Some great fights will be remembered forever, and the 21st century has delivered several of these. From epic clashes of legendary titans to unexpected underdog wins, these showdowns have captivated global audiences, showcasing the art of boxing at its best.
In no specific order, we’ll recount five of the new millennium clashes which have best defined this art and the brutal excitement that goes with it.
1. Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV (2012)
The fourth meeting between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez proved an even more fitting climax to their storied rivalry. Marquez was trailing on the judges’ scorecards going into round six but connected with a perfectly timed counterpunch that knocked his legendary opponent unconscious.
For the first time, a fight between the two didn’t reach the judges’ scorecards, as Marquez claimed the ultimate bragging rights with a 2-1-1 record over Pacquiao. This fourth and final fight showcased both fighters’ skill and strategic brilliance while also showing how boxing fortunes can change suddenly with a single punch.
2. Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II (2022)
An under-par Joshua had lost to the Ukrainian world heavyweight champion 11 months before the two met again in a rematch that would thrill the boxing world. The fight’s future had previously been in doubt as Usyk put his boxing future on hold to take up arms in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
After the fight date was announced, the public’s anticipation hit a fever pitch, with the prospect of Tyson Fury coming out of retirement to face the winner. When it happened, the fight didn’t disappoint. Joshua put on a much-improved display, and despite 12 rounds of incredible boxing, Usyk eventually prevailed, winning by a rather surprising split decision.
3. Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward III (2003)
The revered Gatti-Ward trilogy happened in under 13 months, going down in boxing folklore. Their third encounter stood out as a masterpiece of courage and determination. Arturo Gatti broke his hand in the fourth round and, in round six, with his glove dropped to his side, took a crunching overhand punch to the side of his head, dropping him.
The brutal, toe-to-toe battle left fans awestruck, and although the courageous Gatti emerged victorious by unanimous decision, “Irish” Micky Ward’s role over 30 rounds of incredible boxing will never be forgotten in one of boxing’s greatest-ever trilogies.
4. Diego Corrales vs. José Luis Castillo I (2005)
Dubbed the “Gatti-Ward of the West” due to many parallels with the iconic trilogy, the first Corrales-Castillo fight was breathtaking, with the two lightweights engaging in a relentless back-and-forth battle. In round 10 of 12, each fighter hit the canvas. Corrales first beat two counts before, somehow, his dazed American opponent then connected with “a perfect right hand”, as Castillo later called it, flooring him. After the round resumed, Corrales attacked, pinning Castillo against the ropes and causing the referee to stop the fight.
José Luis Castillo would gain his revenge with a fourth-round knockout five months later, but it was the first encounter that will go down in boxing folklore for its frenetic round 10.
5. Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder I (2018)
Troubled former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury returned to the ring for only the third time following an enforced “medically unfit” 30-month inactive period. His opponent was the undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. The fight promised to be one of contrasting pugilistic styles, and so it proved.
Fury kept Wilder’s brutal punching at bay throughout, moving and weaving uniquely. That all changed in the final round as Wilder connected with a vicious right-left combination, knocking down the “Gypsy King”. Everyone present, including his opponent, believed Fury wouldn’t beat the count, but incredibly, he got to his feet in one of the 21st century’s iconic boxing moments.
The fight ended in a draw, with Tyson Fury winning the second and the third fight of an epic boxing trilogy by TKO and knockout, respectively.
Final Thoughts
Deciding the best fights of the 21st century will always be subjective, as so many provided thrills, tenacity, fighting spirit and absolute brutal boxing talent. Every fight we’ve mentioned has these qualities in spades as great champions were joined by valiantly vanquished opponents, only to see these rise again and carry boxing’s proud traditions into future contests.
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