Remembering The Boxers Who Stepped Into the Wrestling Arena – Over the years, we’ve seen recognizable faces from other sports get involved in the world of wrestling. Boxing, in particular, has seen a number of fighters step into the wrestling arena. In more recent times, Tyson Fury has been featured in big events on the calendar, with the skilled heavyweight suggesting that the sport of boxing is far easier than WWE. Fury isn’t the only familiar face from the boxing sphere who has crossed over, though.
In fact, in the last 30 years or so, the loose relationship between both sports has resulted in a number of boxers getting involved in some WWE action. After all, numerous wrestlers have boxed in their lives, while fans of wrestling tend to enjoy boxing, perhaps by watching the big fights, attending the biggest events in the flesh, and indulging in some boxing betting. As such, boxers have generally always been welcomed into the wrestling category of entertainment, particularly as their presence brings more eyes to the promotion.
From taking part in some fight-based action, to refereeing a match-up in a comical manner, boxers have more than played their part in wrestling’s entertaining offering over the years. So, without further ado, let’s remember some of the most famous boxers who stepped into the squared circle and successfully crossed over to the world of professional wrestling for a short while.
Buster Douglas
The man behind one of the biggest upsets in sporting history, Buster Douglas, is a legendary boxer that many more senior fans of the sport will always remember. After seeing off Mike Tyson in unbelievable fashion, Douglas’ stock immediately rose. As a result of his new-found fame, the WWE pounced on their man and managed to secure his services for an unforgettable bout between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage on The Main Event III. Douglas wasn’t fighting, though, with Tyson’s destroyer refereeing the match, although he did manage to deliver a knockout punch to Hogan after the most popular wrestler of the 1980s continually complained about his decisions.
Ricky Hatton
An all-action boxer who was always on the offensive, Ricky Hatton showcased his aggressive style in a short clip with Chavo Guerrero and the Bella Twins. In the segment, the British fighter wins both a darts game and a hilarious brawl against Guerrero, a funny installment that was welcomed by both boxing fans and wrestling fanatics at the time. Ricky Hatton helped to bring more attention to the wrestling sphere, with his cameo being well received on the whole.
Butterbean
A boxer who wasn’t taken too seriously given his size, there’s no denying that Butterbean was a likable fighter whom boxing fans simply couldn’t wait to see in action. It came as no surprise then when the WWE turned to the plus-sized fighter to take part in two matches. Butterbean’s transition over to the WWE sphere could’ve lasted even longer, but a return to boxing was always on the cards. Still, he certainly didn’t disgrace himself, knocking out Bart Gunn at WrestleMania 15 in a shoot boxing match and then seeing off Marc Mero via DQ in a Toughman Match. Butterbean certainly had a unique career.
Lennox Lewis
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Legendary British heavyweight Lennox Lewis was welcomed into the ring when the iconic match between Bret Hart and Davey Boy Smith for the Intercontinental Championship took place in London in 1992. The main event for Summerslam was a memorable one, as fans packed into London’s Wembley Stadium and saw their beloved heavyweight accompany Smith for such a massive event. The two British personalities created an atmosphere like no other, as the UK fans enjoyed seeing two favorites join forces for such a memorable occasion.
Muhammad Ali
Widely regarded as the greatest boxer ever, Muhammad Ali’s charisma and likable personality made him the perfect candidate to jump over to wrestling on a few occasions. Ali was a global star, so the WWE did incredibly well to tempt him over. It was certainly a successful crossover, with Ali being the guest enforcer and backup referee in the iconic fight between Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. The occasion, which was the first WrestleMania main event, was probably Ali’s highlight in the wrestling category, although he did also take part in a draw against Antonio Inoki in Japan.
Evander Holyfield
Yet another icon from the sport of boxing to jump over to wrestling, Evander Holyfield’s name was almost everywhere when he was in the prime of his career. As such, it came as no surprise to see the Alabama-born fighter also entertain WWE audiences. Holyfield played an integral role in an episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event for the Matt Hardy vs MVP storyline. Holyfield put Hardy to sleep, but with the wrestling encounter eventually being put on hold, Holyfield ended up knocking out MVP in spectacular fashion following his criticism. It was a great spectacle.
Mike Tyson
One of boxing’s most interesting personalities, whom the vast majority of fighters feared immensely, Mike Tyson, has been involved in numerous events on the wrestling calendar. From getting into an altercation with Steve Austin to teaming up with D-Generation X and being the guest enforcer for WrestleMania 14’s main event, Tyson was always well-received and knew how to put on a show. His intimidating appearance and aggressive personality created unmissable moments. This was perhaps best illustrated when he delivered a devastating knockout punch to Chris Jericho. Tyson’s best moments in the WWE will be debated for decades, but the much-loved fighter certainly made an impression when he was involved.
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Remembering The Boxers Who Stepped Into the Wrestling Arena
