The Biggest Boxing Matches to Ever Take Place in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known popularly as the Entertainment Capital thanks to its abundant casinos and entertainment options, one of which includes platincasino.com. It could also be called the boxing capital of the world, as the city has enjoyed hosting hundreds of marquee boxing matches. Practically every big name in boxing has taken a few rounds in a Las Vegas ring: Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, Bob Fitzsimmons, and many more of the highest profile names have fought in Sin City. The dazzling lights and unique atmosphere create an environment for boxing that is practically unrivaled, and with that distinction, many of the biggest matches in boxing history have taken place in Las Vegas, NV.

“Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns, 1981

Popularly marketed as “The Showdown,” this fight between “Sugar” Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns in 1981 was not just one of the biggest fights to happen in Las Vegas, but in boxing history as well. Unlike some other matches between big names, this match was one that lived up to the hype. The first few rounds were close, until the sixth round when “Sugar” Ray with a powerful counter left hand, clattered Hearns. The next round was even worse for Hearns, who was suffering a barrage of heavy attacks from his opponent. However, the fight did not end there. Hearns started to make his way back into the fight, and bit by bit, round by round, it seemed as if he might take the tie. Right before the final round, Leonard’s trainer famously shouted “You’re blowing it, son!” giving Leonard the last burst deal a crushing combo to Hearns, and thus winning the championship.

Riddick Bowe vs Evander Holyfield, 1992

Coming into this fight, which enjoyed a boost of popularity due to the rising adoption of heavyweight boxing as well as geopolitical boons such as the fall of communism and the liberation of Kuwait, the path had been laid for an epic showdown. The two men, who shared little in fighting style, were going toe to toe, with Bowe narrowly winning out round by round. Despite Holyfield’s best efforts at wearing Bowe down, Bowe continued tirelessly onward, matching Holyfield blow for blow, and was crowned victorious in what is now considered as one of the biggest matches in boxing history.

Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo

Unlike some of the other great boxing matches in history, this matchup was between two boxers of a similar profile and style. Neither backed down, launching devastating blow upon blow and receiving the same without letting up, even as Castillo’s eye began to bleed or Corrales’s eye began to swell shut. In the tenth round, Castillo laid a devastating blow to Corrales, and it seemed as if the fight was over. He managed to get up once more before getting knocked down again. The second time he rose, Corrales landed what he would later call the “perfect right hook,” knocking Castillo off his feet, and from there, Corrales took the upper hand. In an unbelievable fashion, Corrales had turned the fight on its head and won it all.

Even though most of the biggest boxing matches in Las Vegas were some years ago, the city continues to attract the biggest names in the game, and the future is certain to hold even bigger matchups.