Boxing is not just a sport; it's a spectacle of courage, skill, and willpower. The ring becomes a stage where legends are made, and history is written. In this blog, we're diving into the top 5 boxing matches that not only shook the audience but also shook the world.

1. Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III: "The Thrilla in Manila"

The Build-Up

The rivalry between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier is the stuff of legends. Their third and final showdown on October 1, 1975, in Quezon City, Philippines, was more than just a fight; it was an epic battle for legacy.

The Fight

Frazier came out strong, landing his signature left hook, but Ali fought back with rapid combinations. The fight went the full 15 rounds, pushing both fighters to their limits. Ali finally gained the upper hand in the 14th round, leading to Frazier's corner stopping the fight.

Why It's Memorable

Courage and Will: Both fighters pushed themselves to the brink, making it an unforgettable display of human spirit.

Historical Significance: This was the final chapter in one of boxing's greatest rivalries.

Ali's Post-Fight Words: "It was the closest thing to death," Ali said, capturing the intensity of the bout.

"The Thrilla in Manila was like a movie script, but the pain was real. It was a fight that defined the word 'epic,'" says boxing historian Mike Silver.

2. Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns: "The War"

The Build-Up

On April 15, 1985, Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns promised a war, and they delivered.

The Fight

The fight was a rollercoaster of power punches and strategy. Hagler was cut but fought through it, eventually trapping Hearns against the ropes and securing a TKO in the third round.

Why It's Memorable

Intensity: Three rounds of non-stop action.

Dramatic Turn: Hagler's comeback after being cut.

Historical Impact: Known as the greatest three rounds ever fought.

"The War was three rounds of chaos. It was as if each fighter wanted to prove he could take the other's best punches," recalls commentator Larry Merchant.

3. Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman: "The Rumble in the Jungle"

The Build-Up

Ali was the underdog against the seemingly invincible Foreman in this 1974 bout in Zaire.

The Fight

Ali used his "rope-a-dope" strategy to tire Foreman and knocked him out in the eighth round, reclaiming the heavyweight title.

Why It's Memorable

Tactical Brilliance: Ali's "rope-a-dope" strategy.

Upset: Ali defied the odds and reclaimed his title.

Cultural Impact: The fight was a global event, watched by millions around the world.

"Ali was like a chess master in the ring. He was always two steps ahead," says trainer Angelo Dundee.

4. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns: "The Showdown"

The Build-Up

Two undefeated champions. One ring. The stage was set for a classic on September 16, 1981.

The Fight

Leonard adapted to Hearns' reach advantage and found his range, eventually stopping him in the 13th round.

Why It's Memorable

Skill vs. Power: A classic matchup of contrasting styles.

Adaptation: Leonard's ability to change his strategy mid-fight.

Legacy: The fight solidified Leonard's place among the all-time greats.

"Leonard showed the heart of a champion. He was a magician in the ring," says analyst Teddy Atlas.

5. Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II: "The Bite Fight"

The Build-Up

After Holyfield's upset win in their first fight, the rematch was highly anticipated.

The Fight

The bout took a bizarre turn when Tyson bit Holyfield's ears, leading to his disqualification.

Why It's Memorable

Controversy: The ear-biting incident is one of the most infamous in sports history.

Decline of Tyson: Marked a turning point in Tyson's career.

Courage: Holyfield's composure during and after the incident.

"The Bite Fight was surreal. It was like something out of a movie, but unfortunately for Tyson, it was all too real," says journalist Steve Farhood.

The Legacy of These Epic Clashes

These fights are more than just sporting events; they're dramatic narratives that showcase the best and sometimes the worst of human nature. They serve as a testament to what people can achieve through skill, courage, and strategy. And they remind us why boxing is often called the "sweet science," a blend of physicality and intellect that can produce unforgettable moments and legends.

"Great fights are like great stories. They have compelling characters, dramatic arcs, and moments that leave us speechless," says author Joyce Carol Oates.

These epic battles have set the bar high, creating a legacy that future generations will aim to surpass. But one thing is certain: the world will never tire of watching extraordinary battles that become living history.

 Honourable Mentions: Other Fights That Captured Our Imagination

While the top 5 fights are in a league of their own, there are several other bouts that deserve special mention for their impact on the sport and the emotions they stirred in fans and experts alike.

Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney II: "The Long Count"

The Build-Up

The 1927 rematch at Soldier Field was a spectacle, drawing a record crowd of 120,000 fans.

The Fight

Dempsey floored Tunney but failed to go to a neutral corner, giving Tunney precious seconds to recover. Tunney eventually won by decision.

Why It's Memorable

Controversy: The "long count" remains a debated topic.

Historical Significance: Set attendance records that stood for decades.

"The Long Count fight was a clash of titans with an ending that people still talk about," says boxing historian Bert Sugar.

Joe Louis vs. Billy Conn: "The Cinderella Man"

The Build-Up

In 1946, Conn was the underdog but had a strategy to outbox the champion, Joe Louis.

The Fight

Conn was ahead on points until Louis unleashed a devastating knockout in the 13th round.

Why It's Memorable

Dramatic Turn: Conn's near-upset and Louis's comeback.

Legacy: Cemented Louis's reputation as a clutch performer.

"Billy Conn showed that even an underdog could give a champion a run for his money," notes commentator Jim Lampley.

Aaron Pryor vs. Alexis Argüello I & II: "The Battles"

The Build-Up

These junior welterweight title fights in the 1980s were expected to be all-out wars, and they didn't disappoint.

The Fights

Both men hit the canvas in their two meetings, with Pryor eventually winning by TKO and KO in the 14th and 10th rounds, respectively.

Why They're Memorable

Intensity: Non-stop action from start to finish.

Resilience: Both fighters showed incredible heart.

"Pryor and Argüello gave us two of the most intense fights ever. It was as if neither man could be broken," says trainer Freddie Roach.

Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I: "The Comeback"

The Build-Up

Their 2005 lightweight unification bout was expected to be a close contest, and it exceeded all expectations.

The Fight

Both men were knocked down twice, but Corrales scored a stunning 10th-round knockout after being floored himself.

Why It's Memorable

Drama: The fight had multiple momentum swings.

Comeback: Corrales's 10th-round knockout is legendary.

"Corrales vs. Castillo was a rollercoaster of emotions. Just when you thought it was over, it surprised you," says analyst Max Kellerman.

Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti I, II & III: "The Trilogy"

The Build-Up

These junior welterweight fights from 2002-2003 were expected to be brutal, and they lived up to the hype.

The Fights

All three bouts were wars of attrition, with Gatti winning the first and Ward taking the final two.

Why They're Memorable

Brutality: These were some of the most physically demanding fights ever.

Rivalry: The trilogy defined both fighters' careers.

"Ward and Gatti left pieces of themselves in the ring. Their trilogy is a testament to the human spirit," says journalist Thomas Hauser.

These honourable mentions, like our top 5, have elements that make them unforgettable: the drama, the skill, the courage, and sometimes, the controversy. They serve as additional chapters in the rich narrative of boxing, contributing to the sport's enduring allure.

"Boxing is like a great novel with many chapters. Each fight adds a new layer to the story," says author Kasia Clark.

These fights, whether in the top 5 or among the honourable mentions, are the building blocks of boxing's rich history. They serve as the milestones that future generations will look to as they make their own mark in this incredible sport.

Boxing has had more than its fair share of colourful characters, from the weird to the wonderful we haven't had to look far for a good story. Willie Pep is certainly no exception to the rule.

We live in an age where promoters some times look more for the story of a fighter rather than their skills. Willie Pep's skills, determination and charisma created a story like no other.

Pep was the epitome of the sweet science, hit and not get hit. A unique style of true instinctive fighting, combined with lightning speed often left his opponents punching fresh air.

A sterling amateur career saw Pep win 62 from 65 fights. One of those amateur defeats came at the hands of an unknown fighter from New York by the name of Ray Roberts, later to be known as the great Sugar Ray Robinson. Although Pep was significantly the smaller and lighter man the fight went the distance. The fans in attendance where the true winners witnessing two future greats plying their trade.

July 1940 saw Pep turning pro at the age of 17, fighting 10 times in the remainder of the year. Like many pros at the time, fighting was a necessity not only to learn their craft but feed their families.

Just two years into his professional career Pep fought for his first title after 43 fights and 43 wins, astounding by modern standards. Winning the USA New England Feather title beating Abe Denner on points over 12 rounds.

Pep's stock was on the rise, his unrivalled skill, ring generalship and sheer quantity of fights was fast tracking him towards a crack at the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) World Title. On the 20th November 1942 Pep faced featherweight champion Chalky Wright at Madison Square Garden. Wright was by now a veteran of the game amassing 143 wins in 183 fights. 

The near 20,000 in attendance at the Garden saw Pep take an early lead by continually peppering Wright with the jab. In the second half of the fight with the lead intact Pep continued with the jab then danced out of range before Wright had a chance to hit the target.

At the age of 20, Pep became NYSAC Featherweight World Champion beating Wright by unanimous decision over 15 rounds. In those days there where two versions of the world title, the other being the National Boxing Association (NBA). The NBA later became the World Boxing Association (WBA) in 1962 and the NYSAC later supported the formation of the World Boxing Council (WBC) in 1963.

 After a remarkable 62 wins from 62 fights Pep tasted defeat for the first time in a non title fight against former lightweight champion Sammy Angott. Angott who relinquished the belt in November 1942 due to a hand injury and regained the title 7 months after his bout with Pep.

To put into perspective how truly great this era of boxing was, when weight was only a number and the best fought the best. Willie Pep lost to Sammy Angott giving away 5lbs in a lightweight contest. Sammy Angott lost to Sugar Ray Robinson giving away 5lbs in a welterweight contest. Sugar Ray beat Jake La Motta twice at middleweight giving away an unbelievable 15lbs in the second fight. All these fights took place within 7 months.

 Pep bounced back in the only fashion he knew how, fighting ten days after his first defeat. He went an incredible 5 ½ years before tasting defeat again, going 73 fights on the spin with a solitary draw being the only blemish.

This period of his career reads like a script to a Hollywood blockbuster. Drafted into the army and then the navy to help with the ongoing war. Pep was able to continue his career by being based in America, and finally honourably discharged in 1945 with a perforated ear drum.

In June 1946 Pep faced NBA champion Sal Bartolo for a chance to become the Unified Champion. He had previously beaten Bartolo over 15 rounds in defence of his NYSAC title 3 years prior. Pep's superior skill saw him dispatch of Bartolo in round 12 of the scheduled 15. His record after the fight read 100-1-1, Featherweight Champion of the World. Many fighters may have taken their foot off the gas but not Pep, he fought another 8 times that year winning 7 by knockout.

Pep was on top of the world but like many Hollywood scripts life was about to throw a curve ball. On January 5th 1947 while flying from Miami to Connecticut the plane he was on crashed down in New Jersey. Pep survived the crash but sustained two broken vertebrae, a fractured leg and severe chest trauma. He spent 5 months in a body cast to heal his injuries and told he would never box again. One month after having the body cast removed in true Pep fashion he was back in the ring.

Amazingly he fought 11 times in the remainder of the year including a defence of his World Title against Jock Leslie beating him by knockout in round 12 in a one sided bout. Pep wasn't showing any signs of physical or mental scars following what should have been a life changing event, but the roller-coaster was still moving.

Pep started 1948 with vigour fighting 3 times in January before defending his World Title once again in February against Humberto Sierra again winning in round 10 by knockout. Pep fought 11 more times before defending his title against Sandy Saddler who would become his arch nemesis.

Pep was a heavy favourite going into the fight on account of him beating 3 opponents who had beat Saddler previously. A packed Madison Square Garden was left stunned when Saddler floored Pep twice in the 3rd round then stopped him in the 4th. The fight started what would be one of the greatest and dirtiest rivalries in boxing history. Not one to dwell on the negatives, he closed the year with one more fight, fighting an incredible 17 times in 1948 including two World  Title fights.

Pep didn't have to wait long before getting a chance to get his belt back. A sell-out crowd of 19,097 at Madison Square Garden witnessed what would later be awarded fight of the year by Ring Magazine. Pep won the fight over 15 bloody rounds, both men had severe face and eye cuts at the final bell.

The two time Featherweight Champion of the World stayed as active as ever in the next two years defending the belt successfully against Eddie Compo, Charlie Riley and Ray Famechon.

Old foe Sandy Saddler had earned another shot at the title by September 1950. The fight had outgrew The Garden and was staged at the Yankee Stadium in New York in front of a crowd of 38,781, a record attendance for a featherweight bout. 

 The fight started much like the last one finished with Pep jabbing and moving much to the frustration of Saddler. By the third round Saddler's frustrations eased when a left hook dropped Pep, who beat the count and had the best shots of the remainder of the round. Going into the 6th Saddler's temper got the better of him and he started wrestling Pep to immobilise the constant barrage of jabbing and dancing away. The seventh was more of the same with Saddler doing enough to win a close round. The fight was over as Pep didn't answer the bell at the start of the 8th due to a dislocated left shoulder later reset by Dr Vincent Niardello of the New York State Athletic Commission. All three judges had Pep winning the fight after the 7th round.

Just short of 5 months later saw Pep return to action, winning 8 fights in a row before the rematch with Saddler. In what would be their 4th and final encounter, all bouts with the World Title at stake. 

The fight was staged at the Polo Grounds, New York and televised in 17 theatres across 13 cities. Again Saddler was the slight betting favourite. In terms of action, like the second fight followed the first fight with Pep working the jab and dancing away, the fourth fight followed the same pattern as the last two rounds of the third fight with roughhouse tactics from both boxers.

Ring magazine described the fight as extremely dirty saying "wrestling, heeling, eye gouging, tripping, thumbing, in fact every dirty trick known to the old timers". Even the referee was brought down to the canvas as he tried to separate the two men mid wrestle. The fight was fairly even on the cards when Pep withdrew from the fight at the end of the ninth due to a deep cut over his right eye.

After the fight the New York State Athletic Commission revoked Pep's license and suspended Saddler indefinitely for both men's conduct during the fight. In 1997, The Ring magazine voted the fight the 6th dirtiest of all time.

Saddler was Pep's kryptonite, the one man who found a way to tame Pep even if it wasn't pretty to watch. Both men would later be included in the best featherweight of all time list and inducted into the Hall of Fame. Years later they also became friends and appeared together as speakers on the after dinner circuit.

Pep didn't fight for the world title again but fought another 66 bouts in an 8 year span before announcing his retirement the day after losing to Sonny Leon in January 1959. 

Although retired Pep didn't stray too far from the scene, working as a second in the corner, referee and later a boxing inspector. Like his career in the ring his life outside the ring was just as spectacular, once saying " my two biggest mistakes in life were falling in love with slow horses and fast woman". 

In spite of earning a lot of money in boxing it didn't last long and forced a return to the ring in 1965 at the age of 42. The comeback lasted a year totalling 10 fights made up of 9 wins and 1 loss. The loss came in his last fight in 1966 at the hands of Calvin Woodland.

The career was over at the ripe old age of 43, and what a career it was. 241 fights, 229 wins, 11 losses and one draw. Even in an age where fighters fought often Pep's resume was staggering, throw in surviving a plane crash and it becomes even more incredible. His record pre plane crash was 110-1-1 in just over 5 years, post plane crash 131-10-0 winning the world title in both periods.

The word legend is often over used in today's society but not for Willie Pep. Universally regarded by many as the best featherweight of all time, legend is an understatement.

Willie Pep danced his way into the history books with a style of not only defensive mastery but true instinctive fighting. An unconventional style that would not be taught by many coaches these days. Pep rewrote the rule-book with his graceful movement and blistering speed.

Willie Pep was a true enigma, a genius in the ring. His heart matched his skillset which is remarkable given his achievements. Pep passed away in 2006 at the age of 84, the boxing world lost one of the best boxers ever to lace up the gloves. Rest easy champ.

Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow, to name but a few, are places that automatically spring to mind when talking of boxing hotbeds. The town of Coatbridge, which lies 8.5 miles east of Glasgow City Centre, is known to only a few in the know as the hidden gem of Scottish boxing.

Fighting comes naturally to many of the towns inhabitants, but it isn't until that born fighter mentality is paired with discipline and guidance, that the qualities required to make it in the fight game are unearthed.

The man many turned to in the town, to master these qualities was Rab Bannan. Rab, trainer at the famous Barn ABC was also philosopher, father figure and teacher to many who entered the doors of the Barn Boxing Club. Instilling discipline and self belief in equal measure was Rab's masterstroke, and in doing so allowed his young charges to express themselves in the ring.

Little did Rab know that one of those young charges would go on to become King of World boxing. Ricky Burns went on to become Scotland's only three weight world champion. Few would have guessed that the shy, skinny kid that Rab first encountered in the mid 90's would achieve such greatness. Back in his amateur days, Ricky would travel to many shows with Rab, there was no planned fight but he would take his kit with him "just in case" there was a dropout or no show, stepping in if required. Maybe this is why, at age 38, Ricky still steps into the squared ring to ply his trade, he loves fighting.

On December 18th 2021, Ricky stepped into the ring for his 53rd professional fight. A career that has seen him take on some of the greats and travel the world doing what he loves. His comeback, after two years out due to the coronavirus outbreak, saw him travel to Sunderland to take on Argentinian Emiliano Dominguez over 10 rounds. A spirited performance saw Ricky win by unanimous decision against a very tough opponent. The Peter Pan of boxing shows no sign of slowing down, Coatbridge salutes you Ricky.

Also on the card that night was Mark McKeown, who many have tipped to be the heir apparent to the King of Coatbridge. McKeown, or Sparky as he is widely known around the town, brings a fan friendly style, loves a tear up but can box if the occasion calls for it. Mckeown's opponent that night was tough Mexican Uriel Lopez.

Lopez had shared the ring with countryman Emanuel Navarrete the previous year. Two weight world champion Naverrete and current number 1 in the featherweight division dispatched  Lopez in round 6 of a scheduled 10. It was a great bit of matchmaking to gauge McKeown's prospects of mixing it with the best in the division. It's fair to say those prospects look good after what turned out to be fight off the night. Commentating for Probellum, Nick Peet said "If there's been a better 6 rounds this year in the U.K, I'll be surprised."

From the first bell it was clear both men had no plans in taking a backwards step much to the frustration of McKeown's coach Barry Clark. Although Clark was demanding more movement from his fighter, McKeown was in the driving seat in a real barnstormer of a fight.

The future looks bright for McKeown as he has the skills and mindset to take him to the top. Along with top promotional company MTK and a great training team at Kier Hardie, not to mention training partner and mentor Ricky Burns.

The Coatbridge fans don't have to wait too long to see McKeown back in action, he's been added to the Josh Taylor v Jack Catterall undercard on 26th February at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. The fight is to be screened live on Sky Sports in the U.K and ESPN+ in the United States, in what promises to be a very entertaining evening of boxing.