Imagine a world where boxing and other combat sports collide, creating outlandish and unforgettable matchups. From Muhammad Ali taking on a pro-wrestling star to Floyd Mayweather facing off against a UFC champion, these fights have left a lasting impact on the world of combat sports. Let’s dive into some of the craziest cross-over boxing fights that you won’t believe actually happened.
First up, we have the legendary showdown between Muhammad Ali and Japan’s biggest pro-wrestling star, Antonio Inoki. Dubbed as ‘The War of the Worlds’, this fight not only inspired modern mixed martial arts but also ended with Ali in the hospital. The in-ring action may have been a total flop, but the spectacle of Ali and Inoki facing off was truly something to behold.
Next, we have the infamous bout between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. This fight generated a staggering $600 million in worldwide revenue and pitted a non-boxer against the world’s best. McGregor, known for his success in the UFC, put up a good fight in the early rounds but ultimately fell to Mayweather’s boxing prowess.
In a bizarre twist, promoter Don King brought back George Foreman after his defeat by Ali in Zaire. Foreman fought not one, but five journeymen in three-round contests. The presence of Ali as a ringside TV pundit added to the circus-like atmosphere, and Foreman’s approach to the fights was equally unconventional. While he managed to stop three of his opponents, the last two survived the distance, leaving Foreman without any official wins.
Trevor Berbick, known for his defeat at the hands of Mike Tyson, also had a humiliating cross-over fight. In a bout titled ‘Boxer v Wrestler’, Berbick faced off against Japan’s Nobuhiko Takada. Expecting a staged fight, Berbick was shocked when Takada unleashed a series of kicks. Confused and frustrated, Berbick eventually walked out of the ring, never to return.
Cricket and boxing collided when Andrew Flintoff, the Ashes hero, stepped into the ring to face a real heavyweight boxer. With the guidance of a top trainer, Flintoff trained hard and secured a British license for the fight. Despite being knocked down by his opponent, Flintoff showed resilience and won the bout, marking a personal achievement in his career.
Lastly, we have the eccentric Tony Galento, who was willing to fight anyone or anything, including a kangaroo, a bear, and even an octopus. While the details of his encounter with the octopus are disputed, it’s safe to say that Galento’s willingness to take on unusual opponents made him a memorable figure in boxing history.
These cross-over boxing fights may have been unconventional and at times downright bizarre, but they have left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports. While we may not see a boxer take on an octopus in the 21st century, the spirit of these unique matchups lives on, captivating fans and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the ring.