Boxing is one of the oldest and most beloved combat sports in the world. It is believed that the martial art has been practiced since the prehistoric era. However, evidence for this claim are sparse and dubious. We do know with a certain degree of certainty that the sport was practiced in Ancient Egypt and Greece, whether for athleticism, as a tool of war, or for competitions. It was included in the Ancient Olympics, and still remains in the modern iteration of the Olympics today. When it comes to popularity, no combat sport rivals boxing (though mixed martial arts is slowly creeping in on its predecessor’s popularity). The sport is practiced in gyms all over the world, watched by hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe, and enjoys heavy play when it comes to wagering. Surveys and examinations of online betting sites like this official site have shown that boxing is among the most bet on sports in the world, and certainly the most popular martial art to place wagers on. Over the course of the 20th century, the world was graced with some of the greatest boxers it has ever seen. In this article, we are going to name a few who stood in the spotlight. Sugar Ray RobinsonWidely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson had a professional record of 128-1-2. Out of his 128 victories, 84 were knockouts. He competed between 1940 and 1965, during which time he fought some of the most high-intensity fights in the history of the sport. Robinson’s biggest opponent was Jake LaMotta, who later would become one of his most bitter rivals. They fought a total of six times, of which Sugar Ray won five. In 1990 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and today is remembered as one of the best, if not the best pound for pound boxer of all time. Mike TysonMike Tyson made his debut in 1985, and for the next 20 years absolutely dominated the boxing world. Nicknamed “Iron Mike” and often called the Baddest Man on the Planet, Tyson reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion for three whole years. When he was only 20 years old he claimed his first belt. In doing so, he became the youngest boxer to hold a heavyweight title. Though a great boxer, Tyson’s career is steeped in highs and lows, the most notable of which being his controversial second bout with bitter rival Evander Holyfield. Despite the controversy, Mike Tyson remains one of the best boxers of all time, and has a claim to the number 1 title. Muhammad AliLast, but certainly not least, Muhammad Ali. Equal parts showman and athlete, Muhammad Ali remains, to this day, one of the most recognizable, beloved, respected, and remembered athletes to have ever lived. His fame went passed the ring and made him one of America’s biggest celebrities during his reign. The biggest fights of his career are still fondly remembered and talked about to this day. Some (such as 1974’s Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman) are even considered to be among the greatest fights in boxing’s history.
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