The 7 Biggest Upsets in Heavyweight Boxing Have Been Ranked

• Boxing is a sport where one punch can change everything, and over the years, the heavyweight division has seen its fair share of upsets
• These moments leave fans surprised, as underdogs defy the odds to topple champions in fights that become legendary
• YEN.com.gh has decided to take a look at some of the most memorable upsets in heavyweight boxing history

Boxing has a long history of unexpected moments and shocking upsets that have left fans astonished.

Time and again, underdogs have defied the odds, landing decisive punches that altered the course of boxing history.

Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua to retain his IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium. Photo by Richard Pelham.
Source: UGC

These legendary bouts, driven by strategy, mental fortitude, physical readiness, and a touch of luck, have become the cornerstone of boxing lore.

Legit.ng looks at seven of the biggest heavyweight upsets.

7. Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua (2019)

In what is often regarded as one of the most shocking upsets of modern boxing, Andy Ruiz Jr. stepped in as a last-minute replacement to fight Anthony Joshua, the reigning WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion.

Ruiz, who was widely underestimated due to his unassuming physique, stunned the world by knocking Joshua down four times before securing a 7th-round stoppage.

The defeat was Joshua’s first professional loss, and it shook the boxing world. Joshua would later avenge his loss in a rematch, reclaiming his belts, but the shock of the first fight remains.

6. Muhammad Ali Defeats George Foreman (1974)

In the famous "Rumble in the Jungle," Muhammad Ali, the underdog, outsmarted undefeated powerhouse George Foreman.

Ali's "rope-a-dope" strategy saw him absorb Foreman’s punches on the ropes until the champion tired.

Then, Ali launched a flurry of punches that sent Foreman to the canvas, solidifying Ali's legacy as one of the greatest boxers ever.

5. Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois (2024)

Anthony Joshua’s career has seen both triumphs and setbacks, but his 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois ranks as one of the most unexpected.

Dubois, a heavy-hitting 27-year-old, challenged Joshua for the IBF heavyweight title vacated by Oleksandr Usyk.

Despite Joshua’s experience and pedigree, Dubois overwhelmed him, delivering a brutal knockout in the 5th round, per DAZN.

The victory catapulted Dubois into the spotlight and left Joshua’s future in the heavyweight division in question.

4. Hasim Rahman beats Lennox Lewis (2001)

Rahman’s knockout victory over the highly favored Lennox Lewis shocked the boxing world.

A perfectly timed right hand ended Lewis' reign, creating one of the sport's most unexpected upsets.

Although Lewis reclaimed his title in a rematch, the loss marked a significant blemish on his record.

3. Evander Holyfield Overcomes Mike Tyson (1996)

Though Mike Tyson was a feared name in the ring, Evander Holyfield pulled off a strategic masterpiece, dominating the fight and ultimately winning via TKO in the 11th round.

This upset sent shockwaves through the sport and set up their infamous rematch, in which Tyson bit a chunk of Holyfield’s ear.

2. Cassius Clay Defeats Sonny Liston (1964)

Cassius Clay, soon to be known as Muhammad Ali, shocked the world by defeating reigning champion Sonny Liston.

Despite being inexperienced and considered an underdog, Clay’s speed and footwork frustrated Liston, who failed to return for the 7th round. Clay famously declared, "I’m the greatest," after his victory.

1. Buster Douglas Upsets Mike Tyson (1990)

In what is still regarded as the biggest upset in boxing history, Buster Douglas defeated undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

Douglas’ resilience and grit paid off when he knocked Tyson out in the 10th round, a moment that changed both their careers forever.

Tyson later claimed the loss was a result of a conspiracy involving promoter Don King and the referee, but Douglas' victory remains a defining moment in boxing history.

Dubois urged to step up after beating Joshua

Fresh off his brutal KO win over former two-time heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, reigning IBF boss Daniel Dubois has been tipped to become one of the great boxers in the current generation.

Legit.ng reported that Dubois retained the IBF world heavyweight title, which he claimed after Usyk vacated it in June, with a crushing fifth-round knockout at Wembley, propelling him into the boxing elite.

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Source: YEN.com.gh