5 epic boxing fights that deserved a rematch

One and done isn’t always best model for business, particularly in the world of boxing, where fans love to see bitter combatants go toe to toe over and over.

With that in mind, let's take a look at five great fights that deserved a rematch.

Vitali Klitschko vs. Lennox Lewis

It is no surprise that Lewis decided to end his legendary career after this merciless brawl and never gave a rematch a second thought.

Lewis escaped that night, after a bloody cut over Klitschko’s eye ended the fight, just as it started to go south for him. Klitschko doggedly pursued a rematch long after Lewis retired, but the fight never happened.

Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman

There is no need to recap the "Rumble in the Jungle," but considering Ali rematched several of his greatest foes, it’s a shame Foreman didn’t get his.

Following Ali’s historic win, Foreman’s early retirement — along with Ali’s designs to pursue safer, more profitable fights — kept these two apart.

While Ali never showed a burning desire to fight Foreman again, "Big George" admitted years later that he wasn’t sure he could ever beat his former conqueror.

Timothy Bradley vs. Ruslan Provodnikov

In perhaps one of the greatest fights of the last decade, these two welterweights emptied the kitchen sink on another for 12 unforgettable rounds.

After Provodnikov nearly ended things in the second round, Bradley came roaring back to brutalize him in the middle rounds.

Bradley somehow survived to win a decision, but what seemed to be a natural rematch never happened.

Roman Gonzalez vs. Juan Francisco Estrada

When Gonzalez and Estrada met in 2012, the two battled and left the boxing world wanting more.

Though Gonzalez won a close decision, Estrada chased Gonzalez for eight years hoping to even the score. Gonzalez insisted on a career-high payday for the bout, which is why we’ve yet to see a second act.

"Chocolatito" is nearing the end of his legendary career, and Estrada has developed into great fighter, so there’s no better time than now to close the chapter on this rivalry.

Thomas Hearns vs. Marvin Hagler

The war between Hagler and Hearns is perhaps more memorable because it only happened once, but there’s no reason why they couldn’t have done it again.

After Hagler’s savage knockout win, it seemed that it was only natural the two would resume hostilities in the near future. Instead, Hearns opted to take a short break and Hagler pondered retirement.

After Sugar Ray Leonard controversially defeated Hagler, which forced him to retire in disgust, boxing lost whatever chance it had at another glorious showdown between these two.