Boxing has had some of the most unforgettable fights over the decades. Ali, Tyson, Frazier, Holyfield, and many others have left their mark on boxing history simply by being a part of historic matches.
Whether you are someone who puts a boxing bet on the best fighter, someone who watches casually, or someone who can’t get enough boxing, these are the ten fights that are undoubtedly worth a rewatch.
Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson 2
What was meant to be the fight named “The Sound and the Fury” Tyson vs. Holyfield 2 went down in history as one of the most bizarre fights in recent memory. Tyson was on the up and was facing Holyfield for the WBA Heavyweight strap.
The fight started normal enough, until the third round when Tyson got Holyfield in the clinch, and then for reasons unknown, bit part of his ear off. The fight was stopped and Tyson was disqualified. He had a stand-off with the police in the ring. While the result was irrelevant, what went down is almost too hard to believe.
Carmen Basilio vs. Sugar Ray Leonard
Basilio vs. Sugar Ray is regarded as one of the most beautiful fights ever fought. As hard as that is to believe, experts can agree that the technique, movements, and punches are some of the best you will ever see in the ring.
Robinson threw some sensational jabs, Basilio didn’t stop attacking, and the fight ended up being far too close to call. Basilio won on a split decision to take the middleweight belt, with Sugar Ray winning it back six months later.
Muhammed Ali vs. Ken Norton 3
The third fight between Norton and Ali was the decider in a trilogy that had been one for the books. The first fight had gone to Norton, who sent Ali to the hospital with a broken jaw. The second fight was much closer, with Ali winning by split decision.
The third fight between the two was even closer. Both men were in control for large portions of the contest, and it went the full 15 rounds. Ali won by split decision, with many still believing Norton deserved the victory.
Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Manny Pacquiao
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was a fight that many think cemented Money Mayweather’s name in the boxing history books. It also ended up being the highest-grossing PPV of all time, bringing in $410 million.
Mayweather had control of the first three rounds and won them easily, but Pacquiao bounced back in the fourth. Mayweather would go on to win the fight, but Pacquiao insisted he had won, with many experts agreeing.
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury 2
After their first fight ended in a very controversial draw, Tyson Fury vs. Doentay Wilder 2 was billed as “Unfinished Business.” Fury was seen more as a character than a real boxer, and he used this fight to prove every doubter wrong.
He dominated Wilder; at no point did the Bronze Bomber look like he had a chance of winning. After being hit numerous times and being knocked down a couple of times, Wilder’s corner threw in the towel, and Fury established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury 3
While it is the most recent fight on the list, Fury vs. Wilder 3 already deserves a rewatch. Fury came into the fight as heavyweight champion, and Wilder was looking to bounce back from the most embarrassing loss he suffered at the hands of the Gypsy King.
Wilder came out strong, and both men traded heavy shots and knockdowns, with both ending up on the mat twice. However, Wilder tired as the rounds went on, with Fury putting him away for good in the 11th round. It is easily the best fight this year and could be better than their previous fight.
Zolani Tete vs Siboniso Gonya
Tete vs. Gonya is a fight that most fans probably knew nothing about. The fight was for the WBO Bantamweight title and took place in Ireland a few years ago. What got this fight on this list was the incredible record it broke.
After only 11 seconds, and with his first punch, Tete knocked Gonya out cold, making this the fastest knockout in a world championship fight. While the battle only lasted seconds, it is one of the most iconic bouts in history.
Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward
The late Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward were responsible for one of the most excellent slug-fests boxing has ever seen. You could see from early on that both men wanted to throw hands, with the third round seeing blow after blow being landed and both men hurting.
Gatti was on the backfoot in the eighth and ended up being saved by the bell. The final round saw both men let loose, no defense, no thought about their safety; they just unleashed hell on each other. As the final bell rang, they fell into each other’s arms exhausted, and Ward would be awarded the victory.
Joe Frazier vs. Muhammed Ali
Frazier vs. Ali was widely regarded as the biggest fight in history at the time. It was the first time that two undefeated heavyweights would face off for the title, and anyone who saw the fight knows it didn’t disappoint.
It was a war between the two boxing giants, with Ali taking the first few rounds but Frazier bouncing back. Frazier then landed the iconic left hook that put Ali on the mat, and even though he got up, Frazier would go on to win by unanimous decision.
These are ten of our favorite boxing matches that should be on replay. What are some of yours?
Muhammed Ali vs. Joe Frazier 2
The “Thrilla in Manilla” was the third fight in the Frazier/Ali trilogy. Each man had a win, and this one was for all the marbles. Not only would the winner leave with the belt, but they would be regarded as the best fighter of their generation.
Frazier landed heavy body shots, but Ali bounced back, landing shot after shot. Frazier’s eyes became so swollen he could barely see, and in the 14th round, his trainers asked to stop the fight, give Ali the win, and crown him as the greatest of all time.