Information credit to The Fight City

The best boxing rivalries are more than just a series of high-octane bouts. Great
rivalries are stories, compelling narratives that captivate legions of fans and leave
their imprint on the sport\’s history. The most important and exciting rivalries are
ranked here based on the following criteria: at least three bouts; serious impact
and relevance; excellent action and dramatic fights; and involving truly
outstanding pugilists. There\’s no shortage of possibilities, as our large Honorable
Mentions list attests, but these are our recommendations for the most
meaningful, historic, and entertaining rivalry of all time. Check them out, and then
start debating.

1. Ted \”Kid\” Lewis vs. Jack Britton: It may sound strange, but too much of a
   good thing prohibits Britton vs. Lewis from scoring higher here. There\’s little
   doubt that Britton and Lewis are two of the greatest fighters of all time, and six of
   their nineteen bouts (yes, nineteen) were for the world title. However, after they
   were matched four times in 36 days in 1917, a Britton vs Lewis fight must have
   developed into a doubtful affair. The possibility that at least some of the
   encounters were staged grew to the point where Britton\’s manager, \”Dumb\” Dan
   Morgan, openly stated that no two Irishmen (himself and Britton) could ever trust
   an Englishman.
   There\’s also the fact that more than half of the fights were \”no decision\” fights,
   with some going only six or eight rounds and others skipping the weigh-in
   entirely. Clearly, Lewis vs Britton is a historically significant rivalry with nineteen
   matches between two all-time greats, but the best duos offer more than just
   plenitude.
2. Baby Arizmendi vs. Henry Armstrong: Alberto \”Baby\” Arizmendi is an
   underestimated pugilist as well as one of Mexico\’s best fighters. There\’s also little
   doubt that his series with renowned triple-crown champion Henry Armstrong, one
   of the finest fighters who has ever lived, pound-for-pound, is the pinnacle of a
   remarkable career that included fights with Tony Canzoneri, Chalky Wright, Lou
   Ambers, and Freddie Miller.
   Both were fearless brawlers known for their all-action tactics, and they fought five
   times, all at different weight classes, the first two in Mexico City at featherweight
   and the last three in Los Angeles. In their final fight, Arizmendi followed
   Armstrong as he went up in weight and fought Henry for the welterweight title.
   Despite hurting his right wrist in the second round, Baby\’s first duel was a big
   success for him, as he soundly defeated \”Hammerin\’ Hank.\” He duplicated the
   feat a year later, but in the following three battles, despite intense toe-to-toe
   combat, the great Armstrong was able to impose his will and win with plenty of
   room to spare.
3. Cocoa Kid vs. Holman Williams: Two rivalries on this list highlight the
   unfortunate fact that some of boxing\’s best competitors were denied opportunities
   they otherwise deserved due to their race. In the 1940s and 1950s, such

unfairness had a significant impact on members of the famed \”Murderers\’ Row\”
group, forcing such elite talents as Lloyd Marshall, Charley Burley, Herbert
Hardwick (aka \”Cocoa Kid\”), Holman Williams, and Eddie Booker to face each
other on a regular basis.
Hardwick and Williams, two excellent fighters willing to fight anyone in the
welterweight and middleweight divisions and who fought thirteen times, had
arguably the most significant rivalry among them. Both were considered among
the finest in the world, but neither was ever given the opportunity to compete for
a world championship. Instead, they delivered spectators an incredible series,
with Cocoa Kid winning eight of the games and Holman Williams winning three
and drawing two.