Top 10 Most Watched PPV Fights of All-Time
Top 10 Most Watched PPV Fights of All-Time
By Arslan Saleem 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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