MOST ICONIC SPORT RIVALRIES OF ALL TIME

The world of sports has offered us compelling duels, some of which will go down in history as the most memorable and fascinating rivalries ever seen on the competitive stage. The thrill of engrossing oneself in an encounter between two rival teams or individuals is truly riveting. From basketball and tennis to football and Formula One, there is a huge list of sports to possess true athletic greats across all fronts.

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These rivalries might be between teams or individuals, but that hardly matters when the duel is so fascinating to watch, as the rivals attempt to grab each other by the scruff of the neck in order to possess all bragging rights. Here are some of the most intense sports rivalries to have ever existed – 

• Alain Prost vs Ayrton Senna – Formula One

Arguably the greatest Formula One rivalry in history, the Prost versus Senna debate is a never-ending cycle. Two of the most influential figures in motorsport racing, they etched a legacy like few others on the racetrack, and it all started when the Brazilian joined McLaren in 1988. The duo would partner up as teammates for the next couple of years and the rivalry would continue after Prost joined Ferrari in 1990 due to allegations of favoritism towards his fellow mate. Their toe-to-toe races, in-team feuds, racetrack politics and unmatched podium finishes all came together to awe audiences like never before. Few rivalries are more storied than the one between the Frenchman and the Brazilian.

• Muhammed Ali vs Joe Frazier – Boxing

Two of the greatest boxers to step into the ring, Joe Frazier and Muhammed Ali embroiled in some of the most relentless and fascinating fights in history – going on to have a trilogy of matches between 1971 and 1975. Frazier won the first in the ‘Fight of the Century, as he came along and destroyed Ali when he was at his peak. However, it was Ali who had the last laugh, winning the next two matches – ‘Super Fight II’ and the ‘Thrilla in Manila’. Both had their own style and charisma to woo spectators, and oh boy did they fight brutally!

• India vs Pakistan – Cricket

When nations collide off-pitch, one can imagine what goes around on it. Whenever India takes on Pakistan in a cricket match, it is not an uncommon sight to see busy roads that get deserted or firecrackers burst relentlessly on the winning side’s turf. It is a rivalry that dates back to 1947, when Pakistan was formed, and since has carried on an unmistakable sense of political dissidence.

Both countries will go head-to-head in Group 2 of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which also has South Africa and Bangladesh. The best sports betting sites predict India to win their second title and match West Indies’ record, ahead of hosts Australia, England and New Zealand. The aforementioned site acts as a one-stop resource to learn your trade and nuances of sports betting and gambling – with information from everything including licensing, sportsbooks reviews, geographical restrictions etc. Players, whether old or new, can also benefit from rewards and bonuses that include free bets, cashbacks, loyalty points and instant pay outs.

• Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal – Tennis

No two players have dominated the world of tennis like Federer and Nadal. The Swiss and Spaniard are the only male pair to have finished six consecutive calendar years as the top two ranked players on the ATP Tour. They have faced each other 40 times, with Nadal leading the head-to-head 24-16. The two have a combined total of 42 Grand Slam titles between them, burgeoning up a rivalry bar none in not only tennis, but in sport as a whole. Nadal’s right hand against Federer’s left will forever transcend sport.

• Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi – Football

As two of the greatest footballers to have ever existed, the Ronaldo and Messi feud was simply a joy to behold on pitch, as they went toe-to-toe against one another on 34 occasions. Most of their face-to-face clashes have come in the El Clasico, arguably the biggest football rivalry in the world between Real Madrid and Barcelona. While Messi have been amazingly successful on the domestic front, it is Ronaldo who has the last laugh on the continental stage with 5 Champions League trophies. However, he will unlikely match Messi’s seven Balon d’Or titles. Their goalscoring exploits and on-pitch persona have garnered them the status of eternal legends.  

• Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers – Basketball

Magic Johnson versus Larry Bird or Bill Russell vs Wilt Chamberlain, you name them. Lakers against Celtics in the 80’s and 90’s was a treat to watch for not only basketball fans, but sport fans in general, taking the game to the next level. They don’t even play in the same conference, so one can imagine how hyped matches between the two teams panned out to be. It is a rivalry that earned its own ESPN 30 for 30 documentary. However, the duel has since calmed down with Celtics and Lakers both mellowing down.

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