The US has hosted many iconic and memorable boxing matches. Las Vegas has proven to be a fantastic venue that has showcased some of the best fighters and set the stage for some of the most thrilling matchups. The excitement of boxing events makes them a spectacle that everyone wants to watch. There is nothing quite like the hype and anticipation that comes before a major fight held in the US. In this article, we will recount some of the most famous boxing matches ever to take place in the US.
1. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns
The first iconic boxing match to make it on our list was held in 1981 at the Caeser’s Palace in Las Vegas. Both of these boxers are commonly heralded as two of the greatest welterweights of all time. These two had many fights, but the most famous matchup occurred in 1981. It featured both of these fighters in their absolute primes, and this made for an engaging showdown. The result was a 14th round knockdown which resulted in Leonard picking up the WBA and WBC championships. It also became the first loss suffered by Tommy Hearns.
2. Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti
The second matchup to get a spot on our list was held in Connecticut in 2002. It has long been remembered for being an enthralling contest that was filled with action. There was a fight trilogy between these two, and the most memorable matchup came in 2002. The bout had everything that we love to see about boxing, and if you ever wanted to introduce a new fan to the sport, then this is the match you would point to. Ward claimed the victory in this epic contest that continues to be remembered fondly due to the intense action on offer.
3. Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis
Tyson and Lewis are two names that are always mentioned when it comes to boxing. Mike Tyson was one of the most iconic boxers that the sport had ever seen. The highly anticipated bout between him and the British star Lennox Lewis was held in Tennessee in 2002. There was a lot on the line in the form of the IBF, IBO, and the WBC world heavyweight belts. The build-up to the fight was filled with hype and anticipation. Mike Tyson is remembered fondly for his intense press conferences in the lead up to the fight. At the time it was the fourth highest-grossing fight of all time. Lewis came out dominant and clinched victory in the 8th round.
4. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao
This next fight is often referred to as the most anticipated bout of all time. It took years to make, and it came with monumental hype. Although the fight didn’t meet expectations, the incredible sales and months of buildup will be remembered for a long time to come. The fight was held in the legendary MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 2015 matchup raised over $410 million in revenue which made it the highest-grossing boxing match ever. The fighters themselves also recorded some record paydays and benefited from some incredible endorsement deals. The fight itself may not quite have delivered; however, the spectacle itself will live long in the memory.
Closing Thoughts
These epic and enthralling matches were all held within the US, and many of them continue to live long in the memory. Las Vegas continues to be the city where all of the most hyped fights are commonly held. There is something about the atmosphere that makes it such a perfect fit to host the most exciting boxing matches. It seems likely that the US will continue to hold some of the most anticipated and exciting fights.
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