Boxing: 6 Best Fights of the Decade

Boxing has always been a controversial sport, with several people demeaning its policies, politics, process and administration. However, boxing has still been one of the most successful sporting events all over the world.

Throughout the ages, boxers have partaken in umpteen fights that found a place in the history books. That said, every decade has its best fights, and it’s tough to compare them with each other.

A decade is a long time, and numerous bouts take place within it. But there are some which get too vile, too tactical, or too historic to forget.

Today, we will look at the best fights of the decade as we bid farewell to 2020. These fights weren’t only visually stimulating, but they also left behind a huge legacy, something that will affect the sport for the coming years.

Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez (2013)

Two of the best welterweight/middleweight boxers of all time, Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather, locked horns in 2013 where many favored the Mexican to win.

Both the boxers were unbeaten back then and WBC /WBA super welterweight titles were put at stake.

The fight turned into a lopsided show as Mayweather schooled a young Canelo Alvarez throughout. Although Alvarez returned the heat on certain occasions, Mayweather still outpointed him clean and walked away with the win via decision.

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Anthony Joshua 1 (2019)

The first fight saddened the whole boxing world as Andy Ruiz Jr, knocked out Anthony Joshua in round three of their headlining clash. No one expected it to happen as Joshua was unbeaten and Ruiz Jr. was an underdog on a huge margin.

However, heavyweight boxing is different and Ruiz Jr. proved it on the fight night. While he was punched badly by AJ, ‘The Destroyer’ returned the favor and KO’ed Joshua in a major upset.

Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. (2020)

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr, broke their retirements to face each other in an eight-round battle, where none was allowed to knock out the other.

It was a special exhibition contest, but witnessing two of the very best against each other in a fantasy fight was special for the boxing fans.

However, they still poured some serious action and delivered to what they had promised. It was indeed a special fight for the sport and the entire community.

Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn (2017)

It was another huge upset where Manny Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight title to an underdog Jeff Horn via decision. Following his loss against Mayweather in 2015, Pac-Man bounced back to the win column with 2 victories.

However, Horn put another dent on his legacy by outpointing the Filipino legend throughout their fight. Although it was a sad encounter for Pacquiao’s fans, boxing saw another underdog silence the critics commendably.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 1 (2018)

The WBC heavyweight title fight ended in a controversial draw with both boxers having incredible moments inside the ring. Tyson Fury outstruck Deontay Wilder throughout the fight.

But Wilder caught him with a devastating right hand in the last round, which many billed as an end to Fury’s game.

However, ‘The Gypsy King’ rose back and danced till the last with Wilder. It was clearly a treat for heavyweight boxing fans were none departed with a win.

Tyson Fury vs Wladimir Klitschko (2015)

Fury became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 2015 when he surpassed one of the greatest heavyweights of all time in Wladimir Klitschko.

The high-voltage fight went to the distance, and both the boxers had their moments. But Fury was the aggressor and seemingly outpointed Klitschko throughout the fight. It still remains as one of the biggest wins of Fury’s career.

There are several more fights that allured the fans throughout the decade, but these five fights were dramatic right from their build-up to the end.

As we walk closer to 2021, boxing fans can expect many more thrillers.

What’s your favorite fight of the decade?