Greatest boxers of all time (Achievements Compared)
When it comes to discussing the best boxers in the world, opinions may vary. However, considering various factors such as achievements and accolades, the boxing odds can provide valuable insights. Throughout the history of boxing news, there have been numerous legendary fighters, making it challenging to compile a definitive ranking. Nevertheless, this list aims to highlight the top boxers based on their significant accomplishments. Without further delay, here are the world’s top 15 boxers, each with their respective place on this prestigious list.
15 – Sugar Ray Leonard (36-3-1)
Sugar Ray Leonard
Sugar Ray Leonard, a legendary boxer, achieved an astounding feat by clinching seven championships across five weight divisions. He fearlessly squared off against the best of his era, emerging victorious against each formidable opponent. Notably, his era included numerous esteemed Hall of Fame fighters who are widely regarded as the greatest of all time.
Leonard’s accomplishments span from welterweight to light heavyweight, securing world championships in each division. He displayed his remarkable skill by triumphing over renowned fighters such as Wilfred Benitez, Tommy Hearns, Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran. These victories contribute to an unparalleled resume that stands as a testament to Leonard’s unparalleled talent and unwavering determination.
14 – Archie Moore (185-23-10)
Archie Moore
“The Old Mongoose” boasted one of the most enduring careers in boxing history, solidifying his status as the greatest light heavyweight of all time.
Throughout his illustrious journey, he vanquished numerous formidable opponents, including the likes of Joey Maxim, who had previously bested Sugar Ray Robinson, as well as Jimmy Bivins and Lloyd Marshall.
While his dominance reigned supreme in the light heavyweight division, his foray into the heavyweight realm proved less fruitful, as he faced and succumbed to formidable opponents such as Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano.
13 – Gene Tunney (65-1-1)
Gene Tunney
Gene Tunney revolutionized the world of heavyweight fighters during his era by embodying the artistry of a tactical boxer rather than a relentless slugger. Instead of relying on brute force, Tunney employed the finesse of his left jab to deftly outmaneuver and dismantle his adversaries, diverging from the traditional aggressive style synonymous with heavyweight boxing.
As the world heavyweight champion, Tunney etched his name in history by triumphing over the legendary Jack Dempsey on two momentous occasions. The only blemish on his remarkable professional career was a defeat at the hands of the middleweight icon Harry Greb.
Remarkably, Tunney remained undefeated as a world heavyweight title himself, leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his peerless skill and strategic approach.
12 – ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson (50-6)
‘Iron’ Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson, known as “The baddest man on the planet,” is widely regarded as one of the most feared boxers in history. His immense punching power and intimidating persona were enough to instill fear in his opponents even before they stepped into the ring. Holding the undisputed heavyweight championship for over two years, Tyson’s dominance was unparalleled
At the remarkable age of just 20 years and a shade over 4 months, Tyson made heavyweight history, by becoming the youngest man ever to win the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship. In this remarkable feat, he became the first fighter to unify and hold the WBC, IBF, and WBA heavyweight titles simultaneously.
While Tyson’s boxing achievements are remarkable, he is also known for his controversial actions both inside and outside the ring. He was convicted of rape and infamously disqualified in a fight against Evander Holyfield for biting a piece of Holyfield’s ear.
Tyson’s overall stats, though slightly affected by fighting past his prime, are still impressive. He competed in 58 fights, winning an impressive 50 of them, with 44 victories coming by way of knockout. He suffered six losses and was involved in two no-contests.
Overall, Tyson’s legacy in the boxing world is a complex one, defined not only by his incredible talent but also by the controversies that surrounded him.
11 – Floyd Mayweather Sr. (28-6-1)
Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Floyd Mayweather Sr., a retired American professional boxer, is known for his contributions to the sport. Born on October 19, 1952, in Amory, Mississippi, U.S., Mayweather Sr. began his professional boxing journey at the age of 22 on November 21, 1974. While he didn’t secure a major world title during his career, his impact is undeniable.
Over the course of 15 years and 11 months in the boxing ring, Mayweather Sr. participated in 35 fights, achieving 28 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. By his last professional fight on November 3, 1990, his record stood at 28-6-1, including 17 wins by knockout and 2 losses by knockout. Mayweather Sr.’s legacy extends beyond his record, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he dedicated his life to.
10 – Willie Pep (229-11-1)
Willie Pep
Willie Pep, renowned as one of the greatest featherweight champions in history, is celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills. An intriguing tale, although unverified, suggests that Pep once won a round without even throwing a punch, mesmerizing his opponent with elusive movement. He reigned supreme in the featherweight division from 1942 to 1948 and again from 1949 to 1950.
With an impressive 11-3 record, including five knockouts in world title fights, Pep showcased his prowess against former, current, and future champions. Among his notable victories were triumphs over Sandy Saddler, Chalky Wright, Manuel Ortiz, and Jackie Wilson. In his illustrious career spanning 241 fights, Pep emerged triumphant in 229 encounters (65 TKO/KOs), tasted defeat only 11 times, and settled for a solitary draw. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, he was inducted into the esteemed International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
9 – Henry Armstrong (149-21-10)
Henry Armstrong
Being a multi-division champion was a common occurrence in boxing, as fighters would move up in weight to secure more titles. However, achieving the status of an undisputed champion across different weight classes takes this accomplishment to another level. This is precisely what Henry Armstrong achieved during his remarkable professional boxing career, reigning simultaneously as the king of the featherweight, lightweight, and middleweight divisions.
Although his reign only lasted a few months in 1938, it remains an extraordinary feat that no other boxer has been able to replicate. Armstrong emerged victorious in 18 world title fights, with the majority of his notable wins all coming in the welterweight division. Known by his moniker “Homicide Hank,” he triumphed over formidable opponents such as Chalky Wright, Lou Ambers, Barney Ross, and Tippy Larkin. In total, Armstrong amassed an impressive record of 149 wins, 21 losses, and 10 draws over his 14-year professional career.
8 – Roberto Duran (103-16)
Roberto Duran
Roberto Duran, Panama’s legendary boxer, rightfully claims the number eight spot on this esteemed list. Over a remarkable career spanning 33 years, Duran dominated the ring, securing four titles across different weight divisions, namely lightweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight. Out of his impressive 119 fights, Duran emerged victorious in 103, including a staggering 70 TKO/KOs, with only 16 losses tarnishing his record. Notably, Duran partook in 21 title fights, triumphing in 16, 13 of which were through stoppages.
Among the notable names on Duran’s list of conquered opponents are the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, Ken Buchanan, Davey Moore, and Ernesto Marcel. Duran’s prowess was recognized with the prestigious Ring Magazine Comeback of the Year award, a commendation he received not once, but twice, in 1983 and 1989. In 2006, he was duly honored with induction into the esteemed World Boxing Hall of Fame, followed by his well-deserved recognition in the International Boxing Hall of Fame a year later.
7 – Jack Dempsey (53-6-8)
Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey, the original cash cow of boxing, earned this title by captivating audiences with his thrilling fights and remarkable performances. As the first boxer in history to generate gate receipts exceeding $1,000,000, Dempsey left an indelible mark on the sport. Renowned for his devastating power, he effortlessly dispatched numerous opponents, knocking out an impressive 43 out of 53 throughout his illustrious career.
From 1919 to 1923, the “Manassa Mauler” reigned as the world heavyweight champion. He also held the distinction of being the first welterweight champion, inaugural NBA World Heavyweight Champion, and NYSAC World Heavyweight Champion. Over his 12-year boxing tenure, Dempsey amassed an impressive record, winning 53 out of his 67 bouts, with only six losses and eight draws.
With his unparalleled prowess, Jack Dempsey not only revolutionized the sport of boxing but also etched his name in the annals of sporting history.
6 – Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2)
Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao stands alone as the sole boxer in history to secure eight world titles across diverse weight divisions, solidifying his position in this esteemed top 10 ranking. The Filipino boxing icon commenced his professional journey in 1995 as a 106-pounder, gradually ascending through three weight classes while leaving a trail of defeated opponents in his wake.
Following his triumph in claiming the flyweight title in 1998, Pacquiao proceeded to add the super welterweight title and bantamweight title to his collection in 2001, prevailing over Lehlo Ledwaba. From that point forward, the legendary “Pacman” ascended to higher divisions, conquering world titles in super bantamweight, featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and super welterweight categories.
Pacquiao’s illustrious career is punctuated by memorable victories against boxing luminaries such as Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera.
5 – Floyd Mayweather Jr. (50-0)
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. holds an unrivaled record in the realm of boxing, boasting an astounding 50 wins without a single loss. His flawless defense and remarkable skill set propelled him to stardom in the professional ranks after a successful amateur career that included winning a bronze medal in the Olympics. Throughout his journey, Mayweather bested renowned opponents such as Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Marcos Maidana, Arturo Gatti, and Shane Mosley.
In addition to his impeccable record, Mayweather stands tall with five world titles held simultaneously, a feat matched only by Evander Holyfield, and an impressive tally of 11 world title victories. With 27 victories by stoppage, Mayweather’s dominance in the ring is truly remarkable.
4 – Rocky Marciano (49-0)
Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano, an undefeated boxer, holds a remarkable record of 49 wins with 43 knockouts. Competing in the illustrious heavyweight division, widely regarded as the sport’s most prestigious weight class, further solidifies his status. What sets Marciano apart from Floyd Mayweather Jr. is that he didn’t cherry-pick his opponents and retired solely to prioritize his family.
Also known as the “Brockton Blockbuster,” Marciano holds the distinction of being the world heavyweight champion with the shortest reach in history. In November 1952, he secured the gold by defeating Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round of their first world title ever showdown. Subsequently, he successfully defended his title six times against formidable contenders such as Jersey Joe Walcott (in a rematch), Roland LaStarza, Ezzard Charles (twice), Don Cockell, and Archie Moore. Tragically, Marciano’s life was cut short in 1969 due to a devastating plane crash.
3 – Sugar Ray Robinson (174-19-6)
Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson’s legacy inside the ring is marked by an impressive list of achievements. Over the course of his 25-year career, he engaged in nearly 200 fights, showcasing his remarkable power. Notably, he embarked on consecutive winning streaks, including a remarkable 40-fight run in the early stages of his career and an astounding 91-fight winning stretch. Robinson’s dominance led him to capture titles in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
Throughout his career, Sugar Ray Robinson faced and defeated renowned opponents such as Henry Armstrong, Jake LaMotta, Fritzie Zivic, Kid Gavilan, and Sammy Angott. He participated in 22 world title fights, emerging victorious in 14, seven of which were won by knockout. Alongside these triumphs, Robinson experienced seven losses and a draw. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, he was rightfully enshrined into both the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1967 and 1990, respectively.
2 – Joe Louis (66-3)
Joe Louis
Ranked at the number two spot on this list is the illustrious Joe Louis. Known as the ‘Brown Bomber’, he gained fame with his astounding power, resulting in 52 out of 66 opponents falling victim to his punches. Louis held the world heavyweight champion title for an impressive 11 years, making him the longest-reigning world champion ever in history. Notably, he stands alone as the only active heavyweight champion to have served in the military during his reign.
In his remarkable career, Louis achieved a record of 27 wins (including 23 knockouts) and suffered only one defeat in world title fights. Among his triumphs, he defeated esteemed opponents such as Max Schmeling, Jim Braddock, Jersey Joe Walcott, and Primo Carnera. Though he encountered three defeats throughout his career, it was the sole knockout loss in his final professional fight against Rocky Marciano in October 1951 that marked the end of an era. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, Joe Louis was deservedly inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
1 – Muhammad Ali (56-5)
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali reigns supreme at the pinnacle of this list, encompassing the top 10 greatest boxers of all time. With an illustrious amateur career adorned with numerous trophies, national titles, and an Olympic Gold Medal, Ali seamlessly transitioned into the professional ranks in 1960. Following an impeccable unbeaten streak of 19 fights, he seized his long-awaited title shot and triumphed over Sonny Liston in February 1964. The crown remained firmly in his possession as he defended it a remarkable 11 times before suffering his initial career setback against Joe Frazier.
Yet, “The Greatest” remained undeterred, displaying unparalleled resilience as he recaptured the coveted heavyweight title, not once, but twice, etching his name in history as the sole three-time lineal heavyweight champion of the world. Notably, he etched another indelible mark as the first heavyweight champion to triumphantly emerge from retirement and reclaim his throne. Throughout his 21-year professional tenure, Ali amassed an impressive tally of 56 victories, alongside a mere five losses, while fiercely defending his title on 19 occasions across multiple reigns.
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