
Fan Culture
Most iconic boxing ring walks you’ll never forget
Most iconic boxing ring walks you’ll never forget
Iconic boxing ring walks are more than just a fighter’s entrance-they’re a psychological play from one fighter to another. It’s seen by some as a declaration of intent, which captivates those in attendance and watching at home. On big fight nights, fans often back their favourites on trusted PayPal betting sites before the first bell, adding to the anticipation.
We have seen many memorable boxing ring walks throughout the years, with musical artists sometimes walking in their favourite fighter. Here are some ring walks that will live on for years to come.
Iconic boxing ring walks – 6 memorable ones
Kell Brook – ‘All of the Lights’ by Kanye West
Kell Brook’s choice of Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” for his ring walk was a masterstroke in captivating all in attendance and at home. The track carries an aura that gives goosebumps to those watching. The track has an intensity that sets the tone for a fighter making his way to the ring. His ring walk for his highly anticipated clash with Amir Khan will forever live in the memory. The orchestral intro was the perfect for a ring walk.
Anthony Joshua – Stormzy Live at the O2 Arena
Anthony Joshua’s entrance at the O2 Arena in 2015, with Stormzy performing live, was more than a walk to the ring – it was a cultural moment, combining the sweet science with Grime music and youth culture.
It was a moment that Dillian Whyte, Joshua’s opponent, was not happy with, but it was a performance that set the tone for a huge fight. The energy in the crowd as Stormzy told Whyte to “Shut up” was immeasurable. Joshua won an entertaining fight by seventh-round TKO.
Terence Crawford – ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem
As Terence Crawford made his way to the ring for his mega-fight with Errol Spence Jr in 2023, he was joined in a memorable ring walk by hip hop legend Eminem as his hit single “Lose Yourself” filled the arena.
This was a perfect song choice for “Bud,” as this was the moment he’s been waiting for, and he wasn’t going to choke. He was calm and composed in the build-up and was quickly in control in the ring, never letting Spence settle, before winning by ninth-round TKO. This was one of the iconic boxing ring walks that was backed up by an equally iconic performance.
Mike Tyson – vs Michael Spinks (1988)
Ricky Hatton – ‘Blue Moon’ by Muzzy Marcellino
Ricky Hatton’s 2005 entrance against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester remains an all-time classic moment for British boxing. “Blue Moon” filled the arena and was a great choice as all 20,000 joined in, singing every word.
The love for Hatton was evident as he made his way to the ring as the underdog against the fearsome Aussie fighter, Tszyu. Hatton produced a career-best performance, with the Australian fighter unable to come out for the final round, crowning Hatton the IBF super lightweight champion.
Naseem Hamed – ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson
Prince Naseem Hamed was well-known for his theatrical ring walks, and his 1998 entrance against Wayne McCullough will live on for generations. Entering through a mock graveyard, with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” combined with Hamed’s brilliant showmanship with skill, made this one of the most iconic boxing ring walks.
Hamed went on to back it up in the ring, winning by unanimous decision, with scorecards of 118-110, 117-111, and 116-110, retaining his WBO featherweight title.
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.
