5 Iconic Boxing Fights Held in Football Stadiums

Football Stadium Boxing Fights are in the spotlight as Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn prepare to meet on April 26 in their eagerly awaited middleweight clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, headlining The Ring’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves fight card. The entire event will be broadcast live on DAZN in over 200 countries on Pay-Per-View. Benn vs Eubank Jr looks set to become an iconic showdown at one of the most modern venues in sport — and that got us reminiscing here at Big Fight Weekend, prompting a look back at five of the most memorable football stadium boxing fights in history.

Football Stadium Boxing Fights: Five Iconic Bouts

Football Stadium Boxing Fights: Chris Eubank Sr vs Nigel Benn 2 – Old Trafford, 1993

As we build up to Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr, it’s only right we go back in time to the rivalry between their two dads. Their rematch took place at Old Trafford on October 9, 1993. The original fight between these warriors saw Eubank survive early scares to force the stoppage in the ninth round.

The rematch was not as ferocious with both fighters having their moments. It will be remembered for the twelfth round where both gave it everything. Benn got on top early in the round, hurting Eubank with an uppercut. Eubank recovered remarkably well and began to fire back on the front foot. Simply the Best then began to have more success, which only seemed to spur Benn on as both fighters threw bombs until the final bell. The bout ultimately ended in a draw: 115-113 Eubank, 115-113 Benn and 114-114. Will their sons live up to their father’s legacies?

David Haye vs Derek Chisora – Upton Park, 2012

On July 14, 2012, David Haye returned after losing to Wladimir Klitschko. He returned in an ill-tempered all-British clash against Dereck Chisora at Upton Park in a bout dubbed ‘Licence to Thrill’.

The press conference saw a mass brawl, with both apologising. The pre-fight drama saw Chisora have his British boxing licence revoked, which saw the bout go ahead under the Luxembourg Boxing Federation banner. Chisora started aggressively and looked to bully Haye. “The Hayemaker” began to get on top, landing a beautiful left-right combination, knocking Chisora down. Despite making it to his feet, Haye smelt blood and soon landed more heavy shots, scoring another knockdown, with the referee waving the fight off in round five. A memorable win for “The Hayemaker,” ensuring he takes his place on our list of memorable football stadium boxing fights.

Frank Bruno vs Joe Bugner – White Hart Lane, 1987

Eubank Jr vs Benn is set for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home of Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. Their old ground was White Hart Lane. That venue played host to a heavyweight clash between Joe Bugner vs Frank Bruno on October 24, 1987. Bruno was the darling of the British public, but Bugner wasn’t a fan and dismissed the quality of Bruno in the build-up.

The Hungarian-born Bugner started fast, but the Londoner stayed disciplined, working behind his jab impressively and began to land his shots well. The pressure was upped in the eighth round and the referee saw enough, waving the fight off to the jubilation of the pro-Bruno crowd.

Henry Cooper v Cassius Clay – Highbury, 1966

Cassius Clay defeated Henry Cooper at Wembley Stadium in 1963, in one of the most iconic yet controversial fights. Their rematch took place on May 21, 1966, at Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium. Clay would not underestimate Cooper and boxed diligently maintaining a healthy distance, while Our ‘Enry stalked him.

Clay began to work well in the fourth and fifth rounds, before landing a well-timed right-hander in the sixth. That shot opened a cut above the left eye of Cooper, with the fight ultimately stopped. A sixth-round TKO victory for Cassius Clay.

Ricky Hatton v Juan Lazcano – City of Manchester Stadium, 2008

Following his first career defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Ricky Hatton returned to action on May 24, 2008, against Juan Lazcano at City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester. 50,000+ packed out the stadium for the homecoming of “The Hitman.”

It wasn’t a classic by any stretch, but Hatton showed his toughness when he was clearly hurt in the eighth and tenth rounds. His work rate and desire got him through this fight, with the judge’s scorecards reading 120-108, 120-110 and 118-110, ensuring the Mancunian fighter retained his IBO and The Ring Magazine super lightweight titles.