Who are the best boxers of all time? How can we compare fighters from different eras, weight classes and styles? This article will attempt to answer this question by looking at some of the criteria and rankings that have been used by experts and fans alike.
One of the most common ways to rank boxers is by using the pound-for-pound system, which measures a fighter’s skills and achievements regardless of their size. This system was introduced in the 1940s, largely because of Sugar Ray Robinson, who is widely regarded as one of the best boxers ever. Robinson was a dominant welterweight and middleweight champion who fought over 200 times and won 173 bouts, 108 by knockout. He had speed, power, technique and charisma, and was known as “the king, the master, my idol” by Muhammad Ali.
Another way to rank boxers is by looking at their records, titles and accolades. This can be tricky, as boxing has many different organizations, belts and divisions, and some fighters have faced tougher opponents than others. However, some boxers have clearly stood out by winning multiple world championships in different weight classes, defending their titles successfully for a long time, or remaining undefeated throughout their careers. Some examples are Joe Louis, who was the heavyweight champion for over 11 years and defended his title 25 times; Rocky Marciano, who retired with a perfect record of 49-0; Floyd Mayweather Jr., who also retired unbeaten with 50 wins and held world titles in five divisions; and Manny Pacquiao, who became the first and only eight-division world champion.
A third way to rank boxers is by looking at their impact, influence and legacy. This can be subjective, as different boxers have appealed to different audiences and cultures, and have had different roles and messages outside the ring. However, some boxers have transcended their sport and become icons of social change, cultural expression and human spirit. Some examples are Muhammad Ali, who was not only a great heavyweight champion but also a civil rights activist, a global humanitarian and a poet; Jack Johnson, who was the first black heavyweight champion and challenged racial barriers and stereotypes; Mike Tyson, who was one of the most feared and controversial fighters of his era and a pop culture phenomenon; and Oscar De La Hoya, who was one of the most popular and successful fighters of his generation and a pioneer for Hispanic fighters.
Of course, there are many other factors and opinions that can be considered when ranking boxers, such as their style, skills, personality, quality of opposition, longevity, etc. There are also many other great boxers that deserve recognition and respect, such as Carlos Monzon, Julio Cesar Chavez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Roy Jones Jr., Lennox Lewis, etc. Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to who are the best boxers of all time, but rather a rich and diverse history of champions that have enriched our lives with their courage, talent and passion.
My best boxers of all time
Muhammad Ali: The self-proclaimed “Greatest of All Time” was not only a dominant force in the ring, but also a charismatic and controversial personality outside of it. He won the world heavyweight title three times, and defeated some of the best fighters of his era, such as Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He also stood up for his principles and beliefs, refusing to serve in the Vietnam War and becoming a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential athletes and cultural icons of the 20th century.
Sugar Ray Robinson: Many boxing experts consider Robinson to be the best pound-for-pound boxer of all time, meaning he would beat any other boxer regardless of weight class. He held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951, and then moved up to middleweight, where he won the world title five times. He had a record of 174 wins, 19 losses and 6 draws, with 109 knockouts. He was known for his speed, power, versatility and durability, and was an inspiration for many future champions.
Joe Louis: The “Brown Bomber” was one of the most dominant heavyweight champions ever, holding the title for nearly 12 years and defending it 25 times, both records that still stand today. He had a record of 66 wins, 3 losses and 0 draws, with 52 knockouts. He was also a hero for many African Americans, as he broke racial barriers and challenged white supremacy in a time of segregation and discrimination. His most famous victory was against German Max Schmeling in 1938, which was seen as a symbolic triumph of democracy over fascism.
Rocky Marciano: The only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, Marciano had a perfect record of 49 wins, 0 losses and 0 draws, with 43 knockouts. He was known for his relentless aggression, stamina and punching power, and his fights were often brutal and bloody. He defeated some of the best heavyweights of his time, such as Joe Louis, Jersey Joe Walcott and Ezzard Charles. He died in a plane crash at the age of 45, leaving behind a legacy of greatness and mystery.
Mike Tyson: The youngest heavyweight champion in history, Tyson was a phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when he ruled the division with his ferocious style and devastating knockouts. He won his first 19 fights by knockout, 12 of them in the first round. He unified the three major belts (WBA, WBC and IBF) by the age of 20, and defended them nine times. He had a record of 50 wins, 6 losses and 0 draws, with 44 knockouts. He also had a turbulent personal life, marked by controversies, scandals and legal troubles. He is one of the most polarizing and popular figures in boxing history.