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The O2 Arena in London, England, has been host to several significant boxing events.
Since its opening in 2007, the venue has been no stranger to fights that have gripped boxing fans around the world. Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions were the first company to hold a boxing card at the venue with this event. Dozens more have taken place at the O2 Arena since.
In no particular order, Big Fight Weekend gives you its list of the five biggest boxing fights to have taken place at the O2 Arena.
Five of the biggest boxing fights to have taken place at the O2 Arena
Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte
Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte was a clash between two unbeaten British heavyweights who had bad blood with each other. Whyte had previously defeated Joshua while both were still in the amateurs. Their rematch in the professional ranks came with the British and Commonwealth titles at stake at the O2 Arena.
Despite a brawl that occurred shortly after the first round ended, the fight continued. Although Whyte most certainly had his moments, Joshua did the better work overall. It all came to an end in round seven. Whyte was rocked by a right hand that sent him back to the ropes. Joshua followed up with several punches before landing a right uppercut that knocked down his opponent. The fight was immediately waved off, giving “AJ” the technical knockout win.
Tony Bellew vs. David Haye II
The first fight between the two saw David Haye rupture his Achilles tendon in round six. Tony Bellew had also injured his right hand. Haye’s ruptured Achilles tendon impacted his movement for the remainder of their first fight, which ended in his corner throwing in the towel in round 11. Their rematch at the O2 Arena took place 14 months later after both men had recovered from their respective injuries.
After a quiet first two rounds, Bellew roared to life by knocking down his opponent twice in the third. Haye had little in response. It all came to an end in round five. Bellew landed a left hook upstairs that dropped Haye for the third time in the contest. The subsequent barrage caused the referee to step in to end proceedings with Haye still standing, putting an end to the rivalry.
Regis Prograis vs. Josh Taylor
This fight pitted two of the best super lightweights in the world against each other. Both men had been competing in the World Boxing Super Series and this was the final. Prograis entered the ring with his WBA world title. On the other hand, Taylor was putting his IBF world title at stake.
The fight was a competitive one with both men having success. Taylor spent much of the bout on the front foot and was having just a bit more success than Prograis. Although one judge scored the contest a draw, the other two had it 117-112 and 115-113 for Taylor, giving the Scotsman the victory via majority decision.
Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler II
Both men had fought each other in 2010 in Denmark. Kessler won that bout via unanimous decision and became the WBC super middleweight world champion. Their rematch at the O2 Arena took place just over three years later. This time, Kessler entered the ring as the WBA titlist while Froch was the IBF titleholder.
Kessler’s slow start allowed his opponent to win the early rounds. The Danish boxer sprung to life in the middle rounds. The later rounds continued to be fought at a high pace. Froch ended the fight strongly and ultimately got the victory via unanimous decision. Scores were 118-110, 116-112, and 115-113.
Charles Martin vs. Anthony Joshua
This was the first of many world title fights for Joshua. Charles Martin had only won the vacant IBF heavyweight title less than three months ago and was now making his first defence at the O2 Arena. Joshua would soon prove that the reigning champion was no match for him.
A straight right hand upstairs sent Martin down for the first time in the fight in round two. Although he got up, he was soon dropped again by another right hand to the head. Martin failed to beat the referee’s count in time, making Joshua the winner via knockout.
