The 10 worst WBC, WBA, IBF alphabet heavyweight champions

Ranging from 1 - absolute worst, to 10 - mediocre

1. Bruce Seldon
2. John Ruiz
3. Francois Botha
4. Hasim Rahman
5. Oleg Maskaev
6. Oliver McCall
7. Nicolay Valuev
8. Chris Byrd
9. Frank Bruno
Bonecrusher Smith (tied)

Dishonourable mention : Tony Tucker

Note : Ruslan Chagaev, who currently holds the WBA title, may yet deserve a place, but he might prove himself too good for consideration too.

Ernie Terrell, who was before my time, might actually deserve to be rated alongside the Byrd,Smith, Bruno, Tucker category.

[mr. magoo]

Good list, but I think Leon Spinks and Earnie Terrell could join that list.

Originally Posted by mr. magoo

Good list, but I think Leon Spinks and Earnie Terrell could join that list.

I forgot about Leon Spinks.

I suppose I'm trying not to make a list that includes linear champions, but I included Rahman who was the real champion for a few months(as well as holding a lesser title more recently), and I'm probably quite forgiving of Spinks' mediocrity - he was a damn good 15-round pressure fighter for a rank 7-fight novice !

[mr. magoo]

Originally Posted by Sonny's jab

I forgot about Leon Spinks.

I suppose I'm trying not to make a list that includes linear champions, but I included Rahman who was the real champion for a few months(as well as holding a lesser title more recently), and I'm probably quite forgiving of Spinks' mediocrity - he was a damn good 15-round pressure fighter for a rank 7-fight novice !

True,

He also defeated some guys who had quite a few more fights than he did even before facing Muhammad. I suppose he can get a small pass, but not a very good one.

We both posted Terrell at about the same moment I think. He was an OK fighter, but beat very few decent names. Terrell was about as much of a paper champion as they come. Also, Oliver McCall could be a bit better, or even taken off the list. He had a rather lengthy collection of good fighters on his resume, was never truly KO'd and beat an undefeated Lennox.

[mr. magoo]

John Tate may be another one. I think He was a pretty good fighter, but not much of a champion. Chris Byrd probably had a better resume, yet he's on the list.

[Mendoza]

Originally Posted by Sonny's jab

Ranging from 1 - absolute worst, to 10 - mediocre

1. Bruce Seldon
2. John Ruiz
3. Francois Botha
4. Hasim Rahman
5. Oleg Maskaev
6. Oliver McCall
7. Nicolay Valuev
8. Chris Byrd
9. Frank Bruno
Bonecrusher Smith (tied)

Dishonourable mention : Tony Tucker

Shultz, and Bentt should rate. Byrd does not belong on the list.

[Illmatic]

Botha never won a title, NC b/c of steroids.

[Illmatic]

Originally Posted by Mendoza

Shultz, and Bentt should rate. Byrd does not belong on the list.

Bentt only had the wbo. Shultz was only linear i believe.

[Russell]

Uugggggh.

I find it hilarious that Seldon takes a dive against Tyson and suddenly everything he did years before is null and void.

Seldon had a LOT of power, an unbelievable jab, a decent chin, and in his prime heart.

Watch his fight against McCall, which is actually his first loss, to see all of the above.

Originally Posted by mr. magoo

Also, Oliver McCall could be a bit better, or even taken off the list. He had a rather lengthy collection of good fighters on his resume, was never truly KO'd and beat an undefeated Lennox.

McCall didn't impress me AT ALL.
Just a tough guy, sparring partner type. Bruno schooled him.

[Russell]

And yeah he upset everyone from Lennox Lewis to Akinwande in his career.

He's got an ATG great chin, longevity... The man never ducked anyone, he was the premiere sparring partner of Tyson...

Not to mention some of his losses were outright robberies.

Originally Posted by Russell

Uugggggh.

I find it hilarious that Seldon takes a dive against Tyson and suddenly everything he did years before is null and void.

You'll have to remind me, what did he do years before ?

I remember him getting blown away in 1 round by Bowe.

[Russell]

Bowe blew out an ungodly amount of good fighters.

It was almost his signature talent.

Originally Posted by Russell

And yeah he upset everyone from Lennox Lewis to Akinwande in his career.

He's got an ATG great chin, longevity... The man never ducked anyone, he was the premiere sparring partner of Tyson...

Not to mention some of his losses were outright robberies.

He's among the 10 worst holders of the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, in MY opinion.

Perhaps you have an alternative list.