Let us take you back in time to witness the raw power, determination, and grit of the sport of boxing. The golden age of boxing, spanning from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, was a period that defined legends that captivated the entire world. These photos capture the intensity in the ring and the unforgettable moments that changed the sport for good. We hope you’re ready to see some of the baddest men on the planet because we’re here to share them with you.
Here are 19 photos that define the golden age of boxing.
1. Former Golden Gloves boxer, Billy Joel, 1978.
As a teenager, the “Piano Man” trained as an amateur boxer and even competed in Golden Gloves tournaments. However, his time in the sport was short-lived—after breaking his nose in a match, he decided to hang up the gloves and focus on music instead.
2. The infamous Muhammad Ali photo.
One of the most iconic sports photos of all time, the image of Muhammad Ali standing over a fallen Sonny Liston on May 25, 1965, perfectly captures Ali’s dominance and swagger. Taken by photographer Neil Leifer during their rematch in Lewiston, Maine, the shot shows Ali towering over Liston, fists clenched, shouting, “Get up and fight, sucker!” Liston had been floored by what became known as the “phantom punch”—a quick right hand that many debated whether it truly landed with knockout force
3. George Foreman defeats Joe Frazier, 1973.
On January 22, 1973, George Foreman shocked the boxing world by demolishing Joe Frazier to win the heavyweight championship. The fight, held in Kingston, Jamaica, saw Foreman dominate from the opening bell, knocking Frazier down six times in just two rounds before the referee stopped the fight.
With Howard Cosell’s famous call—“Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!”—echoing through history, Foreman’s victory cemented his reputation as one of the most powerful punchers of all time and ushered in a new era in the heavyweight division.
4. Joe Frazier with his legendary trainer, Eddie Futch.
Eddie Futch was one of the greatest boxing trainers of all time, shaping the careers of legends like Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, and Larry Holmes. Known for his strategic brilliance, Futch was the mastermind behind Frazier’s victory over Muhammad Ali in the “Fight of the Century” and Norton’s shocking upset of Ali. Perhaps most famously, he made the call to stop the brutal “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975, saving Frazier from further punishment.
With over 20 world champions under his guidance, Futch’s influence on the sport remains unparalleled.
5. Tina Turner jumping rope with Ken Norton, 1977.
6. Michael Spinks doesn’t get enough credit.
7. Elizabeth Taylor, terrified at a boxing match.
8. Have you ever seen fists like Rocky Marciano’s?
Those things really do look like ham hocks.
9. Roberto Duran celebrated like no other.
10. Muhammed Ali, age 12, wanted to box because a clown stole his bike.
11. Tommy The Hit-Man Hearns, ladies and gentlemen.
12. Is it possible that Mike Weaver was all natural?
13. Muhammed Ali after being sentenced to five years.
Muhammad Ali was sentenced to 5 years in prison and fined $10,000 for refusing the Vietnam draft in 1967. However, he appealed his conviction to the Supreme Court in the case Clay v. United States, which saw his conviction overturned in 1971.
14. Mancini defeats Deuk Koo Kim in 1982.
15. Pernell Whitaker looks like he’s doing the limbo.
16. That was a close call for Tyrell Biggs.
17. Rene Jacquot shocked the world after beating Donald Curry.
18. Those little boys are Dave Chappelle and his brother with Ali.
19. Roy Jones Jr. after losing a terrible split decision.
