VR boxing champ takes on Olympic medalist: How well do virtual skills transfer?
Can you really learn to box in virtual reality? A VR boxing champion steps into the ring for the first time — against an Olympic medal winner.
In a unique YouTube collaboration, VR boxing champion "Sib" met with former Olympic boxer Tony Jeffries to put virtual fighting skills to the test. What made this meetup particularly interesting was that Sib had never set foot in an actual boxing ring before this encounter.
To evaluate Sib's capabilities, Jeffries put him through a comprehensive workout including shadow-boxing, punch pad work, and light sparring. While Sib's technique wasn't perfect, he displayed impressive fundamental knowledge of movement, defense, and counter-punching tactics.
Surprising skills from VR training
Jeffries, who earned bronze at the 2008 Olympics, found himself genuinely impressed by the VR boxer's abilities. "If someone had put Sib in a ring with me and said this was the first time this man had ever boxed, I definitely wouldn't have believed it," Jeffries remarked after their training session.
Sib noticed some interesting crossover between virtual and real boxing: "The movement is definitely something that transfers well," he explained. "I often found myself trying to protect my head, even though we only allowed shoulder and body shots — a habit from the game."
While Jeffries acknowledged that VR boxing games can effectively teach basic boxing fundamentals, he emphasized that real-world training remains essential for serious fighters. "Can this man fight? Yes, he can fight. Is he going to be the next amateur superstar just because he did VR boxing? No, because to become a real boxer, you need more real experience," the boxing veteran explained.
Tables turn in virtual rematch
Following their real-world session, the two squared off in The Thrill of the Fight 2 on Meta Quest 3. Jeffries had previously lost to Sib online, and history repeated itself in their rematch. Despite Jeffries' extensive boxing experience, Sib secured another victory through strategic dodging and precise counterstrikes, winning by points with a score of 30 to 27.
Want to test your skills against either fighter? You can find them in The Thrill of the Fight 2 under the usernames Tony_Jeffries and Sib_33. Jeffries has even created a tutorial video offering tips for improving your virtual boxing game.
Successful VR boxing series
The Thrill of the Fight has established itself as one of VR's most realistic boxing simulators since its 2016 debut. Its sequel, released in Early Access for Meta Quest in November 2024, introduces new features including multiplayer modes and customizable avatars.
As for Jeffries, he transitioned from professional boxing in 2012 due to a hand injury. He went on to establish Box 'N Burn, a Los Angeles boxing gym that Men's Fitness named "Best Gym in California." Today, he divides his time between boxing instruction, entrepreneurship, and occasional work as a fight coordinator for film and TV productions, while maintaining an active social media presence sharing boxing insights and analysis.
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