Boxing Classics. My Top 5 Fighters of the 1970’s.

This is My List of the Top 5 Fighters of the 1970’s.

1. Muhammad Ali. The self proclaimed ‘Greatest’ came out of exile in 1970 against Jerry Quarry but lost in the ‘Fight of the Century’ to Joe Frazier on March 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. Ali recaptured the title with his upset of George Foreman on October 30, 1974, then remained the champion until being upset by Leon Spinks in February of 1978. In the rematch, Ali won the title for the third time, the first heavyweight in history to do so.
2. Joe Frazier. ‘Smokin’ Joe’ won a unanimous decision in his first bout with Ali in March of 1971, in what would be the biggest victory of his career. After two easy title defenses in 1972, Joe was knocked down 6 times and out in 2 rounds by George Foreman on January 22, 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica. Despite his efforts, Frazier never regained the heavyweight championship again.
3. George Foreman. The 1968 Olympic Gold medalist knocked out Joe Frazier in January of 1973 to win the championship. After knockout victories over Jose ‘King’ Roman later in 1973 and a 2 round destruction of Ken Norton in March of 1974, ‘Big George’ agreed to meet Muhammad Ali. The ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ on October 30, 1974 saw Ali shock the world by knocking Foreman out in 8 rounds in Zaire, South Africa. George would return to the ring in 1975, but lose a decision on March 17, 1977 to Jimmy Young in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After having a born-again Christian experience in the locker room following the defeat, Foreman retired from boxing and became a full-time evangelist and preacher.
4. Roberto Duran. The ‘Hands of Stone’ stopped Ken Buchanan in June of 1972 to win his first world title at lightweight. Roberto made 12 successful title defenses in the 1970’s, building his record to 62-1. He vacated the lightweight title in 1979 to move up to the welterweight division and finished the decade as the ‘Fighter of the Decade’ by Ring Magazine.
5. Carlos Monzon. The Argentinian middleweight held the 160 lb. championship for 7 years, and holds the record with 14 title defenses. Monzon was known for his punching power and endurance, but never gained acceptance in the United States because of his history of domestic violence with his wives and list of mistresses. While many consider him the best middleweight in history, I personally think Marvin Hagler would have won if the two ever met in the ring.

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