. Holmes would be known in boxing history as one of the greatest heavyweights who never earned the respect he felt he deserved. He retired after those 2 losses.

AQUA'S thoughts about these upsets

In three months, the much anticipated mega-baux fight could break all records in boxing history. Las Vegas hotels are virtually all sold out for that weekend with room rates going as high as $650 a night at the MGM Grand. Good luck getting a ring side seat unless you bring in, and play all at the casino, a $250,000 line of credit.

So, what could be expected of the actual ring action between the world's two greatest pound-for-pound boxers?

Based upon the history of this sport, statistical data about a boxer's resume, physique, skills, age, attributes, and win/loss record could all be thrown out the window. These boxing upsets confirms only one thing: NO ONE can predict the outcome of the encounter when the bell rings. The boxing gods will however, favour the one who comes into the fight with:

1) A big heart and a desire to overcome adversity
2) A fearless attribute
3) Clarity of mind and humility to accept whatever the outcome

Of the three, I would rate the last factor to influence the outcome 80% of the time.

[TLG]

Lately you can add

4) Power and Strength ,,, the power and the strength to payoff the judges

[aquariusone]

Vous etes tellement drole, Monsieur TLG! :)

[TLG]

HA HA!! Merci, et vous avez raison une fois de plus mon ami Aqua :)


Since we're talking about upsets here is one , remember these two guys first time around 1988
Hearns was pummeling on Barkley until the hammer came down


Thomas "Hitman" Hearns vs Iran "Blade" Barkley

https://lh4.ggpht.com/ABOor3Y02NmohWpTu-gWqrkzxjEgt4CLp9f-HuFH67toYl8Z1Vt-hacgdIO2SEb6jo2aAQ=s142



http://youtu.be/e0uhAZeEA54

[aquariusone]

Actually, until "The Blade" came down! That was Iran Barkley's moniker. Yes, now that you have juggled my memory, I remember that fight well. It was a shocking ending. Apart from his loss to Sugar Ray and Hagler, Hitman Hearns was quite an incredible boxer - fast and furious. Hearns, Leonard, Hagler, Duran, were at the prime of their professional lives - most exciting times in boxing. During those days, they fought ferociously. They did not run marathons in the ring, pot-shotting opponents. Barkley was hurt a few times during the round before he caught Hearns with a hard right hook. 1988 upset of the year for sure.

Sadly though, Iran Barkley's erratic career (winning and losing world titles - won the Middleweight title from Hearns and losing it to Duran a year later; again winning light heavyweight title vs Hearns) did not bring him the good life. He is reported to have been homeless 5 years ago and now in assisted living.

[bucko]

Actually, until "The Blade" came down! That was Iran Barkley's moniker. Yes, now that you have juggled my memory, I remember that fight well. It was a shocking ending. Apart from his loss to Sugar Ray and Hagler, Hitman Hearns was quite an incredible boxer - fast and furious. Hearns, Leonard, Hagler, Duran, were at the prime of their professional lives - most exciting times in boxing. During those days, they fought ferociously. They did not run marathons in the ring, pot-shotting opponents. Barkley was hurt a few times during the round before he caught Hearns with a hard right hook. 1988 upset of the year for sure.

Sadly though, Iran Barkley's erratic career (winning and losing world titles - won the Middleweight title from Hearns and losing it to Duran a year later; again winning light heavyweight title vs Hearns) did not bring him the good life. He is reported to have been homeless 5 years ago and now in assisted living.

Thanx aqua for the Hearns/Barkley.....perfect example of that "heavy" lead of Hearns making him suspect to a counter that I`d mentioned in another thread. Many had mistaken him for having a glass jaw but in reality it was them chicken legs/huge upper torso combined with his ferocious offense and gravity that did him in.

[rudee]

He did have a crystal chin bucko.. but you are right... had spaghetti legs...
He really got punchy.. couldn't understand a word he said after all those fights.
Never forget his knockout of Pepino Cuevos.. that was an upset... Cuevas was
favorite in that fight... if memory serves me correctly.. Was out before he hit the canvas.

[bucko]

He did have a crystal chin bucko.. but you are right... had spaghetti legs...
He really got punchy.. couldn't understand a word he said after all those fights.
Never forget his knockout of Pepino Cuevos.. that was an upset... Cuevas was
favorite in that fight... if memory serves me correctly.. Was out before he hit the canvas.

Your memory is good my friend, Cuevas never knew what hit him. No surprise here with anyone following Kronk boxing that Hearns was capable of the "upset" because many of us saw it coming as we`d had a preview of the damage that right hand could do, call it hometown advantage lol.
I too questioned Hearn`s chin.........until the Hagler fight. Hearns body and the way it was built (top heavy) was his biggest enemy. Throwing the big right hand brought his body and head with it with all that force....a hard counter was there for the taking...........................Cobra

[TLG]

Thomas Hearns ,, and spaghetti legs !! must not be spoken in the same sentence ... LOL
Boys ,,, I beg to differ :no:

won 61 (KO 48) + lost 5 (KO 4) + drawn 1 = 67
rounds boxed 380 KO% 71.64

Championship Record
Has a record of 15-4-1 (9 KOs) in world title fights.
Has a record of 13-5-1 (8 KOs) against former, future and current world titlists.
Won against Bruce Curry, Saensak Muangsurin, Angel Espada, Eddie Gazo, Pipino Cuevas, Wilfred Benitez, Murray Sutherland, Roberto Duran, Mark Medal, Doug DeWitt, Dennis Andries, Virgil Hill, Nate Miller.
Lost against Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Iran Barkley (twice), Uriah Grant.
Drew with Sugar Ray Leonard.
Minor & Regional Titles
USBA Welterweight Championship (March 2, 1980) TKO 4 Angel Espada
NABF Middleweight Championship (March 10, 1986) KO 1 James Shuler
NABF Super Middleweight Championship (November 4, 1988) W 12 James Kinchen
NABF Cruiserweight Championship (January 29, 1994) TKO 1 Dan Ward
WBU Cruiserweight Championship (March 31, 1995) TKO 1 Lenny LaPaglia
IBO Cruiserweight Championship (April 10, 1999) W 12 Nate Miller
Awards and Recognition

Named The Ring Fighter of the Year for 1980 and 1984.
Named the Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year for 1980 and 1984.
Named the greatest junior middleweight of all-time by The Ring in 1994.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

source :


http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Thomas_Hearns

[Fibroso]

Same thing happened to Williams.

Your memory is good my friend, Cuevas never knew what hit him. No surprise here with anyone following Kronk boxing that Hearns was capable of the "upset" because many of us saw it coming as we`d had a preview of the damage that right hand could do, call it hometown advantage lol.
I too questioned Hearn`s chin.........until the Hagler fight. Hearns body and the way it was built (top heavy) was his biggest enemy. Throwing the big right hand brought his body and head with it with all that force....a hard counter was there for the taking...........................Cobra


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koe4Sm8nQPU

[Fibroso]

This one was an upset, maybe one of the greatest. 17 year old kid beating a great boxer.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwi2Ppbh8k4

[bucko]

This one was an upset, maybe one of the greatest. 17 year old kid beating a great boxer.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwi2Ppbh8k4

Could very well be.....I had somehow forgotten Benitez......age does funny things LOL

[bucko]

[QUOTE=TLG;1125609]Thomas Hearns ,, and spaghetti legs !! must not be spoken in the same sentence ... LOL
Boys ,,, I beg to differ :no:

won 61 (KO 48) + lost 5 (KO 4) + drawn 1 = 67
rounds boxed 380 KO% 71.64

Championship Record
Has a record of 15-4-1 (9 KOs) in world title fights.
Has a record of 13-5-1 (8 KOs) against former, future and current world titlists.
Won against Bruce Curry, Saensak Muangsurin, Angel Espada, Eddie Gazo, Pipino Cuevas, Wilfred Benitez, Murray Sutherland, Roberto Duran, Mark Medal, Doug DeWitt, Dennis Andries, Virgil Hill, Nate Miller.
Lost against Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Iran Barkley (twice), Uriah Grant.
Drew with Sugar Ray Leonard.
Minor & Regional Titles
USBA Welterweight Championship (March 2, 1980) TKO 4 Angel Espada
NABF Middleweight Championship (March 10, 1986) KO 1 James Shuler
NABF Super Middleweight Championship (November 4, 1988) W 12 James Kinchen
NABF Cruiserweight Championship (January 29, 1994) TKO 1 Dan Ward
WBU Cruiserweight Championship (March 31, 1995) TKO 1 Lenny LaPaglia
IBO Cruiserweight Championship (April 10, 1999) W 12 Nate Miller
Awards and Recognition

Named The Ring Fighter of the Year for 1980 and 1984.
Named the Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year for 1980 and 1984.
Named the greatest junior middleweight of all-time by The Ring in 1994.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

source :


http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Thomas_Hearns[/QUOTE

Beyond question that Tommy Hearns was a great champion and all his resumes prove that and I wasn`t suggesting he owned "spagetti legs" per say. But what got Tommy into trouble for the most part was imbalance after throwing his right hand....that imbalance was due to his physique with thin legs not him having weaker versions of "spagetti legs" which to me denotes weakness. Tommy was "dropped" more than a few times sparring because of it and early on he was accused of countering with his head LOL.in Kronk.

[TLG]

phewwww !! reading christal jaw, spaghetti legs,
chicken legs I thought maybe someone confused
Tommy Hearns with Tommy Pickles .. LOLOLOL !!!

[bucko]

phewwww !! reading christal jaw, spaghetti legs,
chicken legs I thought maybe someone confused
Tommy Hearns with Tommy Pickles .. LOLOLOL !!!

AHAHA................good one.

[aquariusone]

Damn, TLG and Cobra (Bucko)...you, two boys have been watching too much cartoons:
http://lessons.ctaponline.org/~ecox/student/tommy.gif

[bucko]

Damn, TLG and Cobra (Bucko)...you, two boys have been watching too much cartoons:
http://lessons.ctaponline.org/~ecox/student/tommy.gif

spagetti neck too ?

[bucko]

real tough time with internet here trying to post anything......back home on Wed.

[Condor]

Great post Aquaman.... As usual.. have we forgotten this one???..

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt249/mattevans76/Autographs/SPORT/LeonSpinks094.jpg