The Greatest Boxing Rematches of All Time: Legendary Second Bouts
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the second clash between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr., we revisit some of the most unforgettable rematches in the sport’s storied history.
When Anthony Joshua faced Andy Ruiz Jr. for the first time at Madison Square Garden in June, the boxing community was left in disbelief as Joshua was halted in dramatic fashion in the seventh round. That shocking defeat set the stage for a headline-grabbing rematch scheduled for December 7 in Saudi Arabia, with Joshua aiming to reclaim his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight crowns.
While the Joshua–Ruiz saga dominates headlines, boxing history is rich with epic second encounters where fighters met again to settle unfinished business, exact revenge, or cement their legacies. In this feature, we celebrate some of the most iconic boxing rematches, focusing specifically on pivotal second meetings—excluding trilogies or further sequels.
Rocky Graziano vs. Tony Zale II (1947): A Brutal Middleweight War
Following a punishing first fight that Zale won, Rocky Graziano and Tony Zale returned to the ring in 1947 for a savage rematch. Graziano, reeling from his earlier defeat, unleashed relentless aggression to secure a sixth-round knockout, claiming both vengeance and Zale’s title. Their series is still revered for its raw brutality and drama, with this second meeting earning recognition as one of the sport’s all-time classics.
Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Carmen Basilio II (1958): Redemption and History
When Carmen Basilio captured Sugar Ray Robinson’s middleweight championship in their initial bout, a rematch became inevitable. In a titanic 15-round battle, Robinson avenged his loss, regaining the title and becoming the first boxer to win the middleweight championship four times. The contest is often celebrated not only for Robinson’s historic achievement but also for the ferocity that left Basilio with a severely swollen eye—symbolic of the extreme price paid in pursuit of greatness.
Rafael Marquez vs. Israel Vazquez II (2007): Super-Bantamweight Fireworks
The rivalry between Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez delivered some of the most electrifying action in modern boxing. Their second fight was perhaps the most dramatic, featuring both fighters bloodied and battered by the third round. Vazquez, determined to reclaim the super-bantamweight title after a previous stoppage loss, dropped Marquez and forced a sixth-round stoppage amidst controversy, sparking debates and setting the stage for further legendary encounters.
Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns II (1989): Legendary Welterweights Collide Again
Eight years after their classic 1981 meeting, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns squared off once more. The rematch saw Hearns scoring two knockdowns, seemingly on the verge of victory, only for Leonard to stage a late rally. The bout ended in a controversial draw—a subject of debate among boxing enthusiasts to this day. While the sequel didn’t quite reach the legendary heights of their first duel, it remains a significant chapter in welterweight history.
Jake LaMotta vs. Laurent Dauthuille II (1950): The Ultimate Comeback
Jake LaMotta, known as “The Bronx Bull,” faced Laurent Dauthuille in a rematch few will forget. Behind on points and battered, LaMotta mustered an astonishing surge in the final round, knocking out Dauthuille with seconds remaining and retaining his middleweight title in one of the most dramatic finishes in boxing history.
Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe II (1993): Heavyweight Rivalry in the Spotlight
The second showdown between Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe was pivotal for 1990s heavyweight boxing. After losing their first bout, Holyfield reclaimed his championship in a contentious rematch made even more memorable by the infamous “Fan Man” incident, when a parachutist dramatically interrupted the fight. The bout itself was a fierce contest echoing their initial meeting’s intensity.
Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales II (2002): Modern Mexican Masterpiece
Few rivalries have defined modern boxing like that of Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. In their rematch, Barrera turned the tables on Morales in a grueling 12-round contest, handing his compatriot his first career defeat. This close-fought battle helped solidify both fighters’ legendary status in Mexican and world boxing folklore.
Matthew Saad Muhammad vs. Yaqui Lopez II (1980): The Light-Heavyweight Epic
The 1980 clash between Matthew Saad Muhammad and Yaqui Lopez is widely considered one of boxing’s all-time greatest fights. Known for its relentless pace and heart-stopping exchanges, Saad Muhammad came from behind to drop Lopez four times before scoring a stoppage in the 14th round. The fight is renowned for its eighth round, often cited as one of the most dramatic in the sport’s storied timeline.
Bobby Chacon vs. Cornelius Boza-Edwards II (1983): An Endurance Test
Bobby Chacon and Cornelius Boza-Edwards delivered an all-action spectacle in their 1983 rematch. Despite Chacon suffering multiple knockdowns and both fighters enduring severe cuts, the contest went the distance. Chacon emerged victorious by unanimous decision in a bout lauded for its grit and relentless energy, earning a place among the era’s greatest fights.
Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward II (2002): Gritty Sequel to a Legendary Brawl
Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward set the bar sky-high in their first meeting, so expectations were enormous for the rematch. Both men delivered another compelling battle packed with drama and courage. Gatti, showing remarkable determination, avenged his previous defeat, keeping fans thrilled and cementing the matchup as one of boxing’s great trilogies.
Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling II (1938): Rematch with World Impact
The 1938 rematch between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling transcended boxing, taking on immense cultural and political significance as America’s “Brown Bomber” faced Germany’s Schmeling amidst rising global tensions. Louis avenged his previous defeat in emphatic fashion, knocking Schmeling out in the very first round and establishing himself as an enduring sports icon.
Alexis Arguello vs. Aaron Pryor II (1983): A Rivalry Revisited
In a riveting sequel to their first battle, Alexis Arguello again attempted to claim a title in an unprecedented fourth weight division against Aaron Pryor. Despite his aspirations, Arguello was stopped in the tenth round. These consecutive thrillers between two of the sport’s best earned their reputation as must-see classics for boxing fans.
Additional Noteworthy Rematches
While the above rematches stand out, the annals of boxing are filled with other memorable second meetings, including:
- Ricardo Lopez vs. Rosendo Alvarez II
- James Toney vs. Mike McCallum II
- Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney II
- Ivan Robinson vs. Arturo Gatti II
- Michael Carbajal vs. Humberto Gonzalez II
- Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier II
- Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez II
- Yoshihiro Kamegai vs. Jesus Soto-Karass II
- Tommy Hearns vs. Iran Barkley II
- Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota II
- Jose Luis Ramirez vs. Edwin Rosario II
- Diego Corrales vs. Joel Casamayor II
Final Thoughts: The Magnetic Allure of Boxing Rematches
Throughout boxing history, rematches have provided fighters with opportunities for redemption, revenge, or ultimate supremacy. The bouts highlighted here showcase the drama, unpredictability, and lasting impact that only great second meetings can deliver. As Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. gear up for their own consequential rematch, the stage is set for another momentous chapter in boxing’s ever-evolving legacy.
