The 10 Biggest Boxing Fights of the 2000s

Boxing is undergoing an unexpected renaissance, captivating a new generation of fans and reclaiming its spot in the global sports spotlight. This resurgence was evident recently at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where more than 70,000 fans gathered in person, and an unprecedented 108 million viewers tuned in via Netflix to witness the legendary Mike Tysonface off against social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

However, while the fight garnered significant attention, it lacked the nail-biting excitement of past bouts, particularly those from the 1980s-90s. This may be attributed to the absence of the dramatic narratives that defined those iconic fights. Unlike the fierce rivalries of the past, there was no genuine tension or rivalry between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, with Tyson’s presence clearly motivated by the $20 million payout.

Of course, this is not to say that boxing matches today don’t carry the same level of excitement, far from it. In fact, people still get very much hyped up about the sport as they did in the noughties, so much so many even place wagers on their favourite match or boxer. And if you consider yourself quite the boxing enthusiast, there are many platforms on AussieBonuses.com offering sportsbook options.

Let’s take a look at the 10 biggest fights of the 2000s, a time when boxing was truly at its peak.

Felix Trinidad vs. Fernando Vargas

The showdown between Felix Trinidad and Fernando Vargas on December 2, 2000, remains one of the most thrilling fights in junior middleweight history, capturing the intensity of the storied Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. The bout was highly anticipated, featuring two undefeated warriors in a clash with no clear favourite.

The 22-year-old Vargas showcased remarkable resilience, battling back, and scoring a knockdown of his own in the fourth round. However, Trinidad’s experience and relentless determination ultimately proved too much. In the twelfth and final round, “Tito” unleashed a devastating offensive onslaught, forcing the referee to step in and secure an emphatic victory.

Timothy Bradley vs Ruslan Provodnikov

In 2013, the clash between Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov at Carson, California’s iconic venue, often called the “War Grounds,” became one of boxing’s most gruelling and unforgettable battles. This welterweight war was driven by Bradley’s determination to silence critics following his controversial split-decision victory over Manny Pacquiao. What unfolded was nothing short of a real-life “Rocky” movie.

Both fighters endured tremendous punishment, with Bradley showing incredible grit to stay on his feet and Provodnikov relentlessly pressing forward. The brutal back-and-forth action culminated in a razor-thin decision for Bradley, though many felt Provodnikov’s unyielding effort could have justifiably earned him the win.

Micky Ward vs Arturo Gatti

The first encounter between Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti in May 2002 is immortalized in boxing history as one of the most iconic fights—a testament to heart, resilience, and unrelenting action. No title belts were on the line, but what these two warriors delivered that unforgettable night transcended the concept of championships.

Both fighters, bloodied and battered, fought with relentless determination through all 10 rounds, producing a slugfest that defied belief. Ward emerged with a majority decision in the first chapter of their epic trilogy, but the true winner was the sport of boxing itself. Their rivalry went on to produce two more equally electrifying battles, forever cementing their legacy as legends of the ring.

Erik Morales vs Manny Pacquiao

In 2005, Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao squared off in a battle that would become the foundation of one of boxing’smost iconic trilogies. The fight showcased extraordinary determination and skill from both men, delivering nonstop action from start to finish.

Morales’ technical mastery and devastating right hand were on full display. They consistently found their target and forced Pacquiao to fight on the back foot. Meanwhile, Pacquiao, despite being bloodied and battered, pressed forward with his trademark ferocity, refusing to back down and thrilling fans with his relentless aggression.

In the end, Morales’ superior precision, experience, and ability to adjust earned him a well-deserved unanimous decision victory, setting the tone for one of the greatest rivalries in boxing history.

Somsak Sithchatchawal vs Mahyar Monshipour

The bout between Somsak Sithchatchawal and Mahyar Monshipour is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling fights in boxing history, a ferocious display of heart, endurance, and unrelenting action. Held on March 18, 2006, in Levallois, France, this junior featherweight title clash captivated fans and earned the distinction of Fight of the Year from multiple outlets.

The fight reached a dramatic conclusion in the 10th round, when Sithchatchawal, displaying incredible resilience, landed a devastating barrage of punches that overwhelmed Monshipour. The referee stepped in to stop the fight, crowning Sithchatchawal the new champion in one of the most grueling and exciting battles the sport had ever seen.

Diego Corrales vs Jose Luis Castillo

On May 7, 2005, Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo delivered one of the most iconic boxing matches in history. Held in Las Vegas, their lightweight unification fight was a relentless display of power, heart, and drama that would forever be remembered in the sport.

From the very first round, both fighters unleashed a torrent of punches, showcasing their incredible skills and determination. The fight quickly became a savage back-and-forth, with each man having his moments of dominance, yet neither willing to relent. The sheer intensity and the unyielding will of both fighters kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the entire bout.

The high stakes—unifying the lightweight titles—only added to the gravity of the contest. Both men paid a heavy price for their efforts, with Corrales never quite recapturing his former glory after the rematch and tragically passing away in a motorcycle accident two years later. Castillo’s career, too, was affected by the brutal nature of this legendary fight.

Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez

One of boxing’s greatest rivalries finally came to a bitter end when Manny Pacquiao faced Juan Manuel Marquez in their fourth encounter on December 8, 2012. Spanning four epic bouts, their rivalry began at featherweight and reached its climax in this welterweight showdown, where Marquez finally secured the emphatic victory he had long sought.

Heading into the fight, Marquez was determined to silence any lingering doubts after three previous encounters, which ended with two controversial decisions in favour of Pacquiao and one draw. And boy, did he succeed. While Pacquiao seemed to find his rhythm in Round 6, landing heavy punches and pressuring Marquez, whose nose had been badly broken, the fight took a dramatic turn. With just one second left in the round, Marquez delivered a perfectly timed overhand right as Pacquiao lunged forward. The punch instantly knocked Pacquiao out cold, silencing the crowd and providing a shocking conclusion to one of the most brutal fights of the modern era.

Israel Vazquez vs Rafael Marquez

A trilogy of unforgettable bouts defines Israel Vázquez and Rafael Márquez’s rivalry. Over 364 days, the two Mexican warriors battled in three explosive fights that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In their first meeting in March 2007, Márquez scored a TKO victory after breaking Vázquez’s nose, forcing him to retire in the seventh round. Vázquez bounced back in the August rematch, overcoming adversity to win by sixth-round TKO in a fight jas intense as the first.

The third fight in March 2008 was the climax of their rivalry. Both fighters displayed incredible toughness, with Vázquez edging out a disputed split decision after Márquez was penalized for low blows and knocked down in the final round.

Antonio Margarito vs. Miguel Cotto

The 2008 showdown between Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto remains one of the most controversial and brutal fights in boxing. Though the discovery of plaster-loaded hand wraps taints Margarito’s legacy before his 2009 fight with Shane Mosley, the Cotto fight stands as a fierce display of heart and determination, regardless of the shadow cast over it.

From the opening bell, both fighters exchanged heavy punches in a relentless war. Margarito’s constant pressure and brutal body shots slowly broke down Cotto’s defense. Referee Kenny Bayless later called it the best fight he had ever officiated, noting the ferocity of the action. Margarito’s unyielding assault eventually led to a TKO victory in the 11th round, though Cotto showed incredible resilience throughout.

Erik Morales vs Marco Antonio Barrera

When Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera first faced off in 2000, it became one of the greatest battles in boxing history. The fierce clash elevated both men from respected contenders to legends. At the time, they were well-known in the Mexican boxing community, but neither had reached the level of mainstream superstardom. That all changed the moment they met in the ring.

After 12 grueling rounds, Barrera emerged with a split decision victory, capturing two super bantamweight titles. But the fight did more than just crown a winner—it solidified both Morales and Barrera as big-money fighters in the sport and set the stage for two more epic encounters between the two.