The 25 Greatest Boxing Fights of All Time: From 25 to 1
From the “Thrilla in Manila” to the lightning-fast knockout by Zolani Tete, these 25 boxing matches defined eras, pushed fighters beyond limits, and created immortal moments in the ring.
25. Andy Bowen vs. Jack Burke (1893)
The longest fight ever 110 rounds. No winner. Just brutal history.
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24. Zolani Tete vs. Siboniso Gonya (2017)
Fastest knockout in a Championship bout 11 seconds. One punch. Pure shock.
23. Jack Dempsey vs. Luis Firpo (1923)
The wildest two rounds in heavyweight history Dempsey knocked out of the ring, then stormed back to win.
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22. James Corbett vs. John L. Sullivan (1892)
The end of the bare-knuckle era 21 rounds. Gloves on. The future of boxing began.
21. Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Jake LaMotta VI (1951)
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The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Robinson dominated. LaMotta wouldn’t go down. Brutality defined.
20. Carmen Basilio vs. Tony DeMarco II (1955)
The Boston Brawl Toe-to-toe action until Basilio sealed it in round 12.
19. Carmen Basilio vs. Sugar Ray Robinson (1957)
The Grit vs. The Great Basilio shocked Robinson to take the welterweight crown.
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18. Joe Louis vs. Billy Conn (1941)
Speed vs. Power Conn was winning, but Louis landed the final blow in round 13.
17. Jack Johnson vs. James Jeffries (1910)
Fight of the Century More than sport — this was cultural revolution.
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16. Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera I (2000)
Mexico’s Finest Go to War Nonstop action. Morales took the win, but the rivalry was born.
15. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Durán II (1980)
“No Más” Leonard’s movement frustrated Durán into quitting.
14. Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao (2015)
The Fight of the Century Tactical chess match. Mayweather stayed unbeaten.
13. Muhammad Ali vs. Ken Norton III (1976)
The Tactical Trilogy Finale Ali edged Norton in a chess match at Yankee Stadium.
12. Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II (2020)
The Comeback King Fury dominated Wilder to reclaim heavyweight glory.
11. Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward I (2002)
The Ultimate Slugfest Gatti-Ward I set the standard for heart, pain and respect.
10. Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Meldrick Taylor (1990)
Victory Snatched at the Final Bell Taylor was winning until Chavez struck with 2 seconds left.
9. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I (1981)
Power vs. Precision Hearns started strong. Leonard ended stronger in round 14.
8. Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez III (2008)
Pure Warrior Spirit Knockdowns, blood, drama — Vazquez edged it by split decision.
7. Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali I (1971)
The Fight of the Century Frazier handed Ali his first pro loss with a devastating left.
6. Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III (1975)
Thrilla in Manila Ali said it was the closest to death he’d ever felt. A savage masterpiece.
5. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Marvin Hagler (1987)
Beauty vs. The Beast Leonard boxed brilliantly and controversially stole the crown.
4. Rocky Marciano vs. Jersey Joe Walcott (1952)
Down on Points, Up in Spirit Marciano’s 13th-round KO remains iconic.
3. Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling II (1938)
Revenge and Redemption Louis destroyed Schmeling in a politically-charged rematch.
2. Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns (1985)
“The War” Three rounds of fury. Pure, unfiltered violence.
1. Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman (1974)
The Rumble in the Jungle Ali shocked the world. Rope-a-dope. Round 8. Immortality.
