Review: Undisputed | Xbox

After 13 years without a serious boxing game, the sweet science finally has its champion. Undisputed from Steel City Interactive has stepped into the ring and, after spending countless hours with the early access PC version and now diving deep into the Xbox Series X release, I can confidently say this is the boxing game fans have been desperately craving.

Having followed this project since its early days as “eSports Boxing Club,” I’ve watched Steel City Interactive pour genuine passion into every aspect of development. These aren’t developers chasing trends—they’re boxing fans creating the game they’ve always wanted to play.

Visual Prowess That Packs a Punch

Undisputed is absolutely stunning on Xbox Series X. The fighter likenesses are remarkable—Muhammad Ali, Canelo Alvarez, and Tyson Fury look like they’ve stepped straight out of a live broadcast. The attention to detail extends beyond just facial features; each boxer moves with authentic mannerisms and fighting styles that immediately identify them even before you see their face.

The arenas are equally impressive, from the intimate atmosphere of smaller venues to the grand spectacle of championship fights. The lighting during ring walks, the way crowd reactions shift with momentum, and even the way sweat glistens under arena lights—it all contributes to an authentic broadcast-quality presentation that makes every fight feel significant.

Combat That Respects the Sweet Science

This isn’t a button-masher’s paradise, and that’s precisely why it works so brilliantly. Undisputed demands you understand boxing fundamentals. The four-way targeting system initially feels overwhelming—targeting head, left arm, right arm, and body with corresponding face buttons—but once it clicks, you’ll feel like a tactical genius.

During my early access days on PC, I spent hours learning the subtleties of different fighting styles. Playing as a defensive specialist versus an aggressive swarmer creates completely different tactical puzzles. The stamina system, whilst not perfect, forces you to pick your moments rather than throwing constant haymakers.

What impressed me most was how weapon choice matters. Switching from a powerful hook to precise jabs based on your opponent’s guard isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential for success. The recent patches have refined the balance beautifully, making blocking more strategic and reducing the effectiveness of endless aggression.

Career Mode That Goes the Distance

The career mode strikes an excellent balance between simulation depth and playable fun. Starting as a hungry amateur and working your way through the professional ranks feels genuinely rewarding. You’ll negotiate contracts, manage training camps, and handle the business side of boxing—all whilst building your fighter’s skills and reputation.

The character creator deserves special mention. I’ve spent embarrassing amounts of time crafting fighters, from serious contenders to absolutely ridiculous monstrosities. The depth of customisation rivals dedicated character creation games, and the recent updates have added even more options.

Managing your team—coach, cutman, and manager—adds strategic depth beyond just throwing punches. Each decision affects your fighter’s development, and watching your team grow alongside your career creates genuine investment in the journey.

A Roster That Keeps Growing

One of Undisputed’s greatest strengths is its expanding roster. The base game launched with over 60 fighters, but the continuous content updates have been phenomenal. The recent Mexican Monster Pack added David Benavidez alongside legends like Héctor “Macho” Camacho and multiple versions of established stars. There are now 70 fighters to choose from.

Having access to both current champions and historical legends creates dream matchups that boxing fans have debated for decades. Want to see how Muhammad Ali would fare against Tyson Fury? Now you can find out, and the authentic fighting styles make these encounters feel credible rather than gimmicky.

Online Excellence

The online experience has improved dramatically since early access. The addition of multi-queue functionality means shorter wait times, and the inclusion of instant replays finally gives you those bragging rights moments when you land the perfect counter.

Yes, you’ll encounter players who only pick Muhammad Ali or Canelo, but that’s part of the challenge. Learning to overcome the game’s strongest fighters with lesser-known boxers becomes its own meta-game. The ranking system provides clear progression goals, and climbing the leaderboards feels genuinely rewarding.

Technical Knockout

Performance on Xbox Series X is rock-solid. I’ve experienced virtually no crashes or significant bugs during my extensive playtime. The game maintains smooth framerates even during the most chaotic exchanges, and loading times are impressively quick.

The audio design deserves praise too. The sound of leather connecting with flesh, the roar of crowds, and the general arena atmosphere all contribute to the immersion. Whilst the commentary can become repetitive during long sessions, it’s generally well-produced and adds to the broadcast feel.

Continuous Evolution

What sets Undisputed apart is Steel City Interactive’s commitment to improvement. The recent updates haven’t just added content—they’ve refined core mechanics based on community feedback. The introduction of career custom rosters, improved blocking mechanics, and PlayStation 5 Pro enhancements show a developer genuinely listening to their audience.

The fact that we’re getting substantial free updates alongside premium DLC creates a perfect balance. You’re never forced to purchase additional content, but the option exists for those wanting more fighters and customisation options.

Room for Improvement

Undisputed isn’t perfect. The career mode, whilst engaging, could benefit from more interactive training elements. Some AI opponents can feel inconsistent, and the lack of certain high-profile fighters due to licensing remains frustrating.

The learning curve is genuinely steep. New players will struggle initially, and some might abandon the game before discovering its depths. A more comprehensive tutorial system could help bridge this gap.

An Absolute Knockout!

After years of waiting and hundreds of hours across both PC early access and the Xbox release, Undisputed has earned its place as the definitive modern boxing game. It respects the sport’s complexity whilst remaining accessible to dedicated players willing to learn its systems.

The continuous content updates, expanding roster, and mechanical refinements suggest this is just the beginning. Steel City Interactive has created not just a game, but a platform for boxing gaming that will only improve with time.

For boxing fans who’ve been starving for authentic digital pugilism, Undisputed delivers a knockout blow. It’s not perfect, but it’s undeniably the champion boxing gaming has been waiting for.