Gottlieb’s Title Fight, released in 1990 and designed by Ray Tanzer, steps into the boxing ring with one of the more distinctive layouts of its era — a five-flipper machine topped by a mechanical backbox animation of two boxers trading blows. With messenger balls, multiple drop-target banks, and an upper mini-playfield, it’s an ambitious, busy table that captures the drama of a championship bout.
The gameplay sends you up to that top mini-playfield, where the goal is to knock down all the standup targets within a timer. Succeed and the ball drops into a scoop — flip when the display says “fight” to win the round, then rinse and repeat as you climb toward the title. Multiball brings the real fireworks, where hitting ten glove targets collects a three-million jackpot. It’s a structure that rewards accuracy under pressure, mirroring the focus and timing of the sport it celebrates.
A solid, characterful entry from Gottlieb’s late solid-state run (produced under the Premier name), Title Fight is an underrated machine with a genuinely fun mechanical hook in its sparring boxers. For collectors who enjoy a sports theme, an unusual five-flipper layout, and the satisfying spectacle of a backbox brawl, it’s an enjoyable and distinctive table that punches above its reputation. Step into the ring and go for the title.