We take a look at the top 10 biggest comebacks in boxing history.
Ricky Hatton’s recent announcement that, at 46 years old, he will fight again after a 14-year absence from the ring is further proof of boxing’s addictive nature.
‘The Hitman’ will box in Dubai for the first time in his career on December 2nd against the ‘Arabian Warrior’, fellow 46-year-old Eisa Aldah.
Hatton joins former opponent and multi-weight legend Manny Pacquiao in dusting off the gloves and returning to the ring in a bid to roll back the years. Pacquiao, also 46, faces a far tougher assignment when he takes on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19th in Las Vegas.
Boxing has a long history of fighters with itchy knuckles who miss the buzz, the adrenaline, and the relevance the sport gives them. They’re certainly not the first, and won’t be the last. But which are the 10 greatest comebacks of all time?
No.1 - Muhammad Ali
Ali was given no choice but to walk away from professional prizefighting when he was stripped of his heavyweight titles in 1967 for refusing to be drafted into the military to fight in the Vietnam War.
'The Greatest’ returned on October 26, 1970, to face ‘Irish’ Jerry Quarry. Rusty but still sharp, Ali’s hand speed and accuracy helped him stop Quarry on cuts in round three.
No.2 - George Foreman
Boxing was replaced by preaching when Foreman said goodbye to the golden era of the 1970s, walking away after being floored and defeated by Jimmy Young in 1977. Ten years later, Foreman needed money. His grilling empire was still seven years away, but ‘Big George’ had children to provide for.
Few predicted he would shock the world by becoming heavyweight champion again at 45, knocking out Michael Moorer in one of the sport’s most iconic moments.
No.3 - Sugar Rey Leonard
Leonard’s career appeared over when a detached retina forced him into retirement in October 1982. Two years later, rumours swirled that the former undisputed welterweight champion was eyeing a move to middleweight to face Marvin Hagler. Leonard returned in Hagler’s backyard to beat an overmatched Kevin Howard.
He claimed he needed two years to prepare for Hagler, and, in April 1987, he proved it, defeating the feared champion in a razor-thin decision.
No.4 - Larry Holmes
Possessing one of the greatest jabs ever seen, Holmes dominated the heavyweight scene in the wake of Ali’s decline. His reign ended controversially with back-to-back losses to Michael Spinks, and he retired in 1986. But a tempting offer lured him back to face Mike Tyson in 1988.
He was cannon fodder for ‘Iron’ Mike that night, but later redeemed himself with an impressive win over contender Ray Mercer.
No.5 - Sugar Ray Robinson
After losing his bid for the world light-heavyweight title against Joey Maxim, the man widely regarded as the G.O.A.T. temporarily walked away from boxing. That brutal bout, contested in over 100-degree heat, left Robinson physically spent. He retired in 1952 but, while sitting in a Paris church the following summer, felt the fire again.
Six wins and one loss later, he became world middleweight champion, defeating Carl “Bobo” Olson for the third time.
No.6 - Floyd Mayweather Jr
Beating Ricky Hatton in 2007 seemed the perfect way for Mayweather to bow out. But when there’s money on the table, Floyd is never far away.
Two years later, ‘Money’ Mayweather returned and outclassed everyone in his path, barely losing a round across his final 11 fights.
No.7 - Evander Holyfield
If you’re suffering from heart problems, continuing to box probably isn’t wise. Holyfield heeded medical advice and retired in 1994. But the former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion couldn’t say no to a third fight with Riddick Bowe just a year later.
His crowning glory came in 1996, when he handled Mike Tyson’s bullying tactics and relentlessly wore him down, stopping the former champ to become a three-time heavyweight king.
No.8 - Tyson Fury
The ‘Gypsy King’ spiralled out of control after outclassing and dethroning Wladimir Klitschko to become lineal heavyweight champion in 2015. Weight gain and destructive habits followed, and Fury’s life was soon in freefall.
Promoter Frank Warren helped bring him back from the brink, and five years later (February 2020) he was better than ever, bulldozing WBC champion Deontay Wilder into submission.
No.9 - Vitali Klitschko
After beating up Danny Williams, the heavyweight division breathed a sigh of relief when ‘Dr Ironfist’ retired due to persistent injuries.
Almost four years later, he returned and bludgeoned his way through another 10 opponents during a dominant second reign as world champion.
No.10 - Erik Morales
After defeating Manny Pacquiao in 2005, ‘El Terrible’s’ career nose-dived with four consecutive defeats. Two to Pacquiao and upset losses to Zahir Raheem and David Diaz.
He retired, but three years later, a refreshed Morales enjoyed an Indian summer. He returned to give young guns Marcos Maidana and Danny Garcia a serious run for their money.
