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Exploring Current State Of UK Boxing
Exploring Current State Of UK Boxing
Boxing in the UK has become a thriving sport, witnessing fervent popularity over the years. Talented fights across various weight classes have emerged as beloved figures, admired for their achievements. Fans often stay updated about the boxing scene by exploring different online forums and blogs dedicated to the sport.
Along with staying up to date with the sport, plenty of fans often bet on their favourite boxer. This used to be done in sports betting houses, but nowadays, most online casinos offer that option, making it more convenient. For anyone wanting to dive into the world of online casinos, the best way to get started would be to compare them on https://www.platinplay.com/casinos to find the best online casino in their region.
But how did the sport of boxing start? And who are the biggest stars of all time? Continue reading, and we’ll present some of the best-known boxers to have existed!
Big Fight Weekend Looks at UK Boxing
UK Boxing
Boxing dates back to the 18th Century when brutal bare-knuckled fights would take place, being far more ruthless than the modern sport. Formal regulations were introduced in 1743, with padded gloves being added in 1867, which changed the game as we know it. The sport became more prevalent during the 1920s and 1930s, with notable figures such as Ted “Kid” Lewis and Sir Henry Cooper becoming famous historical boxers.
Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis is considered among the best heavyweights of all time, holding the WBC, WBA, IBD, and lineal titles simultaneously in his prime. Although born in London, Lewis held dual citizenship as British and Canadian. His first notable achievement was winning a gold medal in the super heavyweight division during the 1988 Olympic Games. Having beaten hall of fame fighters Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, Lewis retired from boxing in 2004 with his final record standing at an impressive 41-2-1 draw.
Joe Calzaghe
The greatest boxer from Wales, Joe Calzaghe boasts an undefeated career, primarily competing in the super middleweight category. He held multiple world titles, including the WBO, WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles. Calzaghe was known for his speed and versatility in the ring, which led him to have an unbeatable success. In 2008, he was able to retire with a perfect record of 46-0, leaving behind an untarnished legacy as a middleweight champion.
Chris Eubank
Chris Eubank has become an infamous and eccentric figure in British popular culture, characteristics that are translated to his flamboyant and unique fighting style. He fought in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions with a notable winning streak early in his boxing career. He was known for his fierce rivalry with fellow British boxer Nigel Benn. Eubank had a couple of titles to his name, including the WBO middleweight and super middleweight titles. He officially retired from boxing in 1998 but is still prevalent, frequently appearing on British television.
Tyson Fury
From Manchester, Tyson Fury is synonymous with boxing in the UK, being one of the top heavyweights in the world. At 6 feet 9 inches, Fury is a force to be reckoned with in stature and boxing ability. He boasts a remarkable victory over Wladimir Klitschko, earning him multiple heavyweight titles. In 2020, Fury won his much-anticipated fight against Deontay Wilder to become the WBC heavyweight champion and survived their wild third fight by ultimately stopping Wilder in the 11th in October 2021. With a record of 34 wins and 0 losses, Fury has become a beloved figure in the UK.
David Haye
David Haye began his career as a cruiserweight, becoming the world champion before transitioning into the heavyweight division. His most notable achievement was winning the WBA heavyweight title, making him the second boxer in history to achieve world titles in the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Haye successfully defended his title against John Ruiz but was ultimately defeated by Wladimir Klitschko in 2011. He has a record of 28 wins, four losses, and 0 draws throughout his career.
Anthony Joshua
In recent times, Anthony Joshua has been the biggest name in UK boxing, rising through the ranks at a young age. He is known for his gold medal success during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. In 2016, Joshua won his first world title of the IBF heavyweight championship. But his dramatic victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 allowed him to become the unified world champion. He has 26 wins and three losses, as of 2022, he is considered one of the best heavyweights in the world.
Conclusion
The UK has consistently been a powerhouse when it comes to boxing, producing a slew of champions over time. British fighters have established themselves to be some of the best that the world has seen, evidenced by their world titles and accolades. There is no doubt that the sport will continue to be a cherished entertainment for the country’s passionate fans.
Michael is the CEO of Last Word On Sports INC and is happy to be involved with Big Fight Weekend. He is credentialed with several international governing bodies. He cites the Hagler-Leonard fight as his introduction to boxing--and what an introduction that was!