The Most Memorable Boxing Fights of 2008

As the year 2008 comes to a close, and as the new year approaches, it's only proper that we take a look back at the unforgettable fights of the year. These are the fights that had boxing fans from all walks of life sitting at the edge of their seats, awaiting an explosive conclusion to a ferocious display of fighting skill.

Anyone who has even watched a single boxing matchup this year will attest that 2008 is a good year for the sport. The bad economy and the subsequent poor PPV sales may have put a damper on boxing promotions, but as far as fans of the sweet science are concerned, 2008 featured some memorable and unforgettable brawls atop the boxing ring that are worth remembering for years to come.

From Manny Pacquiao's unexpected demolition of Oscar De La Hoya, to the thrilling trilogy between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, to Joe Calzaghe's disputed points win over Bernard Hopkins, we harken back to unforgettable moments of 2008 boxing.

Manny Pacquiao Upsets the Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya, the Golden Boy of boxing, was supposed to walk over Manny Pacquiao like a tank rolling over a soda can. The much feared mismatch turned out to be just like that, but with a different victor. Manny Pacquiao destroyed all doubts about his No. 1 pound-for-pound status with a one-sided ninth round stoppage of De La Hoya in this year's biggest and most memorable boxing event.

Bernard Hopkins Brings Kelly Pavlik to Boxing School

Forty-three-year old Bernard Hopkins, in an amazing display of boxing skills, defeated up-and-coming superstar and middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik to prove to naysayers that age doesn't really matter in boxing. The Executioner suprised everyone with a magnificent performance that brings back memories of his dominant reign as undisputed middleweight champion many years ago.

Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez Completes Memorable Trilogy

A classic fight and surefire contender for Fight of the Year, Vazquez-Marquez III was a thriller from the opening bell to the last final seconds of the last round. Israel Vazquez nicked the fight by knocking down Rafael Marquez in the waning seconds of the penultimate round.

Antonio Margarito Dethrones Miguel Cotto as King of Welterweights

Antonio Margarito shows the boxing world why he is the most feared welterweight with a 11th-round technical knockout of Miguel Cotto. The Boricua Bomber actually had the Tijuana Tornado eating punches in the early rounds, but couldn't hurt the granite-chinned Margarito. Margarito turned the tide in his favor from the sixth round onwards, culminating in the stoppage.

Juan Manuel Marquez Stops Joel Casamayor

Failing to get an immediate rubbermatch with Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez settled for the next big thing and stopped lineal Lightweight champion Joel Casamayor. The master tactician Marquez shows no signs of slowing down as he sent the aging Cuban veteran into the canvas in the 11th round.

Joe Calzaghe Beats Bernard Hopkins in Disputed Decision

Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins had Joe Calzaghe on the seat of his pants in the first round, but the durable Welshman came back to score a close and disputed split decision win. With the victory, Calzaghe won the Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight title to add to his belts at Super Middleweight.

Vic Darchinyan Drubs Cristian Mijares

Former Flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan shocked the boxing world with a surprising knockout victory over WBA/WBC Super Flyweight titlist Cristian Mijares. Relying on his unorthodox fighting stance, Darchinyan had Mijares beffudled the entire fight and finally floored the slick boxer with a crushing left hook in the ninth round.