Boxing has given us many great battles over the past century, Duran Vs Leonard, Ali Vs Frasier, and of course, for sheer controversy alone, Tyson Vs Holyfield.
Pugilism’s glory days seemed numbered after the Tyson incident, with numerous critics questioning the sportsmanship and safety of those who dared enter the ring.
However, contradictory to common belief, boxing is as prosperous as ever, with the best Pound for pound fighters to have ever lived (Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather) speculating a bout for within the next two years.
But what was the best fight of the past decade? Which provided most entertainment? And which was most influential? Ive rounded up some of the modern classics that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
10: Joe Calzaghe (GBR) Vs Mikkel Kessler (DEN)-WBO, WBC, WBA and Ring Magazines Super Middleweight titles- November 3rd 2007- Cardiff
Both fighters went into the match unbeaten. Little did critics know that the fight would be a complete whitewash 0n Calzaghes part. The earlier rounds were more even, with Kessler maybe winning a couple. But as the bout wore on Calzaghe was diving in and out, using his jab effectively. Considering neither boxer had ever fought someone of such a high caliber as their opponent, Calzaghe made it look easy, winning a unanimous decision. Joe was always slated by American critics prior to the match, but he secured his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time through the victory, going on to beat legends such as Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Junior.
9: Ricky Hatton (GBR) Vs Jose Luis Castillo (MEX) - Light Welterweight-June 23rd 2007- Las Vegas
Probably one of Ricky Hattons Greatest Victories, Hatton Vs Catillo was greatly anticipated and received by many who viewed it. Critics were split as to who would have the upper hand going into the fight...unbeaten Hatton? or the more experienced Castillo? The question needn't have been asked really, with Hatton giving Castillo a complete lesson on how to throw a punch. From the get go the Mexican was pummeled by staggering right and left hooks to the body, paying diffident in the 4th. Pushed against the ropes, Castillo was hit with a phenomenal body shot forcing him to the ground, where he sat until the ten count, the first time ever in his career.
8: Oscar De La Hoya (USA) Vs Fernando Vargas (USA)-WBC, WBA Light Middleweight titles-September 14th 2002-Las Vegas
Not a fight necessarily well remembered for its showmanship and spectacle, the De La Hoya- Vargas fight was however a perfect example of grit, perseverance and sheer emotion. Going into the fight, there was a great rivalry between the two fighters, with De La Hoya still sour over his controversial loss to Shane Mosley. The Bout was completely even until the 10th, with De La Hoya completely dominating to the bell. Caught with a flush left hook in the 11th, Vargas fell to the canvas but got back up immediately, only to be met with lightning fast combinations from De La Hoya, at which point the referee interfered. De La Hoya could hardly fight back the tears post fight, in a truely "Balboa" moment.
7: Israel Vazquez (MEX) Vs Rafael Marquez (MEX)-WBC Super Bantamweight title-March 1st 2008-Texas
Another Mexican stand off in the list, Vazquez Marquez 3 was the third and final fight between the pair that saw Vazquez win by a split decision, despite being knocked down in the 4th. One thing that always remained consistent throughout all three fights, was the tenacity and passion of both fighters. Boxing analyst Al Bernstein described the fighting styles of both fighters by saying "If ever two fighters were made for each other, these two are. They are in front of each other throwing excellent punches. Both men have a smidge of a problem defensively, so that leaves the chance that they can be hit." Rarely did 10 seconds pass throughout the entire bout when either man was throwing or being hit by punches, and both fighters faces were proof of that by the end of the match. Had the fight taken place in the 20's, pennies would have covered the canvas.
6: Erik Morales (MEX) Vs Marco Antonio Barrera (MEX)- WBO, WBC World Bantamweight tiltes-19th February 2000- Las Vegas
Offering one of the best trilogies since Ali Vs Frasier, each of the Morales- Barrera bouts was as thrilling as the last. Both Boxers went into the first match as title holders, with Morales confident following a knockout victory over unbeaten Daniel Zaragoza. The fight was controversial to say the least, with Barrera going on to lose, despite scoring the only Knockdown in round 12 of the fight. The Pair went on to battle again on 2 occasions, with Barrera winning both by judge’s decision. The first fight will certainly go down as the most memorable though, with the two Mexicans providing a master- class in determination, how to take a punch and fighting prowess.
5: Erik Morales (MEX) Vs Manny Pacquiao (PHL)- WBC Super Featherweight title-November 18th 2006- Las Vegas
It seems good things come in threes, as the final match in the trilogy between the two featherweights was to be the most memorable. With one victory each, it was billed as a "Grande Finale" and it seemed Pacquiao had some unfinished businesss to attend to. From the get go Morales was made a fool of, Manny dominated using straight rights and lefts, putting down Morales in the second round via a left hook. Morales persisted non-the-less, only to be put down twice in the 3rd by the Filipino. The fight put an end to Morales' career, as he never recovered from his loss. Nevertheless, the victory secured Pacquiao as one of the greatest pound for pound fighters in history.
4: Flloyd Mayweather Junior (USA) Vs Diego Corrales (USA) - WBC Super Featherweight title- January 20th 2001- Las Vegas
The fight between Mayweather-Corrales was to be the defining moment in a flawless career for "Pretty Boy." Throughout the fight Mayweather dominated, dropping Corrales five times overall, which when considering Corrales had never been knocked out is a pretty impressive statistic. After two consecutive knockouts in the 10th, the referee rightfully intervened. Since the fight Mayweather has secured the title of best Pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and is commonly respected as the greatest boxer to have ever lived.
3: Ricky Hatton (GBR) Vs Costa Tszyu (AUS)- IBF Light Welterweight Title- 4th June 2005- Manchester
Going into the fight, Hatton was a clear underdog as many believed Tszyu to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of the generation. It soon became apparent that this wasn't the case, as Hatton stood toe-to-toe with Tszyu and emerged victorious after Tszyu refused to leave his corner in the 12th round. The fight is one of the greatest boxing upsets, and is still deemed to be the greatest moment in Hattons career, allowing the critics across the pond to take note.
2: Micky Ward (USA) Vs Aturo Gatti (CAN)-May 18 2002- Connecticutt
The most astounding thing about the Gatti and Ward trilogy is the fact that there were absolutely no titles on the line. Just 30 rounds of non stop boxing, in a show of sportsmanship, boxing ability, will power and pride. Their first fight in particular was specifically spectacular, as Gatti got put down in the ninth, but battled on non-the-less. The result was a controversial split decision in favour of Ward, but both fighters were considered winners by all who viewed it. A truly inspirational fight, and two truely great fighters. The match was awarded Ring magazines Fight of the year, and has gone down in history following the death of the late, great Aturo Gatti.
1: Diego Corrales (USA) Vs Luis Castillo (Mex)- WBC, WBO Lightweight Title- May 7th 2005- Las Vegas
One round completely sums up the best fight of the decade, round 10, Corrales- Castillo. Like a scene from a movie, Corrales went down twice in the round, and it all seemed over. Corrales rose and did something phenominal, fought back, caught Castillo with a left hook and erupted with a barrage of punches. The referee intervened and Corrales got the victory. A Glissando of emotion, the fight will go down in history as one of the best fights ever, but un-doubtedly the best fight of the decade.
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