Most Contoversial Boxing Matches

The Most Controversial Boxing Matches

The sport of boxing has long since been the subject of much controversy, but some fights attract more than others! In this article, we’ll be rounding up some of the fights that have gone down in history for all the wrong reasons.

Si Hun vs Jones Jr

This 1988 fight would plague Si Hun for the rest of his career. With allegations of match fixing during this Olympic bout, his career never quite recovered. While boxing can be subjective, Jones Jr absolutely dominated the competition. It came down to the judges and they ultimately awarded the Olympic medal to Si Hun, much to the chagrin and shock of those watching.

It was later discovered that Korean officials had dinner with the judges the evening before, which certainly raised suspicion. Two of the three judges were later banned from the sport for life, though the gold medal was not reassigned…

Whitaker vs Chavez

This 1993 bout was blasted by the media, as the judges ruled in favour of a draw. Chavez was initially the favourite to win the bout, but his performance in the ring was subpar. Whitaker, by comparison, was in his prime and serving up his A game, so spectators felt the win was in the bag for him. When the scorecards were read, Whitaker made his feelings known on the decision and Chavez escaped with his record intact.

Pacquiao vs Horn

In 2017, Pacquiao was defending his WBO welterweight title in a fight he was clearly dominating. The referee stepped in after the 9th round to let Horn’s corner know he would be stopping the fight if the thrashing continued. Horn mustered up enough strength to make it to the end of the fight, but most felt it was a sure win for Pacquiao.

It was a serious shock when the judges voted unanimously for Horn to win. Some believe that Pacquiao’s age worked against him in the fight but he still put on a stellar performance.

Pacquiao vs Bradley

Five years before the Horn fight, Pacquiao was the subject of yet another boxing controversy. The split decision garnered a lot of media attention, as pundits weighed in on the decision. Pacquiao managed to land a total of 253 punches, while Bradley only managed 159. Nevertheless, the judges ruled in favour of Bradley though the decision created accusations of corruption within the sport.

Tyson vs Holyfield II

Few fights have the notoriety of this 1997 bout and this is for good reason! Any boxing fan will know what we’re talking about with this fight, as Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield’s ear. Tyson became enraged after Holyfield had gotten away with headbutts that the ref felt were accidents. The fight soon turned ugly as Tyson began to commit fouls, which he intended as a retaliation to the headbutts.

It’s clear to see that judges and referees can have a huge effect on a fight, but worryingly not always in a positive manner! We’d love to hear more from our readers on these controversial fights, leave your comments on our Facebook page or Tweet us to join in the discussion. @BoxBets

Other Controversial Boxing Matches

  • Sonny Liston vs Cassius Clay
  • Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston
  • Sugar Ray Leonard vs Tommy Hearns
  • Oscar De La Hoya vs Pernell Whitaker
  • Joe Luis vs Jersey Joe Walcott
  • Nikolai Valuev vs Evander Holyfield
  • Tito Trinidad vs Oscar De La Hoya
  • Lennox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield
  • Sugar Ray Leonard vs Marvin Hagler
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