This was originally released by Superior Software with the title By Fair Means Or Foul. This was probably a more apt title as I'm sure most professional boxers don't go in for such tactics as kicks and headbutts.

However, in this 'sim' you can get away with such illegal moves; as long as the ref doesn't see. This is pretty easy as the ref is usually on the wrong side of the ring or even asleep. To defeat an opponent you must win reduce his five 'lives' to xero before he does the same to you.

This is acieved by winning a roudn either by knocking him out (reducing his energy to zero) or on points (by having more energy left than him at the end of the round). Kicking and butting is a good way to reduce energy but if the ref spots it he'll call a foul, removing one of your lives. The colour of the little man at the top of the screen shows when it's safe to cheat!

There are different boxers to fight, the harder ones requiring a password gained from beating lesser ones. There's also a practice option to try out the various moves.

When it was reviewed in Issue 45, the game earned a respectable 66% with Gordon Houghton a bit dubious about the 'purple, pug-featured sprites' but otherwise finding the game fairly playable.

Kati Hamza also found the presentation lacking but gameplay fun, and also noticed one of the strangest quirks of the game: even when a boxer is counted out he gets up again, fresh as a daisy, for the next round!

Despite very basic presentation and a lack of realism, the game offers simple but appealing action which is good value at the budget price. And cheating now and again is fun - know what I mean, 'Arry?