The Top 6 Blood and Guts Boxing Warriors since 1970

Warriors

Not all of the boxers on this list are all-time greats. But, they were all-time action fighters!

6) Marvelous Marvin Hagler

Marvin Hagler was one of the greatest fighters ever. A legendary middleweight with an array of fighting techniques that often went underutilized due to his eagerness for brawling in the center of the ring.

Hagler’s most impressive battle came against fellow legend Thomas “Hitman” Hearns in 1985, an action-packed three-round fight where neither fighter was willing to back down from start to finish. It was thrilling from beginning to end!

Marvin Hagler vs Tommy Hearns Round 1 | GREATEST ROUND OF BOXING | ON THIS DAY

5) Micky Ward

Just hearing Micky Ward’s name brings back memories of one of boxing’s most exciting fighters ever seen on a fight card.

Ward was one of boxing’s enduring blood-and-guts warriors. Though never famous for his technical abilities, Ward was revered for his willingness to go head-to-head with anyone he came into the ring with.

Ward was known for his speed and power, both of which presented legitimate threats to opponents. Yet it was his tireless approach to offense that won him fans worldwide.

Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward I – Highlights (FIGHT of the Year)

4) Arturo Gatti

Micky Ward would likely agree: discussing him without Arturo “Thunder” Gatti is impossible. Together they made up two of the most dynamic blood-and-guts fighters in sports history.

Gatti was known to display incredible punching power early in his career and scored numerous knockouts within the first round – most within a minute! Although Gatti did possess boxing ability, he rarely relied on it; rather he often resorting to brawls whenever his opponents allowed it.

Gatti was not mentioned on any of the legendary pound-for-pound lists and wasn’t considered the top fighter at his weight division during his lifetime; indeed, his style was so flawed as to render him easily beatable.

Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward II – Highlights (BIG VENGEANCE)

3) Israel Vazquez

Hardcore boxing fans recognize Israel Vazquez even if casual viewers do not. His fights should not be missed, and we have YouTube to thank for helping us remember his epic wars in the ring.

Vazquez epitomized what many considered “Mexican machismo” on every occasion when he entered the battleground. Never one to stand down, he never stopped throwing punches and took on any punishment necessary to deliver them effectively – making him an unparalleled warrior on both sides of the border – something his fans loved him for!

If you have never witnessed “Magnifico” fight, now would be an opportune time to watch his quadrilogy with fellow Mexican, Rafael Marquez.

Vazquez vs. Marquez III: Round 12 | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 30th Anniversary

2) ) Roberto Duran

Roberto Duran is widely regarded as the greatest lightweight boxer of all time and one of the greatest punchers ever to step foot inside a ring. Dubbed “Manos de Piedra,” which translates to “Hands of Stone,” Duran had 70 knockouts out of 103 victories when he retired in 2001, an amazing display of power that is truly incredible.

Duran vs Leonard I | Brawl in Montreal | Great Fight Highlights 🎥✨

1) Matthew Saad Muhammad

Do you remember a boring Saad Muhammad fight? His wars were many and his most notable were his fights against Marvin Johnson and Yaqui Lopez. Saad was a very talented boxer, but often decided to stand and fight.

Don’t Let His Wide Smile Fool You!