Greatest Boxing Rivalries of All Time: From Ali vs. Frazier to Tyson vs. Holyfield

Only a few spectacles grab our attention in sports, quite like a heated boxing rivalry. Over the years, the boxing ring has witnessed legendary clashes between iconic fighters. These significant moments have left an indelible mark on the sport's history.

From the intense battles between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier to the unforgettable encounters between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, these rivalries have vastly popularised the sport. Having said that, we will recall some of the most electrifying rivalries in boxing history. Let's begin!

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier 

Early Years of The Rivalry

The rivalry between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier began long before their first historic bout. Ali, known for his quick wit and brash personality, was already a prominent figure in boxing. However, Frazier, an Olympic gold medalist, and powerful puncher, wanted to become the heavyweight champion. The two fighters had verbal feuds that intensified their eventual showdown.

The Fight of The Century (March 8, 1971)

Their first encounter, "The Fight of the Century," occurred on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden. Neither of them was defeated back then. Once the match started, it took forever to end. 

There were 15 grueling rounds of back-and-forth action. Frazier's aggression and precision led him to a hard-fought unanimous decision victory. It was a defining moment in boxing history. Frazier's triumph ended Ali's undefeated streak.

Super Fight II (January 28, 1974)

The two boxing titans faced off again in a highly anticipated rematch. It was dubbed "Super Fight II." This time, Ali won by unanimous decision. The rivalry was tied at one win each, leading to the ultimate showdown.

The Thrilla In Manila (October 1, 1975)

The Ali-Frazier rivalry met its deciding stages in the Philippines in 1975. During the buildup, Ali attracted controversy when he recorded trash-talking about his opponent. "It's gonna be a chilla, a killa, and a thrill when I fight the Gorilla in Manila,” he remarked.

The "Thrilla in Manila" was exhausting as both fighters pushed themselves to exhaustion. Ultimately, Ali emerged as the winner when Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the fight. It was called off before the start of the 15th round, fearing for Frazier's safety. It was a fitting end to a trilogy of epic encounters, solidifying their rivalry as one of the greatest in boxing history.

Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Jake LaMotta 

The Rise of Sugar Ray Robinson And Jake LaMotta

Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta were two of the most formidable middleweights of their era. Robinson was lauded for his fluid movement and dazzling combinations. LaMotta was a relentless brawler with an iron chin. Their rivalry began in the 1940s and intensified as they faced each other multiple times in the ring.

The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (February 14, 1951)

Robinson and LaMotta's most talked about encounter occurred on February 14, 1951. Called "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre," Robinson dominated and knocked down LaMotta many times. He secured a technical knockout victory in the 13th round. It was a decisive victory that reinforced Robinson's dominance over his rival.

Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield 

The Early Tensions

The rivalry between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield took off during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both fighters were exceptional in the heavyweight division.

Tyson vs. Holyfield I (November 9, 1996)

Their first encounter occurred on November 9, 1996, with Holyfield as the underdog. The boxing world was taken aback as Holyfield defeated Tyson, handing him his second career loss in an upset victory. Tyson's aura of invincibility was shattered, and it paved the path for a rematch.

The Bite Fight (June 28, 1997)

The rivalry climaxed in their second fight on June 28, 1997. It was called "The Bite Fight," where Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield's ear during the third round. This led to his disqualification and utter shock in boxing history. The incident tarnished Tyson's legacy and forever linked his name to controversy.

Tyson vs. Holyfield III (June 28, 1997)

The two fighters faced each other for the third time on June 28, 1997. However, Tyson's actions in the previous fight overshadowed the match. It was stopped after Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield once again. The rivalry concluded in a cloud of controversy once again. It left a lasting impact on the sport and the fighters' legacies. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez 

The Beginning Of The Rivalry

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez met for the first time in 2004. Their rivalry would span four epic fights over eight years. Their battles showcased contrasting styles, with Pacquiao's lightning-fast offense against Marquez's precise counterpunching.

The Four Fights

Each fight between Pacquiao and Marquez was a closely contested affair. Neither fighter was able to secure a clear-cut victory. The first three encounters resulted in a draw and two close decisions. It left fans eagerly anticipating their fourth and final meeting in 2012. Marquez finally claimed a definitive victory in that bout, beating Pacquiao in a sixth-round knockout.

Roberto Duran vs. Sugar Ray Leonard 

The Welterweight Rivals

Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard fiercely rivaled during the 1980s. Duran was known as "Hands of Stone," a ferocious and skilled fighter. Meanwhile, Leonard was an Olympic gold medalist with lightning-fast hands and footwork.

The Brawl in Montreal (June 20, 1980)

Their most famous encounter, "The Brawl in Montreal," occurred on June 20, 1980. Duran handed Leonard his first professional defeat, winning by a close split decision. He quit in the final moments, allegedly saying, “No Mas.” However, Leonard denied hearing his opponent utter those words during their iconic encounter.

Conclusion

The greatest boxing rivalries have shaped the sport's history. It captivated audiences with its intensity and drama. From Ali vs. Frazier to Tyson vs. Holyfield, these iconic matchups have stirred and revolutionized the boxing world. Each rivalry added a unique chapter to the sport. Now, budding boxers are waiting to create new legacies with their skill and tenacity.

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