5 Craziest Boxing Matches Held in Las Vegas

Gambling, nightlife, entertainment, and shopping are just some of the high-profile events Las Vegas is known for. The city that never sleeps is also known as the undisputed fight capital of the world. There have been many memorable and crazy boxing matches held in Las Vegas, with some fighters making history multiple times. Meet the clash of titans, furious boxers, and determined fighters.

1. Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield II (June 28, 1997)

The 1997 Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield rematch tops the list of memorable boxing matches in Las Vegas. Initially marketed as ‘The Sound and the Fury,’ it became the infamous ‘Bite Fight.’

The fight was going well for the first and second rounds. Then, more than two million viewers witnessed something new. Perhaps determined not to lose like he had the previous year, Mike Tyson bit off Holyfield’s right ear and spit it out, tearing into the cartilage.

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The referee, Mills Lane, initially allowed the fight to continue after penalizing Tyson but ultimately disqualified him after he bit Holyfield’s other ear. Consequently, Tyson lost his boxing license and paid a $3 million fine.

2. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (May 2, 2015)

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s boxing match took place in Las Vegas in May 2015. Fans anticipated this global event for over five years, calling it the ‘Fight of the Century’ as they eagerly awaited a showdown between the two champions.

There was intense media coverage and promotional efforts, spreading excitement. As a result of the hype, the fight generated over $400 million in revenue, with the highest pay-per-view buys in history.

When the wait was over, the fighters delivered a war that kept viewers on the edges of their seats. It was Mayweather’s defensive prowess vs. Pacquiao’s determination to win. After twelve rounds, Mayweather won by unanimous decision.

3. Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns (April 15, 1985)

The boxing match between Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns is one of the greatest in boxing history and the most memorable in Las Vegas. Although it lasted eight minutes and involved just three rounds, it was unforgettable. This fight was held at Caesars Palace and was referred to as ‘The War’ due to the intense and brutal exchanges.

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It was an electrifying show from the first round. In a fierce exchange of punches, Hagler suffered a cut on the bridge of his nose while Hearns broke his hand.

The referee was concerned that Hagler’s cut had worsened, but when asked if he could see, Hagler replied, “I’m not missing him, am I?” This determination paid off, and he lived up to his moniker, ‘Marvelous,’ when he won the match.

4. Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo (May 7, 2005)

The boxing match between Diego Corrales and José Luis Castillo is one of the most thrilling and dramatic bouts in boxing history. The fight showed Corrales incredible resilience.

With the first bell, both fighters engaged in relentless exchanges. After many punches that knocked Corrales down twice in the tenth round, the more than 5,000 fans didn’t expect him to make it. However, he made a turnaround and stopped Castillo moments later. The dramatic finish made this fight the best of this century and definitely one of the most memorable boxing matches held in Las Vegas.

5. George Foreman vs. Ron Lyle (January 24, 1976)

Fifteen months after George Foreman lost his heavyweight title to Muhammad Ali in Zaire, he entered the ring again with Ron Lyle at Caesars Palace in 1976. Many were apprehensive about his mental ability to handle this fight. Little did they know he would make history!

In the early rounds of the slugfest, Lyle seemed to be doing all the punching, including a stunning right hand that caught Foreman off guard. By the time they were in the third round, each fighter was feeling the punching power of the other. In the fifth and final round, Foreman sent Lyle to the canvas.

The bout is one of the memorable boxing matches in Las Vegas due to dramatic back-and-forth action and the will of both fighters. It was also a turning point in Foreman’s career as he reclaimed his status as a top heavyweight contender.

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