Sometimes he feinted a punch to the head but then went to the body. There was never a Plan B, and theres a point in every boxers career when hes going to need one. After winning the world light heavyweight title in 1968 after beating Dick Tiger with a 4th round knockout. But no style is perfect and every boxer has his weaknesses. Ali didnt have the power of boxers such as Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sonny Liston, but he was really skilled and was definitely very smart fighter with high fight IQ. Walcott. His jab wasnt the usual fast and snappy jab that most of the boxers are using. Prison? Lewis 7. Arturo Gatti (1972- 2009): Arturo Gatti was born in Cassino, Italy, but moved to Montreal as a child and . The vast majority of boxing historians consider Joe Louis to be the greatest puncher of all time. Sorry. More athletic and aggressive than Liston. Ruslan Chagaev (1997-2016, 34-3-1): 123.1, 38. For example, they both had knockout power and they both used their size and strength to control their opponents in the clinch. Max Schmeling (1924-1948, 56-10-4): 183, 22. March 3, 2023 8:50 am ET. He was a pressuring fighter who was really explosive (especially with his left hook). Ingemar Johansson (1952-1963, 26-2-0): 293.6, 15. The Top 10 Boston Celtics of all Time. All eyes will be on Jon Jones at UFC 285 as arguably the greatest MMA fighter in history makes his long-awaited return as a heavyweight after three years away.. Expectations are high as Jones, 35 . But that allowed him to cover much more distance and surprise his opponents (nobody was probably expecting a pro boxer to move that way). No Mike Tyson is a shame!! JOE LOUIS has been named the greatest heavyweight of all time by George Foreman - with Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson also on the list but no WBC champion Tyson Fury. His 68 knockouts speak for themselves. Your email address will not be published. Unlike his brother (Wladimir), who was an out-boxer, Vitali was a brawler. Tyson gives up fast when he senses hes losing. And each of these incredible heavyweights did that: from titanic punchers to dazzling boxers. Wills 16. Because of his style, Wladimir took much less damage during his career than Vitali. Montreal is The Fight City. Ya uhm no. Because Joshua is much bigger and he is generations ahead of Ali. All a fighter can do is dominate their own era and prove their greatness in their own time. Here, DAZN lists its 10 Best Heavyweights of All Time, in no particular order. Muhammad Ali-56-5--(37): In terms of social and historical impact no one even comes close. Joe Frazier (1965-1981, 32-4-1): 340.3, 12. Your email address will not be published. His defense was just as impressive as his offensive skills. That way it was really hard for them to catch him. A master boxer, Johnson didnt own the raw one-punch power of other heavyweight greats but he was a cunning defensive genius who knew how to land his own shots. A boxing enthusiast who is always eager to learn something new about boxing and share it! Obviously, Liston has, by far, the longest reach in the heavyweight class back then. Style:Infighter (swarmer) / Aggressive counterpuncher. Marciano 4. Frazier was a very carefully managed fighter who could not win against power punchers. 5. He fought a total of 81 fights with 76 stunning wins. Holmes was completely washed up-way past his prime. That way he dropped Muhammad Ali in their first fight. 10. He was a pressuring fighter who wasnt afraid to exchange. Everyone, maybe save Sonny Liston and Vladimir Klitschko, overcame tough situations in a fight and found a way to win. 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. Some sort of elaborate prank? Thats why they dont have complex footwork and they arent light on their feet like, for example, the out-boxers. But Marciano did one thing really well: win. Tyson was a thicker, harder-hitting Joe Frazier. Known in years past as "Sin City" and "Babylon on the St. Lawrence", it saw more than its share of ring legends over the decades. Holmes 8. He was usually circling to his left while jabbing his opponents. Langford was tiny when he fought Johnson. Plus, he's the only heavyweight world champion to have finished his career undefeated. No one better to learn from. That means this isn't a ranking from 1 to 10; rather the ten who, in this writer's opinion, make the cut. Mike Tyson earn his stripes. Greatest Heavyweight Boxers of All Time. Even one punch was enough as long as it connects clean. The top 10 heavyweights of all time Matt Christie lists the history's finest heavyweights 1. 18.. He was doing that by keeping his lead hand low, making himself vulnerable for crosses. The Philadelphia icon couldnt cope with Big Georges otherworldly power - but he gave every other boxer he faced, including Ali, absolute hell. To be The Greatest, Ali needed rivals to push him and Frazier was one of his best. Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman. - Graeme Souness admits he was WRONG about Man United prediction and makes a stunning U-turn, Trent Alexander-Arnold outlines plan to stop Marcus Rashford ahead of Liverpool vs Man Utd, Fans cant believe this South Sudan goalkeeper is only 18 years old, Oleksandr Zinchenko tipped to win Premier League 'Player of the Season' award, Fans claim Saudi Pro League is 'scripted' after Cristiano Ronaldo and Martin Campana's 'bizarre' one-on-one encounter, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not changed his clothes on touchline since mid-February, who is often considered the best boxer of all time, The Result Of The Greatest Boxer Of All Time Has Been Revealed, DAZN Name Top 10 Heavyweight Boxers Of All Time, The 50 Greatest Heavyweight Boxers Of All Time Have Been Named, The Result Of The Greatest F1 Driver Of All Time Has Been Revealed. If only Cus would have lived ten more years I think Tyson would be top 5. Watch the DAZN Boxing Show and live fights on DAZN. Are you guys kidding me? After three years in prison, Tysons quickness was gone. Evander also won their second fight after Tyson was disqualified after he bit Evanders ear several times but it was clear that Mike did that out of desperation. BoxRec ranked heavyweights, both past and present, and awarded each fighter with an overall score based on its points system. Maybe that was the reason why he has such a knockout power. And lame. Larry Holmes is the very definition of a warrior. Oliver McCall (1985-2019, 59-14-0): 121.6, 40. McVea and Jeannette were great, but were at their best several years after they last fought Johnson. That way he built huge momentum in his punch and dramatically increased its power. That definitely wasnt the prime Ali but still, there arent many people who can say that they have a win over such a boxer. MF & DAZN: X Series 005 Jay Swingler v NichLmao, Who won the PFL Challenger Series last night? A peak Tyson could not obliterate a mediocre Bonecrusher Smith, who had limited counter punching skills. And Joe knew exactly how to do that he was able to time almost every punch and to dodge it or block it. Liston wasnt the tallest or the biggest boxer. He was constantly changing levels, bobbing and weaving, feinting and throwing body shots. Tyson should be number 2 or 3. Lennox was most dangerous at a long distance where he can throw his right cross or uppercut with devastating power. "I'm fighting to be the greatest fighter ever, not to be the best pound-for-pound right now," Jones said. Maybe thats not the most exciting boxing style but its definitely really effective when it comes to winning, without taking much damage. 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. Lennox Lewis would wear Mike down with a strong jab peppering his face, a powerful dynamite right uppercut at close range, and tying Mike up and leaning on him to weaken and debilitate him. But when it came time for Tyson to fight top prime guys, Hes 0-6 in fights that actually matter. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Here are the top 25 greatest boxers of all time: 26 Honorable Mentions: Gene Tunney, Marvin Hagler, Julio Cesar Chavez, Manny Pacquiao & The Klitschko's The history of boxing is such that this could be a list of the 250 greatest boxers of all-time, and there would still be some great names left out. He ended up beating the defending champion to clinch the world lightweight title. Bob Foster was one of the best light heavyweight boxers of all time. Power, toughness, and unsurpassed conditioning were Rockys calling-cards, along with a brutal relentlessness which no one in his era could withstand. Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis didnt fear Tyson and were able to subsequently bully the bully. Hence, Ali is considered the greatest. Scoring a pair of second-round TKOs of Joe Frazier and Ken Norton are a sample size of how terrifying Foreman was in his era. The difference? Jeffries 15. His numbers speak for themselves: he got to 48-0 and 20 title defences before finally tasting defeat - controversially - to Michael Spinks when Holmes was closing in on his 36th birthday. The Easton Assassin was, for a long stretch, the most underrated heavyweight champion. Must be Rocky Marciano, surely? When it comes to the best heavyweight boxers of all time, the name Larry Holmes shines brighter like the sun. Anthony Joshua (2013 - present, 23-1-0): 116.9, 44. Riddick Bowe A one-dimensional fighter. He reinvented himself over and over again. Big George knocked the hell out of Frazier twice and Smoking Joe is ranked over Foreman? This list is absolute dooodooo. 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. It fell apart too soon for the youngest ever heavyweight champ, whose life and career unravelled quickly - but in the 1980s Tyson tore through the division like nobody before or since. Very hard to argue against your selections. What time is Shevchenko vs. Grasso tonight? Signature technique: Multiple hooks to the body. Sonny Liston: In the late 50s and early 60s Liston devastated the division with knockouts over Cleveland Williams, Nino Valdes, Roy Harris, Zora Folley and Eddie Machen, before taking the title from Floyd Patterson in 1962. 26 Eder Jofre. Beat every fighter he ever faced, avenging his two defeats plus the (ridiculous) draw he got in the first Holyfield fight. Holmes was 38 when he fought a 21-year-old, peak Tyson, same age as Ali was when he fought Holmes. He also liked to put his gloves on his opponents gloves to trap their hands. Today I saw alacrity used correctly (perfectly, for that matter). How do you say Tyson beats Lewis when Lewis actually beat Tyson? His fists were 14 inches around, which are the largest fists measured in the heavyweight boxing division. Tyson in his prime was unstoppable. ESPN rates Fury as the best current heavyweight and one of the heaviest heavyweight boxers of all time with 126 kg in November 2021. I agree with you. He nearly lost twice to Ringo Bonevena and was bitch-slapped by Foreman. Tyson makes lists because he talked trash with alacrity and had an unbelievable EARLY (ultra early) great run. Cant make this list without Tyson and Holyfield. He was able to knock everyone out with every type of punch, even with a simple jab. And as the other boxers tried to close the distance, Wladimir got into a clinch or headlocked them (which is much easier when fighting with shorter boxers). Terence Crawford 63. Dempsey was also developed great head movement, footwork and he was able to fight in both stances. Jimmy Ellis (1961-1975,. Division-By-Division - The Greatest Fighters of All-Time As selected by The Ring magazine in various years. Chris Byrd (1993-2009, 41-5-1): 142.9, 30. Another interesting fact about him is that he made an unexpected return after 10 years away from the right to become the oldest man who won the heavyweight title. Honorable Mentions:Joe Jeannette, Jersey Joe Walcott, Max Schmeling, James J. Corbett, Max Baer, Jack Sharkey, Sam McVea,Peter Jackson, Evander Holyfield, Tom Sharkey, Floyd Patterson, Mike Tyson, Wladimir Klitschko, George Godfrey, John L. Sullivan, Johnny Risko. After a standout amateur career, he turned pro in 1934. Louis 3. If a new fan asked me what Johnsons best win was and why, Id have a hard time convincing them. Jack Johnson won the heavyweight belt in 1908 and become the first African American heavyweight boxing champion. Holmes was a deadbeat along with Klitschko. George Foreman. Tyson never fought anyone in there prime or of any note before 1990. I think he is one of the greatest because of how better he was than his competition. Watch the DAZN Boxing Show and live fights on DAZN. & Lennox Lewis could? When he was fighting with infighters, he just pushed them away as they tried to close the distance. They plant their feet so they can generate as much power as they possibly can. Do people not know that Lewis beat Tyson in 8 rounds? But such punches are very easy to be seen because they require building huge momentum. And they probably didnt expect to get three of those hard jabs to the head in a row. One of the favorite Holyfields combinations started with a quick jab to the head, then he lowered his body and head while making a step forward and throwing a lead a hook to the body. Among his vanquished foes are Sam Langford, Tommy Burns, James J. Jeffries, Stanley Ketchel, Jim Flynn, Joe Jeannette and Sam McVea. He is like Morrison, as Stevey below says. By Tyson Bruce 1. Then he threw a wide, almost straight elbowed right overhand over the top. Mike tyson in his prime was unstoppable. 10. 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. Most of the times Johnson kept a distance from his opponents and fought from the outside but that doesnt mean he wasnt able to out grapple them in the clinches. The technique of that punch wasnt perfect at all, (every boxing coach will be shocked if he sees it), but that doesnt mean it wasnt effective. The strategy of Smokin Joe was simple to make his opponents step back using his constant pressure, feints, body shots and wrestling techniques (such as pushing the other boxers chest with his head). Holmes or V Klitschko never unified the title to become undisputed like the others. A four time heavyweight champion (not to mention cruiserweight champion), The Real Deal never ducked anyone and fought through adversity too many times to count. Very surprising. Ken Norton should get at least an honorable mention. Does tag team boxing have a future in the sport? The Rock from Brockton (his nickname) was one of the first boxers who developed this style of boxing. Lennox Lewis is too low. To be The Greatest, Ali needed rivals to push him and Frazier was one of his best. Signature technique:Bob and weave->Left hook to the head. Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 - April 12, 1981), best known as Joe Louis was an American professional boxer who competed from 1934 to 1951. In his great boxing career, Jones has won several world titles, and he also won a Silver medal at the Olympics in 1988. That way his opponents didnt see the punch at all. Granted you can say in his era there was a lack of talent, but this is beyond his control. So Marciano was always trying to close the gap and start an infight. 'Big' George, 71, won the world heavyweight championship repeatedly. He never gave any of the three rematches in their heavyweight primes. Muhammad Ali: Why is Ali number one? Whos ranked an all time great? The Top Ranked Boxers of All-Time from California Mike Tyson was the best fighter I ever saw. Evander Holyfield (1984-2011, 44-10-2): 357.7, 10. They were both under six feet and 200 pounds. He had a record of 56-5 and his fights were always highly-anticipated . Eventually he would be being hit with pinpoint left hooks and right crosses. Aged 46 and pudgy and smiling, rather than sculpted and scowling, the American KOd heavyweight champ Michael Moorer with one punch in 1994, claiming back his crown 21 years after he first won it. With a technique called by him The Dempseys drop step, he was able to generate huge power in his punches no matter how close or how far away from his opponents he was. For this combo Vitaly used his left hook, not to hurt his opponents but just to push their head to his right, where he can catch them with his devastating right cross. Both ruined the division for a decade. That means this isn't a ranking from 1 to 10; rather the ten who, in this writer's opinion, make the cut. Sugar Ray Robinson 3. 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. Signature technique:Right cross feint -> Right uppercut. Nicknamed The Greatest, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sporting figures . Top 15 All-Time Greatest Heavyweight Boxers (Style Breakdown). Peak Big George demolished unbeaten Frazier inside two rounds, then did the same to tough Ken Norton. Cant get upset by your list, since I cant even take you seriously.. 4. woodrowmoses 1 yr. ago. That allowed him to jab his opponents from a distance without putting himself in danger. Karel Sys (1932-1954, 117-15-10): 115.4, 45. The first fight makes our list of the "25 Greatest Heavyweight Contests of the Last 100 years. Marcel Thil 68. With his never back style, granite chin and knockout power, he was a really exciting fighter to watch. Johnsons defense should rank him number one. 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. Famous fight: Archie Moore vs Yvon Durelle I. Holmes style was similar to the style of Muhammad Ali (a classical out-boxer). The first black heavyweight champion was a flamboyant, controversial character but in the ring he was a scientist. Then show me a fight where Tyson did anything similar. And against George Foreman, he was staying at the ropes blocking all punches for several rounds, gassing Foreman out so he can finish him later. Henry Akinwande (1989-2008, 50-4-1): 126.7, 37. During the whole fight, he stood his ground and waited for Myke to attack first so he can counter him. Foreman demolished Frazier in both their fights, the only man that did or could. The 10 Best Heavyweight Boxers In The World Right Now, Named And Ranked. That way he was nullifying the reach and height advantages of his opponents. Liston was nearly knocked out by Cleveland Williams, and also had trouble from Amos Lincoln, but he beat both of them. I take Lennox Lewis by knockout in later rounds. Go play somewhere else, child. After beating Wilder, Fury is widely regarded as the lineal heavyweight champion. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. After that, he finished the combo with a powerful lead hook to the head. Doughlas got lucky and Lewis no match to him . Usually, he did this when his opponents were pressed against the ropes. Thats why it was hard for them to defend them. Fury has made a case to be considered one of the best heavyweights ever, but just how good is he? No one could take him, bigger fighters were not given the room or the time to punch. Thats an old-school boxing technique which Foreman effectively applied during the golden age of boxing. 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. Weight: 201 lbs (91.1 kg) Not all heavyweight boxers are fast, but that does not stop Michael Hunter from landing quick jabs and hooks on his opponent. The Fight of the Century in March 1971, when he handed Muhammad Ali his first loss, was proof of that. Thats important because sometimes the greatest boxer doesnt necessarilyneed to be able to beat everybody else. Tyson could never deal with adversity, which is why he doesnt belong on the list of ATGs. Louis is the prime example of what it means to be a boxing legend. 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. Table of Contents 1. Mike Tyson should be in the top 12! A victory also could put Jones, 35, back in the conversation for top pound-for-pound fighter, a spot currently held by featherweight Alexander Volkanovski. Cant overlook Holmes place in heavyweight history.