Top 10 Most Watched PPV Fights of All-Time

By Edcel Panganiban April 14, 2024 12:31

Pay-per-view (PPV) boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) have been an integral part of combat sports for decades, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide and generating substantial revenue.

Throughout the years, several historic fights have garnered immense viewership and revenue, solidifying their place as the most watched PPV fights of all time.

Here, we delve into the top 10 most-watched PPV fights, providing a comprehensive analysis of each monumental event.

1. Mayweather vs Pacquiao: Fight of the Century

Date: May 2, 2015
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 4.6 million
Winner: Mayweather via unanimous decision

The much-anticipated showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao became an unprecedented spectacle, drawing a staggering 4.6 million PPV buys.

Mayweather's defensive prowess ultimately secured him a victory through a unanimous decision, cementing this bout as one of the most watched and financially successful fights in boxing history.

2. Mayweather vs McGregor: The Money Fight

Date: August 26, 2017
Location: T-Mobile Arena
PPV buys: 4.3 million
Winner: Mayweather via TKO in round 10

The unconventional collision between boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and MMA superstar Conor McGregor captivated the world, resulting in 4.3 million PPV buys.

Despite the initial skepticism surrounding the match-up, the event proved to be a commercial triumph, with Mayweather emerging victorious via a 10th-round TKO.

3. Mayweather vs De La Hoya: The World Awaits

Date: May 5, 2007
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 2.44 million
Winner: Mayweather via split decision

In a highly-anticipated encounter, Floyd Mayweather clashed with Oscar De La Hoya, drawing an impressive 2.44 million PPV buys.

The bout showcased the technical prowess of both fighters, culminating in Mayweather claiming a victory via a split decision, further solidifying his status as a PPV powerhouse.

4. Mayweather vs Canelo: The One

Date: September 14, 2013
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 2.2 million
Winner: Mayweather via majority decision

Floyd Mayweather's faceoff against the formidable Canelo Alvarez garnered 2.2 million PPV buys, marking it as one of the most-watched boxing events in history.

5. Tyson vs Holyfield 2: The Sound and the Fury

Date: June 28, 1997
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 1.99 million
Winner: Holyfield via disqualification

The infamous rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield captivated audiences, amassing 1.99 million PPV buys.

Despite the fight ending in controversy with Tyson's disqualification, it remains etched in history as one of the most-watched and talked-about boxing events of all time.

6. Lewis vs Tyson: Is On

Date: June 8, 2002
Location: Pyramid Arena
PPV buys: 1.97 million
Winner: Lewis via round 8 KO

The clash between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson garnered 1.97 million PPV buys, showcasing the enduring appeal of both fighters.

Lewis emerged victorious with a stunning 8th-round knockout, solidifying this event as one of the most lucrative and captivating fights in boxing history.

7. Tyson vs Holyfield: Finally

Date: November 9, 1996
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 1.59 million
Winner: Holyfield via round 11 KO

The initial encounter between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield garnered 1.59 million PPV buys, culminating in Holyfield's remarkable 11th-round knockout victory.

8. Tyson vs McNeeley: He's Back

Date: August 19, 1995
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 1.55 million
Winner: Tyson via round one DQ

Mike Tyson's return to the ring against Peter McNeeley resulted in 1.55 million PPV buys, signifying the immense anticipation surrounding Tyson's comeback.

The fight, which concluded with McNeeley's disqualification in the first round, stands as one of the most-watched and financially successful boxing events of its time.

9. Mayweather vs Cotto: Ring Kings

Date: May 5, 2012
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 1.5 million
Winner: Mayweather via unanimous decision

Floyd Mayweather's encounter with Miguel Cotto amassed 1.5 million PPV buys, underscoring the enduring allure of Mayweather's fights.

The event showcased Mayweather's technical mastery, resulting in a resounding unanimous decision victory and further solidifying his position as a PPV sensation.

10. Pacquiao vs Marquez 3: The 25th Round Begins

Date: November 12, 2011
Location: MGM Grand
PPV buys: 1.4 million
Winner: Pacquiao via split decision

The third installment of the enthralling rivalry between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez captivated viewers, garnering 1.4 million PPV buys.

The intense battle culminated in Pacquiao securing a victory via a split decision, etching this encounter as one of the most compelling and widely viewed fights in boxing history.

These monumental PPV fights have not only captivated audiences worldwide but have also redefined the commercial landscape of combat sports.

With record-breaking PPV buys and historic moments, these events have left an indelible mark on the history of boxing and MMA, showcasing the enduring allure and global impact of these sports.

As we reflect on these iconic encounters, it becomes evident that the allure of PPV fights extends beyond mere sporting events, transcending into cultural phenomena that continue to captivate audiences and reshape the landscape of combat sports.

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