Boxing will have its hero’s. It’s a fact that’s ingrained within the nature of the sport, the business and its fans. It started with John L. Sullivan, the first American sports hero.  Old John L’s exploits made him a household name and a legend in his own time. His larger than life persona captured the imagination of young and old alike. Although Jim Corbett wound up dropping the man for ten, the legend remained standing for a good hundred years to come.

It’s been said that all sports simulate combat in one form or another. I agree. Boxing is one of the few, however, that doesn’t let a ball get in the way.

Boxing’s place in U.S. culture has changed dramatically in recent years. No longer considered to be the mainstream sport it once was, boxing has migrated into the category of niche sport in the USA. The average person can no longer tell you who the Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight or Middleweight Champions of the World are. That wasn’t the case through much of the sport’s storied history. The days of walking into a barbershop almost anywhere in America and talk boxing with the “average Joe” are long gone.

Even so, the sport and its fans continue to support their favorite fighters and are forever on the lookout for this generation’s contemporary legends!

For the last few years, the most recognizable names on just about everyone’s “pound-for-pound” list are Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. On paper, they have all the makings for creating this generation’s equivalent of Ali-Frazier or Leonard-Hearns.  In some circles, Pacquiao has been compared to triple crown champion, Henry Armstrong, who won world titles at Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight.

It was quite a feat winning titles in three weight classes back in the days when there were only eight divisions and one champion per division. It was only a controversial draw that kept him from winning a version of the Middleweight title against Ceferino Garcia (of the Philippines) in 1940.

Armstrong finished his career with approximately 150 bouts. Pacquiao, whenever he finishes, should fall far short of that mark. Nonetheless, Manny Pacquiao will be measured by how he performs in his own era – not Armstrong’s. Mythical matchups aside, a fighter should be judged by how they perform in their respective era, not by mythical “what if” matchups.

As boxing fans, however, we known the real score. This is boxing! Those rules go into the shredder before the ink ever dries on the paper!

You’d better believe that we, boxing fans, judge fighters – not only how they perform historically, but by how well we believe they’d fare against “The Legends” of boxing history. With our sport, it’s all about history. Leave out the process of comparing one legend against the next is like having “half the sport” gathering dust on a shelf.

Boxing is as much an ongoing saga of giants and giant killers as anything else.

Fighters do one of two things.

1. They capture the imagination
2. They don’t

They may not be very popular in America, but the Klitschko brothers have captured the imaginations of fans across much of the rest of the world.

Their Legend continues to grow. The thinking is, if they continue to fight “BIG,” using their ramrod jobs as offensive and defensive weapons, coupled with their booming right hands – they are virtually unbeatable. Others believe they are greatly benefiting from fighting in an era when the level of competition in the heavyweight division is very poor.

The same was said of Rocky Marciano. Even so, 49-0 became the stuff legends are made of. Unless one or both of the Klitschko’s suffer Roy Jones-like knockouts… their legend is very likely to remain intact.

I would love to have seen a prime Larry Holmes popping his jab their way. It’s hard to envision either big man settling into a comfortable rhythm against a prime Holmes.

Larry Holmes is an excellent example of how legends are built up and torn down. Holmes came close at 48-0 with 20 successful title defenses. But in September of 1985 the record, legend and aura all took a hit at the hands of Michael Spinks. Holmes also lost a hotly disputed decision in the rematch… but it didn’t matter.

Had Holmes decisioned Spinks and retired (like Marciano at 49-0), I have no doubt that he would have went down in history as one of the greatest ever. The argument would have been – “He always found a way to win.” Holmes earned the recognition he did the old fashioned way. He earned it.

Public perception had Mike Tyson on his way to being the best ever until he spiraled out of control and wound up getting mowed down by Buster Douglas in Tokyo. Even Ali remarked that Tyson looked “awesome” as he sat at ringside for one of Tyson’s early demolitions. That being said, time is being kind to Mike Tyson. Many fans now remember him as the 21-year old monster who terrorized the division during the late 1980’s.

In boxing, one fight… one round… one punch… can change everything.

Currently, the spotlight focuses upon Manny Pacquaio and Floyd Mayweather. Together, the two produce something that’s impossible for them to produce apart. Together, they will create the biggest the biggest fight the sport has seen in the last decade. On paper, the matchup looks that good. The outcome of the fight may very likely cement their place in history as “legends” of ring.

Should either fighter suffer a one-sided loss, however, it’s very likely the loser will be remember as a very good (not great) champion.  Throughout time, history often takes a back seat to legend. There’s no reason to think “this time” will be any different.

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Gene Tunney vs. Mike Weaver
In the opening round, Weaver cracked Tunney with a hard right hand that buckled his knees. Unfortunately, for Weaver, his best opportunity of the fight slipped away in the opening frame. Tunney employed a hit and move strategy throughout and while Weaver’s size and power advantage gave him sporadic success… it wasn’t enough to keep the fight competitive on the scorecards. By the 10^th, Weaver was missing more and more punches and paying with hard, crisp counters from Gene Tunney. A counter hook wobbled Weaver badly in the 11^th. In the 12^th, a hard combination dropped Weaver hard and an exhausted “Hercules” wasn’t able to bet Stanley Christodoulou’s count.

Sonny Liston vs. Primo Carnera
No surprises here. Carnera takes a lot of leather and by the 3^rd round, there’s noticeable swelling around his right eye.  Primo actually had a good round in the 5^th, boxing well and moving out of range before Liston could really set down on his punches. It was the only round he won in the fight, but he won it clearly on all three scorecards. Obviously, it was a wake-up call for Liston who pressed Carnera in the 6^th, hurt him badly, and stopped him without about 50-seconds left in the round. Although there weren’t any knockdowns scored, referee Stanley Christodoulou stopped the bout at just the right time.

Joe Frazier vs. Gerrie Coetzee
This fight was fun while it lasted. In the opening round, Coetzee did his very best to drop the big “bionic” right hand on Frazier’s head – and did, several times in the opening round.  Coetzee clearly took the opening frame. In the 2^nd, he continued to land hard clean shots… the only difference being – Frazier was beginning to land a few big shots of his own. By the third round, Joe was “Smokin’” but Coetzee continue to let his hands go. Joe pounded Coetzee throughout the fourth and with about 15-seconds remaining on the clock in the 5^th, put him down for the count. Coetzee has nothing to be ashamed about. He made it interesting while it lasted.

Evander Holyfield vs. Sultan Ibragimov
Holyfield comes out quickly and takes the opening two rounds by being the busier fighter. In the 3^rd, a combination from Holyfield drops Ibragimov hard. He beats the count at 8 and survives the round. In the fourth, a big right hand from Ibragimov opens a huge gash over Holyfield’s left eye. Chuck Bodak, however, does a great job in between rounds and Holyfield elects to box Ibragimov the rest of the way. By the 7^th, Sultan’s right eye is almost swollen shut Holyfield’s repeated jabs and right hands.  By the 9^th, there are cuts above and beneath the eye. The fight is stopped by the referee with seconds remaining in the 10^th when Ibragimov’s eye swells shut and he’s no longer able to adequately defend himself.

James Jeffries vs. Oleg Maskaev
Big Jeff had a little too much “under the hood” for Maskaev and slowly wore the big Russian down with heavy, crunching blows to the head and body. When referee Stanley Christodoulou stepped in with seconds remaining in the 9^th round, the only thing holding Maskaev up with the ropes and Jeffries’ punches.  The belief that, had Jeffries fought in the modern era, he would have been someone on the level of an Oleg Maskaev has officially been erased.

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To view or download all the current tournament results, please click here.

George Foreman vs. Tommy Burns
Little 5’ 7” Tommy Burns put his head into George Foreman’s chest and swung away! He took a ferocious beating along the way but wasn’t dropped for the first time until the 11^th round! By that time, the crowd was cheering wildly for the huge, Canadian underdog. Burns hit the floor again in the 12^th – barely beating the count. By the 13^th round, Foreman was out of gas but Burns was so beat up and lumped up around the eyes, both fighter stumbled through the 14^th and 15^th rounds. The final scores – all for Big George – 147-137 twice and 148-136.

Rocky Marciano vs. Leon Spinks
Rocky puts on a workman-like performance, slowing breaking Leon Spinks down with punches to the head and body. A combination capped off by a bludgeoned right to the jaw drops Spinks face first to the canvas with 15 seconds remaining in 4^th round. He doesn’t come close to beating the count.

Jack Dempsey vs. Tommy Morrison
Dempsey comes out like a whirlwind and a few punches into the fight, drops Morrison with a perfectly timed left hook to one knee. Morrison gets up and survives the round. After surviving the 2^nd, Morrison begins to fight in spurts in the 3^rd. Tommy then beings to get a little braver and takes a pounding in the process. With his left eye badly swollen and bleeding, Morrison hits the canvas for the second time in the 6^th. He rises only to get engulfed in a torrent of leather. With seconds left in the 6^th, referee Stanley Christodoulou rescues Morrison as he sags through the ropes.

Mike Tyson vs. Jess Willard
A prime Mike Tyson is a larger version of a prime Jack Dempsey in many ways. Tyson races out of his corner with bad intentions from the opening bell. Big Jess Willard gets nailed with two huge uppercuts and never recovers.  The fight is stopped at the 2:55 mark of the opening round with Willard out on his feet.

Larry Holmes vs. John Tate
Holmes dishes out the most brutal, one-sided pounding of the tournament thus far. Tate takes a beating in this one and arises from a few knockdowns to somehow still be standing when the bell sounds ending the 15^th round. Holmes used one of the best jabs in the history of the Heavyweight division to dictate the pace and the fight from the outset.  Holmes comes away with a 15-round, one-sided, unanimous decision win.

Gene Tunney vs. Mike Weaver
In the opening round, Weaver cracked Tunney with a hard right hand that buckled his knees. Unfortunately, for Weaver, his best opportunity of the fight slipped away in the opening frame. Tunney employed a hit and move strategy throughout and while Weaver’s size and power advantage gave him sporadic success… it wasn’t enough to keep the fight competitive on the scorecards. By the 10^th, Weaver was missing more and more punches and paying with hard, crisp counters from Gene Tunney. A counter hook wobbled Weaver badly in the 11^th. In the 12^th, a hard combination dropped Weaver hard and an exhausted “Hercules” wasn’t able to beat Stanley Christodoulou’s count.

To view or download all the current, updated tournament results, please click here.

All-Time Heavyweight Champion Tournament – 2010

(Round 1 Match-ups)

The rules: Each fight is scheduled for 15 rounds using the 10-point must system under the unified rules. Only the referee can stop the fight. There is no standing 8-count. Three judges will score the fight. If the fight is stopped due to an accidental headbutt, the bout will go to the scorecards after 4 rounds. A fighter cannot be saved by the bell in any round, including the 15th and final round.

Joe Louis vs. Shannon Briggs
Muhammad Ali vs. Trevor Berbick
Jack Johnson vs. Ingemar Johansson
George Foreman vs. Tommy Burns
Rocky Marciano vs. Leon Spinks
Jack Dempsey vs. Tommy Morrison
Mike Tyson vs. Jess Willard
Larry Holmes vs. John Tate
Gene Tunney vs. Mike Weaver
Sonny Liston vs. Primo Carnera
Joe Frazier vs. Gerrie Coetzee
Evander Holyfield vs. Sultan Ibragimov
James Jeffries vs. Oleg Maskaev
James Corbett vs. John Ruiz
Riddick Bowe vs. Bruce Seldon
Lennox Lewis vs. Tony Tubbs
Vitali Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman
Wlad Klitschko vs. Frank Bruno
Ezzard Charles vs. Buster Douglas
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Nikolay Valuev
Max Schmeling vs. Ruslan Chagaev
Ken Norton vs. Lamon Brewster
Bob Fitzsimmons vs. Michael Dokes
John L. Sullivan vs. Sam Peter
Max Baer vs. Chris Byrd
Oliver McCall vs. Michael Spinks
Jack Sharkey vs. Greg Page
Michael Moorer vs. Tony Tucker
Floyd Patterson vs. Bonecrusher Smith
James Braddock vs. Pinklon Thomas
Ernie Terrell vs. Tim Witherspoon
Jimmy Ellis vs. Ray Mercer

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT UPDATED TOURNAMENT RESULTS

This is a fantastic match up on paper.  Both fighters would be considered small Heavyweights by today’s standards.  Both fighters, however, had extremely high work rates and were pressure-styled fighters.  Marciano, possibly the best conditioned fighter of all time, threw an amazing amount of punches and fought crouching and weaving as he moved forward.

Frazier had an energetic bobbing and weaving style and one of the best left hooks on the division’s history.

Joe Frazier vs. Rocky Marciano

Marciano’s possessed one of the best right hands of all the Heavyweight Champions.

Marciano’s right would be matched against Frazier’s left!

Marciano said in interviews that he preferred fighting larger men who punched down at him as opposed to men who were the same size as him which is why he, as he explained, he had more problems against fighters like Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles and Joe Walcott.  “Power, he said, is blunted when a fighter has to punch downward as opposed to straight across.”  He also said it was easier for him to generate more power by punching upward.

Against Joe Frazier, he would be facing a fighter who only stood 5’ 11”.

During Frazier’s career, he struggled against two big punchers.  Oscar Bonavena and George Foreman.  He met both men twice.  During his first fight with Bonavena, Oscar floored Frazier twice in the 2^nd round.  Frazier survived and went on to win a very close split decision.  The 2^nd time, the decision was unanimous, but the fight was a brutal contest all the way to the final bell.

I don’t count his two knockouts to George Foreman as being a sign of having a weak chin.  A prime Foreman could have done the same to any Heavyweight in history who came right at him.

Joe Frazier was not what you’d call a fast starter.  He’d usually take about 3 rounds to start “smokin’.”  Against a fighter like Marciano, he would definitely be at a disadvantage during the first two or three rounds of the fight.  Marciano was an extremely fast starter and believed it was extremely important to hurt his opponent as quickly as possible because he believed that it not only gave him a psychological advantage… but also set the tone for the rest of the fight.

Could Joe Frazier survive the first three rounds against a prime Marciano?  Could Marciano survive once the fight passed the 3^rd round and Frazier started “Smokin’?”

I computer-matched both fighters with Arthur Mercante Sr. as the 3^rd man in the ring.  The result?  Frazier survived the early Marciano assault and the war was on!  By the 10^th round, Marciano was ahead and Frazier’s right eye was beginning to noticeably swell.  In the 14^th round, Marciano sent Frazier to the canvas 3 times and the fight was stopped with 7-seconds remaining on the clock!

In this case, I can’t argue with the computerized results.

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Title Bout Championship Boxing Computer Simulation
The program used to simulate The Boxing Magazine.com dream fights runs in compiled basic. It consists of several thousand lines of code and over two-dozen routines and sub-routines – cross checking factors such as, ring position, the fighter’s physical condition, accumulated damage, status of cuts and any special strategies that may be employed. Almost 100 variables are constantly monitored during a given fight.

This is a greatly anticipated fight between two great sluggers Julian Jackson and Tony Ayala Jr, and the two combatants have a healthy dislike for each other.

Following intense negotiations the two camps agreed upon Comiskey Park for the site of the fight. Jackson will be defending his title for the fifth time.

As the fighters head for the ring Ayala is wearing white trunks with “El Torito” emblazoned on the waistband.  He is accompanied by his trainer Lou Duva as well as his cutman Joe Souza. After a slight delay Jackson heads to the ring. He’s wearing gold trunks with “The Hawk” printed on the front.  He’s followed by trainer Richie Giachetti and cutman Ralph Citro.

Following the introductions of ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr, and following the final instructions of referee Pat Russell the fighters returned to their corners to await the bell.

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Round 1

The fighters meet at ring center and Jackson fires a combination that lands. Ayala is already looking to hang on as he was stunned by Jackson. The crowd’s buzzing already… Ayala recoups and fires back with a hard right cross. Jackson motions for Ayala to bring it on. Ayala moves in and is nailed by a tremendous left hook! He tastes the canvas here in the opening minute…

Russell begins the count…….

1….

2…

…Ayala rises at the count of three, but appears shaky. Jackson approaches cautiously and lands a hard right cross.

The fighters circle each other and Jackson scores with another right hook. Ayala responds with a left hand. Jackson scores with a left hook as we come to the bell!  The crowd is on their feet!

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Round 2

Ayala appears to have recovered from the knockdown in round 1 and comes out quickly at the bell. He scores with a combination to the head of the champion in the opening moments and follows it up with a combination to the body of Jackson. Jackson attempts to move in behind the jab. He scores with a solid jab which opens a cut on the nose of Ayala! Jackson then scores with a vicious right hand on the chin of Ayala!  Ayala counters with a hard combination in return!

Jackson once again moves in behind the jab and scores well to the head. Both fighters exchange evenly as we come to the bell at the end of round 2!

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Round 3

Lou Duva is screaming at Ayala to work the body as Joe Souza works on the cut between rounds.

The round opens with both fighters meeting at ring center. Jackson fires a combination to the head and body of Ayala. Jackson follows with an uppercut to the head that brings blood from the nose of Ayala once again! Ayala backs away. Ayala is pinned in his own corner as Jackson lands a huge left hand.  Ayala fires back with a vicious right cross that staggers Jackson and he clinches. Russell moves in and breaks the clinch and as they move away Ayala lands the jab. Jackson closes the round with a right hand to the body as we come to the bell.

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Round 4

Richie Giachetti was quite animated in the corner of Jackson between rounds and Jackson was listening intently. Joe Souza did a nice job on the nose of Ayala between rounds as the bell goes for round 4.

Ayala lands a booming right hand to the head of Jackson!  Jackson lands a solid uppercut.  He’s hurt! Ayala staggers away! Russell callls a halt to the action to consult with the ringside doctor…….and doctor Alexander Robbins takes a long look at Ayala’s nose and is going to let it go.

Jackson moves inside and lands and buries a left hook to the ribs, but Ayala fires back and lands a huge hook to the head of Jackson.

Jackson moves in and lands a huge hook, and down goes Ayala for the second time tonight!

Russell moves in for the count…..

1…….

2…….

3……

4……

5……

6…..

7….

He’s up!  Ayala staggers toward Jackson.  Russell’s going to let this one continue!  Jackson moves in and senses he can end it right now.

Jackson lands a big right hand and lands a right cross to the head of Ayala. Jackson lands a vicious combination to the body and head of Ayala. Blood gushes from his nose again and Russell moves in and calls a halt to the action. He brings Ayala to the ringside doctor once again. Doctor Robbins says the nose is too badly broken to allow Ayala to continue!  He’s calling the fight due to the damage to the nose of Ayala despite the protest of the Ayala corner.

We go up to the ring and Jimmy Lennon Jr…..

The winner by technical knockout at 2:23 of the fourth round,  and still WBC Jr Middleweight Champion….Julian “The Hawk” Jackson!

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Title Bout Championship Boxing Computer Simulation

The program used to simulate The Boxing Magazine.com  dream fights runs in compiled basic.  It consists of several thousand lines of code and over two-dozen routines and sub-routines – cross checking factors such as, ring position, the fighter’s physical condition, accumulated damage, status of cuts and any special strategies that may be employed.  Almost 100 variables are constantly monitored during a given fight.

Mexican Shootout

This is a much anticipated match-up of two of the finest Bantamweights to ever grace the division. The negotiations went very smoothly, and the only problem was securing a venue for these two great champions.

After the venue was chosen, the fight was on, as Ruben Olivares and Carlos Zarate agreed upon Estadio Azteca.  More than 120,000 fans entered the stadium to watch these two great warriors. Carlos Zarate was led to the ring by Cuyo Hernandez who had once trained Olivares, and was accompanied by cutman, Chuck Bodak.

Olivares was led to the ring by his new trainer Ignacio Beristain, as well as his cutman, Tony Rivera.  Following the introductions of ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, the fight will be underway in just a moment!

Round 1

Both fighters meet at ring center as Olivares lands a glancing hook off the chin of Zarate and follows it up by landing a combination to the body.

Olivares works his way inside and lands a wicked uppercut, as Zarate has trouble getting started here in the first round.  He continues to press forward landing a left hook to the body and follows it up with a straight right hand to head of Zarate.

As we enter the final minute Zarate has yet to score with any meaningful punches. Olivares lands a hook to the jaw before Zarate responds with combination to the body.  Olivares scores well on the inside and Zarate counters with a vicious left hook to the body making Olivares wince as we come to the bell ending the opening round.

Round 2

Both fighters meet at ring center and trade punches on the inside with Zarate coming out on top of that exchange. He continues to score on the inside with a wicked right cross to the head of Olivares, and he backs away.

Olivares takes a combination from Zarate and responds with a vicious right hook that stuns Zarate. The action moves to the ropes and Zarate scores again on the inside as the round comes to a close.

Round 3

As the third round begins Zarate scores with a big right cross while Olivares counters with a devastating uppercut that sends Zarate staggering into the ropes.  Olivares follows him there and they trade punches along the ropes. Olivares lands a jab and Zarate still looks as if he may be hurt as we come to the end of round three.

Round 4

Olivares starts fast here in round 4.  He scores with an uppercut to the head and follows it with a combination on the inside that has Zarate covering up.  He continues to move forward with heavy hooks on the inside and follows it up with a wicked right cross. Zarate’s right eye begins to swell. Olivares lands a big left hook as the swelling continues to increase.  Larry Rozadilla is forced to step in as we come to the bell. Huge round for Olivares.

Round 5

Both fighters were given encouragement in their corners between rounds and Chuck Bodak reduces the swelling around the right eye of Zarate.  Olivares doubles up on the hook to the body and follows it up with a right cross to the head.

Zarate comes right back with a big left hook and shakes Olivares!  Olivares responds immediately, landing a terrific hook to the head of Zarate followed by a big right hand.  Zarate ducks into an uppercut that almost floors him as we come to the bell!

Round 6

Despite the pounding he took in the fifth round, Zarate appears relatively fresh for the start of round six.  Once again, Bodak did a nice job on his eye. Zarate looks to get the upper hand and turn the tide here in the 6^th.  They exchange in ring center.  Olivares scores with a right hand to the jaw, but Zarate comes right back with a sizzling left hook to the head of Olivares.

Both fighters trade evenly throughout the rest of the round in what thus far is the most competitive round of the fight.  The crowd is on their feet as the bell rings.

Round 7

Oilvares was spurred on in his corner by Nacho Beristain between rounds.  Zarate’s eye is really showing signs of considerable swelling.

Ruben lands a hard combination that rocks Carlos back on his heels.  At this point, he is having real trouble seeing the punches coming, but comes back with a hard right hand followed by a wicked left hook to the ribs.  Olivares continues to fire back, and lands a left hook in combination as we come to the bell.

Round 8

The eighth round starts slowly. Olivares suddenly lands a terrific left hook to the body that drops Zarate… Larry Rozadilla picks up the count…

1…

2…

3…

4…

5…

6…

7…

8…

Zarate rises on unsteady legs!  Olivares is known as a great finisher, but he fails to follow it up.  After more than a minute, Zarate seems to have cleared his head as we come to the bell. Ruben lands a vicious left hand at the bell and the crowd is on their feet!

Round 9

The swelling was reduced between rounds in the corner of Zarate. He takes a hard right hook to the body from Olivares.  Zarate comes right back with a solid right cross to the head and follows with a vicious left hook to the head.  The action slows until late in the round when both fighters traded punches at close range.  We come to the bell with Olivares pinned along the ropes.

Round 10

As we begin round ten the swelling around the right eye of Zarate is quite pronounced.  Olivares lands a tremendous uppercut that staggers him and he is hurt with a follow-up cross.  Olivares blasts Carlos with a wicked combination and Zarate goes down for the second time in the fight…

1…

2…

3…

Zarate rises and looks shaken, but Rozadilla is letting it go on.  He takes a hard hook from Olivares followed by a right cross.  Carlos Zarate is in serious trouble!  Olivares fires punches furiously…and finally a combination knocks Zarate through the ropes, and out of the ring!

Rozadilla picks up the count…….

1…

2…

3…

4…

5…

6…

7…

8…

9…

10… and Zarate is out cold!

Olivares celebrates with his cornermen to the delight of the crowd.

Here is Jimmy Lennon with the call…….

Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner by knockout at 1:59 of the 10th round is -

“Rockabye” Ruben Olivares!

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Title Bout Championship Boxing Computer Simulation

The program used to simulate The Boxing Magazine.com  dream fights runs in compiled basic.  It consists of several thousand lines of code and over two-dozen routines and sub-routines – cross checking factors such as, ring position, the fighter’s physical condition, accumulated damage, status of cuts and any special strategies that may be employed.  Almost 100 variables are constantly monitored during a given fight.

We fed all the data on these two fighters into our program and what follows are the round by round results!

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The fighters are in the ring receiving their last instructions from referee Arthur Mercante. Two of the most dangerous fighters in Heavyweight history are getting ready to square off against one another here tonight. Both have the ability to turn a fight with a single punch. Liston has a size and reach advantage as well as possessing one of the most punish jabs in the history of the division. Louis has knockout power in both hands as well as an edge in hand-speed.

The fighters have returned to their corners and the crowd is on the edge of their seats waiting for the bell to begin the opening round. And there’s the bell!

Round 1
The fighters exchange jabs in ring center. Louis ducks under and Liston jab and bangs a hard hook to the body! Louis with a big right cross to Liston’s head! Liston is moving back towards the ropes. Joe Louis opening up with several shots to the body and another to the head. Liston catches Louis with a combination coming off the ropes. Liston rocks Louis with a right uppercut. Louis digs hard to the body as the bell sounds ending the opening round.

Round 2
Louis ducks another Liston jab and bangs two lefts and a right to the body. Louis body shots have got to take a toll as the fight progresses. Louis with a left uppercut and right to Liston’s chin. Liston fires back and misses. A big right hand to Liston’s head. Liston’s knee’s bucked slightly! Joe Louis with a beautiful right uppercut. Liston ties him up. Liston’s taking a lot of punishment over these first two rounds. Louis raking Liston with sharp punches to the body – and now the head. Liston can’t seem to do anything here in this – the second round. There’s the bell!

Round 3
Here we are in the third – Oh! Liston catches Louis with a beautiful right uppercut. That punch stopped Joe momentarily. Here comes Liston! He’s digging hard to the body. I think Joe’s hurt by those shots! Left hook to the head by Liston. Night Train’s movin’ down the tracks! Louis lands a right hand. Louis jabs Liston. Liston unloading to Louis’ body. Liston machine-gunning Louis to the body and hurting him! A combination to the head from Sonny Liston – Louis is stunned! There’s the bell ending the round.

Round 4
We’re here in the 4th and both fighters are still unmarked. Louis and Liston trade jabs. Louis with a three-punch combination to the head. He’s backing Liston up. Liston goes hard to Louis’ body again. A big right cross from Liston. Left hook from Liston. Joe Louis nails Liston with a hard left uppercut. Both fighters are trading along the ropes… and there’s the bell.

Round 5
Louis and Liston trading heavy jabs as round 5 gets underway. Liston nails Louis with a hard left hook. Louis is staggered! Louis is in trouble! Liston opening up but Louis is riding with the punches well. Louis with a right to the body. Liston goes back to the body. A right to Louis’ head from Liston. Louis looks hurt again! Oh! Louis’ eye is swelling up like a balloon! There’s the bell.

Round 6
Louis fires a combination to Liston’s head. Joe Louis digs a hook to Liston’s side. Louis, a right and left to the head. Both fighters trade right hands. Louis goes to Liston’s body again. Two crisps shots to from Louis to the head. Louis nails Liston with a huge right cross! Liston’s backing up! Here comes Joe Louis. Louis – going to the body… now the head – and there’s the bell. Joe’s eye still looks bad but that was a big round for him, nonetheless.

Round 7
We’re in the 7th. The pace has slowed. Louis and Liston are clinching in ring center. Louis going to Liston’s body with a combination. Oh, nice right cross from Sonny Liston. That punch shook Louis! Liston with a big uppercut and down goes Louis!
Louis was dropped to his knees by that big Liston uppercut. Louis pulls himself up with the ropes at the count of 4! Here’s comes Sonny Liston! Liston with a right to the body. Liston with a right hook to the chin, and down goes Louis again! Joe Louis, down for the second time this round! Louis is slowly getting to his feet. He’s up at the count of 7, but he looks hurt! The referee taking a closer look at Louis. He’s going to allow this fight to continue. Liston with another big right to the chin! Louis is against the ropes. Liston going to the body! Two big shots to the head. Louis is taking a beating! Big uppercut from Liston. Louis is in all kinds of trouble. Louis staggers off the ropes. There’s the bell! Manny Seamon is going to have his work cut out for him in the corner.

Round 8
Joe Louis is moving a bit more as bell has sounded to begin the 8th round. Joe Louis moving to Liston’s left – using the jab. Liston nails Joe with another uppercut on the inside. Louis’ legs buckle slightly! Louis firing back! Joe Louis with a three-punch combination to Liston’s head. I think Liston’s hurt? Yes, Liston’s hurt! That three-punch combination hurt Liston! Louis digs to the body again. And now the head. Sony Liston is under heavy fire and he’s taking enormous punishment now! How Joe Louis recovered from the beating he took in the 7th to turn the tide here in the 8th, I have no idea! Louis digging hard again to Liston’s body and there’s the bell.

Round 9
Louis using his jab effectively. Liston seems to be slowing up. Louis with a quick right to the head and left to the body. Liston’s jabbing back. A good left to the body from Louis. They’re clinching again. Both fighters are taking a bit of a break. Joe Louis hooks to Liston’s head. Liston with a hook to the body. They clinch again in ring center. There’s the bell. Sonny Liston looks tired as he returns to his corner. I think the Louis body attack from the earlier rounds is beginning to pay off.

Round 10
Louis jars Liston with a 4 punch combination to the head. Joe Louis with a hard right to the temple. Liston’s left eye is beginning to swell. Louis snapping Liston’s head with three crisp jabs. Liston responds with a right to the body. Louis mixing up his attack upstairs, downstairs. Liston trying to use the jab, but he’s missing more than he’s connecting. Louis is fighting from long range, now. He’s scoring with sharp, clean punches. Liston needs to step it up. The momentum has noticeably turned in favor of Joe Louis.

Round 11
Sonny Liston with a nice left to the body. Louis with a nice straight left. Louis with a quick right to the chin, and Sonny Liston drops to one knee! Here comes the count! Liston’s up at 3, and here comes Joe Louis. Louis, with a sharp right hand to the head. Joe Louis has Sonny Liston trapped in the corner and he’s unloading the thunder! Liston’s in trouble! Liston’s taking a beating! I think this fight is going to be stopped! And there’s the bell. Talk about being “saved by the bell.” Sonny Liston was saved from an almost certain TKO. They’re working feverously in his corner, trying to clear his head. I don’t know if they can work magic, but they’re going to have to try!

Round 12
Liston’s standing up in the corner. I can’t believe it. His swelling seems to have gone down and he looks read to fight! There’s the bell. Liston with a hard snapping jab. Left hook from Louis. Down goes Liston! Liston’s on the seat of his trunks from that Louis left! He’s getting up slowly. Liston is up at the count of 7! He wants to continue! Louis tags Liston with three, four, five good head shots. Liston misses with a right. Louis – right cross! Liston’s down! That right cross drops Liston to both knees. Liston looks like he’s clearing his head and catching his breath. He’s up at the count of 8! Louis is jabbing. He’s backing Liston up. Big right cross and down goes Liston again! Sonny tried grabbing the ropes on his way down but missed. I don’t know if he’s going to beat the count. Wait, he’s up! He’s up at the count of 8! How much time is left? I can’t see the clock from here? I can’t believe Mercante is going to let this go on! God, I love this sport.

Louis with a combination to Liston’s head! Down goes Liston, again! Liston’s down for the 4th time in this round. He’s on his knees with his forehead pressed to the canvas. I don’t think he’s going to clear the cobwebs this time. I can’t even believe he’s conscious.

The count’s at 7, 8, 9… 10!

That’s it! Joe Louis has stopped Charles Sonny Liston at 2:59 of the 12th round! This was one for the ages, my friends!

Robinson, however, doesn’t fall into the “just about” category. With the pressure on, Ray could produce the type of performance (even at 160) to leave the experts once again shaking their heads muttering, “Pound for pound,” when the smoke cleared.

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Round 1
There’s electricity in the air tonight as the referee Carlos Berrocal sends Robinson and Jones back to their respective corners… we are moments away from one of the most anticipated fights of the past month of this tournament.

And there’s the bell!

Robinson and Jones meet in center ring. Ray goes to the body. That punch was caught on the arm by Roy Jones. Jones doubles up with the jab. The second one gets through! Robinson slips a right and scores with a straight left. Robinson strikes with a fast two punch combination and Jones misses with the counter!

They’re trading punches! Blazing speed on display by both fighters!

You can see the intensity in their eyes. Both men feinting and moving – looking for openings.

There’s the bell. That’ll do it for a very close opening round!

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Round 2
Ray Robinson opens up the 2nd round with a hard, fast left to the head of Jones. Robinson can strike like a cobra at times… and so can Jones. A hard combination from Ray Robinson jolts Roy Jones! Jones fires back but Robinson was already out of range. You can see a little smile on Jones face. He felt those punches.

Robinson scores well with a combination to the body! Ray Robinson with a right to the head!

That’ll do it for the 2nd. Good round for Ray Robinson.

Neither fighter is marked. Each round is like a suspense novel right now… wondering how this one is going to play out.

We’ll be back for the 3rd in just a moment.

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Round 3
Welcome to the 3rd… and Roy Jones snaps Robinson’s head back with a hard jab! Robinson misses with a hook and Jones connects with a uppercut that lands flush. Robinson smiles at Jones. He felt that one.

Jones rips Robinson to the body with a savage combination!! Oh! Another big right lands to the head! Robinson wobbles!!

Robinson fires back with a four-punch combination!!

The fans are roaring their approval! And there’s the bell to end the 3rd round.

If we look at that replay again… look at those punches to Robinson’s body! Roy Jones Jr. threw those punches with some bad intentions and I’m surprised Robinson didn’t at least drop to a knee after taking those thunderous shots!

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Round 4
Roy Jones and Ray Robinson are starting to light it up out there. We’ve got a long way to go… but maybe not! We’re in the 4th. Roy with a cracking right hand!! Robinson seemed a little surprised by that last shot! Jones has the power to Robinson’s attention. We’ve established that, now.

Jones with a huge right hand!

Robinson counters with a left to the body. Robinson absorbed that punch without buckling somehow. He can’t keep taking that shots all night without getting into trouble, though!

Robinson goes to the body.

Roy Jones scores with a fast combination downstairs at the bell! Another good round for Jones.

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Round 5

Roy Jones Jr. backs Robinson up with a blazing combination of punches to the head and body! It seems like Jones’ unnatural speed is giving Ray Robinson some problems! Jones rocks Robinson with a hard right hand and Robinson ties him up! Here comes Carlos Berrocal to separate them. He’s had hardly nothing to do tonight so far.

Robinson scores with a fast right hand over the top.

That punch wobbled Jones!! Robinson scores with a combination to the body! They exchange another blaze of leather and the crowd rises to their feet!! I can’t even hear myself talking… the sound is deafening!

Robinson rocks Jones with a left hook!

Jones with a booming right hand!

Robinson staggers back into the corner! He’s hurt! There’s the bell to end the 5th and Carlos Berrocal jumps between the fighters. Great, great round!

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Round 6
Roy Jones blocks a right hand from Ray Robinson. Jones scores with a hard right hand – right on the button. You can feel the momentum once again shifting towards Jones as it has many times already for him in this tournament.

Robinson misses with a left. Both fighters have slowed the pace down noticeably this round. Robinson has taken a few big shots over the last few rounds, but there’s no visible damage.

Jones lands another booming left hook! Oh, that shot sent sweat flying from Robinson’s head into the third row!

Robinson’s looking for the openings, but he’s just not connecting.

That’ll do it for round 6.

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Round 7

Robinson and Jones trade combinations. Nice way to open a round. Ray lands a left. Roy with a straight right hand. Roy takes a right hand high on the head. He was relaxing for the first time in this fight, letting his left hand drop below his waist and Robinson made him pay.

We’re just about at the midway point of this scheduled 15 rounder.

Roy scores to the body of Robinson with a hook. Ray Robinson returns fire – scoring well to the head.

They trade right hands at the bell!

A close round and difficult one to score.

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Round 8

Roy Jones Jr. – stringing together a beautiful salvo of punches! Robinson takes them well… but Robinson must be falling behind on the scorecards by now. He’s needs to start stepping it up! Another hard combination scores for Roy Jones Jr. Robinson seems to have been taken out of his rhythm. You can hear the buzz around the arena… we may be seeing a huge upset here tonight!

Jones scores with a left at the bell!

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Round 9

Robinson’s left eye is starting to swell noticeably! The camera went into his corner in between rounds and you could see the swelling. They’re out for the 9th! Jones lands a big hook that lands flush! Robinson scores with a right to the body.

Robinson lands a big right hand! Jones wobbles!! That punch hurt Roy Jones Jr.!!

Ray Robinson lands to the head and body! Ray Robinson’s got Roy Jones Jr. in trouble! Robinson scores with a combination! Robinson with another combination! He’s backed Jones into the corner!!

Ray Robinson lands a booming right hand at the bell! That was the best round, possibly in this fight, for Sugar Ray Robinson!

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Round 10

Robinson’s out fast for the 10th. He fires several rockets into Jones’ midsection. Jones took them well. Jones turns Robinson’s head with a screaming left hook! Robinson digs in and blasts a left hand off the side of Jones’ rib cage! They’re letting it fly now!

Another combination scores from Robinson! Robinson finished up with a hook to the head! He rocked Jones with that hook! Robinson blasts Jones with two hard rights to the head!!

Jones catches Ray with a booming right hand as Ray was moving in!

They’re trading their biggest guns in ring center as the bell ends the 10th! Wow, they were shooting it out as the 10th round came to its end!

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Round 11

We’re in the 11th. These are the championship rounds. Robinson is no stranger to 15 rounds. Roy Jones never had to go beyond the 12th during his career. But he looks to be in great shape. Robinson just rocked Jones with a hard right to the head!

Robinson scores with a hard right to the body!

Jones returns fire with a smoking combination to Robinson’s body!

Jones with another combination!!

Robinson hooks to the head.

Down goes Roy Jones, Jr!! That hook caught Jones flush on the chin and down he goes!

Wait… he’s getting right up!

1

2

Jones is back on his feet! He looks a little groggy and referee Carlos Berrocal is taking a long close look at Jones.

Okay, he’s going to let this one continue!

Here comes Robinson! Ray Robinson misses with a right hand. He scores with a combination downstairs… and there’s the bell!

Ray Robinson’s turning up the heat – here in the championship rounds.

Remember, this is the rounds scoring system being used in this tournament. There are no 2 point advantages coming to anyone for scoring a knockdown.

They’re working on Jones in the corner. You can see the swelling now appearing around his left eye. That was a big round for Ray Robinson. It’ll be interesting to see if he can turn this fight around.

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Round 12

Both fighters seem tired as we’re underway in the 12th. Robinson and Jones are both dealing with swelling around their eyes. Jones lands first. Jones with a heavy combination downstairs. Those punches backed Robinson up. Ray lands a hook upstairs. Jones took it well. Jones scores with a right… Robinson scores with a right hand of his own.

They tie up along the ropes. Carlos Berrocal comes and separates them.

They’re both moving slow. And they clinch again. No boos coming from the crowd, though. Robinson and Jones are keeping the fans on the edge of their seats tonight!

That’ll do it for the 12th!

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Round 13

Jones and Robinson are both dealing with noticeable swelling around their left eyes round thirteen gets underway. Roy Jones scores to the body. Robinson scores with a right hand to the head. Jones scores with an uppercut, Robinson counters with a straight left!

Roy Jones nails Ray with a booming hook! Jones with another left to the body! Robinson lands a right hand upstairs!

The bell ends the 13th, and they’re standing toe-to-toe as the round ends! I’d give that round to Roy Jones. There are only two rounds left. The winner of this fight moves to the finals. It’s all on the line with only six minutes remaining!

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Round 14

Robinson and Jones are out fast for the 14th round. They exchange right hands. Nice clean punches, no clear advantage to either fight. Jones lands a nice right hand from the outside. They’re circling one another.

Robinson steps in with a hard right hand to the body. Jones counters upstairs with a combination… Robinson counters Jones counters with a blazing hook, uppercut!

The crowd’s mesmerized by the skills of these two fighters!! Jones scores with a hard right to the head of Robinson!

Robinson scores with a hard left to the head of Jones! Everyone’s on their feet cheering wildly as Robinson and Jones bring down the house!!

There’s the bell and that’ll do it for the 14th round. Only one round remaining… and you’ve gotta wonder how the judges have been scoring this fight. Robinson may be behind and the whole fight could be riding on the final round for these two fighters!

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Round 15

Carlos Berrocal has Sugar Ray Robinson and Roy Jones Jr. touch gloves in ring center for this – the 15th and final round of their amazing matchup tonight!

Roy Jones lands a hard right cross! That shot wobbles Robinson momentarily! Robinson scores with a left to the midsection. Roy Jones rips Robinson’s head back with a booming uppercut! Jones scores with a hard right to Robinson’s head! Roy Jones is bringing on the pain in the 15th and final round!

Ray Robinson slips a hook and snaps Jones’ head back with a hard uppercut on the inside! Robinson blasts a blur of punches off Jones’ body!!

Jones nails Roy Jones with a hard hook to the head. The crowd’s on its feet for the final shootout of the night!!

Robinson nails Jones with a big left hook on the chin!
Robinson with another hook!

Robinson with another!!!
Jones is hurt!! Jones is hurt!!

Robinson rips Jones with a huge right hand to the head! Jones staggers back against the ropes! Robinson scores with a combination! Robinson scores with another combination! Robinson is raining punch after punch after punch down up Jones!!
Jones hands are coming down! Robinson rips into Jones with a left… two rights, another left… Robinson with an uppercut!! Jones can no longer defend himself!! Robinson lands punch after punch after punch!!

That’s it!!

Berrocal jumps in as Jones is out on his feet!! Two seconds left in the round and Sugar Ray Robinson has stopped Roy Jones Jr. in the 15th and final round!