3 Toughest Boxers In Punch-Out (NES)!!

Punch-Out!! is an old-school game that tests the mettle of the player. They must go through three circuits as Little Mac, a spunky 17-year-old kid from the Bronx. Mike Tyson awaits you at the end of the journey, testing your finger speed and reflexes.

Fans of the old-school game will also remember Doc Louis in Little Mac’s corner. He had a zest for chocolate, making him the sweet stuff’s unofficial connoisseur. With Louis being one of the more memorable figures from the game, it established the game as a true classic.

With that, let’s look at the three toughest fights in the NES classic. Of course, Tyson won’t be included because, well, that’d be too obvious. Instead, let’s stick with the original characters from the game and give them love. Here are three of the most challenging boxers in Punch-Out!! for the NES.

1.) Great Tiger

Great Tiger was always a tough boxer to predict in the original Punch-Out!!, for his movements could go anywhere. The fighter from Mumbai, India, could trick you with timely blocks and suddenly disappear from the ring. His in-ring work was, well, magical.

However, Little Mac can weather the magical storm with timely blocks, delivering a devastating knockdown on Tiger. This fight always gave me trouble as a child, mainly because of the nature of blocking his magic barrage. However, getting past that will leave Little Mac victorious.

2.) Bald Bull

Now, the first Bald Bull fight is hard on its own. Having to face him in the Major Circuit with his incredible “Bull Charge” was a test of mettle. Little Mac had to either dodge out of the way or land a timely blow. If he landed his blow, he would knock down the Istanbul fighter for the count.

But what makes Bull more challenging is his second fight, where his punches and jabs come quicker. Not only that but the Istanbul heavyweight can only be knocked out via knockout or by countering the “Bull Charge.” If Little Mac attempts other punches and Bull’s health is gone, he’ll regenerate his health like nothing happened. It’s a challenge that not even Peter Griffin on Family Guy could solve.

3.) Mr. Sandman

A similar fighter to Bald Bull is Mr. Sandman, who made a living with weird hit patterns. He’s known as a tough opponent throughout the Punch-Out!! series, with his NES installment being the predecessor. His “Razor Uppercut” can put Little Mac down for the count, setting the player up for an uphill climb.

But there are other parts to the fight that make him tricky. For example, Mr. Sandman can unexpectedly dodge Little Mac’s jabs and uppercuts without notice. In turn, he can set up an assault of rolling jabs and “Razor Uppercuts” of his own. If the player doesn’t watch their step, Little Mac could lose the fight.