What are the super fights that never happened in boxing?

In the world of boxing, the biggest fights draw in the most attention from the public. When two of the biggest names in the sport face off in the ring, the anticipation and excitement can be felt far and wide. Unfortunately, over the years, there have been several “super fights” that never actually came to fruition. From Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier to Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., here are some of the most anticipated unfulfilled boxing super fights of all time.

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier

This was one of the most highly anticipated fights in boxing history. In 1971, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier were the two biggest names in the sport and they were set to face off in the ring. However, the fight was cancelled at the last minute due to Ali’s refusal to enter the military draft. After the cancellation, the two fighters went on to have three legendary battles, but it was a shame that the original super fight between them never happened.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

This was a fight that was years in the making. From 2009 to 2015, fans were eagerly awaiting the showdown between the two greatest boxers of their generation. Unfortunately, the fight never happened due to a disagreement between the two fighters over the purse split and drug testing protocols. As of 2021, both fighters are retired and the much-anticipated fight will likely never happen.

Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis

In 2002, this was another fight that had the potential to be a classic. Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and Lennox Lewis was the lineal heavyweight champion. Both fighters were at the peak of their powers and the fight was going to be a clash of the titans. However, the fight was cancelled due to a disagreement over the purse split and other contractual issues. It’s a shame that fans never got to see this fight as it could have been one of the greatest in boxing history.

The boxing landscape is full of potential super fights that never came to be due to a variety of factors. From fighter rivalries to financial disputes, there have been many dream fights that never reached the public. Here, we take a look at five of the greatest potential super fights that never came to be.

Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the two most feared boxers in the world were Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. Both had the power, skill, and ferocity to dominate the heavyweight division, and a fight between the two would have been an epic clash of titans. Unfortunately, Tyson's career went off the rails shortly after he lost the title in 1990, and Jones Jr. moved up in weight class, making a fight between the two impossible.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

This was a fight that was talked about for years, and was finally made in 2007. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out to be the blockbuster fight that fans had hoped for. Mayweather Jr. dominated the fight and won by a lopsided decision. Still, the fight could have been much more exciting had it come to fruition earlier in both fighters' careers.

Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman

This was a fight that was talked about for years, but never actually took place. Ali and Foreman were two of the greatest heavyweights of all time, and a fight between the two would have been a historic event. Unfortunately, Foreman retired after his loss to Ali in 1974, and the fight was never made.

Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Marvin Hagler

This was a fight that had the potential to be one of the greatest of all time. Both fighters had the skill and speed to make for an amazing match-up. Unfortunately, the fight never materialized due to financial disputes. Leonard and Hagler were unable to come to an agreement, and the fight never took place.

Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Rocky Marciano

This was a fight that had the potential to be an all-time classic. Robinson was the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time, and Marciano was the undefeated heavyweight champion. Unfortunately, the fight never happened due to Marciano's retirement in 1956, and Robinson's death in 1989.