If a boxer has received large amount of damage to either their head or their body, and they continue to be punched in that area, the fight will soon end in a TKO.

In career mode, the player fights their way through the 28 selectable imaginary boxers in the game, with the last of these being against Holyfeld himself, for the World Heavyweight Title.

This prevents gamers from repeatedly fighting the same low-ranked, low-quality boxers in order to receive more training (and thus better attributes, making the game easier) at an early stage of their career.

These attributes all vary widely between the 30 boxers featured in the game (Evander Holyfield has the maximum rating on all of them).

During career mode, all of the attributes can be increased by selecting various training activities, such as free weights sessions or a protein diet.

Many of these portray somewhat unusual ways for a fighter to attempt to improve their boxing ability; for example, taking Karate lessons, paying a visit to a health club, or obtaining an iron gum shield.

The game gradually replaces aging or low-ranked boxers (including Holyfield) with new ones as Career Mode progresses.

However, the boxers' lateral movement appears somewhat unusual, due to their sprites being drawn from one side-on point of view.

Mean Machines (UK) awarded the Mega Drive version 52%, saying: "Some good ideas and some impressive graphics ruined by awful gameplay and in-game logic.

"[3] Glenn Rubenstein of Wizard magazine gave the genesis version a score of A− praising the graphics, the realistic gameplay and the feature to customize your boxer.