This game, named after the television boxing show that airs on the Showtime cable network in the United States, has fourteen heavyweights and welterweights to battle in four arenas (New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago). Upper block, body block, left and right dodging, short punches, and strong punches (hook, jab, uppercut, body shot) are all basic movements. There are a few parameters to consider while playing. First, a health meter recharges when the boxer avoids hits for some time. Punches must be thrown strategically because the effectiveness is determined by an energy bar. Too many forces deplete the bar, and the number also decides whether a boxer can get up after being knocked down. A timer and knockdown lights are also displayed. A power-up indication will become available at various moments. This permits a boxer to charge a decisive strike while giving the opponent time to react. The punch is lost when charging takes too long.
The various game modes (which change for heavyweight and welterweight) are as follows:* Single Fights (Quick): fight for only one round until one of the fighters is knocked out.
Single Fights (Regular): fight for 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 rounds and pick whether to win by KO, TKO, or points.
Points System: Each boxer is given points depending on their performance at the end of each round. The player with the most points at the end of a bout, or after a KO or TKO, wins.
Belts: a three-fight (Amateur), four-fight (Contender), or six-fight (Showtime) series. Each battle is four rounds or three minutes long to win one of the belts.
One boxer takes on all other fighters in his weight division in one continuous round.
Winning tournaments unlocks additional combatants. Two players can also play most modes through wireless (DS).
