The 5 Best Rounds in Boxing History

Boxing has blessed us throughout the years with many classic fights, including Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton, Erik Morales vs Marco Antonio Barrera and Micky Ward vs Arturo Gatti, among many others. At Big Fight Weekend, we wanted to pay homage to some of these classic battles as we bring you the 5 most memorable boxing rounds in history.

The 5 Most Memorable Rounds in Boxing History 

Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs Thomas Hearns. Even the program for it was awesome. pic.twitter.com/pvj17Q79eZ

— Boxing History (@BoxingHistory) April 14, 2023

Most Memorable Boxing Rounds: Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks: Round 1 

It took only 91 seconds for the fireworks to go off as two undefeated heavyweights collided. 21-year-old Mike Tyson took on Michael Spinks, billed as his toughest test. Tyson destroyed his opponent as he attacked him from the first bell. After one minute, “Iron Mike” caught Spinks with a solid left hook before following up with a left uppercut and a right hand which forced him to one knee.

Also Read: Counting Down the Top 10 ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson Fights

As Spinks climbed to his feet, Tyson smelt blood and evaded a right hand before landing a beautiful left-right combination, sending Spinks to the canvas once more. Referee Frank Cappuccino counted him out, awarding “Iron Mike” victory. The only round of this fight has gone down in history and was named Round of the Year in 1988 by Ring Magazine. Tyson said after the fight: “The first punch I threw, he wobbled a bit. I knew right there I had him,” adding “My trainer told me before the fight that he bet both our purses that I would knock him out in the first round. So I went out and knocked him out in the first round. And later I found out he was fooling.”

Micky Ward vs Arturo Gatti I: Round 9 

Round nine on May 18, 2002, will go down as one of the greatest rounds in the history of boxing between Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward. The Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut witnessed two warriors going toe to toe in a bloody war. Not long into the round, Gatti was dropped by a vicious Ward body shot. The Italian-Canadian somehow beat the count, showing just how big his heart was.

Also Read: Gatti vs Ward I Thrilled Millions

After the ref signalled the fight could continue, Ward unloaded on Gatti with some big punches – but he was miraculously still standing and inexplicably started to fire back as the round drew to a memorable close. The Massachusetts born fighter went on to win a majority decision, but not just round nine, but this whole fight will go down in boxing history as one of the best ever witnessed.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder I: Round 12

Tyson Fury’s recovery in round 12 has gone down in history and has been used in many motivational videos online. Deontay Wilder dropped Fury with a left hook and overhand right combination, and The Gypsy King looked in big trouble as he lay flat on the canvas, out cold.

Also Read: 5 Underrated Heavyweights to Watch Out for in 2023

Fury somehow opened his eyes at the count of five and was on his feet at nine. He successfully evaded further bomb attacks from Wilder before he began to pick him off at will and hurt him. The fight ended as a draw, but Fury’s return to the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing ensured he was the real winner in this contest.

Riddick Bowe vs Evander Holyfield I: Round 10

The fight was close from the first bell and kept everyone watching on the edge of their seats. Riddick Bowe appeared to be getting the better of Evander Holyfield and used his thirty pound weight advantage to great effect. Round ten began with spiteful punches being thrown as Bowe landed a vicious body punch, which he followed up with a devastating uppercut which sent the legendary Holyfield stumbling back into the ropes.

Also Read: Evander Holyfield-Belfort PPV Was Disaster

“The Real Deal” somehow stayed on his feet and even walked towards Bowe, which showed just how much courage and toughness Holyfield had. For the last 30-45 seconds of the round, Holyfield returned fire with some impressive shots. commentator Jim Lampley memorably shouted, “What heart by Holyfield.” Both fighters contributed to one of the most memorable rounds in boxing history. The fight was eventually awarded to Bowe via unanimous decision.

Marvin Hagler vs Tommy Hearns: Round 1 

Round one between “Marvellous” Marvin Hagler and Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns will go down in history in many eyes as the greatest round in the history of boxing. Hagler known as a slow starter came full bore at Hearns to begin the fight and just missed with a big right hand, before landing a thudding left to Hearn’s body that sent him flailing towards the ropes. “Marvellous” seemed possessed and smelt blood when he saw he could hurt Hearns. The ring must have seemed extremely small for “The Hitman” as Hagler’s hostility hunted him down.

Also Read: Relive Marvin Hagler Beating ”The Beast”

The Tennessee born fighter also showcased his power in that memorable first round with a brutal uppercut that visibly hurt Hagler and forced him to clinch. Hearns broke his hand in the incident-laden first round as both fighters threw bomb after bomb at each other. Hagler continued to pick his punches with ferocity and spite. The round ended with “Marvellous” giving Hearns a menacing glare. “The Hitman” cut the New Jersey born fighter around his eye in round two, but round three saw Hagler get his man with a solid right to Hearns chin which sent him to the canvas. Despite getting to his feet at the count of eight, Referee Richard Steele waved off the contest awarding Hagler victory via TKO.