Anyone who puts Joe Frazier ahead of a serious power-puncher is ignorant. The mold of a perfect fighter. Jack Johnson usually prevented his opponents from entering into a clinch by resting his hands on their shoulder and pushing them back. He would have no chance if he fought from a distance against someone with a longer reach. No Mike Tyson is a shame!! Jack Dempsey: Fast, aggressive and powerful, The Manassa Mauler revolutionized boxing with his swarming, all-action style. Get it? Holyfield 9. Larry Holmes is the very definition of a warrior. So I know it reasonably well. With his, size, his punching power, and his chin, Foreman wasnt afraid to trade punch for punch no matter what type of opponent he was facing. George Foreman: One of the hardest punchers in boxing history is revered both for his amazing power and his incredible comeback in the 1990s which culminated in his regaining the world title two decades after he lost it in the famous Rumble in the Jungle. His terrifying demolitions of Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, plus his legendary slugfest with Ron Lyle, will never be forgotten. That way he dropped Muhammad Ali in their first fight. In his great boxing career, Jones has won several world titles, and he also won a Silver medal at the Olympics in 1988. Accurate list! Tyson could never deal with adversity, which is why he doesnt belong on the list of ATGs. What is clear is the amount of opponents Tyson overwhelmed with his devastating power. Top 15 All-Time Greatest Heavyweight Boxers (Style Breakdown). Your email address will not be published. The next time he changed levels like he is going to throw a body shot, but then he sprang up with a hook to the head. Wills 16. Joey. Id probably say Tommy Burns, a good but small heavyweight from whom he took the crown. Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis didnt fear Tyson and were able to subsequently bully the bully. "I'm fighting to be the greatest fighter ever, not to be the best pound-for-pound right now," Jones said. They were both under six feet and 200 pounds. Simple yet effective. Tyson never beat anyone great and he held the title for only three years. He was a powerful puncher and the most relentless fighter ever. Mike Tyson W: 50 (44 KOs), L: 6, N/C: 2 Best win: KO1. With respect you talk rubbish when you assert that a peak Tyson would obliterate a peak Lennox Lewis!!! Brawlers are willing to take a punch so they can land one. Foreman destroyed Frazier on two occasions. 1 Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (January 17, 1942 - June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet, and philanthropist. Big George knocked the hell out of Frazier twice and Smoking Joe is ranked over Foreman? However there is no denying that the current crop a field that includes Wilder,Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and more with WBC and The Ring champ Fury sitting top of the heap have produced the most exciting spell for the 200lbs+ realm in a long time. This site is owned and operated by Dimitar Ivanov. And they probably didnt expect to get three of those hard jabs to the head in a row. The fighters, listed chronologically, are John L. Sulllivan, James Corbett, Bob Fitzsimmons, James Jeffries, Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko and Wladimir Klitschko. Rocky Marciano: With the highest knockout percentage of all heavyweight champions and boasting wins over such greats as Archie Moore, Jersey Joe Walcott, Joe Louis and Ezzard Charles, the undefeated "Brockton Blockbuster" proved himself a remarkable warrior. His record is no different than Tommy Morrisons, same tomato cans, Tommy had an even higher KO %. They usually, stay at a mid-range, in position dangerous for both for them and for their opponents. Tyson was a combination puncher who liked head-body-head combos and has a knockout power in both his hands. Holyfield was only person fought well with tyson in his prime. That way he built huge momentum in his punch and dramatically increased its power. Behind that crisp, piercing jab of his, Holmes enjoyed an eight-year run as world heavyweight champion, defeating the likes of Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers and Muhammad Ali along the way. Lennox was most dangerous at a long distance where he can throw his right cross or uppercut with devastating power. Frazier at #6 ABOVE Foreman? For example, in the fight with Myke Tyson, he fought from a close distance, because he knew that Myke is very good at slipping jabs and long punches. This is the website where I share everything Ive learned. Bob Foster was one of the best light heavyweight boxers of all time. It lasted two rounds. The Youngest Heavyweight Champion ever, a record that will never be broken, is the only true accolade Mike has to his name. Although he didnt make the list, it doesnt mean he isnt a major problem for the legends at the top of this list. No iron mike?? Haha he was falling all over the place, shaking his head like the little bitch that he was!! You can check out the heavyweights that finished outside of the top 50 over at BoxRec. Maybe that was the reason why he has such a knockout power. Among all the professional boxers in the world, the following 30 can be considered the best boxers of all time. The only four-time heavyweight world champion in boxing history, Holyfields victory over Riddick Bowe and wins over Mike Tyson, in particular, more than illustrate his warrior footprint in the sport's lore. Ken Norton. Yeah the same one who lost his title to a light heavy? Often titled the greatest boxer of all time, Leonard was also regarded as "Boxer of the Decade" back in the 1980s. But thats not the reason why he is on that list. Hahahahahaha. Foreman 5. Cant make this list without Tyson and Holyfield. Posted below are the top 50 heavyweight boxers of all time. Joe Frazier: The man they called Smokin Joe doesnt get enough love on most ATG lists, but overlooked are two things: 1. Because of his style, Wladimir took much less damage during his career than Vitali. Fury has combined pure boxing skills with underrated punching power to a supreme level amidst his growing dominance. A three-time world heavyweight champion, Lewis outpointed Evander Holyfield (essentially twice), laid Mike Tyson flat on his back via a devastating knockout and let Vitali Klitschko know that hes not to be messed with as part of his polished resume. And lame. Frazier was able to knock everyone out with it. Signature technique: Multiple hooks to the body. (Legal and Illegal Clinching). When talking The Greatest heavyweights, Alis name reigns supreme. The idea is to distract your opponents attention with the jab. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Montreal is The Fight City. Henry Akinwande (1989-2008, 50-4-1): 126.7, 37. Which actually was a really effective strategy he beat both those guys. Lennox Lewis is too low. But that way Ali was much more mobile and was able to see the punches better and to slip them. These were the titles bestowed to the greatest fighter in the Rocky movies, the heavyweight boxing champion of the world: Apollo Creed ( Carl Weathers ). Harry Wills: Vastly underrated today, its easy to forget that for a time in the 1920s The Black Panther was the best heavyweight in the world, and there was great demand for a showdown with official world champ Jack Dempsey, but it never came to be. His fists were 14 inches around, which are the largest fists measured in the heavyweight boxing division. Thats a really cool technique. Roscoe Toles (1931-1950, 45-10-6): 140.1, 31. Retired undefeated. Holmes was well old by then and took the fight with only a few weeks to train after a long lay off. Top 50 fighters of 21st century named 50-31 50: Andy Ruiz 49: Ray Mercer 48: Frank Bruno 47: Jack Sharkey 46: Paddy Ryan 45: David Tua 44: Ron Lyle 43: Gerry Cooney 42: Michael Spinks 41: Roy. Sugar Ray Leonard 9. In his short prime, Tyson is a serious challenge for anyone. Larry Holmes won the WBC title in 1978 after he defeated Ken Norton. And Archie Moore and Ezzard Charles. Ali finished his career with a 56-5 record with 37 KOs. He developed one of the hardest jabsin boxing history. A staggering 49-0 record 43 of which by knockout and counting wins over the likes of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore, Marciano was among the most feared heavyweights of all time. Roberto Duran 8. But one needs to think in overall terms and career achievements. 28 Jack Britton. Try to forget his social impact, good looks, quotes and even that unique fighting style that saw a 6ft 3in adonis float around the ring like a featherweight - his fists by his sides, daring you to hit him - what makes Ali the No 1 heavyweight ever is something far more concrete. Tyson at 12 is good. Whether it was avenging his loss against Joe Frazier with two victories over his rival,taking the steam out of George Foreman at The Rumble in the Jungle or earning hard-fought wins over the rugged likes of Floyd Patterson and Ken Norton, Alis GOAT legacy resides on the heavyweight throne as the best. Granted you can say in his era there was a lack of talent, but this is beyond his control. Even I know THAT! Once boxers lose their quickness, theyre never the same. Rocky Maricano, Riddick Bowe, Jersey Joe Walcott, Floyd Patterson, Wladimir Klitschko, Ken Norton, Chris Byrd, Archie Moore, and Ron Lyle. And they enabled him to vanquish, among others, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Gerry Cooney,Tim Witherspoon, Mike Weaver and Trevor Berbick. ESPN rates Fury as the best current heavyweight and one of the heaviest heavyweight boxers of all time with 126 kg in November 2021. He has done it all from being a boxing sensation to enjoying a successful career as an actor and a rapper. Obviously, Liston has, by far, the longest reach in the heavyweight class back then. Very hard to argue against your selections. As the other boxer threw a jab, Ali slightly moved his head, just enough to avoid being hit and then quickly returned a right cross over the top. Height: 6 ft 2 in. Kudos on not putting Tyson in the top 12. What time is the Jay Swingler vs. NichLMAO fight tonight. So in order to beat such fighter, Holyfield had to fight from the inside. Boxing record: Total fights - 22, Wins - 20, Wins by KO - 14, Losses - 1, Draw -1. Langford was tiny when he fought Johnson. Amen!! Maybe Tyson would beat prime Lennox Lewis, but a prime Larry Holmes? He had a record of 56-5 and his fights were always highly-anticipated . And both components of his fighting game have been on display in all three of his fights against Deontay Wilder one of boxings biggest punchers of all time and his unanimous decision points win over Wladimir Klitschko. DAZN uses cookies to help us deliver our services and improve your user experience. Mike Tyson 5. This group included Leonard himself and three others; Roberto Durn, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis didnt fear Tyson and were able to subsequently bully the bully. & Lennox Lewis could? This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. But Marciano did one thing really well: win. Primo Carnera (1928-1946, 89-14-0): 111.2, 48. 9. Holmes was 38 when he fought a 21-year-old, peak Tyson, same age as Ali was when he fought Holmes. Holyfield should be on the list. Louis is the prime example of what it means to be a boxing legend. Does tag team boxing have a future in the sport? Oliver McCall (1985-2019, 59-14-0): 121.6, 40. And its hard to say that someone that has the highest knock out percentage and never lost isnt at least top two, or more likely number one. The Top Ranked Boxers of All-Time from California In 1980, Holmes beat Ali in the 10th round by corner stoppage. Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman. Both equally as boring and predictable. Without a doubt for me. Listons Jab-Cross wasnt the normal 1-2 (jab-cross) combination with light but quick jab and powerful right hand. Signature technique: Uppercuts in the clinch. George Foreman was a classical slugger (or brawler). It is a city of fights and fighters, of hockey and heroes, of broken dreams and immortal glory, a city unlike any other. Mike Tyson was the best fighter I ever saw. As fate would have it, the most gifted athlete the heavyweights ever saw emerged just when the division was stacked with formidable talent like never before or since. The boy from Catsville New York is the second greatest. Holmes 8. Not to be mentioned is BS. On his first night as a . He should be considered as one of the best Lightweights of all time. Holyfield was a completely different fighter in his fight against George Foreman. Frazier is the only man to defeat Muhammad Ali when he was anywhere close to his prime. And those are things you cant see very often back then. Didnt he get beaten by a fat man? Eddie Machen (1955-1967, 50-11-3): 157.1, 26. 1. I remember how he destroyed Holmes! That way his opponents didnt see the punch at all. Tyson was not even the best of his era - Lost to Douglas, Holyfield TWICE, Lennox Lewis,Danny Williams and McBride.. Tyson NEVER beat anyone who beat him and Never came back when he was down in a fight . He could do no more than beat them but, perhaps wisely, he didnt wait to face any up-and-coming boxers! Jimmy Bivins (1940-1955, 86-25-1): 389, 7. Most of the knockout blows came from his right hand. He reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, and is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Go to YouTube and watch his comeback wins (after nearly being stopped) vs Mike Weaver, Earnie Shavers, Renaldo Snipes. Sonny Liston, Floyd Paterson (twice), Foreman, Frazier (twice), Norton (twice) and many more hall of famers around that. Roy Jones Jr. Roy Jones Jr. is also one of the larger fighters on this list. Top 10 Best UFC Heavyweight Fighters Of All time..Welcome back to Sports Paradise, today on the channel we're going to be talking about the Top 10 Best UFC H. Give me a break. Possessing an uncanny ability to absorb punishment and keep coming until he landed his crushing right hand, Marciano never looked like an elite boxer but try telling that to all the men he pulverised in the ring. Thats why it was really hard to predict when Frazier was going to throw the left hook. 2.1 Heavyweight (201 lbs+ - 91.18 kg+) 2.2 Cruiserweight (200 lbs - 90.72 kg) 2.3 Light heavyweight (175 lbs - 79.38 kg) . Unless perhaps Tyson Fury has anything to say about that. 9) Sugar Ray Leonard. Foreman demolished Frazier in both their fights, the only man that did or could. Beat every fighter he ever faced, avenging his two defeats plus the (ridiculous) draw he got in the first Holyfield fight. Then he just waited for his opponents to take the bait, so he can counter them with a short lead hook to the head. Twenty-five consecutive title defenses more than imprinted Louis as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Since then Im always trying to improve my skills, by finding and testing new strategies, and training methods. The Best Cruiserweight Boxers of All Time 6 Manny Pacquio Super bantamweight, Flyweight, Welterweight 15,393 votes Age: 44 Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, PLH ( PAK-ee-ow; Tagalog: [pkja]; born December 17, 1978) is a Filipino professional boxer and politician, currently serving as a senator of the Philippines. Not a bad list, but a few observations: But strictly off resume, he belongs closer to the bottom of this list than to the top. Elmer Ray (1933-1949, 99-23-11): 170.8, 24. Twenty-five consecutive title defenses more than imprinted Louis as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Many cite this as a feat of Marciano. how could you possible list frazier ahead of foreman, that is crazy, simply because foreman DESTROYED him twice. No iron Mike on top of the list? Floyd Patterson (1952-1972, 55-8-1): 321.5, 14. McVea and Jeannette were great, but were at their best several years after they last fought Johnson. Holmes went, what, 48-0. Marciano fought and beat the Shadow of Joe Louis SHADOW. Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images. If a new fan asked me what Johnsons best win was and why, Id have a hard time convincing them. Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports. A staggering 49-0 record 43 of which by knockout and counting wins over the likes of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore, Marciano was among the most feared heavyweights of all time. Yes, Frazier is a better fighter than a Foreman, even though Foreman beat him up, twice. The Jeffries fight was a huge event, but I didnt think this a popularity contest and I dont know how to explain that a 6-year retired ex-champion could be considered one of a guys best wins. He destroyed Holmes. Ranking Explanation . 4. And Ali proved himself the best of them all. Thats how he knocked many of his opponents out thehard jab stunned them and the cross got the job done. The Top 10 Boston Celtics of all Time. He fought a way past his prime Tyson, almost lost to Holyfield in their second fight, and Vitaly would have knocked him out if they hadnt stopped it because of the cut. Like most of the brawlers, Liston wasnt the fastest boxer which caused him problems against quick out-boxers, as you can see in his fight with Ali. Lennox Lewis: Defeats to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, both of which he avenged with emphatic wins, do not obscure the fact that Lewis was the dominant heavyweight of the 1990s. Larry Holmes: An awesome jab, a dangerous right hand, tremendous heart, and astonishing recuperative powers were among the attributes The Easton Assassin brought to the ring. Plus, hes the only heavyweight world champion to have finished his career undefeated. He also kept his hands low and his chin up, which are common mistakes according to many coaches. Frazier 6. Unlike his brother (Wladimir), who was an out-boxer, Vitali was a brawler. His right overhand was a really had punch, because Luis was able to transfer the power from hisfeet, through the body, to the fist very efficiently with a crisp technique. Is it the toys? By Tyson Bruce 1. Jeffries 15. Required fields are marked *. Why Boxers can Bet on Themselves (but Not Against Themselves), How Many Heavyweight Boxing Belts are There? He was able to knock everyone out with every type of punch, even with a simple jab. Greatest Boxers of All Time The Top Ten 1 Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (January 17, 1942 - June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet, and philanthropist. He was a pressuring fighter who wasnt afraid to exchange. Muhammad Ali 2. Instead, Lennox Lewis represents their era as an all time great, and the 11th best ever? 33 Ted (Kid) Lewis. As Joe liked to say, Nuff said.. Thats an old-school boxing technique which Foreman effectively applied during the golden age of boxing. Tyson Fury (2008 - present, 30-0-1): 173.2, 23. But honestly, his career and overcoming personal obstacles along the way to date already have him among the greatest heavyweights of all time on our list.