Inoki v. Ali (1976)
A bout titled “The War of the Worlds” pitted heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali against Japan’s top professional wrestler, Antonio Inoki. The bout inspired modern mixed martial arts but resulted in Ali’s hospitalization. The in-ring action was problematic due to a last-minute set of crossover rules. While Ali wore boxing gloves, Inoki couldn’t grapple, strike, or kick unless one knee was on the canvas. The match went on for 15 rounds, causing Ali’s swollen leg to develop blood clots, leading to a draw and a disgruntled Tokyo crowd.
McGregor v. Mayweather (2017)
The event generated $600 million globally as it aimed to answer whether an MMA fighter, Conor McGregor, could beat the world’s top boxer, Floyd Mayweather, at boxing. Although McGregor performed admirably in the early rounds, it became evident that his MMA striking skills didn’t translate to boxing, and Mayweather defeated him in round 10. Both fighters earned over $100 million, and Mayweather continued to profit from exhibitions against various opponents.
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Five v. Foreman (1975)
Promoter Don King organized an unusual reintroduction of heavyweight George Foreman following his loss to Ali. Foreman faced five journeymen in consecutive three-round bouts in Toronto. Ali’s presence as a ringside commentator surprised and distracted Foreman, who was unsure how to approach the situation. Although he defeated three opponents, the last two managed to escape due to his exhaustion. These bouts weren’t included in Foreman’s official record.
Berbick v. Takada (1991)
Trevor Berbick, known for his loss to Mike Tyson, faced Japan’s Nobuhiko Takada in a unique “Boxer v Wrestler” bout. Both wore wrestling attire and boxing mitts but had misconstrued the rules. Takada kicked Berbick’s legs, and despite complaints, continued. Berbick left the ring after one round, having landed no strikes.
Flintoff v. Dawson (2012)
Former cricketer Andrew Flintoff trained to face heavyweight boxer Richard Dawson. Flintoff won in a decision after getting knocked down. This marked a personal accomplishment for Flintoff, who wisely refrained from further professional combat, preserving his undefeated record.
Octopus v. Galento (1946)
Tony Galento, a heavyweight contender, was known for taking on various challenges, including an octopus. Different accounts exist, but one suggests the octopus was already deceased, giving Galento an advantage. In another account, the octopus squirted ink at Galento, causing him to jump out of the tank. Such competitions are no longer permissible, making Tyson Fury’s bout with a cephalopod seem more competitive than an MMA rookie facing the world’s greatest heavyweight.
