(AUG 21) Boxing is one of many sports that
translates perfectly over to the gaming category of
entertainment. As such, we’ve been exposed to some beloved
boxing releases, many of which have been enjoyed by more senior
female fans in the 1980s and 1990s.
However, for women's boxing fanatics, it's
worth noting that female fighters weren't featured in
yesteryear's releases for numerous reasons. Still, despite their
absence, these fun-filled games provided many of today's fight
fans with a glimpse into the sport.
Boxing games aren’t as prevalent in 2026
While there are some undeniable
masterpieces associated with the boxing genre, overall, there is
a clear shortage of options in 2026. This has left many admirers
of the sweet science pining for the good old days of boxing
gaming. Sure, titles like Undisputed and Fight Night Champion
have their merits, but they’re far from perfect.
Sadly, boxing games are therefore falling
down the pecking order. They can’t compete with other sporting
games, such as EA Sports FC 26, while they’re lagging behind
other prominent gaming releases from alternative categories, be
it popular casino options like
Double Bubble game or gun-filled favourites like Call of
Duty: Black Ops 7.
With all that in mind, it feels like the
perfect time to remember some of yesteryear’s finest boxing
games, many of which featured some of the sport’s biggest
icons.
Knockout Kings (1998 onwards)
Most gamers associate EA’s foray into the
boxing sphere with Fight Night, but it actually all started with
Knockout Kings in 1998. Accessible on PlayStation and the
Nintendo 64 at the time of its release, the game contained
boxing royalty,
including Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. While the title
had its issues, particularly around its clunkiness, it was the
start of something special. In fact, it paved the way for future
instalments, such as Knockout Kings 2000, with many boxing
gamers viewing this particular version as one of the finest
boxing releases ever made.
Mike
Tyson’s Punch Out (1987)
A popular title to session when it arrived
in 1987, Mike Tyson’s Punch Out featured one of the sport’s most
fearsome fighters. With
Iron Mike himself as the game’s last boss to defeat, this
classic NES product was almost impossible to avoid at the time.
Taking on the role of Mac, a youngster from the Bronx with plans
to make it to the very top of boxing, the eventual aim is to see
off Tyson in the game’s ultimate final clash. While it isn’t the
most authentic boxing game we’ve ever seen, Mike Tyson’s Punch
Out was certainly memorable.
Prime
Time Fighter (1993)
If you
frequented arcades in the 1990s, then you might’ve seen Prime
Time Fighter before. This much-loved 2D arcade boxing release
came to the fore in 1993 and boasted a range of standout
features. For instance, gamers adored its Street Fighter-esque
look and feel, while its fighting mechanics were arguably ahead
of its time. With dangerous playable fighters like Tamshing
Vaortao and Shouichi Kanou on offer, Prime Time Fighter was a
brilliant title.
The
Final Round (1988)
Last up is The
Final Round, a boxing favourite from 1988 that many people today
still regard as Konami’s most successful attempt at releasing a
boxing video game. With tense three-round bouts on offer, all
with the aim of reaching the summit of the KBA rankings, the
feast of virtual boxing available in The Final Round was
exceptional.
