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Boxing's greatest heavyweight clashes: from Fury vs Usyk to Ali vs Frazier

best boxing matches of all time

There’s a Saudi Arabia duel on the horizon when Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk rematch on December 21, the latest instalment in a series of big-hitting battles.

Nothing in boxing excites as much as a clash between two top-level heavyweights, and we take a look at some legendary boxing showdowns.

Paddy Power are offering 60-1 on Fury to regain his heavyweight crown while Usyk can be backed at 40-1.


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Ali and Frazier delivered an unforgettable battle in the Thrilla in Manila

Joe Frazier beat Muhammad Ali in the first of three fights between the heavyweight greats when they clashed at Madison Square Garden in 1971. Ali then turned the tables on Smokin’ Joe at the same venue three years later.

However, it was the third bout between the big-hitting duo in 1975 that will always be remembered. Ali and Frazier went head-to-head in a bout titled the Thrilla in Manila, and it was a contest that certainly lived up to its billing.

The Greatest won the contest in the 14th round after Frazier's corner asked the referee to stop the fight. The gruelling slugfest was one hell of a fight and remains one of the sport’s most iconic moments.

Holyfield stunned Tyson with a shocking upset in their first encounter

Mike Tyson, for a long time known as the Baddest Man on the Planet, clashed with Evander Holyfield in the glory days of American heavyweight boxing. 

Iron Mike entered the Las Vegas ring following devastating knockout victories over Frank Bruno and Bruce Seldon and the then world champion was a heavy favourite to defeat Evander Holyfield. 

The Real Deal was considered to be past his best, after defeats to Riddick Bowe and Michael Moorer, but the Alabama man returned to his peak to shock Tyson, and the world, and secure an 11th-round stoppage victory. 

Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko showcased their skills in the Battle of the Titans

Billed as Battle of the Titans, Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko faced off in a thrilling contest at Los Angeles’ Staples Centre. 

Lewis held the WBC and IBF world titles, the Lion had defeated Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield, and avenged his shock defeat to Hasim Rahman, but the Londoner was at the end of his career at the age of 37 and facing a fighter six years his junior. 

Lewis was still rated as the favourite for the bout, but it was expected that Klitschko would represent a serious threat to the world champion. 


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Fury and Wilder created an instant classic in their first clash

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder clashed for the first of three fights at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in 2018, and the opening meeting was the most memorable of a thrilling trilogy.

It was a clash between two unbeaten fighters, Wilder viewed as the most powerful puncher in the division and Fury a charismatic challenger facing his first real test after a three-year break from boxing.

A ferocious fight saw Fury dominate for large periods, but Wilder’s power downed the Morecambe man twice. The fight looked all but over when the Gypsy King crashed to the canvas in the 12th round. However, the British boxer somehow beat the count and went on to share a split-decision draw with the Bronze Bomber.

Heavyweight boxing delivers excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments

What makes heavyweight clashes so memorable? It’s the stakes, the rivalries, and the raw power of fighters at the top of their game. From Ali to Fury, these battles showcase the grit, skill, and determination that define the sport.

As Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia, they aim to write the next chapter in heavyweight boxing’s storied history. Will this fight join the ranks of the greats? Fans won’t want to miss it.

Want more expert Fury vs Usyk 2 analysis? Read these next:

Fury vs Usyk Sky Bet odds boost: get 60-1 for either fight to get knocked down

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: tale of the tape and betting odds

Usyk vs Fury odds: who is the favourite to win on Saturday?

How can Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury?

Fury vs Usyk 2: can Tyson Fury avenge his defeat?


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