The Heavyweight Top Champions of All Time THE HEAVYWEIGHT TOP CHAMPIONS OF ALL TIME 06/20/98 Disclaimer: The list below is based on each boxer's last name. 1. Muhammad Ali Started his pro career 1960 until 1981, Muhammad Ali - previously known as Cassius Clay, has booked professional fight record of 56-5 (57 KO). He was nicknamed as "The Greatest" as he always proved every words he said before afight was done. Ali was also known as the one who invented rope and dope technique in boxing. "Dance like a butterfly and sting like a bee" was always reflected in his fights. Ali was the first man in the world who succeeded to be a three times Heavyweight champion, before Evander Holyfield did it again in 1997. Ali fist got the world title after defeating Sonny Liston by KO7 in Miami Beach, Fl, February 25, 1964. 2.

Ezzard Charles He fought in 1940-1959, and finally became a world champion in 1950-1951 after he defeated the legend Joe Louis on September 27, 1950 in New York. After he lost his title defeated by Jersey Joe Walcott (PA, July 18, 1051), Charles failed twice in his attempt to get back the title from Rocky Marciano in 1954. 3. Jack Dempsey The 1919-1926 Heavyweight world champion , Jack Dempsey, fought in professional boxing in 1914-1940. He first got his title from Jess Willard in Toledo, OH (July 4, 1919). He then lost the title in September 1926 after defeated by Gene Tuney in Chicago, IL. 4. George Foreman "Big George" started his pro debut in 1969 and ended it nicely in 1997. He is the oldest Heavyweight world champion in history, and he has become a legend for that.

Collecting 76 wins (68 KO) and only 5 losses, Foreman was really an amazing champion. He first got the title by defeating Smokin' Joe Frazier in Jamaica by KO2 (Jan. 22, 1973). Ali seized the title on October 30, 1974 by KO4 in Kinsasha, Zaire. He decided to retire after Jimmy Young defeated him in 1997, but then he made a spectacular moment when he knocked out Michael Moorer in Las Vegas when he was 45 (January 23, 1989). 5. Joe Frazier He was world champion in 1970-1973, the time of the toughest competition in heavyweight world. Frazier fought in 1965-1981 and collecting 32-4 (27 KO) fight record. He got the Heavyweight title in February 16, 1970 from Jimmy Ellis by KO5 in NY. He was forced to give the crown to Foreman after he was KO'd in round 2. 6.

Larry Holmes This "Easton Assassin" almost got the 49 consecutive victories as Marciano did, but he failed after Michael Spinks defeated him in 1985. Holmes (66-6, 42 KO's) boxed from 1973-1997. He was a consecutive champion for 7 years, 1978-1985. Holmes got the world title on June 9, 1978 from Ken Norton by points in Las Vegas. In his come back, Holmes has tried to get back his lost title several times, including Tyson (1988), but he never made it. Evander Holyfield "The Real Deal" is a very religious boxer. Until today, he has gathered fight records of 35-3 (25 KO's). He was Cruiserweight champion (1986-1990), then to KO James Douglas in round 3 on October 25, 1990. He is the second man in history after Ali who could be the 3 times Heavyweight world champion. He is considered as a legend after his 2 consecutive spectacular victories against Tyson in 1997.

8. Jack Johnson Johnson, 78-13-11 (49 KO's), boxed in 1897-1945. He was the world champion in 1908-1914 after defeating Tommy Burns in Sydney by KO14 (December 26, 1908). 9. Sonny Liston Liston was the 1962-1964's Heavyweight champion. He professionally boxed in 1953-1970, owning fight records of 50-4 (39 KO's). Liston got the title from Floyd Patterson by KO1 in Chicagi, IL. (September 25, 1962). 10. Lennox Lewis Lewis became the Brittish pride after becoming the world champion defeating Tonny Tucker by points on May 8, 1993. After being defeated by Oliver McCall by KO2, Lewis has returned to be the world champion since 1994 until today. He has fight records of 33-1 (27 KO's). 11.

Joe Louis Louis was the world champion in 1937-1948, with fight records of 68-3 (54 KO's). He professionally boxed in 1934-1951, and to get the world championship crown on June 22, 1937 by KOing James Braddock in round 8 in Chicago, IL. 12. Rocky Marciano He is the only man in history having a consecutive victory record 49-0 in his Heavyweight career. Marciano, started his debut in 1947 and announced retirement in 1956 when he was still a champion. The Brocton Blockbuster, the way he was called, seized the heavyweight championship title from Jersey Joe Walcott by KO13 on September 23 in PA. Marciano, the original Rocky, died in a plane crash in August 31, 1968 when he was 46. 13. Floyd Patterson The former youngest heavyweight champion before Tyson did it.

This 1956-1962's champion got the title on November 30, 1956 by defeating Archie Moore (KO5) in Chicago, IL. Since his professional debut (1952) until his retirement (1972) Patterson has collected 52 wins (40 KO's) - 8 - 1. 14. Max Schmelling This German pride was the champion in 1930-1932, that the title was taken from Jack Sharkey by disq. 4 (New York, June 12, 1998). Schmelling's boxing record (1924-1948) is 56-10-4 (39 KO's) - He was forced to give the championship crown to Joe Louis after he was KO'd in round 1 on June 22, 1938. 15. John L. Sullivan "Boston Strong Boy" was born in 1858, started his professional debut in 1878.

He became the greatest in Heavyweight after sending Dominic McCaffrey in round 6 on August 29, 1885. He was the champion until 1892 before he retired in 1892. His boxing record was 41-1-3 (36 KO's) 16. Gene Tuney Tuney, 1926-1928 champion, started his pro career in 1915 and retired in 1928. He got the title from Jack Dempsey on September 23, 1926 in Philadelphia. His record noted 65-1-1 (47 KO's). 17. Mike Tyson "Iron" Tyson was declared as the most scarry boxer of the century, following his outrageous KO victories in early rounds. This controversial fighter started his pro career in 1986 and got his world title on November 22, 1986 from Trevor Berbick in Las Vegas (TKO2).

He was then inactive for being enjailed (1992-1994), and got again his lost champion belt on March 16, 1996 by defeating Frank Bruno by TKO3. One worst thing in his life was when he was suspended from boxing after he bite Holyfield's ears in an emotional fight in 1997. He's planned to return to the ring in this year. 18. Jersey Joe Walcott Started his pro debut in 1930, Walcott became the world champion on July 18, 1951 by defeating Ezzard Charles (KO7) in PA. After he lost his belt in 1952, he tried to get it back for several times with failures. Finally he decided to retire in 1953 after being KO'd by Marciano in the first round in Chicago, IL. He had bout records of 53-18-1 (33 KO's). Jeff Famous Boxers - The Greatest Boxers of All Time Famous Boxers Muhammad Ali (1942) Famous For: Being widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.

The Greatest, “The People’s Champion,” these are nicknames given to one of the most famous athletes in the world, Muhammad Ali. He has born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. before he converted to Islam in 1964. Before turning professional, Ali won a gold medal at the Olympics in Rome in 1960 as a light heavyweight. As a professional heavyweight, we won fifty-six, 37 by knockout. Some of his fights have been given titles, most famous include, “Rumble in the Jungle,” in Kinshasa, Zaire against George Foreman and “The Thrilla in Manila,” in Manila, Philippines against Joe Frazier. Ali was a multiple heavyweight champion during his career as a boxer. Manny Pacquiao (1978) Famous For: World champion in eight weight divisions Eight division world champion, the first to ever accomplish the feat, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao was named “Fighter of the Decade” in 2009. A southpaw, Pacquiao’s record is an impressive 54-5 with 2 draws.

This is one fighter who has received more than his share of nicknames that include: Pac Man, The Nation’s Fist, Destroyer, Mexicutioner and the list goes on. Mike Tyson (1966) Famous For: Unified the heavyweight titles under the WBA, WBC, & IBF At twenty years old, Mike Tyson became the undisputed heavyweight champion, unifying the WBA (World Boxing Association), WBC (World Boxing Council), and the IBF (International Boxing Federation) heavyweight titles. “The Baddest Man on the Planet”, as Tyson was known, won 44 of his fifty fights by knockout. He is also known as Iron Mike and Kid Dynamite for his hard hitting punches. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (1977) Famous For: Undefeated record Rated as the best pound for pound fighter today, Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains undefeated. He is a world champion in five divisions beginning with the Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Light Welterweight, and Light Middleweight, divisions. As an amateur, he had an 84-6 record, as a professional, he is 45-0.

He has two nicknames to date, “Money” & “Pretty Boy.” Jack Johnson (1878-1946) Famous For: Galveston Giant The “Galveston Giant” or John Arthur Johnson became the first Black American world boxing heavyweight (179 lbs not more than 201) champion. His reign as champion lasted for seven years. He had a total of 114 fights, he won eighty fights, forty-five by knockouts; twelve draws, fourteen no-contest, and 13 losses. Johnson was an “orthodox” style of boxer. George Foreman (1949) Famous For: Rumble in the Jungle Two time World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman was one of the most famous boxers of his time that go with his epic battles against the likes of Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, and Muhammad Ali. In 1968, he won the gold medal at summer Olympics in Mexico City. In his storied boxing career, Foreman compiled seventy-six wins. He was the oldest, at age 45, Heavyweight champion to win the title.

His nicknames include, “The Heywood Giant, Big George, and the Punching Preacher.” Roy Jones Jr. (1969) Famous For: 1990s Fighter of the Decade After starting as a boxer in the light middleweight division, Roy Jones Jr. eventually found himself winning the heavyweight title. During the 1990s, Jones received the recognition for being the “Fighter of the Decade.” He garnered a total of 56 wins during his professional career, receiving the title Champion as a Middleweight, Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and Heavyweight. He was known as “RJ, Captain Hook, Superman, and Junior.” Rocky Marciano (1923-1969) Famous For: Undefeated Heavyweight boxer Untied and undefeated in his professional boxing career, former World Heavyweight champion Rocky (Rocco Francis Marchegiano) Marciano, is the only boxer to hold this distinction. He had forty-nine fights, lost none, won 43 by knockout.

Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, he has been given the alias “Rock from Brockton” and “Brockton Blockbuster.” Julio César Chávez, Jr. (1986) Famous For: WBC Middleweight champion in 2011 Following in the footsteps of his father, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has a record of 47 wins and 1 loss. He won the WBC middleweight title in 2011. He has been rated to fight in two weight classes, Middleweight and Light Heavyweight. Joe Frazier (1944-2011) Famous For: Thrilla in Manila Joseph William “Smokin Joe” Frazier was proclaimed the “undisputed World Heavyweight Champion” in boxing in 1970. In the 1964 Tokyo summer Olympics, Frazier won the gold medal in the heavyweight division. As a professional, Smokin Joe had 32 wins and 4 losses, twice each to Ali and Foreman. Evander Holyfield (1962) Famous For: Holyfield vs.

Tyson, the Bite With a nickname “The Real Deal”, Evander Holyfield proved that he was just that, the real deal as a boxer. Of his 44 wins, he won 29 by knockout. Some of those wins were at the expense of the likes of Foreman, Holmes, and Mike Tyson, to name a few. Another nickname given to Holyfield was “The Warrior.” Julio César Chávez (1962) Famous For: The Great Mexican Champion Considered as Mexico’s greatest fighter, Julio Cesar Chavez is remembered for his punching power, relentless attack against his opponents, and his ability to take the punches. As a Chavez had 107 wins to go with being crowned six times as world champion in the Super Featherweight, Lightweight, and Light Welterweight divisions. Lennox Lewis (1965) Famous For: Undisputed Champion in 2000 British/Canadian Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis is viewed by many as one of the greatest fighters of all time. He received a gold medal during the 1988 Seoul summer Olympics. He turned professional in 1989 in which he won forty-one times.

At six feet five inches, he had a reach of 84 inches. He has been given the nickname “The Lion” and “Lenny”, though he viewed himself as “the pugilist specialist.” Victor Ortiz (1987) Famous For: WBC Welterweight champion in 2011 Another southpaw, Victor Ortiz’s fighting record is 29 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws. In 2011, he won the WBC welterweight title against Andre Berto. He us rated eligible to fight in the welterweight, light welterweight, and light middleweight divisions. Sugar Ray Leonard (1956) Famous For: The Super Fight vs. Hagler In the 1980s, Sugar Ray Leonard received the recognition for being the “Boxer of the Decade”. Although he only figured in 40 fights, he won 36 of them, the men he fought against were equally legendary. Representing the USA at the summer Olympics in 1976, we won gold in the light welterweight division. He fought in five divisions, moving up from Welterweight to Light Heavyweight.

His battles against fellow Hall of Famers were epic, these include the likes of Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Wilfred Benitez, and Marvin Hagler. Timothy Bradley (1983) Famous For: World champion in welterweight division Current WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley is just getting started in his boxing career. To date, he has won 31 fights with no losses. He won the welterweight title against then champion Manny Pacquiao. Jack Dempsey (1895-1983) Famous For: Boxing World Heavyweight Champion 1919-1926 Jack Dempsey held boxing’s World Heavyweight Championship belt for seven years, from 1919 to 1926. Because of his aggressive power, Dempsey was one of the most popular boxers in his time. Of the 83 fights he fought in, Dempsey won 65, winning 51 of those by knock-out. He only lost six of the 83.

His nicknames include “Manassa Mauler” and “Kid Blackie.” Joe Louis (1914-1981) Famous For: Brown Bomber & Boxing World Heavyweight Champion 1937-1949 As boxing’s World Heavyweight champion for twelve years, of the 70 fights Joe Louis fought, he only experienced three losses, winning 66. Of that victories, he won 52 by knockout. He is viewed as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He had reach of 76″. He was nicknamed the Brown Bomber. Sugar Ray Robinson (1921-1989) Famous For: best pound for pound boxer The title of the “greatest boxer” of all time may be given to Sugar Ray Robinson, as an amateur, he had a record of 85-0, 69 won by knockout, forty of those in the first round. Robinson had an “orthodox” style as a boxer. He fought in the welterweight (140 pounds not more than 147) and middleweight (152 pounds not more than 165) divisions of boxing.

Sonny Liston (unknown-1970) Famous For: 1964 rematch against Muhammad Ali One of the most controversial boxers of his time, Sonny Liston had a record of 50 wins and four losses. He was in the heavyweight division and in 1962 was crowned the World Heavyweight Champion. His most memorable fights were those against Floyd Patterson and Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), whom he each fought two times. Rubin Carter (1937) Famous For: his nickname, the Hurricane The Hurricane, this was the nickname given to middleweight boxer Rubin Carter. He was not tall for a middleweight fighter, but he did have a total of forty fights in which he won 27 of those, 19 by knockout. Jake Lamotta (1921) Famous For: Raging Bull LaMotta has been given the nickname of “Raging Bull” and “Bronx Bull” for his bully style of fighting in the ring. As a middleweight and light heavyweight boxer, Jake fought a total of 106 times, winning 93 of those.

His storied rivalry against Sugar Ray Robinson, they fought six times, the last had been labeled as boxings version of the “Valentine’s Day Massacre” in which LaMotta was out-boxed, out punched by Robinson, but never knocked down. Roberto Durán (1951) Famous For: “No Mas, No Mas” One of the best fighters to step into the wrong was Panamanian Roberto Duran, the man who had been given the nickname “Manos de Piedra or Hands of Stone.” He fought in five different weight classes, Lightweight, Welterweight, Light and Super Middleweight, and Middleweight. He won 103 times and 70 of those by knockout. Shane Mosley (1971) Famous For: Sugar Shane Mosley As a professional boxer, Shane Mosley has a record of 47 wins and 8 losses. 39 of those wins came via knockout. He held world titles as a Lightweight, Welterweight, and Light Middleweight. As an amateur, Mosley’s official record was 230 wins and twelve losses.

Oscar De La Hoya (1973) Famous For: Golden Boy Golden Boy Oscar dela Hoya has won ten world boxing titles in different weight classes beginning in the Super featherweight all the way up to Middleweight, six in all. He won a gold medal at the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain in the lightweight division. His professional boxing record is a respectable 39-6. Larry Holmes (1949) Famous For: Easton Assassin The Easton Assassin, this was how former WBC Heavyweight champion was known. He grew up in the city of Easton in Pennsylvania. He reigned as boxing champion from 1978 through 1983. His record as a professional boxer was 69-6. Mike Tyson: The greatest heavyweight of all time? | GiveMeSport Mike Tyson: The greatest heavyweight of all time? Published 24/7 This question: 'who is the greatest heavyweight of all time?' has long been debated, but it's so open to opinion that no answer can be stated as fact. I intend to give my opinion on who I personally rate as the best heavyweight ever and respect that others will disagree.

There is something magical about watching good heavyweight boxing that cannot be replicated by any other weight division. The thought of two big men standing toe-to-toe and trading huge blows captures the imagination like no other. Perhaps I am slightly biased in being a fairly big man myself but heavyweights are the fighters who excite me the most. Now the best debate in boxing begins. Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali has got to be the most famous boxer to have ever lived. A hugely charismatic man and brilliant boxer combined to make a true super-star like no ever boxer seen before or to probably ever exist. Ali was controversial, brash and used to frustrate his opponents both in and out of the ring with his constant bad-mouthing. He was great for the sport raising its popularity and is the talisman of the sport. When you think of boxing Ali comes to mind straight-away. With a record of 56 wins and five losses, Ali has a very impressive statistical record. With wins against the likes of Henry Cooper, Floyd Paterson, Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman he is a true great of the sport. He had terrific speed and was technically very good.

He was tactically brilliant as shown by his sticking to the ropes against Foreman and waiting for Foreman to get tired. Ali was an idol of so many people across the world and is probably the most famous sportsman to have ever lived. He was also very political which harmed his boxing career at one stage when he refused to go to the Vietnam war. Ali was banned for boxing for a few years as a result which no doubt would have had a big impact on the rest of his career. Ali was an inspirational speaker who came up with so many brilliant sound-bites and rhymes such as, ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,’ and ‘Last night I had a dream, When I got to Africa, I had one hell of a rumble. I had to beat Tarzan’s behind first, For claiming to be King of the Jungle. For this fight, I’ve wrestled with alligators, I’ve tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning And throw thunder in jail. You know I’m bad. just last week, I murdered a rock, Injured a stone, Hospitalised a brick. I’m so mean, I make medicine sick.

I’m so fast, man, I can run through a hurricane and don’t get wet. When George Foreman meets me, He’ll pay his debt. I can drown the drink of water, and kill a dead tree. Wait till you see Muhammad Ali.’ There is no doubt that Ali is one of the greatest ever heavyweights with a combination of speed, power, technical ability and boxing intelligence that made him an incredible boxer. Mike Tyson Mike Tyson is perhaps the most ferocious and controversial boxer in this debate. He possessed truly phenomenal power and technique. He was a small heavyweight standing at only 5ft 10in but had much taller men shaking in their boots just at the sight of him. Tyson was a beast of a man with a stocky physique and was hugely muscly. He was meticulous in his preparation when young and was in my opinion unstoppable in his prime. Having retired with a record of 50 wins, six losses and two no contests he also boasts an impressive record. The baddest man on the planet, as he labelled himself, is a former undisputed heavyweight world champion and the youngest ever heavyweight world champion aged just 20 years, four months, and 22 days old.

An example of Tyson’s unparalleled power is shown by him knocking out all 19 of his first opponents with 12 coming in the first round. He was an extremely exciting boxer who wasn’t scared of anyone and destroyed opponents like no other boxer I have seen. The damage he could inflict is just incredible and scared me just thinking about it. As mentioned previously Tyson continually made history and was the first heavyweight to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles all at the same time. He was an incredible specimen of a man and truly a scary man. Sadly Mike was erratic out of the ring and was always getting himself into trouble. He was brought up in rough circumstances and had to be violent to look after himself. He also served three years in prison for rape in 1992 and many say he was never the same after this. Up to then his record was 41-1. This is just remarkable for a heavyweight fighting in a great era. For me Mike Tyson is a serious contender to be the best heavyweight of all time in his prime. Lennox Lewis Lennox is unique in ending his career with a clean slate. Upon retirement, his record stood at 41 wins, two losses and one draw.

He holds victories against Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Vitali Klitschko, and fellow British fighter Frank Bruno. Tyson was a ferocious fighter and character, so for Lennox to hold a victory over him shows what a great fighter he was. There is however complaints that this fight took place a few years too late and that Tyson was past his prime by the time they fought. Despite this to have beaten such men is an incredible achievement and solidifies Lewis as a great of the sport. He was trained by the late, great Emanuel Steward who transformed him into a technical fighter who looked to dominate with his jab. He is an iconic British fighter and the last Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion. Lennox had an incredible career and has recently got involved with passing on his knowledge and vast extensive experience to current promising heavyweight David Price. Lennox is the talisman of British Heavyweight boxers and any up and coming British heavyweight is compared to him. This is daunting for them as everyone loves a great heavyweight. Lewis was a technically very good heavyweight who had a great jab and right hand. He was also able to take a punch brilliantly as shown in his last fight against Vitali Klitschko.

By many he is regarded as the last great heavyweight. Evander Holyfield Holyfield is a former undisputed Cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion. This is an incredible achievement and surely cements him as not only one of the greats of heavyweight boxing but as one of the greats of boxing as a whole. Many regard him as the best ever cruiserweight but that is not the debate here. Hoyfield has a record of 44 wins 10 losses, two draws and one no contest. This record has taken a bit of a hammering in the last decade with Holyfield choosing to carry on his career for too long. This to a certain extent diminishes some of Holyfield’s legacy but I intend to remember him in his prime. He holds victories over the likes of Mike Tyson twice, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer, Buster Douglas and Hasim Rahman. This is a truly impressive set of victories over some truly brilliant heavyweights. Holyfield fought in an incredible era for heavyweights and therefore his achievements are even more impressive. Holyfield was an intelligent boxer who made it very difficult for opponents. He was tactically astute and a very wily character.

He is a much underrated boxer in my opinion and was truly a great of the sport. George Foreman Foreman is a former two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic golf medalist. Foreman was a huge puncher who could destroy opponents in a short space of time. He was also able to take a shot very well which made him a formidable opponent for anyone. Foreman’s record of 76 wins with 68 knock-outs and five losses highlights his extreme power. 68 knock outs is just remarkable. He holds victories over the likes of Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and his first loss came in his 41st professional fight to Muhammad Ali. He also holds history as being the oldest ever person to win a world heavyweight title aged 45. This is an astonishing achievement and won which shows that age truly is just a number. He had regained the world title after 20 years of losing it originally. This is remarkable to think that someone can come back 20 years later and compete at the highest level. Foreman is an icon of the sport and is well known in and out of the ring. One of his most famous fights was against Muhammad Ali labelled as the rumble in the jungle.

This fight was gruelling for both fighters in humid conditions and Ali implemented the rope-a-dope tactics to tire Foreman before knocking him out later in the fight. Foreman is a true great of the heavyweight division and has achieved things that boxers can only ever dream of. Joe Frazier Frazier is a former Olympic gold medalist and undisputed heavyweight world champion with only losses to two men: Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Frazier holds a victory over the great Muhammad Ali during their great rivalry and is well known for his unique boxing style. He ducked and weaved in and out of punches and put the opponent under endless pressure that they often couldn’t handle. Current heavyweight Dereck Chisora labels Frazier as his idol and tries to replicate the style but to a lesser success rate. Frazier also possessed a great left hook which knocked out many an opponent. His record stands at 32 wins, four losses and one draw. Which in the era that he thought is brilliant. He was an all action-fighter who gave everything that he had each time he stepped into the ring. His trilogy with Frazier was truly remarkable and shows just what an incredible boxer he was.

He was a truly great heavyweight and deserved his place in my discussion of the greatest ever heavyweight. Joe Louis Louis is rightly regarded by many in the sport as one of the greatest heavyweights ever with an outstanding record of 57 wins, 3 losses and 1 no contest. Louis was a huge puncher as shown by being placed as #1 on The Ring’s list of the 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time. He also holds the record of 25 successful heavyweight title defences. He did much to restore the reputation of boxing at the time which had become famous for corruption. He was a hard-working and honest man who became an icon on the sport. Louis also had a major impact outside the ring culturally in America and is recognised by many as the first African-American to become a national hero. Breaking such barriers no doubt had an effect on the improving tolerance of society and realisation that your colour or ethnicity is no reason to be discriminated against. Louis was an incredible performer boasting 57 wins by knock out and for some is the best heavyweight of all time. Rocky Marciano Marciano retired with the best record out of all in this debate.

An unblemished, undefeated perfect record of 49 fights, 49 wins with 43 knock-outs. To go a whole career undefeated in indescribably astonishing. With 43 knock outs his power is obvious for many to see but he was a wild fighter who was technically not the best. What he lacked in technique he made up for in determination and power though. Marciano holds a victory over other great Joe Louis but Louis was at the end of his career so Marciano doesn’t get as much credit for this win as perhaps he should do. Many say Marciano fought at a time when the heavyweight division was not strong but to go undefeated in a 49 fight career is still some achievement which is unlikely to be repeated by a heavyweight again. For me Marciano is a great of heavyweight boxing but doesn’t quite make it onto my short list as a contender along with Tyson and Ali so far. Jack Dempsey The Manassa Mauler is the last man on my list. He held the World Heavyweight Championship for 7 years and was renowned for his aggressive and exciting style. He had huge punching power and he was one of the most popular boxers to have ever been born.

He finished with a record of 65 wins, 6 losses, 11 draws and 1 no contest. Dempsey is famous for his brutal victory over the giant Jess Willard. Willard stood at 6ft 6in, which is huge for the time yet Dempsey was able to knock Willard down seven times in the first round alone. Willard suffered broken ribs, shattered jaw, broken nose, four missing teeth, partial hearing loss in one ear along with many cuts. This was a horrific beating which resulted in Willard retiring on his stool due to the injuries. To inflict such damage on a world champion of that size is incredible and just doesn’t happen. Dempsey retired as one of the greatest ever heavyweights and is therefore added to my short-list of the men to fight for the position of greatest ever heavyweight along with Ali and Tyson. To conclude I find myself edging towards declaring Mike Tyson as the greatest heavyweight of all time. His power was incredible. He had desire, technique, speed, strength the list just goes on. For me he was the most exciting heavyweight and could do things that no one else could do. He could destroy opponents within seconds with just one punch.

For me in his prime he was untouchable. I personally don’t think that at his best anyone could beat him, not even the great Ali or Dempsey. He was ferocious and almost animal like in the ring. It’s just a shame that his out of ring antics had an effect on his boxing later on and lessened his record. Tyson was an incredible boxer who for me can stand proud as the greatest heavyweight of all time. Write for GiveMeSport! Sign-up to the GMS Writing Academy here: DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors. Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: Topics: Top 10 Southpaw Boxers of All Time - YouTube Top 10 Southpaw Boxers of All Time Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video?

Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Oct 8, 2013 Top 10 Southpaw Boxers of All Time 1. Pernell Whitaker - nicknamed "Sweet Pea," is a professional boxing trainer and retired American professional boxer. Whitaker was the lightweight silver medalist at the 1982 World Championships, followed by the gold medalist at the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1984 Olympics. Whitaker then embarked on a pro career in which he became world champion in four different weight divisions. During his career, he fought world champions such as Julio César Chávez, Oscar De La Hoya and Félix Trinidad. For his achievements, he was named the 1989 Fighter of the year by Ring Magazine. 2. Marvin Hagler - is a retired American professional boxer who was Undisputed World Middleweight Champion from 1980 to 1987. Hagler made twelve undisputed title defenses and holds the highest KO% of all middleweight champions at 78%.

At six years and seven months, his reign as undisputed middleweight champion is the second longest of the last century, behind only Tony Zale (although Zale was inactive for four years due to World War II). In 1982, annoyed that network announcers often did not refer to him by his nickname, "Marvelous", Hagler legally changed his name to Marvelous Marvin Hagler. 3. Tiger Flowers - became the first African-American middleweight boxing champion, defeating Harry Greb in 1926. Known as "Tiger", he began boxing professionally in 1918 at the age of 23 while working at a Philadelphia shipbuilding plant. Nicknamed the "Georgia Deacon", he was a devoutly religious man who would recite a passage from Psalm 144 before every bout. 4. Manny Pacquiao - is a Filipino professional boxer and politician. He is the first and only eight-division world champion in which he has won ten world titles, as well as the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. He is also the second highest paid athlete in the world 5. Joe Calzaghe - is a retired Welsh professional boxer.

He is a former WBO, IBF, WBC, WBA & The Ring Super Middleweight Champion and The Ring Light Heavyweight Champion 6. Winky Wright - is an American former boxer. During his professional career he was recognized as the undisputed champion at light middleweight, and fought many notable world champions including Shane Mosley, Félix Trinidad, Jermain Taylor, Ike Quartey, Fernando Vargas, Bernard Hopkins and Paul Williams. Wright announced his retirement from boxing on June 4, 2012, following a loss to Peter Quillin. 7. Hector Camacho - nicknamed Macho Camacho, was a Puerto Rican professional boxer and singer. Known for his quickness in the ring and flamboyant style, he held major championships in the super featherweight (WBC, 1983), lightweight (WBC, 1985), and junior welterweight (WBO, 1989 and 1991) divisions. After earning minor titles in four additional weight classes, Camacho became the first boxer to be recognized as a septuple champion. 8. Michael Nunn - is a former American boxer.

Nicknamed "Second To" Nunn, he was a 6' 2" southpaw and was the Lineal/IBF middleweight champion, and the LinealWBA super-middleweight champion. 9. Michael Moorer - is a retired American boxer who is one of only four men (the others being Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis) to win one or more versions of the World Heavyweight Championship on three separate occasions, as well as being a former world light-heavyweight champion; he is one of only three men (the others being Bob Fitzsimmons and Roy Jones) to win world titles at both light-heavyweight and heavyweight. 10. Chris Byrd - is a retired professional boxer. He is a former WBO and IBF heavyweight champion. His nickname is "Rapid Fire".

Feel free to check out my content on other Websites: Mike Tyson - BoxRec Mike Tyson Hall of Fame bio: click Name: Mike Tyson Birth Name: Michael Gerard Tyson Born: 1966-06-30 Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA Hometown: Henderson, Nevada, USA 4 of 6 amateur losses were classed as controversial decisions 1981 United States Junior Olympic Heavyweight Champion. Results: Jesus Esparza - RSC 1 1981 Ernie Bennett - L 3 1982 United States Junior Olympic Heavyweight Champion. Results: Tito Llanes - RSC 1 Al Evans - L RSC 3 1983 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Finalist. Results: Ronald Williams - RSC 1 Kimmuel Odum - L DQ 2 1983 Ohio State Fair Heavyweight Champion. Results: 1983 United States Under-19 Heavyweight Champion, defeating Mark Scott by RSC 1 1984 United States Under-19 Heavyweight Champion, defeating Orbit Pough by KO 1 1984 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion.

Results: 1984 United States Olympic Trials Heavyweight Finalist. Results: Kelton Brown - KO 1 1984 United States Olympic Box-Offs. Results: Olian Alexander - W 3 Haakan Brock (Sweden) - W 3 (5-0) Preceded by: Tyson wearing the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight title belts. Tyson vs. Trevor Berbick Has a record of 12-4 (10 KO) in world title fights. Has a record of 3-2 (3 KO) in lineal title fights. Has a record of 11-4-0-1 (9 KO) against former or current world titlists: No Contest against Orlin Norris . Has a record of 3-4 (3 KO) against former or current lineal titlists: Lost against James Douglas , Evander Holyfield (twice), and Lennox Lewis . Has a record of 7-0 (6 KO) against undefeated boxers: Lost against Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield (twice). Has a record of 4-1 (4 KO) in fights outside his native United States.

Year-By-Year Record 1992-1994: Did not fight (served prison sentence) 1995: 2(1)-0 1998: Did not fight (boxing license suspended) 1999: 1(1)-0-0-1 (2) WBC Heavyweight Title (1986-1990; 9 defenses, 1996; 0 defenses) (2) WBA Heavyweight Title (1987-1990; 8 defenses, 1996; 0 defenses) IBF Heavyweight Title (1987-1990; 6 defenses) Unified & Undisputed Titles Unified Heavyweight Title (1996; WBC , WBA ) The Ring Magazine Titles Named the 50th greatest boxer of all-time by ESPN in 2007. Mike Tyson's World Tour "Mike Tyson's World Tour," a series of four-round exhibitions bouts, was announced on September 28, 2006. Tyson said he anticipated taking the show to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

"Mike Tyson's World Tour" was shades of the 1930's exhibition tour by former World Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey . On October 21, 2006, Tyson made the first and only stop of his exhibition tour in Youngstown, Ohio. Tyson and Corey Sanders boxed four two½ minute rounds. Tyson weighed 241½ lbs, while Sanders weighed 292½ lbs. Both boxers wore t-shirts, and Sanders wore headgear. Tyson dropped Sanders in the first round, but he didn't go for the knockout when Sanders got up. Later in the round, Tyson held Sanders up after landing another hard punch. The fans booed throughout the match. Promoter Sterling McPherson said afterwards, "I don't know what people were looking for. We weren't trying to fool anyone or pull the wool over anyone's eyes. This was an exhibition. People boo at real fights...

this isn't about him beating anybody up." Preceded by: Top 10 Greatest Heavyweights Of All Time | First Class Boxing Top 10 Greatest Heavyweights Of All Time July 20, 2013 - Boxing News - Tagged: Lennox Lewis , Mike Tyson , Muhammed Ali - 1 comment By Andrew McCart ( @Andy_FCBoxing ) The heavyweight champion of the world was always considered the king and the baddest man on the planet, but there’s always one question which is sure to spark up a boxing debate. Who are the top 10 greatest heavyweights of all time? Here’s mine: 10. Larry Holmes – 69-6, 44 KO’s Holmes won his first 48 professional fights, needing only one more to match Rocky Marciano’s record. He fell just short, losing to Michael Spinks in 1985, losing The Ring and IBF heavyweight titles. Holmes made 20 successful world title defences. Second only to Joe Louis who made 25. 9.

Jack Johnson – 80-13-12-14NC, 45 KO’s At the time of the Jim Crow era, Jack Johnson became the first African American Heavyweight Champion from 1908-1915. Johnson had great speed and power in both hands and was a defensive genius. The Galveston Giant wasn’t just the first African American world champion, but the first modern day champion, and in my opinion is the only heavyweight boxer born in the 1800’s that would of been a match for any of the champions listed below. 8. Joe Frazier – 32-4-1, 27 KO’s Frazier is most famous for his trilogy of fights with Muhammad Ali. It was Frazier who handed Ali his first loss in their first fight in 1971. A fight many people believe to be one of the greatest fights in history. Frazier only ever lost to two fighters in his career – Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in September 2011. He died November 7th 2011. Smokin’ Joe Frazier will always be remembered as a true legend of the sport. 7.

Rocky Marciano – 49-0, 43 KO’s With a record of 49 fights, 49 wins with 43 by way of knockout, Marciano should make the top 10 on everyone’s list. He still remains the only heavyweight champion to retire without a blemish on his record. A perfect 49 fights, 49 wins. 6. Mike Tyson – 50-6-2NC, 44 KO’s Tyson holds the record as the youngest ever heavyweight boxer to win a world title, at the tender age of 20. Tyson won his first 19 fights as a pro by knockout, 12 of them coming in the first round. Earning him the nicknames ‘Iron Mike’ and ‘The Baddest Man On The Planet’. He did however serve three years in prison in 1992, and biting Evander Holyfield’s ear in their 1997 rematch. Tyson was a controversial figure in and out of the ring, but he is considered by many one of the greatest heavyweights, if not boxers, to ever lace up a pair of gloves. 5.

Evander Holyfield – 44-10-2-1NC, 29 KO’s Holyfield is a two time undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He also won a bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics in the light heavyweight division. Holyfield holds notable victories over, George Foreman, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson (twice). The second being the infamous ‘Bite Fight’. 4. George Foreman – 76-5, 68 KO’s Big George Foreman’s knockout power was legendary. An Olympic gold medalist in the 1968 Olympics, and won the world heavyweight title against the then undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973. He lost that title to the great Muhammad Ali in the famous ‘The Rumble In The Jungle’ fight in 1974. Unable to secure another title shot, Foreman retired in 1977. Ten years later he made a comeback in 1987, and 1995 Foreman knockout Michael Moorer to become the oldest ever world champion. A record he has lost now to Bernard Hopkins. 3.

Lennox Lewis – 41-2-1, 32 KO’s Lewis dominated the heavyweight division in the 1990’s, and is the last undisputed heavyweight champion. Lewis stopped Donovan Ruddock in October 1992 to become ranked number one with the WBC. He was then declared WBC champion in the December 1992 after then champion Riddick Bowe refused to fight Lewis. Only ever losing two fights, Lewis avenged both these losses by knockout. He holds notable victories over great fighters like – Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and reigning WBC champion Vitali Klitschko. 2. Joe Louis – 69-3-1NC, 57 KO’s Louis was heavyweight champion from 1937-1949. He made the sport of boxing popular again after the Jack Dempsey era. Simply by being an honest, hard working fighter in a time when boxing was dominated by fixed bouts and mafia influence. His 1938 victory over Max Schmeling was seen as a massive blow to the Nazi regime, and made Louis a national hero.

Louis held the world heavyweight title for eleven years, eight months and seven days, making 25 defences. Joe Louis is a legend. 1. Muhammad Ali – 56-5, 37 KO’s Muhammad Ali always said he was the greatest, and he undoubtedly is. He won Olympic gold when he was just 18. He became world champion at 22 when he beat Sonny Liston in 1964. Three years after winning the title, Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam war and was stripped of his titles. It was nearly four years before Ali regained his boxing license. It was another three before he regained his titles, beating George Foreman in the famous ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ fight. Ali was involved in another historical fight when he took on old rival, Joe Frazier in the ‘Thrilla In Manilla’. Ali won that fight by TKO in the 14th round. Muhammad Ali had it all, charisma in and out of the ring, great boxing skills and he was always entertaining. He was definitely one of a kind. Living legend. If you agree or disagree feel free to leave a comment and tell us your views. Follow us on twitter @firstclassbox

Question: Who is the only boxer to be the WBA Heavyweight Champion four times?
Answer: Evander Holyfield