Why boxing fans are enjoying online gaming.

The rush and roar of the crowd, the lights, the music, and the booming atmosphere are just a couple of reasons that boxing fans love to watch a match. And it's even better if you can be there in person.

Understanding the stats and the odds of a potential winner, looking at their previous fights and current form. There is a lot of information.

And, of course, ultimately, boxing is competitive. All sports are competitive, but boxing is a different animal entirely. Two people go head-to-head quite literally to battle it out. It is not only a test of strength but of strategy and cunning - to be the best you need more than just a powerful left hook and light feet.

An interesting study by YouGov showed that gamers are more likely to be followers of some sports, including boxing, and in some cases, the type of game they play is directly related to the sports that they like to watch.

Boxing has long been a sport that has drawn crowds, and in the last few years, it has seen millions in revenue thanks to much of the same technology that gaming has also increased in market value.

Live streaming of matches, high-profile players or fighters, and more. Of the ten most popular sports in the US with gamers, Boxing ranked along with the NFL, Basketball, Baseball, and even Ice Hockey.

So what draws boxing fans to online gaming?

Are there any good boxing games?

While most other sports have release after release of games, boxing has yet to be so lucky. There have been a few smash hits, though. And what might surprise many boxing fans is that people who don't watch the sport often play the games.

Undisputed

One of the most recent and arguably the best boxing games there has been to date. It took a long time in the making and had every feature that you'd want in a boxing game. The game is available exclusively on Steam and was released on January 31st, 2023. The launch roster features Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Terence Crawford, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Tyson Fury!

Fight Night Champion 5

An EA Sports release and was one of the first games to really show that in a match, blood can and will spill. You get imprints on the gloves, and the different levels of impact split severity are obvious too. With a smart AI, you will need to step up your boxing from the last couple of games in the Fight Night series—one for the boxing fans who prefer story mode, though.

Don King Boxing

A 2008 release on the Nintendo DA, it is another game that stays away from the cartoonish boxing that you can find on the Wii. Don King is more focused on presenting a game worth watching. Using the stylus for the DS, you'll be controlling the movements of the character, and in many ways, the game has been noted as a cross between a sim and a boxing game.

Are there other good boxing games? Well, there are a few more options but boxing games have been few and far between. But since the correlation between fans who love boxing and playing games is high - what entices boxing fans to online gaming?

Competitive

Boxing is one of the most competitive sports on the planet, and when gamers find a game they love, they are usually in competition too. You might be working with a team, or you might be a solo crusader.

Most often, online games will put you up against it to win. For those who prefer an ultra-competitive game, poker and blackjack are the ones that use brains and people reading (body language). Not to mention there is typically a pot at stake too!

There are other games that have an element of PVP, too - putting the gamer in direct competition with other gamers in a battle of skill and strategy (not too unlike boxing!).

Prizes

Modern boxing has huge purses on the big stage, and it is incredible to see just how much the winner can walk away with. It's not just that, though; fans can place bets on the boxer they think is going to win - meaning that a wager on your favorite could turn into a windfall!

It's not just betting on a game that can see you walk away with cash, though many online games offer in-game currency, items, and more. The better you are, the more kitted out your character will be. It's akin to winning a belt that everyone can see.

Excitement

While you're watching the boxing, the atmosphere is electric - even if you are watching at home, it radiates through the big screen. Developers work hard to make sure that their game also has that same impact.

Online games have immersive soundtracks and incredible graphics, and everything right down to the buttons has been designed to give gamers the best experience. Bingo, slots, and Slingo from Megaways Casino are great examples of that feature-rich exciting experience. If you've never played Slingo, it's a cross between bingo and slots; check out a Slingo demo for a taste of the excitement!

Social

Both gaming and boxing are social events. Crowds of people head to stadiums to watch their favorite boxers fight it out - and it is just as common now for thousands of fans to head to a stage to watch their favorite gamers compete. And, when you take part in gaming at home, many games offer a fun social aspect!

The link between what entices people to watch boxing, and to settle down and play their own games are many. They offer similar atmospheres and something immersive too. The competitiveness in many games offers a great outlet for those who aren't going to jump in the ring anytime soon too!