The most iconic boxing shorts in history
29th May 2022
Whether you are a seasoned boxer, are just starting out, or simply a fan of the sport, there are many different reasons why people are drawn to boxing.
One reason is the visual entertainment on show. The thrill of the big fight, with a bubbling sense of anticipation and build up, trying to predict the outcome, and then the walk ons and the sound of the first bell, are all enough to get pulses racing.
The flash of colour that boxing shorts bring are all part of the spectacle, and there’s been some pretty eye-catching selections made by boxers over the years. In our latest blog, we pick out some of the most daring and iconic boxing shorts in history.
Mike Tyson’s Understated Black Shorts
For a number of years in the 1990s, Mike Tyson was the most feared fighter on the planet. He seemed to be able to dispose of all comers with extravagant ease, combining extraordinary fundamentals with devastating power.
Tyson was a disciple of the great trainer Cus D’Amato. D’Amato instilled an incredible level of discipline in Tyson, who really channelled this in the ring. His black shorts reflected this ethos. They were simple in design, were on the short side and were never worn with socks. It might have been to help Iron Mike stay as light and mobile as possible in the ring. It might have been to intimidate opponents with the size of his legs, where his power came from.
Whichever way you look at them, Tyson’s black shorts were all part of the mystique he created and maintains to this day.
Prince Naseem’s Daring Leopard Print Number
If there’s a fighter who epitomises daring style, then Prince Naseem Hamed pretty much personifies it. The Sheffield Southpaw was known for his charismatic fighting style and elaborate ring walks.
He was also not afraid to get push the boundaries of acceptability when it came to his ringwear. Naz famously sported a rather daring leopard print pair of shorts for some of his fights, which have gone down in boxing fashion folklore.
Katie Taylor’s Iconic Black and Gold
Everything about Katie Taylor oozes class, and her short selection is no different.
Taylor keeps things simple with black shorts with gold lettering. And with her name written proud across the front them, she leaves no doubt that her opponent is in there with one of the best.
Chris Eubank’s Not So Mellow Yellow
Chris Eubank was one of the most entertaining fighters of his era, and entertaining is something he has successfully continued to do after his boxing retirement.
While he is more typically seen in dapper suits and the occasional monocle these days, Eubank first caught the eye in some impressively colourful boxing shorts. The yellow shorts with red writing he defeated Nigel Benn in are an iconic boxing short if ever there was one.
Ricky Hatton’s Massive Shorts in Manchester
When considering who the most celebrated British fighters of all time might be, Ricky Hatton is going to be on the list of most people.
The Mancunian welterweight fought against some of the best in the business in his time, and fulfilled a lifelong dream of fighting at the home of his beloved Manchester City FC when he beat Juan Lazcano in 2008.
His shorts that night were a flashy number in the same light blue as his favourite football team, and were on the large size. That didn’t hold the Hitman back however as he won by unanimous decision.
The Rumble in the Jungle Shorts
Few fights have stuck in the cultural memory like The Rumble in the Jungle. This legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman took place in Kinshasha, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), back in 1974.
Famous for Ali successfully deploying his rope-a-dope technique and tiring Foreman before knocking him out, the fight is a visually stunning encounter. The white and black shorts of Ali, and the red and blue of Foreman, add to the legendary status this bout holds and is part of its legacy.
Mayweather’s Mind Games
Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his often controversial choice of boxing shorts.
Mayweather is one of the few fighters to use clothing as a means of irritation, and he did so on plenty of occasions. He once turned up to a press conference ahead of his fight with Ricky Hatton in a Manchester United shirt, the bitter rivals of Hatton’s Manchester City team.
But he also played these mind games in the ring. Mayweather wore shorts with the Mexican colours on them when fighting against Oscar De La Hoya, a fighter with Mexican heritage. Mayweather won a close fight on a split decision, so who’s to say the shorts weren’t the difference...
Get your own iconic Boxing Shorts
If this blog has inspired you to rethink what you wear in the ring, Boxfit has a brilliant selection of boxing shorts available for you to buy from our range.
Our range includes a number of options from leading brands, including Adidas boxing shorts, Pro Box boxing shorts and Cleto Reyes boxing shorts, as well as many more exciting brands.
And what’s more, Boxfit also gives you the chance to customise your own boxing shorts. We offer cheap custom boxing shorts that are inexpensive but of the highest quality. Take a look through one of the best selections of custom boxing shortsin the UK, all available from Boxfit.
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Be sure to take a look through everything we have available at Boxfit, and consider a visit to our store near Romford, Essex.
You can also buy all our items online, so take a look at our delivery options. And if you have any questions, simply get in touch with the Boxfit team. We will be very happy to offer our assistance.