20 Top Songs About Boxers

Welcome to the world of songs about boxers! From country classics to modern hip-hop, many musicians have written songs about boxers.

Whether they are chronicling the ups and downs of a professional boxer’s career or paying homage to the greats, these songs all celebrate the spirit of boxing.

From exploration of themes such as heartache, determination and the human spirit, there are many different interpretations of the lyrical and instrumental elements in songs about boxers.

So Put on your gloves and get ready to explore our top songs about boxers!

Top Songs About Boxers

1. Bob Dylan’s “Who Killed Davey Moore”

First on our list of songs about boxers is “Who killed Davey Moore?” by Bob Dylan in 1963. The song is about the boxer Davey Moore and his untimely death.

This song takes the form of a conversation between Moore’s manager and his widow, in which they debate who is to blame for Moore’s passing.

The lyrics of the song are written in the style of the conversation. Moore’s manager has pointed the finger at the referee, while Moore’s widow has pointed it at the audience.

Boxing is a sport that inherently puts its participants in danger; however, it is clear that Dylan believes that there is no one person who is to blame for Moore’s death.

It is a powerful song that draws attention to the dangers of boxing and leaves its listeners with much to think about after hearing it. “Who killed Davey Moore?”

2. Count Basie

King Joe, Pt. 1

Next on our list of songs about boxers is “King Joe, Part 1,” a song written by Count Basie.

The song’s lyrics tell the tale of two boxers named Joe Louis and Max Schmeling who squared off against each other on two separate occasions in the 1930s.

Louis prevailed in the first bout, which took place in 1936 and was a championship bout. In their rematch, which took place in 1938, Schmeling emerged victorious once again.

The two boxers are referred to in the song as “kings of the ring” and “champions of their time,” respectively.

In addition to this, it states that the two individuals “played a game of chess with punches and jabs,” which is a comparison to chess players.

The conclusion of the song asserts that Louis is the “real king” of boxing due to the fact that he prevailed in the second bout.

3. Boom Boom Mancini Song–

Warren Zevon

The song was penned by Warren Zevon and included on his album titled Sentimental Hygiene that was released in 1987.

The lyrics of the song give the impression that Mancini is a rough and tumble boxer who is always up for a good fight.

Nevertheless, it also acknowledges the darker side of boxing by making references to the death of Mancini’s opponent Duk Koo Kim in the year 1982.

In spite of the melancholy undertones, the song has a cheery and infectious melody, and it has quickly become a fan favorite among Zevon’s followers.

4. I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson Song

By DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

In the song, the two individuals boast about their ability to knock out Mike Tyson, who is widely regarded as the best boxer in the world.

They make a number of references to particular boxing moves and techniques, which demonstrates that they have a deep comprehension of the sport.

Even though it is obvious that the song is meant to be taken in a lighthearted manner, it still provides an intriguing look at the world of boxing.

5. Simon & Garfunkel titled “The Boxer”

The Boxer is a song written by Simon & Garfunkel that is about the struggles that boxers go through. The boxer in the song has been knocked down numerous times, but he always gets back up and fights on.

The story is told through the song’s lyrics. In spite of the fact that the chances are stacked against him, he never gives up.

This song is about the grit and determination of people who have to fight for everything they have in their lives. It’s a moving song that really gets to the heart of what it means to be human.

The Boxer is one of the most well-known songs that Simon & Garfunkel have ever recorded, and they are two of the most successful folk singers of all time.

6. Boxers song by Morrissey

Morrissey’s song “Boxers” is an ode to the dogged and unyielding character of the boxer breed of dog, which inspired the lyrics of the song.

The song’s lyrics not only describe the boxer’s strength and power, but also the dogged determination and unyielding tenacity that contribute significantly to the dog’s success in the ring.

The song also highlights the loyalty and affection that boxers are known for, which makes them loyal and loving companions.

This aspect of their personality is highlighted in the song. In the end, “Boxers” is a heartfelt tribute to a breed of dog that, in and out of the ring, has a lot to offer its owners and the world.

7. Bob Dylan’s song “Hurricane”

Bob Dylan is responsible for writing and performing the song Hurricane, which tells the story of the middleweight boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who was falsely accused of a crime.

The song draws attention to the racism that was rampant in the United States at the time as well as Carter’s unjust prison sentences.

After reading Carter’s autobiography, “The 16th Round,” Dylan was inspired to write the song. He was deeply affected by Carter’s narrative and felt compelled to bring attention to the predicament he was in. 1975 was the year that saw the song’s initial release, and it quickly became a top 40 hit.

It assisted in bringing attention to Carter’s case and ultimately led to his release from prison where he had been held.

8. Bruce Springsteen’s “The Hitter”

Bruce Springsteen wrote a song titled “The Hitter” that is about the challenging life of a professional boxer.

The lyrics paint a picture of a boxer who has been broken down over the course of his career as a result of years of hard fights and rigorous training.

In spite of the difficulties he is facing, the boxer continues to get back up and continues to throw punches. The boxer’s resolve to keep fighting, despite the fact that the odds are stacked against him, is captured in the lyrics of the song.

The Hitter is a rousing song that pays tribute to the tenacity of the human spirit and the determination to keep fighting no matter what. It is an uplifting anthem that anyone who has ever had to overcome adversity should listen to.

9. Boxing – Ben Folds Five

The song “Boxing” by Ben Folds Five is a spooky ballad that reflects on the violent nature of the sport of boxing.

The lyrics illustrate the psychological and physiological toll that playing this sport can have on those who partake in it.

The first thing the narrator does is paint a picture of the atmosphere at a boxing match, complete with the spectators cheering and the competitors sweating.

After that, the focus shifts to the combatants themselves, and he paints a picture of two men who are “bruised and battered.”

The narrator comments that there is a “grace” to the way that the fighters move, despite the fact that the sport itself is extremely violent.

10. Johnny Wakelin and the Kinshasa Band

Black Superman.

The legendary boxer Muhammad Ali is the subject of the song “Black Superman,” which was written and performed by Johnny Wakelin & The Kinshasa Band.

This song honors Muhammad Ali’s achievements in the ring as well as his place in history as a cultural icon all over the world.

Ali is referred to as a “black Superman” in the song’s lyrics, and is said to have the ability to float.

In addition, Ali’s famous catchphrase “I am the greatest” is mentioned multiple times throughout the song. This song is a celebration of one of the most legendary athletes in the history of the world, and it is both uplifting and inspiring.

11. Survivor: Eye of the Tiger

This is one of the best songs about boxers, it focuses on the need to triumph over adversity in order to come out on top. In spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the listener is encouraged to keep fighting through the song’s lyrics.

The song’s upbeat tempo and motivational message have contributed to its status as one of the most widely recognized and widely used sports anthems in the history of the world.

Over the years, the song “Eye of the Tiger” has appeared in a variety of other movies and television shows, in addition to its use in “Rocky III.” It is still one of the most recognizable and well-liked songs that Survivor has ever released.

12. Kanye West’s

“All of the Lights”

The lyrics of the song suggest that those who stand up for what they believe in will be rewarded with the sun’s brightest rays.

In addition to that, it discusses the fact that boxers are among the most misunderstood people in the entire world. The song concludes with a voicemail that was left for the artist by Muhammad Ali himself.

The song “All of the Lights” is both powerful and moving, and it does a great job of highlighting Muhammad Ali’s strength and determination.

13. LL Cool J’s Song

“Mama Said Knock You Out”

This song is a huge hit that honors the sport of boxing. This track has garnered a lot of popularity.

The song contains lyrics that make references to a number of well-known boxers, including Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, amongst others.

In addition, there are several references made throughout the track to various pieces of boxing equipment, such as mouthguards and gloves.

A number of professional boxers have been known to use this song as their entrance music, which further contributes to the song’s widespread popularity among boxing fans.

On their way to the ring, boxers like Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have both used the track.

As a result of this, it is abundantly clear that “Mama Said Knock You Out” is a song that has a strong connection to the world of boxing.

14. Bob Dylan’s song

“Hurricane”

This is a protest song that was written about the prison of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and was inspired by that event.

Dylan was moved to write a song calling for Carter’s release after seeing a television news report on Carter’s wrongful imprisonment, and he used that experience as the inspiration for the song.

The subject of the song is Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a heavyweight boxer who competed in the 1960s and was known for being the fastest in the history of the sport.

Carter was wrongfully convicted of committing three murders in a bar in New Jersey in 1966.

15. Queen – We Will Rock You

The lyrics tell the story of a band of resistance fighters in a dystopian future who are engaged in a conflict with an oppressive government.

The lyrics were written from the point of view of the rebels, and they convey an attitude of defiance and determination in the face of adversity.

The chorus of the song, which includes the lines “We will rock you / We will rock you,” served as the inspiration for the song’s title.

The song has been adopted as the official song for a wide variety of sporting events, and it has also been played at political rallies and demonstrations all over the world.

16. Thunderstruck – AC/DC

The boxer Marco Antonio Barrera is the subject of the song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. The track was included on the band’s album titled Ballbreaker, which was released in 1995.

Barrera won the boxing world championship in two different weight classes: junior lightweight and featherweight. In 2011, he called it quits with a career record of 67-7.

The rock song “Thunderstruck” is fast-paced and features some intense guitar riffs. According to the lyrics, Barrera “came like a thunderbolt” and quickly rose to prominence in the world of boxing.

The song also makes reference to some of Barrera’s most notable bouts, such as his rematch with Erik Morales. One of AC/most DC’s well-known songs, “Thunderstruck,” was written as a tribute to Barrera’s accomplishments in the ring and continues to be a fan favorite.

17. Song for Sonny Liston – Mark Knopfler

The song “Song for Sonny Liston” by Mark Knopfler is a memorial to one of the most famous boxers in history, Sonny Liston.

The song recounts the events of Liston’s life, beginning with his humble beginnings and ending with his eventual fall from grace.

Liston was a troubled man who struggled with addiction and violence despite the fact that he was successful in the ring as a boxer. He was ultimately discovered dead in his Las Vegas home, seemingly forgotten by everyone.

On the other hand, thanks to Knopfler’s song, Liston is now regarded as a multifaceted and intriguing figure in history.

The song is ultimately a celebration of his legacy as one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport, and it does so by capturing both the beauty and the tragedy of his life.

18. DJ Khaled’s song “All I Do Is Win”

DJ Khaled is the creator of the song “All I Do Is Win,” which also features T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross.

DJ Khaled’s fourth studio album, titled Victory, featured the song as the album’s lead single when it was issued in 2010. (2010).

The hip hop and pop song “All I Do Is Win” samples the disco hit “You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito from 1979. “You’re the Best” was released as a single.

The Recording Industry Association of America awarded the song with a certification of double platinum after it reached its highest position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 24. (RIAA).

19. The Champ Is Here – Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco has a song called “The Champ Is Here,” and the subject matter of the song is boxers.

In the song, Lupe describes a boxer who is on the verge of winning a championship and paints a picture of him doing so. He talks about the boxer’s dedication to his craft and how he always gives his all when he’s in the ring with his opponents.

The song also discusses the difficulties that the boxer faces and how, despite being knocked down, he has to keep getting back up and fighting. Lupe rejoices in the boxer’s success after he emerges victorious from the bout in the end.

Everyone who listens to “The Champ Is Here” will feel more motivated after doing so because it is an uplifting song.

20. Eminem – “Lose Yourself”

Last on our list of songs about boxers is “Lose Yourself” by American rapper Eminem.

The song was written by Eminem, and he and his frequent working partner Jeff Bass were both involved in the production of the song.

“Lose Yourself” was met with widespread acclaim from the music press, with many reviewers praising Eminem’s rapping skills and naming the song as one of the greatest examples of hip hop music ever written.

Eminem became the first rapper in history to win an Oscar thanks to the success of this song, which took home the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Multiple publications have cited “Lose Yourself” as one of the best songs of all time, making it one of the greatest songs of all time.