Background
With the closing of the early age of boxing, we enter the golden age of boxing. The age of the early heavyweights would come to a close and the age of the bigger than life heavyweights would come. The previous generations of heavyweights were 195 pounds; however, the newer generations of heavyweights would soon eclipse this by being 200 to 210 pounds.
The Superstars of this Era
This period of boxing is known for the epic trilogy of Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. The crowning of Muhammad Ali during his duology with Sonny Liston. Sonny Liston’s domination of Floyd Patterson in their two fights. The rise of Big George Foreman, and his fights against Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. This era would see the rise of Larry Holmes and the subsequent Lost Generation.
Golden Age means a time of prosperity and growth, this name does justice for this era of boxing. The rise and fall and rise again of Muhammad Ali is something that most people learn about. His rise towards defeating Sonny Liston, his fall through losing his boxing license because of not wanting to be draft, and his rise again through defeating George Foreman. This era is full of historic boxers such as George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, and Ken Norton.
Conclusion
This golden era would come to an end with the decline of Muhammad Ali and the Lost Generation would be ushered in by Leon “Neon” Spinks. The Golden Era would be defined by its rivalries and big battles such as:
- Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali I, II and III
- Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton I, II and III
- George Foreman vs Joe Frazier I and II
- Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston I and II
- Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman
- George Foreman vs Ron Lyle
- Ron Lyle vs Ernie Shavers