It's the same as any other sport - sometimes they hate each other, sometimes they like each other, sometimes they're indifferent. To have a great rivalry, the fighters don't have to despise each other. Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank genuinely didn't like each other (although I believe they are now on friendly terms), but Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe, who fought three ferocious battles against each other, got along very well outside of the ring. Ali and Tyson were both kings of the 'psyche out'. The fighters hating each other, smack talking, saying they're going to kill their opponent etc, is good for selling the fight. Think about it, which fight would you rather watch, one between two guys who chat amiably together, or two guys who genuinely act like they want to kill each other?

There is a certain shared nobility and respect between fighters - people die in boxing.

There are instances when fighters truly hate their opponents, but most of the time, it's just purely psychological. I mean, boxing is a sport where you need to beat up guys to win and be a champion. How could you beat up your opponent if you're too friendly with him? It takes away your edge.

They are in it for the money. They psyche themselves out to not like their opponent so they can go after them without concern.

MOST LIKELY,Neither.

EXCEPT IN RARE OCCASIONS,THE OPPONENTS REALLY DON'T HARBOR ANY ANGER,THEY ARE ACTUALLY JUST ATTEMPTING TO INTIMIDATE THEIR FOE,OR,IN AN ODD WAY,MOTIVATE THEIRSELF.

I was recently watching a whole bunch of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson fights.

It made me wonder, do these people actually hate each other, or are they just in it for entertaining people?