Boxing Schedule May 1
Ali vs. Frazier I (1971)
On March 8, 1971, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier met for the first time in what was billed as “The Fight of the Century.” It lived up to its billing, with both men going toe-to-toe for 15 rounds before Frazier was declared the winner by unanimous decision. The two would meet two more times, with Ali winning both rematches.
Ali vs. Frazier II (1974)
The greatest boxing matches ever on May 1st – (The greatest boxing matches ever on May 1st)
Heading: Ali vs. Frazier II (1974)
A highly anticipated rematch between the two biggest stars in boxing, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, did not disappoint. The two went toe-to-toe for 14 rounds, with neither fighter giving an inch. In the end, it was Ali who emerged victorious, cementing his place as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Ali vs. Norton I (1976)
In what many boxing experts consider one of the most significant fights in heavyweight boxing history, Muhammad Ali faced Ken Norton for the second time, this time at Yankee Stadium.
Norton had previously handed Ali his first professional loss in 1973, and the two had fought to a draw in their 1974 rematch.
In the lead up to their third and final meeting, both fighters were past their prime; Norton was 33, while Ali was 34. Nevertheless, the fight lived up to its hype, with both men trading punches for 15 rounds. In a unanimous decision, Ali regained the world heavyweight title from Norton.
Ali vs. Holmes (1980)
On May 11, 1980, the boxing world was treated to one of the most anticipated fights in history. Ali, then aged 38 and coming off a five-year layoff, took on Larry Holmes, who was just entering his prime at age 30. Despite Ali’s legendary status, few gave him a chance against the hard-hitting Holmes.
In the end, Holmes proved too much for Ali, dominating the fight and winning by a TKO in the 11th round. It was a sad end to Ali’s career, but it also solidified Holmes as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Hagler vs. Hearns (1985)
The fight between Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns was one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. It lived up to the hype, with both men giving everything they had for 12 rounds of action. In the end, it was Hagler who emerged victorious, but both men had their moments in what is considered one of the greatest boxing matches of all time.
Tyson vs. Spinks (1988)
On this day in 1988, Mike Tyson took on Michael Spinks in one of the most highly anticipated boxing matches in history. The fight lived up to the hype, with Tyson knocking out Spinks in 91 seconds to retain his heavyweight title.
Bowe vs. Holyfield I (1992)
On November 13, 1992, in Las Vegas, future Hall of Famers Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield met for the first time. The two had very different styles—Bowe was a knockout artist with a lethal jab, while Holyfield was more of a brawler who liked to get inside and do damage.
The first fight was a classic, with both men going toe-to-toe for 12 rounds. In the end, it was Bowe who emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision.
Gatti vs. Ward I (2002)
On May 18, 2002, Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward met for the first time in one of the most thrilling boxing matches of all time.
The fight was back and forth for all 10 rounds, with both men hitting the deck multiple times. In the end, Gatti scored a technical knockout in the 9th round to win the fight.
This match is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxing matches of all time, and it remains one of the most popular May 1st PPV fights ever.
Pacquiao vs. Cotto (2009)
The fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto on May 1st, 2009 will forever go down as one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. It had everything you could want from a boxing match – two world-class fighters going toe-to-toe, blood, guts, and glory. In the end, it was Pacquiao who emerged victorious, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao (2015)
On May 2, 2015, boxing fans were finally able to see the fight they had been waiting years for: a matchup between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, two of the greatest boxers of their generation. The fight lived up to the hype, with Mayweather winning by a unanimous decision.