We all love the sport of boxing because it’s a sport where two fighters step into the ring to settle who is the best of the best. The only way that can happen is if they actually step between the ropes. Everything else is obsolete, which is why I thought we’d have some fun to distract us boxing diehards from the monotony of the super-fight that isn’t in Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. What if we could match fighters in the ring like in video games and have fighters from different weight classes fight each other regardless of height, speed, power, etc.? The following is a list of the top 10 fights I’d like to see regardless of weight class.
Abner Mares vs. Erislandy Lara Mares is getting better with each fight, and Lara has proven to be a big talker with the skills to beat anyone on any given night. Lara may not be powerful enough to be a jr. middleweight, but he has the speed of a bantamweight. Mares continues to develop his skills and is looking more and more like a top-20 pound-for-pounder. What a great test Lara would be for Mares.
Sergio Martinez vs. Timothy Bradley Some people may disagree with me, but Bradley’s come-forward style and Martinez’s willingness to trade would be a spectacular fight. Think of how many headbutts and wild hooks we would see in this fight! Both guys would get hit and hit hard.
Roy Jones Jr. vs. Evander Holyfield The ultimate retirement party could be held at the Century Village clubhouse in Atlanta. They could even get sponsors like a college football bowl game. It could be called the “AARP Century Village Senior Citizens Atlanta Bowl.” To be honest, the best way to promote this fight is to cater toward those boxing fans suffering from insomnia.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Ward They are two of the top-5 pound-for-pound fighters currently in the sport. The styles work well as both fighters are willing to stand in the pocket and use their speed to gain the upper hand. Ward would be willing to take some risks and Mayweather would use his superb defensive skills to try and break Ward down over 12 rounds. It’s a fight we would all love to see!
Marcos Maidana vs. Carl Froch Two underrated boxers who will brawl with anyone would produce a Fight of the Year along the lines of Gatti vs. Ward. These two warriors would make a classic and would hopefully produce one hell of a trilogy. No promotion needed! This fight would sell itself.
Tyson Fury vs. Ivan Calderon I’ll admit, this is more of a humorous pleasure fight for me. This fight belongs in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, but imagine putting this video game fight into real life. The 6’9″ heavyweight Fury would have to get down on one knee to try and hit the 5-foot tall Calderon, which could cost Fury a point for a knockdown. While Fury tries to adjust his game plan to punch at a 45-degree angle down, Calderon could attack the giant with vicious shots to the knees. I laugh just thinking about the possibilities.
Antonio Margarito vs. Alfredo Angulo Finally, a fight that realistically has the possibility of happening! Two Mexican warriors battling to the final 10-count. A great fight which would more than likely not go the full 12 rounds.
Nonito Donaire vs. Manny Pacquiao The two are currently pretty close in height and my guess is Pacquiao could fight as low as 135 pounds at this point in his career. Donaire is one fighter who may be able to expose Pacquiao as well as Juan Manual Marquez did, but don’t get it twisted. Pacquiao is still at the top of his game and would do some serious damage to his top-5 pound-for-pound counterpart in this action thriller. We can all dream, can’t we?
Tavoris Cloud vs. Brandon Rios Imagine the possibilities. Two guys who are willing to stand in and trade to see who has the stronger will. Both fighters with good enough defensive skills to get by, but with that Philadelphia mentality of taking one good punch to make sure they land two stronger punches. No question a Fight of the Year!
Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. James Kirkland Enough said. Those two were made for each other if it weren’t for the 20-30 pound weight difference. Fighting spirit, not afraid of knockdowns, and usually never go the distance. Who needs judges and scorecards in a fight like this? What do you think? Give me your list of your top-10 dream fights currently in boxing. Email your list or send comments and questions to [email protected], “Like” The Boxing Observer on Facebook, and follow me on Twitter @BoxingObserver.
