Top 10 Biggest Upsets In Boxing History
In the sport of boxing, upsets are what keep fans on the edge of their seats, proving that anything can happen in the ring. The biggest upsets in boxing history have shocked the world, turning the odds upside down and creating legends out of underdogs. These monumental surprises have shaped boxing’s history, reminding us that no fighter is ever truly unbeatable. Here, we take a look at the top 10 biggest boxing upsets that changed the landscape of the sport.
1. Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson (1990)
Arguably the most famous of the biggest upsets in boxing history, Buster Douglas stunned the world when he knocked out the undefeated and seemingly invincible Mike Tyson in 1990. Tyson, who was the undisputed heavyweight champion, entered the bout as a 42-1 favourite. However, in the 10th round, Douglas delivered a knockout punch that ended Tyson’s reign and cemented his own place in boxing history. Douglas lost the title immediately after to Evander Holyfield.
2. Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston (1964)
When a young and brash Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) stepped into the ring with heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, few believed he could win. Liston was considered the most fearsome boxer of his time, and Ali was a 7-1 underdog. But Ali’s speed, skill, and confidence led to Liston’s corner retiring before the seventh round, marking the beginning of Ali’s legendary career. In the rematch, Ali impressed fans again, stopping Liston in the very first round.
3. James “Buster” Braddock vs. Max Baer (1935)
Known as the “Cinderella Man,” James Braddock shocked the world when he defeated heavyweight champion Max Baer in 1935. Braddock was an out-of-work boxer just a year before this fight, and his victory was a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. This upset remains one of the most inspirational stories in boxing, with Russel Crowe playing Braddock in a movie about his life and career.
4. Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis (2001)
In 2001, Hasim Rahman stunned the boxing world by knocking out Lennox Lewis, the heavyweight champion, in the fifth round. Rahman was a 20-1 underdog, and many expected Lewis to easily retain his title. However, Rahman’s right hand delivered one of the biggest boxing upsets of the 21st century. Lennox had lost only once before to Oliver McCall, and had a record of 38-1-1 at the time of the bout. Lewis did however avenge this defeat, stopping Rahman in the fourth round of their rematch.
5. Randall Bailey vs. Mike Jones (2012)
Randall Bailey was nearing the end of his career when he faced the undefeated Mike Jones for the IBF welterweight title. Bailey, a massive underdog, knocked out Jones in the 11th round with a devastating punch that left fans in disbelief. This unexpected outcome was a career-defining moment for Bailey, who later finished his career with a record of 46-9.
6. Leon Spinks vs. Muhammad Ali (1978)
In only his eighth professional fight, Leon Spinks faced Muhammad Ali, who was at the peak of his powers. Despite being relatively inexperienced, Spinks shocked the world by winning a split decision over the heavyweight icon, becoming one of the biggest boxing upsets in history. Ali would later win their rematch, but Spinks’ win remains a defining moment.
7. Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn (2017)
In 2017, Australia’s Jeff Horn pulled off a major upset by defeating Manny Pacquiao, a global boxing legend, to win the WBO welterweight title. Horn’s victory by unanimous decision shocked fans, as Pacquiao was heavily favoured to win, with many believing he was robbed of a win on the scorecards. This controversial fight took place in front of a raucous hometown crowd in Brisbane, cementing Horn’s place in history. Horn finished his career only four years ago after suffering a TKO loss at the hands of fellow Australian, Tim Tszyu.
8. George Foreman vs. Michael Moorer (1994)
At the age of 45, George Foreman returned to the ring to face undefeated heavyweight champion Michael Moorer in 1994. Despite being the clear underdog, Foreman knocked out Moorer in the 10th round to reclaim the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest fighter ever to do so. This remarkable comeback win is one of the biggest boxing upsets ever, and marks an incredible moment in Foreman’s career.
9. Corrie Sanders vs. Wladimir Klitschko (2003)
Wladimir Klitschko was dominating the heavyweight division when he faced South African underdog Corrie Sanders in 2003. Few expected Sanders to stand a chance, but he shocked the boxing world by knocking out Klitschko in the second round. This upset derailed Klitschko’s career temporarily and remains one of the biggest surprises in heavyweight history. Sanders took on Wladimir’s brother, Vitali, in his next fight, and was stopped in the eighth round as Vitali avenged his brother’s loss.
10. Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua (2019)
In one of the most recent and shocking upsets, Andy Ruiz Jr. defeated the previously unbeaten Anthony Joshua on his US debut to claim the heavyweight title in 2019. Ruiz, who was a last-minute replacement and appeared out of shape, knocked Joshua down four times before the fight was stopped in the seventh round. The upset shook the boxing world and made Ruiz an overnight sensation.
Why the Biggest Boxing Upsets Matter
The biggest boxing upsets serve as a reminder that in the world of boxing, nothing is certain. These unexpected outcomes often become defining moments for both the victors and the vanquished, reshaping careers and legacies. Upsets keep fans excited and make the sport unpredictable, ensuring that boxing remains one of the most thrilling sports to watch.
From Douglas’s triumph over Tyson to Ruiz’s shocking victory over Joshua, the biggest boxing upsets in history show that even the most dominant fighters are vulnerable. For fans and fighters alike, these moments are what make the sport so captivating.
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