Best PSP Boxing Games

Fight Night: Round 3

• The third sequel in the popular 'Fight Night' series is perhaps one of the most well-known and successful boxing games on the PSP. 'Round 3' hits the nail on the head in all areas across the board, from impressive graphics to realistic gameplay.

  The game lets you participate in classic ESPN fights and features a career mode in which the player must work his way up through fighting to gain popularity and obtain the sponsored fights.

  Another noteworthy feature about this game is the absence of a heads-up display (unlike in the previous games), so now you can use your own movements, stance, and facial features to determine your energy and stamina levels.

Rocky Balboa

• This video game version of the 2006 film follows a style similar to "Rocky Legends," featuring footage from every 'Rocky' film such as buildup to the big fights and training sequences, plenty of different game modes to choose from, and 27 character selections.

  Historical Fights mode is the main course of the game in which the player fights all of Rocky's opponents throughout the franchise from Spider Rico to Mason Dixon. There's also a Fast Lane mode which is basically for quick-play, allowing you to make and complete your own challenges by defeating your opponent within the given time--1 to 10 minutes.

  There's also over 18 unique arenas to fight in, many of which are lifted from the six films (i.e. the Philadelphia and Las Vegas arenas). While this is one of the least popular PSP boxing games, it's worth at least a couple of play-throughs due to its features and atmosphere. The biggest downside is that you can't participate in any of the training sequences.

The Con

• The game uses a handful of fighting styles from Street boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling and Tae Kwon. But the actual fighting is set up more like that of a boxing game with firmly planted feet and limited movement. You control 3 custom-built fighters and help them rise up in the street ranks.

  A big plus is that you can create your own fighters and alter their fighting combinations, making them as long and as damaging as you would like--as long as you continue to progress throughout the game. The over-the-shoulder view of the game looks nice, but doesn't do such a great job of showcasing all of the action.

  In addition, you have to bet on fights. The odds and betting aspect of "The Con" are the most intriguing elements of the game. The story isn't strong enough to stand on its own but the odds/betting concept and the action are all interesting enough to keep you hooked.

Boxer's Road 2: The Real

• This sequel to PlayStation's "Boxer's Road" is a Japanese import for the PSP. The game provides its players a very in-depth and thorough boxer experience, offering them the opportunity to live the boxer life from their early beginnings in the gym and all the way up to the major championships.

  In addition to participating in full 3D fights in the ring, you will also have to be responsible for your diet and training. The game allows you to select from up to 79 gyms and 139 boxers from real life. If the latter doesn't suit your fancy, you also have the option of making your very own custom fighter.

  "Boxer's Road 2" even goes as far as letting the player select their desired time setting for the game, anywhere from 1960 to 2010. This game is by far one of the most comprehensive PSP boxing games ever made.