The Top 10 Worst Moments in Boxing History

Boxing, often regarded as the sweet science, has seen its fair share of triumphs and tribulations throughout its rich history. While the sport has produced unforgettable moments of skill, courage, and sportsmanship, there are instances that linger as the darker chapters in the annals of boxing. In this article, we delve into the top 10 worst moments in boxing history, moments that stained the canvas with controversy, tragedy, and heartbreak.

1. The Tragic Death of Benny Paret (1962)

One of the darkest moments in boxing occurred during a welterweight title bout between Emile Griffith and Benny Paret. Paret sustained severe injuries and slipped into a coma, ultimately succumbing to his injuries. This tragedy shed light on the need for improved safety measures in the sport.

2. Sonny Liston’s Phantom Punch (1965)

The infamous rematch between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston ended in a cloud of controversy with Ali’s lightning-fast knockout. The legitimacy of the “phantom punch” remains a subject of debate, casting a shadow over Liston’s legacy.

3. The Bite Fight (1997)

Mike Tyson’s rematch against Evander Holyfield descended into chaos when Tyson infamously bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear. This shocking act of unsportsmanlike conduct led to Tyson’s disqualification and left an indelible mark on the sport’s reputation.

4. The Fixed Fight of Luis Resto vs. Billy Collins Jr. (1983)

In a bout that exposed the darker side of the sport, Luis Resto’s gloves were found to have been tampered with, leading to a brutal beating of Billy Collins Jr. The incident highlighted the importance of stringent regulations to maintain the integrity of the sport.

5. The “Fan Man” Incident (1993)

The outdoor bout between Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield was marred by the infamous “Fan Man” incident. A paraglider crashed into the ring, disrupting the fight and causing chaos. This surreal moment left a stain on the sport’s ability to ensure the safety of its participants.

6. The Controversial Decision in Pacquiao vs. Bradley (2012)

Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Timothy Bradley in a highly disputed split decision shocked the boxing world. The controversial judgment highlighted the flaws in scoring systems and sparked calls for reform in boxing judging.

7. Tyson vs. Douglas Upset (1990)

Considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, Mike Tyson’s loss to Buster Douglas shattered the aura of invincibility surrounding Tyson. The shocking defeat marked a turning point in Tyson’s career and sent ripples through the boxing community.

8. The Meldrick Taylor vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Stoppage (1990)

In a bout that epitomized the fine line between victory and defeat, Meldrick Taylor’s controversial stoppage against Julio Cesar Chavez with just seconds remaining remains a haunting moment. Referee Richard Steele’s decision denied Taylor a probable victory and stirred debates about the responsibility of referees.

9. The Haye vs. Harrison Farce (2010)

The highly anticipated heavyweight clash between David Haye and Audley Harrison turned out to be a lackluster affair, leaving fans disappointed. The bout failed to live up to the hype, underscoring the pitfalls of exaggerated expectations in the sport.

10. The Rio Olympics Robbery (2016)

The 2016 Rio Olympics witnessed several questionable decisions that raised eyebrows and sparked outrage. Controversial judging decisions tarnished the reputation of amateur boxing, renewing calls for reform in the scoring system at the Olympic level.