Rubber Match is a term used in boxing to describe a third fight or trilogy, or a deciding game of who is the better boxer. The winner during the third fight or rubber match will be hailed as the superior boxer. The rubber match was originated in the English game of lawn bowling and the term "rubber" was used to describe three sets of games. No one knows how people came up with rubber before, but it could be a metaphorical use to describe a "sudden death" or to "rub out" the player's hope of winning.
Who Originated the Term "Rubber"?
Rubber is known for being elastic qualities, and since it was introduced to Europe in 1744, it also became a popular slang to describe flexibility. In the 18th century, rubber matches were not just used in lawn bowling, but also in card games, boxing, and tennis. For tennis, it is used to describe an individual match within a [Davis Cup][1] or Fed Cup tie.Greatest Rubber Match in Boxing History
Boxing is one of the most exciting and brutal sports in the world, and many boxers have tied because of how competitive they are. Some of the greatest boxing matches are iconic trilogies. One of them is the fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier which was considered the Fight of the Century. This match was held in 1971 in the Madison Square Garden. What's interesting is they are both defeated, and when Frazier managed to defeat him, he asked to regain the title. The "Thrilla in Manila" is their final boxing match, which is held at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. Muhammad Ali won by technical knockout after the referee stopped the match after the 14th round.You can watch a video clip of the Thrilla in Manila here:
Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales are famous Mexican boxers who first fought in February 2020. Barrera was the WBO titleholder at that time when Morales challenged him for the WBO title. The fight was so good and satisfying to watch that it won the Fight of the Year award.
[1]: https://www.sportspundit.com/tennis/terms/641-davis-cup