Comparing the Boxing Legacy: The Heavyweight Kings of the 70s vs 90s
When we talk about the greatest heavyweight boxing eras, two distinct epochs come to mind: the legendary 'Champions Forever' generation of the 1970s starring Ali, Frazier, Norton, Foreman, and Holmes, and the incredible 'Heavyweight Golden Age' of the 1990s, led by Tyson, Holyfield, Lewis, and Bowe.
The Original Golden Age: Champions Forever
Let us start with the original golden age plus the already omitted Holmes, referred to as the 'Champions Forever' era. This era was characterized by some of the most passionate and incredible action that boxing has ever witnessed, with four of the most talented men fighting in boxing's glamour division.
Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis is often mentioned as a modern heavyweight champion. After taking a brutal KO loss to Oliver McCall, he reinvented himself and became a brilliant tactician. Despite occasional lapses, his overall performance is considered the pinnacle of modern heavyweights, and some would place him among the top 5 all-time greats (ATG).
Riddick Bowe
Riddick Bowe was supremely talented and seemed to have the heavyweight world at his feet. If he had defended the WBC belt against Lewis early on, it’s possible he could have claimed a split-decision victory. Bowe was a fighter who could do it all, but he lost interest in boxing after a while, leaving behind a legacy of incredible talent but uneven performances.
Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson was Mike Tyson. He was one of the most popular fighters ever, known for his spectacular fights and brief time at the top. His dominance and unpredictability made him a crowd favorite, and he was one of the most talked-about fighters of his era.
Evander Holyfield
Evander Holyfield was known for his overachiever's attitude and a warrior's heart. Despite fighting on for too long, he did some incredible things in the ring. Holyfield's ability to hang with anyone made him a formidable opponent, and his toughness was second to none.
Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier was known for his incredible toughness. Though he lost to two of the other greats, his relentless perseverance against both Ali and Foreman is legendary. Frazier's ability to keep fighting even when against all odds is a testament to his fight spirit.
George Foreman
George Foreman aged remarkably well, fighting in both eras and maintaining elite status well into the 90s. His ability to hit with frightening power and quick accuracy made him a formidable opponent, even at his advanced age.
Ken Norton
Ken Norton, though more defined in other eras, would have been a dominant heavyweight in any time period. His slippery fighting style made him a nightmare for counterpunchers, and he gave multiple all-time greats a tough time.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali transcends all descriptions. He was inspiration to millions and perhaps the greatest of all time. Even his detractors cannot deny his place at the top of this list, a fact even his 'champions forever' comrades would agree on, begrudgingly.
Legacy Against Legacy: The 70s vs 90s
The legacy of the 1970s boxers far outshines that of the 1990s. While not just for the reason of George Foreman's continued dominance across both eras, the physical and mental prowess displayed in the 'Champions Forever' era remains unmatched. The 'Rumble in the Jungle' and the 'Thrilla in Manila' are iconic fights that defined that era and cannot be replicated even by the greatest 90s boxers.
Money fights and Legacy Matchups
The legendary Tyson vs Lewis fight, once described as a money fight, was far too late in Tyson's career to have its "should-have" potential. The Tyson vs Holyfield series remains the defining legacy matchup of the nineties, and while Bowe vs Holyfield was a stunning war, Lewis's comfortable victories over both make that match the choice for greatest legacy fight.
In the end, the superiority of the 70s boxers is clear, and the 'Heavyweight Golden Age' of the 90s, though filled with incredible talent, cannot stand up to the legacy and excitement of the original champions of the 70s.