The professional boxing schedule is interesting during the festive period. Promoters and managers aim to catch a share of the Christmas night-out crowd by hosting several exciting bills during the early exchanges of December. Over the years, we've seen some huge names cram in one final big fight before the end of the year, including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The fixture list then drops a little during the early exchanges of the new year before picking up again in February.
The 2024 professional boxing calendar is busy with eye-catching fixtures, and there's plenty for sports fans to look forward to in the coming weeks and months. The bout we all want to see within the next six months is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for the unified world heavyweight championship. If the Englishman and Ukrainian do share a ring, it will give the sport something it hasn't had for too long: one universally recognized champion in the top weight category.
At present, the professional boxing schedule is much quieter than sports fans would like to see, but you can still enjoy the noble art. You can watch back old classics, look ahead to upcoming bouts, and get in early by making predictions at the best sports betting app in California. Another enjoyable way to get your boxing fix at this time of year is to purchase a boxing-themed game for a console.
Make the big fights happen
Don't wait for promoters, managers, and fighters to agree on deals; make the top bouts yourself and test the water. What would happen if Fury faced Uysk at their best? Take it to PlayStation or Xbox and test your theory. But where can you find the best boxing game? There are many to choose from, and finding the right one for you is a challenging feat. Do you go for a modern release or go back in time and rediscover an old classic you enjoyed in your younger years, like Knockout Kings?
When searching for a boxing game to purchase or download to your console, you'll quickly realize the noble art is less popular with game developers than it once was. Boxing fans certainly enjoy a different coverage than followers of football, soccer, or even MMA. There was once a time when you could count on at least one decent boxing title launched in time for Christmas, but things have changed. We're still trying to figure out why, but there hasn't been a good boxing game in a long time, forcing gamers to return to the classics.
Thankfully, this article is here to help, and our team of gamers and dedicated content writers walk you down memory lane. We have listed the best-selling boxing games available on the biggest consoles. Some are newer than others, and some are better than others, but we guarantee each title listed on this page will provide you with endless hours of entertainment.
Pair the best against the best or create a fighter and embark on career mode, working through the rankings as the hours race past. Keep reading as we list the boxing games worth playing, either for the first time or those worth revisiting.
EA Sports Fight Night series
The Fight Night series by EA Sports stands tall as the undisputed champion in the realm of boxing video games. From its debut to its final installment, this franchise revolutionized virtual boxing, delivering stunning graphics, intuitive controls, and immersive gameplay that made every jab, hook, and uppercut feel exhilaratingly realistic.
The Fight Night Round 3 game marked a turning point in the series with its exceptional graphics and intuitive controls, allowing players to experience the intensity of boxing like never before. The addition of the "Total Punch Control" system made every move feel authentic, earning it a place in the hearts of gamers.
Fight Night Champion is known for its compelling narrative-driven career mode; this installment took storytelling to new heights in a boxing game. It offered a gritty, immersive experience both inside and outside the ring, making it a standout among its predecessors.
Knockout Kings series
Before Fight Night took center stage, the Knockout Kings series was the heavyweight contender in the world of boxing video games. Developed by EA Sports, these games set the standard for boxing simulations, capturing the essence of the sport and providing players with a diverse roster of legendary boxers to choose from.
Knockout Kings is the original game in the series that introduced gamers to a world where they could step into the shoes of their favorite boxers and compete in iconic arenas. It laid the foundation for subsequent games, setting a high bar for realistic gameplay.
Knockout Kings 2000 was and always will be special. It holds a special place in the hearts of gamers and boxing lovers. This installment expanded on its predecessor, offering improved graphics and gameplay mechanics. With a vast roster of boxers from different eras, it allowed players to pit legends against each other in epic showdowns.
Others worth a mention
While the Fight Night and Knockout Kings series stole the spotlight, several other boxing games made significant impacts and found their place in the hearts of gamers.
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out is a classic Nintendo game that remains iconic to this day; Punch-Out introduced players to the world of arcade-style boxing. With its colorful characters and challenging gameplay, it remains a nostalgic favorite for many.
Who remembers Ready 2 Rumble Boxing? This game took a more arcade-style approach to boxing, featuring exaggerated characters with unique special moves. Its vibrant visuals and energetic gameplay made it a hit among gamers looking for a more lighthearted boxing experience.
Boxing by Vivid Games is lesser-known. In the mobile gaming sphere, Boxing by Vivid Games stands out. With its stunning graphics and intuitive controls, this mobile game brought the excitement of boxing to the palms of players' hands.
