Four Lesser-Known Fights and Three Big Ones That Changed Boxing Forever

According to ESPN’s very own ‘tale of the tape,’ boxing remains by far the most difficult sport when it comes down to factors like power, strength, endurance, nerve, and durability. That’s why stepping into the ring is no small feat—the mere act of accepting a fight commands a great deal of respect, and participating in it is physically and emotionally demanding. Boxing history is filled with triumphs and upsets that have decorated the sport, influencing its ebbs and flows in popularity. The most significant fights have injected new energy and excitement into boxing, bringing it back into the spotlight, establishing new standards, and reshaping how the world views it as a whole.

Four Underrated Fights and Three Classics That Shaped Boxing History

Boxing History: Jack Broughton vs Richard Humphreys (1743)

That’s right—we’re going all the way back to 1743, when Jack Broughton, the so-called Father of Boxing, fought Richard Humphreys, the ‘Gentleman Boxer’. This specific fight was one that set up the first-ever formalized rules of boxing, called the Broughton Rules, which were in some ways similar to the journey towards rules and regulations that the casino slots on offer at casinos.com and other gambling platforms underwent. At this point, boxing evolved into a refined sport with rules that still stand today, such as banning hits when an opponent is down on the ground.

John L. Sullivan vs James J. Corbett (1892)

Over a century later, many of the Broughton Rules were superseded by modern boxing rules, known as the Marquess of Queensberry Rules. Finally, using gloves was mandated, and each round now consisted of three minutes of fighting and a minute of rest between rounds. Sullivan and Corbett were the first two men to fight under these new rules in a World Heavyweight Championship. Even though Sullivan defended his title for a decade, Corbett pulled off a massive upset. Along with this surprising outcome, the match also represented a moment in time when professional boxing became mainstream entertainment.

Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston I (1964)

Ali vs Liston I was by no means Ali’s first professional fight, but it was the one that marked his first world title win. It was by far one of the most intense and significant victories in the history of boxing, producing Ali’s famous quote ‘I’m going to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’, and the unforgettable photo of him standing above Liston that cemented his status as a boxing legend. He dethroned Liston as a young underdog and continued to become one of the most revered boxers in the sport’s history.

Sugar Ray Leonard vs Thomas Hearns I (1981)

The best type of fight is dramatic, back-and-forth, thrilling, and involves an underdog win—exactly what Sugar Ray Leonard vs Thomas Hearns was. It was quality boxing at its finest between two of the biggest stars of their time. Fans had plenty to rave about, as it was only the beginning of one of the most memorable rivalries of all time. Showcasing distinct styles, strengths, and tenacity considered unmatched, the bout was named ‘Fight of the Year’ by The Ring magazine and is often cited as the ‘Fight of the Decade’.

Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield (1997)

When Mike Tyson bit off a part of Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997, boxing fans and those previously completely uninterested in boxing became infatuated with the spectacle that was coined the ‘Bite Fight’. People were shocked by this act of violence, and it naturally became one of the most talked-about moments in boxing history. Tyson went on to be disqualified from the fight, was fined $3 million, and banned from boxing for an entire year. The fight impacted both fighters in different ways and had a lasting effect on the sport, pushing boxing into the realm of entertainment.

KSI vs Joe Weller (2018)

KSI vs Joe Weller represented the very start of YouTube boxing, a movement that began as nothing more than a petty conflict between the two men and grew into fun and entertainment when they agreed to settle their differences with a boxing match. The event attracted plenty of media attention in the UK, with millions tuning in to watch the fight. From there on out, YouTube and celebrity boxing were on the rise, with famous figures eager to get in on the action, using these events to raise money for charity and draw attention to various causes. A subset of boxing was now on the map, transcending traditional sports and boasting a similar appeal to professional wrestling.

Compared with other combat sports like MMA and sports in general, boxing’s popularity was experiencing a decline before YouTube boxing, with many crediting it for its revival.

Amanda Serrano vs Katie Taylor (2022)

Women’s sports have historically been overshadowed by male sports, particularly combat sports and contact sports like American football and rugby. While women’s boxing has a long history, it wasn’t recognized until the ‘80s and ‘90s, when female-only boxing organizations began to take shape. In 2012, it was introduced into the London Olympics, and stars like Claressa Shields started to make a name for themselves. 

In 2022, Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor headlined the iconic Madison Square Garden. It was the first women’s boxing bout to do so, showcasing two of the world’s most famous female boxers. Boxing history was made that night, as the sheer greatness the two women demonstrated earned it universal acclaim, winning ‘Event of the Year’ by The Ring and ‘Fight of the Year’ by Sports Illustrated.