Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is on, with the bout taking place on December 11 in Cardiff. The clash between the two Brits is being billed as the biggest fight in British boxing history, with anticipation already building ahead of the spectacle. Boxing fans are already keen to get in the mood for what should be an epic showdown, with boxing-themed games helping them to do just that.
Rocky Slot
Rocky, a slot created by Playtech, is a favourite online slot game for any boxing fan, and it’s easy to see why. Built around the legendary film franchise, the game uses a five-reel, 25-payline format, with Rocky himself acting as the slot’s wild. The standout moment arrives in the bonus round, where a title bout pits the Italian Stallion against rivals such as Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago. The film clips that are included add authenticity, so even a short session feels like a mini training montage.
Undisputed
Undisputed, which has been developed by Sheffield’s Steel City Interactive, is the most authentic boxing game to have been released in years. It features licensed fighters, detailed stamina management and a punch system that will reward players’ patience and decision-making. Playing as a heavyweight, you quickly learn why timing and distance matter so much, which is precisely what will make Fury vs Joshua such an enthralling watch. There’s also an online mode where players can throw it down.
Fisticuffs
NetEnt’s Fisticuffs takes a lighter and more playful approach. The game itself places you right by the canvas, with a cheering crowd and a boxing ring framing the reels. The colourful symbols give the game plenty of personality, and it makes for a relaxed contrast to the heavier drama of other slots such as Rocky. It’s a game that is quick to pick up, and you can dip in and out whenever you feel like it.
Fight Night Champion
EA’s Fight Night may now be well over 15 years old, but it’s a boxing game that remains a favourite for good reason. Its story-driven Champion Mode follows a fighter named Andre Bishop from prison yard to title shot, with a gritty tone that sets it apart from other sports games. The Full Spectrum Punch Control system lets you throw shots with the right stick, which still feels wonderfully tactile today. It’s a game that suits anyone who loves the narrative side of boxing as much as the action.
Punch-Out!!
Finally, another trip back in time. Nintendo’s Punch-Out!! has Little Mac climbing the ranks against a gallery of eccentric opponents, each with tells you must first learn and then exploit. It is simple, charming and fiendishly hard, a reminder that boxing is as much about spotting patterns as landing power shots. Few games out there are better for a quick burst of fight-night energy than this one.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer to spin the reels of a slot or pick up a controller, each of the games above brings something different to the build-up of the much-anticipated Fury vs Joshua bout. With so much variety on offer, it could even be a good idea to mix them up; then you’ll get to appreciate all elements of boxing gaming, as well as what the sport is about, from landing big shots to strategy.
