Greatest Boxing Rivalries of the 21st Century | iVisit Boxing IVB

Written By Sugandan Balaji

Introduction

Boxing isn’t just about punches — it’s about personal stakes. When two fighters clash not just for belts, but for legacy, pride, and grudges, magic happens. The 21st century has delivered unforgettable rivalries that defined careers and reshaped the sport.

At iVisit Boxing (IVB), we celebrate these rivalries because they capture everything we stand for — intensity, storylines, and global fan energy. Here’s a look at the fiercest boxing rivalries since 2000.

1. Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Márquez (2004–2012)

  • Fights: 4 bouts

  • Result: Pacquiao 2 wins, Márquez 1 win, 1 draw

  • Why it matters: Styles make fights. Pacquiao’s volume vs Márquez’s counter-punching created edge-of-seat action.

  • Legacy moment: Márquez’s 2012 KO of Pacquiao is one of the most shocking knockouts in boxing history.

2. Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder (2018–2021)

  • Fights: 3 bouts

  • Result: Fury 2 wins, 1 draw

  • Why it matters: Clash of styles — Fury’s craft vs Wilder’s power. Their rivalry revived heavyweight boxing.

  • Legacy moment: Fury’s comeback from addiction to become lineal champ — topped off with a trilogy win.

3. Gennady Golovkin vs Canelo Álvarez (2017–2022)

  • Fights: 3 bouts

  • Result: 1 draw, 2 wins for Canelo

  • Why it matters: Middleweight supremacy between two generational greats.

  • Legacy moment: Controversial first draw and razor-thin decisions fueled debate for years.

4. Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano (2022– )

  • Fights: 1 (so far)

  • Why it matters: First women’s fight to headline Madison Square Garden. Elevated women’s boxing globally.

  • Legacy moment: Split decision win for Taylor in a historic war.

5. Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr. (2023)

  • Fights: 1 (as of now)

  • Why it matters: Finally unified welterweight division. Years in the making.

  • Legacy moment: Crawford’s masterclass in their 2023 bout shocked the world.

Honorable Mentions

  • Carl Froch vs George Groves (UK grudge match)

  • Vasyl Lomachenko vs Teofimo Lopez

  • Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito

  • Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev

IVB Take on Rivalries

At iVisit Boxing, rivalries fuel our events. Whether it’s London vs Manchester or Philly vs Brooklyn, we tap into hometown rivalries and fighter histories to electrify fight nights.

"A good rivalry sells tickets. A great one rewrites boxing history."

IVB Official:

Explore IVB and our events: https://ivb.co
Tickets in your city: https://ivb.co/tickets
Follow us: @ivisitboxing

Sources:

  • ESPN Boxing Archives

  • DAZN Fight Highlights

  • The Ring Magazine Rankings

  • Fight Hub TV Interviews & Recaps

Sugandan Balaji
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