Boxing and wrestling are often seen as very different sports, but they share more in common than people might expect. Over the years, several figures from boxing have appeared in wrestling promotions, while some wrestlers have trained or competed in boxing. These crossovers have taken place in both professional and entertainment settings, with results that range from headline events to short-term publicity moves.
Today, we aim to take a look at some of the most well-known boxing and wrestling crossovers, focusing on the key figures involved and how these moments were received by the fans of their respective audiences. Whether it’s a mixed-rules fight or a surprise appearance on a wrestling show, these moments draw interest and spark curiosity beyond the ring, especially for fans who follow boxing betting odds and crossover events closely. Furthermore, we will look at some athletes and see how their careers have developed, moving from boxing to wrestling or vice versa.
Antonio Inoki vs Muhammad Ali
One of the most well-known early crossovers between boxing and wrestling was the 1976 bout between Antonio Inoki and Muhammad Ali. This match was unique because it was fought under mixed rules, designed to combine elements of both sports. Inoki, a professional wrestler from Japan, faced off against Ali, the world-famous heavyweight boxing champion, in a fight that was supposed to answer the question of who would win between a boxer and a wrestler.
The fight didn’t deliver what many fans expected. Due to last-minute rule changes and restrictions placed on Inoki, much of the match involved him lying on the mat and kicking at Ali’s legs while Ali tried to avoid injury. The crowd was confused, and critics were disappointed. The fight ended in a draw and was widely seen as a letdown.
Ali didn’t come out of it unscathed. He suffered serious bruising and blood clots in his legs from Inoki’s repeated kicks, which some believe had a long-term impact on his boxing career. Despite the poor reception, the bout is still remembered today as a major early example of mixed rules combat and a sign of how unpredictable boxing-wrestling crossovers can be.
Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is one of the most famous examples of a boxer entering the world of wrestling. His first major appearance came at WrestleMania XIV in 1998, where he served as a special enforcer during the main event between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. Tyson was aligned with the villainous D-Generation X group leading up to the match, but shocked fans by turning on them and helping Austin win the WWE Championship. The moment became one of the most talked-about events in wrestling that year and helped bring mainstream attention to WWE during the "Attitude Era."
Tyson returned to WWE in 2010 for an appearance on Monday Night Raw, where he was the guest host. During the show, he teamed up with Chris Jericho in a tag team match against D-Generation X. In a repeat of history, Tyson turned on Jericho mid-match, landing a punch and siding once again with DX, much to the crowd’s approval.
In 2012, Tyson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the celebrity wing. His appearances may have been short, but they made a lasting impact and showed how a major boxing figure could become part of wrestling’s biggest moments.
Floyd Mayweather
Then there is Floyd Mayweather, another famous boxing champion who made his mark in wrestling at WrestleMania XXIV in 2008, where he faced Big Show in a highly promoted match. The storyline began when Mayweather appeared at No Way Out and broke Big Show’s nose during an in-ring segment. Their WrestleMania match featured a no disqualification setup, allowing Mayweather to use weapons and his speed to win. Although it was a one-off appearance, Mayweather’s involvement is still remembered as one of the most high-profile crossovers in WWE history.
Baron Corbin
Now, looking at wrestlers with a boxing background, we turn to Thomas Pestock, or commonly known Baron Corbin, who is a rare example of someone who transitioned from boxing into professional wrestling early in his career. Before joining WWE, Corbin was a Golden Gloves-winning amateur boxer and also played professional football. While he didn’t box at the professional level, his background in the sport has shaped his in-ring style, which leans on striking and toughness. Though no longer part of the WWE roster, the company occasionally referenced his boxing history in promos and commentary, using it to add credibility to his character. Corbin stands out as someone with real experience in a combat sport before stepping into the wrestling world.
Marc Mero
Finally, there is Marc Mero, who is a notable figure in American boxing and wrestling. Before entering the wrestling world, he was a successful amateur boxer, winning four New York Golden Gloves titles and maintaining an undefeated record in 15 bouts. He reportedly defeated future heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe during his amateur career. Mero intended to turn professional, but instead became a professional wrestler in 1991.
He became a very successful wrestler over a 14 year period and once his career was over he went back to boxing in a mixed match with Eric Esch. Marc Mero suffered a knockout defeat, however, and that would be the last time he stepped foot in the ring as a fighter.
