Epic Boxing Tournaments in History

The world of boxing today is incredibly dynamic, with established stars dominating the ring and a new generation of talent striving  to make their mark.

The sport is constantly active, with fight cards happening all over the world, and new promoters and business models are reshaping the landscape.

Throughout the history of boxing, there have been exciting tournaments that have thrilled fans with electrifying matchups. Here’s a look back at some of them:

Don King Heavyweight Tournament

This was a series of fights held between 1986 and 1987 to crown the undisputed heavyweight champion. Produced by HBO Sports and promoted by Don King, the series culminated in Mike Tyson becoming the undisputed champion, solidifying his status as the best heavyweight on the planet at the time.

Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history as he conquered the WBC championship knocking out Trevor Berbick in November of1986, aged just twenty.

Tyson defeated Bonecrusher Smith to capture the WBA title on March 7^th, 1987 at Las Vegas Hilton, Outdoor Arena, Las Vegas.

In the final fight to become UNDISPUTED  Mike Tyson defeated IBF champion Tony Tucker by decision on August 1, 1987, at the Las Vegas Hilton.

MEXICO MULTIVISION TV NETWORK  “Cinturón de Oro” (Gold Belt)

This was one of the most important, visionary tournaments in Mexico, serving as a platform for many young talents to get noticed and even go on to become world champions.

It was a significant yearly tournament of 4 and 6 round fighters in the Mexican boxing circuit, and winning the belt was a major accomplishment and a steppingstone to bigger fight cards.

Its last edition was in 2014;  This tournament produced notable future world champions, namely Israel Vázquez, Cristian Mijares, Juan Carlos Salgado, Miguel Vázquez, Rodrigo Guerrero, Pablo César Cano, José Antonio Aguirre, Isaac Bustos, Julio Zárate, Gamaliel Díaz, Adrián Hernández, Sammy Gutiérrez, and Moisés Fuentes, among others.

Showtime Super Six Super Middleweight 

This was an innovative and ambitious professional boxingtournament held from 2009 to 2011. Organized by  Showtime television network in association with Sauerland Event, its goal was to determine the best boxer in the super middleweight division.

The tournament featured the best boxers in the division at the time: Andre Ward (USA), Carl Froch (UK), Mikkel Kessler (Denmark), Arthur Abraham (Germany), Andre Dirrell (USA), and Jermain Taylor (USA).

The final matched the two top names who remained consistent throughout the tournament. Andre Ward defeated Carl Froch, demonstrating his dominance and superiority at 168 pounds.

World Boxing Super Series

Launched in 2017, this professional boxing tournament was designed to unify titles and crown an undisputed champion in several weight divisions. The winner took home the Muhammad Ali Trophy and the prestigious WBC Diamond Belt.

Seasons and champions:

• Season 1 (2017-2018):

o  Cruiserweight: Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed champion of the division by defeating Mairis Briedis and then Murat Gassiev in the final, unifying all four belts.

o  Super Middleweight: Callum Smith emerged as the champion after beating George Groves. (WBC DIAMOND)

• Season 2 (2018-2019):

o  Bantamweight: Naoya “The Monster” Inoue showed his dominance by winning the tournament defeating Nonito Donaire. (WBA, IBF, WBC) in a classic for the ages.

o  Super Lightweight: Josh Taylor solidified his status as one of boxing‘s biggest stars by defeating Regis Prograis. (WBA, IBF, WBC DIAMOND BELT)

o  Cruiserweight: Mairis Briedis won the tournament in its second season by defeating Yuniel Dorticos. (IBF)

RIYADH SEASON WBC Boxing Grand Prix

Organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and supported by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Saudi Arabia’s Minister and Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority;

A single-elimination format with global representation with 128 fighters in the featherweight, super lightweight, middle and Heavyweight divisions . The grand prize is the José Sulaimán Trophy, named in honor of the organization’s historic and legendary President. The event serves as a showcase for future stars of the sport, as winners will have the opportunity to compete for the silver title in their respective divisions along with tremendous economic earnings and other assets.

Grand Prix Innovative Rules

• Fights are 6 rounds.
• Open scoring after the second and fourth rounds.
• No draws, the implementation of the WBC Enhanced Scoring system to serve as tie breaker.
• A 30 second buzzer before the end of each round to increase the fight’s intensity.
• Instant replay to avoid controversy and unjust rulings.

The Quarterfinals took place on August 13th at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.