The Greatest Boxing Video Games Of All-Time

Do the names Glass Joe, Kid Quick and Mr. Sandman mean anything to you? If they do, you are probably a GenXer, a boxing fan, and a former or present video game addict. I am proud to say that I fit all of the criteria. If you cannot relate, you will read my words, gain further insight into the mind of a "child of the 80s," and may even want to buy or rent a boxing video game. If you can relate, you will read this and hopefully join the debate.

Dust off your old PlayStation, plug in your new PS3, read my rankings, and decide if you agree with them or not.

The Top Five Boxing Video Games of All-Time

5. Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!
In 1987, the star power of Mike Tyson and the brand name of Nintendo Entertainment’s Punch Out joined to form one of the more popular video games in recent memory. It was a match made in heaven, but any fight that involved Mr. Sandman was not too shabby either. Pick up a copy for old time’s sake or if you simply want a visual reminder of how great Mike Tyson was. Between this game, ESPN Classic, and this nifty YouTube video, vintage Mike Tyson is in full effect. 

4. Fight Night (2004)
This game is the natural evolution of Knockout Kings, making it the natural leader in the boxing video game space. Its graphics and fighter directory are unmatched (for now). And yes, you can still rent or buy it for next to nothing.

3. Boxing (Atari 2600)
Cheesy? Yes. Primitive. Sure. Classic. Most definitely. Although not the first of its kind, this early entrant into the boxing gaming world was the first credible boxing game. For me, this is where it all started. And who says Activision is dead? They still offer a PC version of the game!

2. Knockout Kings
At the time of the first release of this series, it was perhaps the most comprehensive, visually-appealing boxing video game ever created. Not only were the graphics great, but it was the first game to include a "who’s who" of the sport’s greatest fighters in the game. Who would win in a mythical matchup between Sugar Ray Robinson and Marvelous Marvin Hagler? Here, you could find out.

1. Punch-Out!!
This game got its start in the arcade before it made its way into the friendly confines of gamers’ homes. It spawned as many sequels as Star Wars, and was the first boxing video game that had true cross-over appeal. The phrase "body blow, body blow" still resonates to this day. I actually found this copy while surfing the Web. If you stumble upon a PC version, please let me know.