Boxing is more than just punches and jabs, it’s an electrifying event that captivates fans from all walks of life. The moments leading up to a fight, the press conference, the weigh-ins and especially the ring walks, play a vital role in building excitement and anticipation. From the charismatic to the downright bizarre, here are some of the best boxing entrances that have left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
1. Prince Naseem’s Flying Carpet Extravaganza
Few boxers could command attention like Prince Naseem Hamed. He captivated the British fans. In an entrance that could only be described as magical, Hamed once made his way to the ring on a flying carpet. This stunt perfectly showcased his flamboyant persona and showmanship, cementing his reputation as one of the most unforgettable characters in the boxing world.
2. Mike Tyson DMX ring walk
Mike Tyson, known for his ferocity in the ring, (and sometimes out of it) often had equally fierce ring walks. One standout entrance was accompanied by the beats of DMX when he faced Francois Botha. The ring walk music was perfect for Tyson, the song was menacing which matched his aura of intensity. The combination of Tyson’s intimidating presence and DMX’s powerful Intro created an atmosphere of anticipation that sent shivers down the spines of his opponent and fans alike.
3. Ricky Hatton – “Fatton”
Ricky has always been a fan favourite, down to earth and says what he wants. Hatton notoriously balloons up after fights and in homage to it he came out in the “fat suit” against hall of famer Manny Pacquiao. He emerged from the dressing room wearing the fat suit, a playful nod to his underdog status, Hatton’s humorous entrance endeared him to the audience and showcased his ability to keep the atmosphere light even in high-stakes moments.
4. George Groves’ Double Decker Bus Arrival
George Groves’ entrance against Carl Froch turned heads and caught fans by surprise. As he made his way to the ring on a red double-decker bus, the symbolic red bus’s can be seen everywhere in London and the hometown fighter paraded this to all. The unconventional entrance added an extra layer of excitement to an already intense rivalry.
5. Klitschko featuring Foreman
When Wladimir Klitschko faced David Haye, the entrance was nothing short of epic, as are most ring walks with Klitschko often are. Accompanied by hall of famer George Foreman and “Can’t Stop” as his famous walk out music made this one of the most memorable ring walks. This will go down as one of the best ring walks of all time.
6. Tyson Fury – Gypsy king throne
Tyson Fury’s personality was on full display in his entrance against Deontay Wilder. Wearing a crown and mantle, Fury was carried to the ring while seated in a throne fit for a king (A gypsy king). Accompanied by the notes of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” the entrance was a masterclass in theatricality and spectacle. Leaning into his mental health battles and many may call him crazy getting in the ring with one of the hardest punchers of all time
Appreciate the showmanship
As boxing continues to evolve, these ring walks remain in the collective memory of fans. From magic carpets, to thrones fit for kings, these entrances remind us that boxing is not just about the fights, its entertainment. These fighters lift the standards for those who come after them, these boxers brought the art of showmanship and entertainment to a whole new level.
What is the best ring walk in boxing?
Many people believe that Naseem Hamed’s flying carpet entrance was the best ring walk in boxing, some people also put Mike Tyson’s ring walk against Francois Botha to be the greatest.
Who came to the ring on a flying carpet?
Prince Naseem Hamed came to the ring on a “magic flying carpet” Against super-bantamweight champion Bungu
Who had the scariest ring walk?
The most intimidating ring walk was by no other than Mike Tyson when he faced Francois Botha walking in to the music of DMX – Intro