Boxing has long captivated audiences with high-stakes matches and unforgettable rivalries. Pay-per-view broadcasts have often been the battleground for such events, attracting millions of viewers from around the world. Among the most watched matches, Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson stand out for their consistent ability to attract record-breaking audiences.

At the very top is the much hyped one “Fight of the Century” between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2015. With 4.6 million PPV buys and $410 million in revenue, it remains the most watched boxing match ever. Years of build-up and contract negotiations added to the drama, although some fans felt let down by Mayweather’s defensive tacticswhich gave him a unanimous decision victory.

In 2017, Mayweather stepped back into the ring to take on UFC champion Conor McGregor. The clash of sports generated 4.3 million PPV buys. Their worldwide press tour and heated discussions made this fight a crossover spectacle, despite McGregor’s relative inexperience in boxing. Mayweather ultimately secured a victory via TKO in the 10th round, cementing his legacy as the king of the PPV era.

Mayweather’s appeal extended beyond these mega-events. His split-decision victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2007 generated 2.44 million buys, making it the third most watched fight. The flashy build-up, rivalry and popularity of De La Hoya helped make this fight iconic.

Mike Tyson’s star power dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s. His 1997 rematch with Evander Holyfield generated 1.99 million buysbest remembered for Tyson’s infamous ear biting incident. Tyson’s fights with Lennox Lewis and his return fight against Peter McNeeley after serving time in prison, he also received millions of views, underscoring his magnetic appeal.

The past few years have seen fewer boxers consistently exceeding the PPV ceiling, with a greater reliance on celebrity fights and spectacle-driven promotions. However, history shows that with the right rivalry and hype, boxing can still hold its own on the world stage.

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