Unforgettable blows, endless rounds. Boxing is much more than just two fighters exchanging punches in the ring. It’s a sport that requires skill, technique and determination. Get ready to dive into the world of boxing and discover why it’s so exciting for so many people around the world. Check out the 15 greatest boxers of all time, whose skills, titles and personalities transcend time and inspire generations.
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Who are considered the greatest boxers of all time?
As with all lists of the best or greatest in the world, there is no consensus when it comes to the “greatest boxers of all time”. Here’s our ranking according to the best we’ve seen out there:
- Muhammad Ali
Titles: World Heavyweight Champion (1964, 1974, 1978).
Team: Louisville Sponsoring Group.
Curiosities: Known for his political and social activism, he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam.
Life story: Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he fought against racism and segregation throughout his career.
Highest record: 56 wins, 5 losses.
Major controversies: he refused to serve in the US army during the Vietnam War, which cost him his title and his boxing license.
- Sugar Ray Robinson
Titles: Middleweight and Middleweight World Champion.
Team: Harlem Renaissance.
Curiosities: he was nicknamed “Sugar Ray” by a reporter who saw him dancing in a ring.
Life story: born in Detroit, Michigan, his career influenced many later fighters.
Greatest record: 175 wins, 19 losses.
Major controversies: Got into trouble with the IRS, faced financial problems after retirement.
- Julio César Chávez
Titles: World Champion in 3 weight categories.
Team: Main Events Boxing.
Curiosities: Chávez is known for his incredible fighting skills, knockout power and a loyal fan base that has followed him throughout his career.
Life story: he was born in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico, in 1962, and began his boxing career at a young age.
Highest record: 107 wins, 6 losses.
Major controversies: some of his fights were marked by controversial decisions by judges, raising questions about impartiality in the sport.
- Joe Louis
Titles: World Heavyweight Champion (1937-1949).
Team: Detroit Athletic Club.
Curiosities: he was a national hero during the Second World War, fighting in exhibitions to raise funds.
Life story: the son of immigrants, he was born in Lafayette, Alabama, and grew up in Detroit.
Greatest record: 66 wins, 3 losses.
Major controversies: His financial problems after retirement led him to do exhibition fights.
- Mike Tyson
Titles: World Heavyweight Champion (1986-1990).
Team: Customato’s Catskill Boxing Club.
Curiosities: he became the youngest heavyweight champion in the world at the age of 20.
Life story: Born in New York, raised in Brooklyn, he faced difficulties from a young age.
Highest record: 50 wins, 6 losses.
Major controversies: Convicted of rape in 1992, he was involved in several controversies inside and outside the ring.
- Rocky Marciano
Titles: World Heavyweight Champion (1952-1956).
Team: Brockton Athletic Club.
Curiosities: Marciano is the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated.
Life story: he was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, the son of Italian immigrants.
Highest record: 49 wins, 0 losses.
Major controversies: few, he was known for his work ethic and determination.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Titles: World Champion in Five Weight Categories.
Team: Mayweather Promotions.
Curiosities: known for his impeccable defense and technical skills.
Life story: Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he started wrestling at a young age.
Highest record: 50 wins, 0 losses.
Major controversies: Involvement in several controversies outside the ring, including domestic assault.
- Jack Johnson
Titles: First Black World Heavyweight Champion (1908-1915).
Team: N/A.
Curiosities: he faced a series of challenges and prejudices because of his race.
Life story: born in Galveston, Texas, he fought against racism throughout his career.
Highest record: 73 wins, 13 losses.
Major controversies: His interracial relationships and extravagant lifestyle caused controversy at a time of segregation.
- Oscar de La Hoya
Titles: World Champion in six weight categories.
Team: Golden Boy Promotions.
Curiosities: he won an Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games, representing the United States. Known for his popularity among fans due to his aggressive style and charisma in the ring.
Life story: was born in East Los Angeles, California, in 1973, to Mexican-American parents.
Highest record: 39 wins, 6 losses.
Major controversies: he has faced some criticism in relation to judges’ decisions in some of his fights, especially the more controversial ones.
- George Foreman
Titles: World Heavyweight Champion (1973-1974, 1994-1995).
Team: Trinity United Church of Christ.
Curiosities: he retired from boxing for ten years before returning and regaining the title at the age of 45.
Life story: born in Marshall, Texas, he had a difficult childhood.
Greatest record: 76 wins, 5 losses.
Major controversies: He had problems with alcohol and depression after retirement, but managed to overcome them.
- Manny Pacquiao
Titles: World Champion in eight weight categories.
Team: Wild Card Boxing Club.
Curiosities: as well as being a boxer, he is a senator in the Philippines.
Life story: Born in Kibawe, Philippines, he overcame poverty to become a global icon.
Highest record: 62 wins, 7 losses.
Major controversies: He has faced criticism for his political views and tax issues in his home country.
- Bernard Hopkins
Titles: World Champion in two weight categories.
Team: Front Street Gym
Curiosities: he was arrested at the age of 17, but found redemption through boxing.
Life story: was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a violent environment.
Highest record: 55 wins, 8 losses.
Major controversies: Involved in several fights outside the ring, he was also arrested for assault.
- Evander Holyfield
Titles: World Heavyweight Champion (1990-1992, 1993-1994, 1996-1999).
Team: Georgia Boys’ Club.
Curiosities: he was the only fighter to win the heavyweight title four times.
Life story: was born in Atmore, Alabama, and grew up in a poor environment.
Highest record: 44 wins, 10 losses.
Major controversies: Involved in several controversies in and out of the ring, including biting Mike Tyson during a fight.
- Ezzard Charles
Titles: World Champion in two weight categories.
Team: Jake Mintz and Ray Arcel.
Curiosities: Charles was also a talented musician and played the saxophone professionally.
Life story: was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia in 1921 and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He began boxing professionally in the 1940s and quickly rose to prominence in the boxing world.
Highest record: 95 wins, 25 losses.
Major controversies: he faced financial difficulties after retirement and struggled to maintain his physical and financial health.
- Roy Jones Jr.
Titles: World Champion in 4 weight categories.
Team: N/A.
Curiosities: was one of the most athletic and talented fighters of his generation.
Life story: was born in Pensacola, Florida, and grew up in a family of boxers.
Highest record: 66 wins, 9 losses.
Major controversies: He became involved in contract disputes and was criticized for fighting beyond his prime.
List of the 15 greatest boxers of all time:
- Muhammad Ali
- Sugar Ray Robinson
- Júlio César Chávez
- Joe Louis
- Mike Tyson
- Rocky Marciano
- Floyd Mayweather Jr.
- Jack Johnson
- Oscar de La Hoya
- George Foreman
- Manny Pacquiao
- Bernard Hopkins
- Evander Holyfield
- Ezzard Charles
- Roy Jones Jr.
5 greatest boxers of all time: the ones who won the most fights
The boxers with the most wins of all time are a combination of legends from the past and contemporary athletes who have earned a place in the history of the sport. Here are some of the most successful boxers in terms of the number of wins in their careers:
- Len Wickwar: British boxer Wickwar amassed a total of 339 wins in his career, making him one of the most successful in boxing history in terms of number of victories.
- Willie Pep: known for his technical skill and agile movements, Pep recorded more than 230 wins in his boxing career.
- Sam Langford: although his official record is not fully documented due to the era in which he fought, Langford is estimated to have won around 200 victories throughout his career, competing in various weight categories.
- Billy Bird: another British boxer achieved an impressive record of 192 wins throughout his career.
- Archie Moore: known as “The Old Mongoose”, Moore holds the record for the most wins in the history of professional boxing, with a total of 185 wins in his career.
With these legends of the ring, boxing transcends simply being a sport, becoming a narrative of courage, talent and overcoming. Their stories echo through the ages, inspiring future generations of boxers and fans of the sport.
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