The upcoming boxing event on August 3 promises to be an exciting night for fight fans with a stacked card featuring top-tier matchups like Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov and Andy Ruiz vs. Jarrell Miller. But, has Eddie Hearn’s claim of this being “the greatest fight card ever staged in America” gone too far? Looking back at the history of boxing, there have been several memorable fight cards that featured an abundance of star-power fighters engaging in epic battles.
In the 1990s, legendary promoter Don King orchestrated some of the most iconic fight cards in boxing history. One example is the “Revenge, The Rematches” card in May 1994 in Las Vegas. This event featured matchups like Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Frankie Randall II, Azumah Nelson vs. Jesse James Leija II, and Gerald McClellan vs. Julian Jackson II, with Ricardo Lopez also on the card. For many fans, this particular card still holds the title for the greatest fight card ever, even compared to the upcoming August event.
Chavez, considered the greatest Mexican fighter of all time, facing off against the man who defeated him in their first bout was a significant draw in itself. The addition of three other highly anticipated rematches made this card a must-watch event. McClellan and Jackson were known for their hard-hitting styles, while the first fight between Brown and Norris ended in a shocking upset. The rematch between Nelson and Leija also lived up to the expectations, showcasing the skill and tenacity of both fighters.
Some fans may argue that the 1979 mega-card organized by Don King surpasses any other fight card in history. This event featured matchups like Larry Holmes vs. Earnie Shavers II, Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Andy Price, Roberto Duran vs. Zeferino Gonzalez, and Wilfredo Gomez vs. Carlos Mendoza. With a lineup of legendary fighters and iconic matchups, this card remains a contender for the title of the greatest fight card in America.
Additionally, in the same year, Bob Arum presented a spectacular fight card with matchups like Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Wilfred Benitez, Marvin Hagler vs. Vito Antuofermo, Marvin Johnson vs. Victor Galindez, and Thomas Hearns vs. Mike Colbert. The inclusion of three out of the legendary “Four Kings” in a single card made this event truly special and memorable for boxing fans.
While the August 3rd card boasts a lineup of exciting matchups, including some of the top fighters in the sport, the claim of it being the greatest fight card ever staged in America may be a stretch. Looking back at the rich history of boxing and the iconic events that have taken place, there are several other fight cards that have left a lasting impact on the sport and the fans. Eddie Hearn, and other promoters, should consider the historical significance and impact of past events before making bold statements about the greatness of current fight cards.