2005: Bernard Hopkins Vs. Jermain Taylor- Will History Repeat Itself?
(JUN 25, 2005) LOS ANGELES- With unbeaten Jermain Taylor - a rising star with credentials - taking on Bernard Hopkins - the long-reigning middleweight champion who is considered by most to still be at his prime - on July 16 at the MGM GRAND in Las Vegas, it’s interesting to take a look at some of the other bouts from the modern era (1960 - present) that mirror this type of matchup.
Let’s start with the Heavyweights:
* In 1964, the young, brash, and undefeated Cassius Clay, a Gold Medal winner in the 1960 Rome Olympics at 178 lbs., takes on the fearsome Charles “Sonny” Liston, who was coming off two straight first round knockout wins over Floyd Patterson.
Result: A monster upset, as Clay makes Liston retire on his stool after six rounds.
* In 1971, it was “Smokin” Joe Read more [...]