There is nothing in this world that excites boxing fans more than genuine bad blood between fighters. Furthermore, boxing being a competitive combat sport is home to some of the greatest rivalries in heavyweight division history. Here are the top 5 rivalries in the history of heavyweight boxing.
Nothing can top Ali vs. Frazier when it comes to rivalry in boxing. This trilogy rivalry started with Frazier handing Ali his first professional loss in their first bout. Then, Ali avenged his loss in their rematch and the trilogy fight.
The two greatest heavyweights shared a bitter rivalry that lasted more than a decade. The pair fought twice, resulting in Holyfield winning both times. Their rematch is now infamously referred to as 'The Bite Fight', as Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ear.
One of the greatest heavyweight rivalries of this generation, Fury and Wilder, has fought twice and are now set for the trilogy fight on 24 July 2021. Their first bout resulted in a draw, and the rematch resulted in Fury winning via TKO.
This rivalry started when Ruiz handed Joshua his first professional loss. Then Joshua avenged his loss in their rematch. Furthermore, Ruiz Jr. has called out Joshua multiple times for a trilogy fight.
One of the ugliest rivalries in the history of boxing, Tyson and Lewis, has fought once, which resulted in Lewis defeating Tyson via an eighth-round KO.