World Boxing News Presents Unforgettable Moments in Boxing’s History, Featuring Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, and More

World Boxing News proudly presents a collection of the most remarkable moments in the rich history of boxing, highlighting extraordinary performances by legends such as Mike Tyson and Sonny Liston.

Among the notable victories, we cannot overlook the iconic triumphs of Roberto Duran and Muhammad Ali in their early careers, which left an indelible mark on the sport.

It’s no secret that pugilism has garnered a reputation as one of the most captivating sports worldwide, captivating audiences with its thrilling displays of skill and courage.

Within the realm of boxing, what sets it apart is the element of surprise, as unexpected upsets frequently occur across various weight divisions, captivating fans year after year.

Here, we present some of our most cherished underdog victories, etched into the memories of those who witnessed them firsthand. Whether you were a neutral observer or had placed a significant wager on the underdog, these moments remain unforgettable.

1990: James Buster Douglas Shocks the Boxing World by Defeating Mike Tyson

One of the most astonishing upsets in boxing history occurred in 1990 when James Buster Douglas, against all expectations, emerged victorious in a match that was initially considered less significant.

At the start of 1990, Mike Tyson had an impressive record of 37 fights, with none lasting longer than six rounds. His unparalleled knockout ability had astounded the boxing community, and he had never experienced a knockdown before.

Scheduled to face Buster Douglas, a fighter with a record of 29-4-1, the match was intended to be a warm-up for a later bout with Evander Holyfield, anticipated to be the main event of the year.

However, fate had other plans.

Despite Tyson managing to knock down Buster Douglas in the eighth round and keeping him down for more than the referee’s count, the resilient underdog, who was considered a staggering 42:1 longshot, refused to surrender.

In the ninth round, a combination of punches from Buster Douglas caught a visibly fatigued Tyson off guard, resulting in the champion hitting the canvas for the first time. The news of ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ falling spread shockwaves throughout the world.

1983: Roberto Duran Defies Expectations and Triumphs Over Davey Moore

Roberto Duran, known for his remarkable career as a fighter, participated in a total of 119 professional bouts. However, one of his most unforgettable encounters was with Davey Moore, who had successfully defended his WBA Light Middleweight title on three previous occasions.

Interestingly, despite being in front of a hometown New York crowd, Moore faced some jeering from the audience, while the Panamanian Duran received cheers as they both stepped into the ring.

This early response set the stage for the remainder of the fight, as Duran, nicknamed “Stone Hands,” subjected Moore to a severe beating. The bout was eventually halted, with Moore still standing at the end of the eighth round.

Prior to the fight, the majority of boxing experts had predicted a victory for the much younger Moore, underestimating Duran, who had turned 32 on that very day. However, as Duran lifted another title belt, he was serenaded by the New York crowd with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday,” symbolizing his triumphant return to the top.

2004: Antonio Tarver Stuns Roy Jones Jr. in a Thrilling Battle

Following his victory over John Ruiz in 2003 to secure the WBA Heavyweight Championship, Roy Jones Jr.’s light heavyweight titles became vacant and were subsequently claimed by Antonio Tarver.

Eager to reclaim his position of prominence, Jones faced Tarver for the first time in 2003. In a closely contested match, Tarver emerged victorious by decision.

However, it is worth noting that Jones had undergone a significant weight loss, shedding 24 pounds within a short period to prepare for the fight. As a result, he entered the ring with less than optimal strength.

A rematch was scheduled, driven by Jones’ desire for redemption. Both boxing enthusiasts and betting enthusiasts were taken aback when Tarver landed a powerful left-hand shot on Jones in the second round, delivering the first knockout defeat of Jones’ career.

Encounters like these epitomize the excitement of boxing! Fans are captivated by the unpredictable nature of the sport, where the underdog can either suffer a knockout or produce a stunning victory against their opponent.

1994: George Foreman’s Inspiring Triumph over Michael Moorer

Despite being known as one of the fiercest competitors of his era, few believed George Foreman could tap into his former boxing prowess after a decade-long hiatus from the sport.

However, the accomplished fighter and entrepreneur embarked on an incredible unbeaten streak of 24 matches, earning himself a shot at the WBA, IBF, and Lineal Titles against Michael Moorer.

Moorer had made history as the first southpaw to claim the heavyweight championship, defeating Evander Holyfield in a thrilling 12-round bout just seven months prior.

Despite being nearly two decades older, Foreman was seen as the underdog, with the majority of the crowd favoring Moorer.

Most experts predicted that if the fight went the distance, it would favor Moorer. However, the unexpected unfolded.

A powerful combination in the 10th round sent Moorer to the canvas, securing Foreman’s place as the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

1964: Muhammad Ali’s Remarkable Victory over Sonny Liston

Both encounters between Ali and Liston were highly anticipated and remain among the most captivating moments in sports history.

The first bout, in particular, was unforgettable as it showcased the remarkable transformation of a confident 22-year-old into an iconic figure in boxing.

For Liston, it marked the decline of a once formidable knockout artist.

Muhammad Ali had already achieved success, winning a gold medal as a light heavyweight at the 1960 Olympic Games. However, the media, skeptical of his flamboyant demeanor, disregarded his chances.

As a 7:1 underdog, Ali astounded the world by overwhelming Liston to the point where he couldn’t continue after the 6th round.

This monumental triumph crowned Ali as the new heavyweight champion of the world, setting the stage for his legendary career. We all know how that unfolded.

Those who came after would face a formidable challenge to surpass the astonishing Buster Douglas knockout of Mike Tyson.