In the world of boxing, expectations are everything. Odds are calculated, records analysed, and predictions made long before the first bell rings. But despite all the numbers and forecasts, boxing remains one of the most unpredictable sports.
Throughout history, there have been nights when the underdog defied the odds, shook the world, and reminded fans why they love the fight game. The team at Bet442 have looked at some of the biggest upsets in boxing history, moments where grit, determination, and belief toppled expectations.
James “Buster” Douglas vs. Mike Tyson (1990)
No list of upsets would be complete without the legendary night in Tokyo. Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion and considered invincible, boasting a 37-0 record with 33 knockouts. James “Buster” Douglas, on the other hand, was a 42-to-1 underdog—virtually written off by fans and pundits alike.
Yet, on February 11, 1990, Douglas shocked the world. He outboxed and outworked Tyson throughout the fight, surviving a scare in the 8th round before knocking out the champ in the 10th. It was a seismic moment that reminded everyone: in boxing, anything is possible.
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua (2019)
When Ruiz stepped in as a late replacement to face undefeated unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, most fans gave him little more than a puncher’s chance. His physique and short-notice preparation led to widespread underestimation.
However, Ruiz had other plans. On June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden, he knocked Joshua down four times en route to a seventh-round TKO. The result sent shockwaves across the boxing world and marked the first time a Mexican heavyweight became world champion.
Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis (2001)
Lennox Lewis was riding high as heavyweight champion when he faced Hasim Rahman in South Africa. Lewis, perhaps overlooking his opponent while filming a movie, was caught off-guard by a powerful right hand in the fifth round.
Rahman’s stunning knockout victory became an instant classic and a harsh lesson about the dangers of complacency in the ring.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Marco Antonio Barrera (2003)
In 2003, Marco Antonio Barrera was considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Manny Pacquiao, then a relatively unknown Filipino southpaw, was stepping up in weight and faced long odds.
What followed was a relentless display of speed and power from Pacquiao, who overwhelmed Barrera and forced a stoppage in the 11th round. This fight not only shocked fans, it launched Pacquiao’s career into superstardom.
Leon Spinks vs. Muhammad Ali (1978)
With just seven professional fights under his belt, Olympic gold medalist Leon Spinks was hardly expected to dethrone “The Greatest.” But in 1978, he did just that—outpointing a somewhat undertrained Muhammad Ali over 15 rounds.
Though Ali would win the rematch later that year, Spinks’ win remains one of the most surprising in heavyweight history.
What Makes an Upset Truly Great?
While a dramatic knockout helps, the true measure of a great upset lies in the context: the risk, the backstory, and the unexpected heroism of the underdog.
These victories are etched in history not just for the shock they delivered, but for the hope they inspire—proof that belief, skill, and heart can triumph over odds.
In boxing, no outcome is guaranteed. That’s what makes every bout compelling. With each underdog who rises to the occasion, the sport gains a new legend, and fans are reminded that in the ring, as in life, anything can happen.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.