3 Famous Boxing Matches Believed to Have Been Rigged

Boxing has seen its fair share of controversy over the years. Among the most controversial issues are the allegations of rigged matches, where the outcomes are believed to have been manipulated for various reasons.

A huge financial gain is always a key motivation for these allegations, but while these suspicions cast a shadow over the sport, they also add an intriguing layer of mystery and debate among fans and analysts. Was the knockout arranged or simply an impressive sports feat?

Sonny Liston vs. Muhammad Ali Rematch (1965)

The 1965 rematch between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) is one of the most controversial bouts in boxing history. Many, including the FBI, believe it was rigged. While the proof remains elusive, it’s hard to dismiss the many circumstances and the poor match itself.

The fight ended in the first round with what has been famously dubbed the “phantom punch,” a seemingly light blow from Ali that sent Liston straight to the canvas. Truth be told, it looked more like a pat on the cheek than a force-packed punch, which led to widespread speculation that Liston took a dive.

While it is possible that the punch was harder than it seemed, a few indisputable circumstances heighten suspicion.

Firstly, Liston’s connections to organized crime raised suspicions. It was widely known that Liston had ties to several mob figures, leading some to speculate that he was coerced into losing the fight to settle debts or avoid retribution. The mob’s influence in boxing during that era was significant, adding credibility to these theories. While this was before the era of online sports betting sites like these, the financial gains from betting were huge.

Secondly, the circumstances surrounding the fight were unusual. The bout took place in a small venue in Lewiston, Maine, far from the major boxing hubs. The location choice and the chaotic atmosphere, including the confusion over whether the fight had actually ended, added to the sense of something being amiss.

Lastly, Liston’s behavior in the ring and his subsequent actions were uncharacteristic. Known for his toughness and resilience, Liston’s quick fall and lack of effort to get up seemed out of place. His later admission that he feared for his life if he won the fight further fueled the rigging rumors.

Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas (1990)

The 1990 fight between Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas is surrounded by speculation and controversy. Even Mike Tyson claimed the match, as well as other matches in his career, was rigged with a partial referee.

Tyson, the undefeated heavyweight champion, was a 42-1 favorite against Douglas, who was considered an underdog with close to no chance of winning. However, Douglas’s stunning knockout victory in the tenth round shocked the boxing world and led to various conspiracy theories, many of which were based on the fight dynamics.

In the eighth round, Tyson knocked Douglas down, but the referee’s slow count allowed him to recover. However, during the final knockout, Tyson managed to get back up on his feet by the nine-count but was refused to continue by the referee.

Additionally, unusual circumstances led up to the fight. Tyson’s camp was reportedly in disarray, with stories of his lack of training, personal issues, and overconfidence. Some believe that these factors were exaggerated or manipulated to create a scenario where a loss could occur, thereby generating massive betting interest. The financial stakes were enormous. Not only would a dramatic upset generate significant revenue from betting, but it could potentially set up rematch possibilities for further gains and increase public interest. The unexpected outcome led to substantial winnings for those who bet on Douglas, further fuelling rigging rumors.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor (2017)

The iconic fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor in 2017 has caught attention for reasons different from the two above. The outcome didn’t come as a big surprise. However, the unexpected matchup did, due to the fighters being champions in two different sports.

Mayweather, an undefeated, retired boxing champion, faced McGregor, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter with no professional boxing experience. While no sane man wants to meet McGregor in any ring, it’s inarguable that Mayweather had an unfair advantage.

The fight was called “The Money Fight” for a reason: the financial stakes were enormous. The fight alone generated a massive $600 million in revenue, and experts estimate more than $85 million in bets. Both fighters also stood to gain significantly, with Mayweather reportedly earning around $300 million and McGregor approximately $100 million.

To top it off, the fight itself raised some eyebrows. Mayweather, known for his defensive style, appeared to adopt a more aggressive approach, allowing McGregor to land punches and stay competitive in the early rounds. While McGregor was visibly fatigued from round 4, he lasted until the 10th round, when the referee called it off. Many argue that Mayweather easily could have finished the match earlier but was prolonging the fight to entertain the audience and justify the high pay-per-view costs.

While there is no concrete evidence to prove the fight was rigged, the financial motivations are enough to cause suspicion. Many believe it to be nothing but a spectacle designed to generate massive revenue rather than a legitimate sports contest.