Lennox Lewis, Bernard Hopkins, and other stars who delivered huge New York City fights

Boxing is back in New York City on July 12, live on DAZN, as huge bill takes place at the Louis Armstrong stadium in Queens.

A stacked show featuring Hamzah Sheeraz vs Edgar Berlanga will look to become the latest memorable card to be staged in one of boxing's most iconic cities, and the action is expected to be wild. 

Here, Christopher Walker looks back at some of the grandest fights to ever take place in New York. 

Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling 2 – 1938 

The Bronx hosted one of boxing’s most iconic fights as Joe Louis, with the whole of America in his corner, defeated Germany’s Max Schmeling in the first round. 

Schmeling’s victory over Louis in their first meeting had made him an idol in his homeland with his win and with Nazi Germany involved in numerous political conflicts at the time, Schmeling’s win enhanced their confidence. 

In the rematch, Louis was in no mood to hang around and after scoring an excellent body shot that seriously hurt Schmeling, the fight was soon called off as the American landed further attacks. 

Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali – 1971 

Correctly billed as the ‘Fight of the Century,’ Joe Frazier’s legendary trilogy with Muhammad Ali kicked off in Madison Square Garden with both fighters unbeaten. 

Frazier had climbed to the top of the rankings during Ali’s long absence over his stance on the Vietnam War, but to many he was still the heavyweight division's best fighter. 

The pair engaged in a terrific fight that saw both men enjoy periods of success but after 15 rounds, and after also scoring a knockdown in the penultimate session, it was Frazier who won on the scorecards. 

Lennox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield - 1999 

Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield both dominated the heavyweight division throughout the thriving 1990s, but they had yet to decide who was the best fighter. 

At the end of the decade, the pair would come together to decide who would be undisputed champion. 

When the action unfolded, it was Lewis who appeared to get the job done but when the scorecards were announced inside Madison Square Garden, there was a huge shock when the result was announced as a draw. 

Bernard Hopkins vs Felix Trinidad – 2001 

Boxing was set to crown an undisputed middleweight champion in 2001, but Bernard Hopkins’ New York City showdown with Felix Trinidad could take place, the 9/11 terrorist attacks postponed the bout. 

Two weeks later, inside a highly patriotic Madison Square Garden, Hopkins produced the best performance of his career. 

The Philadelphia man resisted all of Trinidad’s attacks and after taking over in the latter stages of the bout, he forced a stoppage in the final session. 

Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano – 2022 

The first all-female clash to headline Madison Square Garden did not disappoint as Katie Taylor outlasted Amanda Serrano in a terrific battle. 

The build-up had focused on the history the two outstanding fighters were making, but when the action got underway, they proved they were worthy of the headline spot. 

Taylor would also win a rematch in Texas in 2024, and they are both set to head back to New York later this year for a third meeting.