BOXING
The top 10 most watched boxing matches ever
With the money in boxing bigger than ever, we wondered if that translated to audience, so we took a look at the biggest audiences ever in boxing history.
Boxing has long captivated audiences with its high-stakes bouts and unforgettable rivalries. Pay-per-view broadcasts have often been the battleground for such events, drawing millions of viewers from across the globe. Among the most-watched matches, Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson stand out for their consistent ability to attract record-breaking audiences.
At the very top is the much-hyped “Fight of the Century” between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2015. With 4.6 million PPV buys and $410 million in revenue, it remains the most-watched boxing match ever. Years of build-up and contract negotiations added to the drama, although some fans felt let down by Mayweather’s defensive tactics, which earned him a unanimous decision victory.
In 2017, Mayweather stepped back into the ring to face UFC champion Conor McGregor. The clash of sports generated 4.3 million PPV buys. Their global press tour and heated exchanges made this bout a crossover spectacle, despite McGregor’s relative inexperience in boxing. Mayweather ultimately secured a win by TKO in the 10th round, enhancing his legacy as the king of the PPV era.
Mayweather’s appeal extended beyond these mega-events. His 2007 split-decision victory over Oscar De La Hoya pulled in 2.44 million buys, making it the third-most-watched bout. The flashy buildup, rivalry, and De La Hoya’s popularity helped make this fight iconic.
Mike Tyson’s star power dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s. His rematch with Evander Holyfield in 1997 drew in 1.99 million buys, primarily remembered for Tyson’s infamous ear-biting incident. Tyson’s fights with Lennox Lewis and his return bout against Peter McNeeley after serving time in prison also garnered millions of views, underscoring his magnetic appeal.
| Rank | Date | Matchup | Winner | PPV buys (US only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 2, 2015 | Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao | Mayweather (Unanimous decision) | 4.6 million |
| 2 | August 26, 2017 | Floyd Mayweather vs Connor McGregor | Mayweather (TKO) | 4.3 million |
| 3 | May 5, 2007 | Floyd Mayweather vs Oscar De La Hoya | Mayweather (Split decision) | 2.44 million |
| 4 | September 14, 2013 | Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez | Mayweather (Majority decision) | 2.2 million |
| 5 | June 28, 1997 | Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield II | Holyfield (DQ) | 1.99 million |
| 6 | June 8, 2002 | Mike Tyson vs Lennox Lewis | Lewis (KO) | 1.97 million |
| 7 | November 28, 2020 | Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. | Split draw | 1.6 million |
| 8 | November 9, 1996 | Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield I | Holyfield (KO) | 1.59 million |
| 9 | August 19, 1995 | Mike Tyson vs Peter McNeely | Tyson (DQ) | 1.55 million |
| 10 | May 5, 2012 | Floyd Mayweather vs Miguel Cotto | Mayweather (Unanimous decision) | 1.5 million |
Recent years have seen fewer boxers consistently breaking the PPV ceiling, with a greater reliance on celebrity bouts and spectacle-driven promotions. However, the past shows that with the right rivalry and hype, boxing can still hold its own on the world stage.
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