What’s the Greatest Win in Boxing History?

Boxing Boxing Talk
1

With so many legendary performances, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one. But for me, it has to be Muhammad Ali’s 8th-round KO over George Foreman in The Rumble in the Jungle.

At the time, Foreman was seen as an unstoppable force, having annihilated Joe Frazier and Ken Norton—two men who had given Ali hell. Many feared for Ali’s safety, believing he stood no chance against the younger, stronger, and seemingly invincible Foreman. But Ali defied the odds, using his brilliant tactics and unshakable self-belief to shock the world.

An all-time masterclass. What’s your pick?

2

Joe Louis KO1 Max Schmeling because of what the event meant with USA v Germany World War 2, Race, Revenge mixed into the equation meant Louis became the biggest star in the world at the time.

3

That’s up there but I was too young to see it at the time.

I think in my lifetime I have to say Douglas win over Tyson. Will never forget the shock of reading it on teletext and seeing the images of Tyson on the canvas. Tyson wasn’t at his best that night but Douglas was on another level. Sheer determination.

Really disappointed with how he let all go after that and the pathetic performance he put in against Evander.

4

roberto duran over sugar ray leonard in montreal

5

Great picks,

Master, Joe Louis’ first-round destruction of Max Schmeling in their rematch wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that made him a national hero. Given the political backdrop, the fight carried immense significance, and Louis delivered in devastating fashion. That performance cemented his legacy as a true icon.

Mark TKO, Buster Douglas’ knockout of Mike Tyson in Tokyo is the definition of a shocker. At the time, it felt impossible, Tyson carried the “Baddest Man on the Planet” aura, seen as unbeatable. But behind the scenes, he was unraveling, and driven by personal tragedy, Douglas delivered an incredible performance, putting it all together when it mattered most. Definitely one of those “where were you when it happened” moments.

TIC, absolutely, Sugar Ray was the Golden Boy, but Duran refused to play into that. He broke Leonard mentally before they even stepped in the ring, forcing him into a toe-to-toe war that suited Duran perfectly. That mental warfare leading up to the fight was next level, and Leonard played right into it. A great fight and an even greater win for Duran.

6

Joe Frazier beating Ali in the biggest boxing event of all time where 2 active undefeated heavyweight champions faced one another. Two different personalities and styles but both winners. Everyone in the world wanted to watch this event and even Frank Sinatra could only get a seat if he took photographs.

Labelled the Fight of the Century lived up to the hype. Joe was not going to be denied that night and put so much pressure on Ali that led to that brutal left hook landing in the last round to make certain of his victory. If Frazier had to win one of their tribology then that first battle would be it.

7

​Jack Johnson defeating James J Jeffries …….

8

More great suggestions,

Master, an excellent choice—Frazier vs. Ali in the Fight of the Century absolutely lived up to the hype. Two undefeated champions battling for supremacy in a truly historic showdown.

X, Jack Johnson’s win over Jeffries was another monumental moment. That fight, also billed as the Fight of the Century, carried immense historical and racial significance, making it one of the most anticipated bouts ever.

If I may play devil’s advocate on some of the fights mentioned—Schmeling was a former champion and considered past his prime when he faced Louis in the rematch, and Jeffries was coming off a six-year retirement, despite being the betting favorite. Unlike Foreman against Ali, Tyson against Douglas, or Leonard against Duran, they weren’t seen as being at their peak.

Was Ali past his prime going into the first Frazier fight? And should we consider Tyson at his peak against Douglas as well? What do you think?

9

Duran over Barkley was a masterclass in skill and toughness, Foreman’s KO of Moorer was the ultimate reminder of his power, and Turpin’s victory over Robinson was a historic triumph that shook the sport. Three legendary wins that showcased heart, resilience, and greatness.

10

Good questions and people can always criticise any fight if they are inclined and looked hard enough.

All I can say is that Max did not lose to anyone else in between beating and losing to Joe Louis so think he was not that far from his peak at 33 years of age. I never understood why Schmeling did not get the world title shot after he beat undefeated Joe which was only 2 years earlier.

I think X meant Jack Johnson beating the first great white hope and causing race riots across the US was a great win.

Ali was not past his prime going into the first Frazier fight as he had great wins after that fight. Although it could be argued that he was not seasoned/active enough to beat Joe the first time after the ban from the sport.

Mike Tyson career peaked before Douglas when he was with Kevin Rooney. He went downhill after that losing his discipline, desire and spirit. Problems with management, marriage and promoters took their toll on his career and he looked poor against Buster.

11

Great thread, and lots of excellent choices.

I would add the first Leonard-Hearns fight. A classic, back-and-forth war between two all-time greats at their absolute peak. The slick boxer, against the dangerous, lanky puncher. Both had their moments in that classic, back when championship fights were still 15 rounds. Leonard prevailed in that fight by TKO, I believe in the 14th round.

12

If people say Buster then Ruiz beating AJ needs to be in the conversation. He went the same way as Douglas.

To a lesser degree you could add Riddick Bowe beating an undefeated Evander Holyfield in a classic contest. Big Daddy was phenomenal that night.

13

some oldies to consider

harry greb defeating gene tunney

henry armstrong winning the welterweight belt against barney ross

bob fitzsimmons stopping james j corbett maybe?

14

Jem Mace beating Tom Allen ? Arguably the first heavyweight champion of the world, Mace last of the great bare knuckle fighters then goes on to promote the use of gloves and helps draft the Queensbury rules. Without that boxing and boxing history is very different.

Frazier beating Ali for so many reasons.

Hagler beating Hearns?

15

Alpha, Duran over Barkley was a magnificent performance. A natural lightweight, Duran had no business competing with guys that size at 37—let alone beating them. Even more impressive, Barkley was coming off a KO win over Tommy Hearns. As incredible as it was, I still rate the Leonard win higher.

Foreman knocking out Moorer is the stuff of folklore. As I recall, George had to sue the WBA just to get the title shot. And wasn’t he wearing the same trunks from the Rumble in the Jungle?

I consider Randolph Turpin’s unforgettable win over Sugar Ray Robinson the biggest upset ever scored by a British fighter. Robinson may have been partying hard during his European tour, but Turpin built a lead Sugar just couldn’t close. Robinson himself admitted, “I was beaten by the better man.”

Master, I should have been clearer in my opening post—that’s on me. When I asked about the greatest win in boxing history, I meant a victory over an opponent at their absolute peak. I agree Schmeling hadn’t lost in years, but reports suggested he was past his prime. Same with Jeffries, who was coming off a six-year retirement.

The Ali that fought Frazier in 1971 wasn’t the same fighter he was in '66. He still recorded great wins afterward, but I think it’s fair to say he wasn’t quite the prime Clay we remembered.

And yes, I think Tyson’s lavish lifestyle had caught up to him by the time he fought Douglas. Losing Cus, Jacobs, and Cayton only accelerated the spiral.

TitoFan, Leonard over Hearns is a fantastic pick. At the time, in the U.S., those two were the boxers who mattered. The Showdown delivered everything fans could hope for. What made it so special was the role reversal—Leonard’s power became a factor, and Hearns’ boxing ability shined in ways few expected.

Master, Ruiz over Joshua and Bowe over Holyfield are interesting choices. I’ll have to think on them more, but both victories have strong arguments. Could we also add Usyk vs. Fury to that conversation?

TIC, Greb over Tunney doesn’t get the recognition it deserves these days—it was a phenomenal performance.

Armstrong over Barney Ross has to be up there, though some question if Ross was past his best. He only had one disputed loss in seven years, so that’s debatable.

Fitzsimmons stopping Corbett with the famous solar plexus punch is another classic. Reports suggest Corbett was in near-total control before that sudden ending. Corbett was the man who beat John L. Sullivan, and I think both were close to their primes.

Beanz, Wow, Beanz—Jem Mace vs. Tom Allen, now that’s a deep cut. That’s where the real lineage started. I only know the fight through accounts and round-by-round descriptions from those who were there.

Master mentioned Frazier over Ali, and I played devil’s advocate questioning if Ali was past his prime.

Hagler vs. Hearns is a brawl we all know well. It’s hard to find an equal to that first round—it made so many people fall in love with boxing. Imagine if Hearns hadn’t broken his hand in the first.

16

Great boxing knowledge The Six Four.

The greatest win in English boxing history is not Turpin beating Sugar Ray Robinson but Lloyd Honeyghan destroying the undefeated undisputed welterweight champion Don Curry in the USA. The Cobra was considered the best p4p fighter at the time and huge favourite. The Ragamuffin Man was unknown and had some big wins including ripping the European title away in Italy against Gianfranco Rosi. Honeyghan was a beast that night.

17

I was literally just about to throw Honeyghan v Curry into the mix . Curry was also p4p #1 at the time and very slick. Honeyghan showed he had immense talent but clearly not professional enough to be an ATG.

18

Master & Primo Carnera, Honeyghan’s win over Curry may have been the bigger upset (debatable), but Turpin’s victory over Robinson stands as the greater win for me. Robinson was a global icon, riding an 89-fight unbeaten streak (55 KOs) with a record of 129-1-2-1 (84 KOs). Many consider him the greatest fighter of all time.

19

Agreed Sugar Ray Robinson is considered the greatest p4p boxer of all time but as you said he was on a tour of Europe and that was very tiring for him. He avenged that loss in dramatic fashion which shows that he may not have lost if it was not for the travel.

It is a great win for Turpin, no doubt about that.

20

I wouldn’t argue with that , although I wasn’t around at the time . But it all depends how you define “greatest win”?
Greatest win and biggest upset don’t necessarily equate to the same thing.
For example you could say something like Ali v Foreman was the greatest win because many people just couldn’t see how he could beat Foreman after what Foreman had done to Frazier and Norton, who had both beaten Ali.
Other examples are Benn v McLennan and Calzaghe v Lacy.
They weren’t the biggest upsets odds wise because they were World class fighters, but they had to do something very special to win.