These are some of the most wanted fantasy boxing matches, unfortunately we will never really know the outcome. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate. Styles make fights and will we ever really know who was the greatest of all time if we cant put them against the greats before or after them?
Floyd Mayweather vs Roberto Duran
A master of defence vs a master of aggression. Nobody could crack the code of Floyd Mayweather but many people believe Duran would have figured it out. Duran was dynamite in his prime. A dedicated and in shape Duran was a nightmare to all he faced. Duran’s career spanned almost 34 years (professionally) having 119 fights and only loosing 16. Floyd finished his career with a perfect record with only 1-2 controversial decisions. We will never truly know if Duran could hurt and stop Mayweather but he to this day believes he would.
Edwin Valero vs Manny Pacquiao
This fight was on track to happen but due to Edwin’s charges and eventual death this was not meant to be. Edwin Valero had a 100% knockout ratio with 27 fights, 19 of them ended in the first round. He was considered by many to be one of the hardest punchers of all time especially within his weight class. Trainers said he hit as hard as a heavyweight at only 135lbs.
In 2010 Manny Pacquiao was in the prime of his life and this would have been a contest you would have not wanted to miss, his speed, stamina and determination would have been key in his success against Valero. However, at least I believe, Valero would eventually get him and end the fight.
Ward vs Calzaghe
Andre Ward vs Joe Calzaghe, both undefeated, both hall of famers and both lb for lb greats. This would have been a great match up, both fighters never looked out of their depth throughout their career. Arguably Andre is more technical and polished and a master of energy conservation. Calzaghe on the other hand had the grit and determination to always find a way to win. If Joe was 5 years younger or Andre 5 years older we may have seen this come together but Ward was on the way up and Calzaghe was on the way out. We will never know, but my guess is a hard fought, close decision win for Ward.
Robinson vs Leonard – The battle of the Sugar’s
Robinson, the original Sugar Ray after being called “sweet as sugar” by a lady watching him fight in NY – Ranked #1 by The Ring – Greatest boxer lb for lb of all time. Where Leonard was coined the nickname as he had a similar style to Robinson and the name “Ray” On paper its a one sided affair, Robinson went on to have an unbeaten streak of 91 fights. Leonard however, born at a later time had access to better training, tech and a wider variety of sparring partners. If they were prime vs prime in Robinson has to come out on top, but you would never count Leonard out.
Canelo vs Hopkins
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, Canelo a fierce power puncher vs Hopkins a man made of steel. This would be a brutal fight that would undoubtedly gone to a full 12 round decision, unless Hopkins could wear his man out. His superior counter punching could frustrate Canelo and cause him to over-commit and become exhausted. This is a fight I really could not pick a winner, I wish we got to see it.
Ali vs Tyson – most wanted of all fantasy boxing matches
Mike Tyson vs Muhammad Ali – The one we all wanted to see. I ran a poll on my YouTube channel with over 16,000 responses – 81% of them choosing this fight above the rest. Mike Tyson’s ferocious aggression vs Muhammad Ali’s expert footwork and durability. Ali was Mike Tyson’s idol growing up citing him as the greatest of all time. He has been asked the question multiple times and he always said Ali would find a way. Is he being modest? I think so.
A young, hungry angry Tyson was a problem for anyone who stood in his way. Until the death of his trainer Cus D’amto Tyson was seemingly unbeatable. However in Ali’s prime this was also the case. Ali fended off George Foreman breaking him down piece by piece in the famous “rumble in the jungle” fight, this fight could have ended the same way. My prediction would be either Tyson Wins by KO within the first 4 rounds or Ali wins by KO in the last 6 rounds.