Underdogs Who Defied the Odds in Boxing
Boxing has many stories about underdogs who pulled off big wins against the odds. Here are five of the biggest upsets in boxing history. These boxers defied the odds and changed the landscape of pugilism.
Underdogs Who Defied the Odds in Boxing
Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson (1990)
Buster Douglas defeated Mike Tyson, who was unbeaten with a 37-0 record and thought to be unbeatable. Douglas, who was a huge 42:1 underdog, knocked Tyson out in the 10th round, ending Tyson’s reign as heavyweight champion.
Eventually, the wrecking ball ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson would get revenge. But, it still remains one of the most incredible moments in sports’ history. Now, bet on the underdog in the next fight here.
James J. Braddock vs. Max Baer (1935)
James J. Braddock, known as “The Cinderella Man,” beat Max Baer to win the heavyweight title. Braddock was seen as a has-been and a 10:1 underdog but managed to outbox Baer. His story was so inspiring it was made into a movie, the 2005 flick starring Russell Crowe “Cinderella Man.” The movie won incredible accolades. The story of underdogs resonate with audiences.
Leon Spinks vs. Muhammad Ali (1978)
One of the biggest underdogs in history, Leon Spinks, with only seven fights under his belt, faced the legendary Muhammad Ali. Despite the odds, Spinks won by split decision after 15 rounds and took the heavyweight title. Although Ali won the rematch, Spinks’ win was a major upset.
Muhammad Ali is a legendary figure in sports history who has a legacy that continue to live on. Leon Spinks continued fighting and reitre in 1995.
Max Schmeling vs. Joe Louis (1936)
Joe Louis was unbeaten and seen as the future of boxing when he fought Max Schmeling. Schmeling, a 10:1 underdog, knocked out Louis in the 12th round, handing Louis his first professional loss.
Randy Turpin vs. ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson (1951)
‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson was on a 90-fight winning streak when he faced Randy Turpin. Turpin, a 20:1 underdog, won by unanimous decision, pulling off one of the biggest surprises in boxing history. This was a massive upset. ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson is the entire reason we use pound-for-pound rankings today.
Boxing history is full of surprising victories by underdogs who defied expectations. Some of the most famous upsets include Buster Douglas knocking out the unbeatable Mike Tyson, James J. Braddock’s win over Max Baer, Leon Spinks defeating Muhammad Ali, Max Schmeling handing Joe Louis his first loss, and Randy Turpin ending Sugar Ray Robinson’s 90-fight winning streak. These fights are remembered for their shock and also for the underdogs’ incredible determination.
