A flashy ring entrance can often be more entertaining than the fight itself. While no hypebeast can save a hype job, a boxer’s outfit can incite their opponent or excite their fans. From the outrageous and ridiculous to the downright offensive, these are the craziest things boxers have worn to ring.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya (May 5, 2007)
Featuring a culturally appropriating ensemble that would make Scarlett Johansson blush, Floyd Mayweather came to this Cinco de Mayo dream fight (vs. Oscar De La Hoya) dripping in Mexican flag shorts and an oversized sombrero. Fans of the “Golden Boy” needed every tequila shot on “Drinko de Mayo” as “Money” Mayweather outpointed De La Hoya in a split decision.
Deontay Wilder vs. Dominic Breazeale (May 18, 2019)
Deontay Wilder, looking like the world’s scariest “Game of Thrones” cosplayer, got all dressed up for a short night’s worth of work, knocking out Breazeale in the first round.
Hector Camacho vs. Sugar Ray Leonard (March 1, 1997)
Dressed like a Trojan, Hector Camacho penetrated Sugar Ray Leonard’s legendary defense, KOing the all-time great in five rounds, sending the all-time great for the fifth and final time.
Rod Salka vs. Francisco Vargas (April 12, 2018)
Hoping to trump his Mexican opponent, Rod Salka wore “America 1st” shorts with a border wall design. A proud Republican, “Lightning” Rod ran for the Pennsylvania state office in 2016, losing in decisive fashion. He didn’t do any better against Vargas, retiring in his corner after the sixth round.
Sharif Bogre (numerous fights)
Ugandan lightweight Sharif Bogre’s schtick is coming to the ring dressed as a caged lion carried by several bare-chested bodybuilders. Don’t tell PETA, but according to Yahoo Sports, the pelt is real.
Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano (May 24, 2008)
In an Andy Ruiz-sized fat suit, Ricky Hatton silenced his fat shamers who criticized him for ballooning in weight following his first career loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Despite being visibly hurt by his Mexican opponent twice, Hatton held on to beat Juan Lazcano in a unanimous decision.
