Championship Boxing 4, also known as CB4, is a video game that lets players experience the intensity and excitement of boxing. Developed by EA Sports, the game was released in 2005 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles. It features licensed boxers, arenas, and championships from different parts of the world.
Boxing is a combat sport where two fighters use their fists to punch each other while wearing padded gloves. The objective is to knock out the opponent or score more points by landing punches on the target areas of the body. Boxing has a long history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, and it has evolved into various forms like amateur and professional boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.
Championship Boxing 4 aims to simulate the rules and tactics of professional boxing so that players can feel like they're in the ring against the best fighters. It has several game modes, including career mode, exhibition matches, and tournaments. In career mode, players create their own boxer and guide them through training, sparring, and fights to become a champion in multiple weight classes. They can customize the appearance, skills, and attributes of their boxer, as well as manage their finances, contracts, and fame.
Exhibition matches let players choose from the roster of over 40 real-life boxers, such as Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, and Joe Frazier. They can challenge other boxers in 1v1 or tag-team matches, set the difficulty level, round length, and referee strictness. They can also adjust the fight style, like aggressive, balanced, or defensive, to match their preferences or strategy.
Tournaments are structured events where players face off against a series of opponents to reach the final and win the championship belt. There are regional, continental, and global tournaments available, each with varying prize money, prestige, and rules. Players must adapt to the different fighting styles and strengths of their opponents, as well as deal with injuries and fatigue from previous fights.
Championship Boxing 4 has received mixed reviews from critics and players. Some praised its realism, graphics, and sound effects, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and glitches. Despite its flaws, it remains a popular boxing game for fans of the sport who want to relive classic moments or create new ones on their console. It also serves as a reminder of the physical and mental challenges that boxers face in their pursuit of glory and recognition in the ring.