Top 50 Heavyweights all time from The Ring 1998 Holiday issue.

Totally. I Pretty much have every issue of KO magazine as it was always my favorite of the many Boxing Magazinea available when I was growing up. But I also have tons of The Ring magazine as well, this has always been one of my favorite issues of The Ring, so when I found it the other day I just had to post this list because I knew it would be an interesting point for discussion to see how much opinion has changed with 20 years having now past.

 

Here’s what they say about Jimmy Bivins.

Started out as a middleweight, but fought as light heavy and heavyweight throughout much of career. Defeated Hall of Famer Charley Burley (W10) in only his 15th pro fight. In 1942 alone, beat heavyweight contenders Bob Pastor (W10), Tami Mauriello (W10), and Lee Savold (W10), as well as reigning light heavyweight champion Gus Lesnevich (W10) in a non title bout, future light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim (W10), and former middleweight champ Billy Soose (W10)... Beat Ezzard Charles (W10) in ‘43 and Archie Moorer (KO6) in ‘45... Began slow slide in ‘47 when both Charles (KO by 4) and Moore (KO by 9) stopped him in rematches. Lost 10 round decision to Joe Louis in ‘51. Still had enough to outpoint Future heavyweight contender Mike DeJohn (W6) in final fight of career... Other top fighters he beat Anton Christoforidis, Lloyd Marshall, Teddy Yarosz, Melio Bettina, Curtis Sheppard, Coley Wallace.

“Why He’s Rated Where He’s Rated”
Despite his relatively small size (5’10, 185 pounds tops), was able to more than hold his own with the best Heavyweights of his era... Speedy savvy boxer with a crisp, though not devastating, punch... Even though Louis was champion during his prime, the fact that he was black hindered his hopes for a title shot (only 3 of Louis’ 25 title defenses came against black fighters)


Once again much like with Cleveland Williams the ring presented its case well enough I guess, but I still personally wouldn’t have Bivins nearly as high.

 

Tommy Gibbons
57-4-1 (47) with 43 no-decisions, 1 no-contest.

Turned pro as a welterweight, gradually adding weight and punching power as the years went by. Battled Hall of Famer Harry Greb four times, losing one decision and fighting three no-decisions.. Won 21 of 25 bouts in 1921 via knockout, bolstering status as one of the top contenders for the heavyweight crown worn by Jack Dempsey. Lost 15 round decision to Dempsey in 1923, using speed and considerable skill to become the only one of “The Manassa Mauler’s” challengers to go the distance until Dempsey lost the title to Gene Tunney two years later. Went undefeated in next 12 bouts, but retired after Tunney scored 12th round knockout in 1925. Other top fighters he beat: Gus Christie, Billy Miske, Chuck Wiggins, Silent Martin, George Chip.

“ why he’s rated where he’s rated”
Record is somewhat deceptive because so many bouts fought during the no decision era, when rendering a decision was illegal in many states... received the ” newspaper “ decision in many no decision bouts against such note worthy fighters as Georges Carpentier, George “KO” Brown and Battling Levinsky.

Tommy Farr
71-22-11 (23)

Began as light heavyweight, winning both Welsh and British 175 pound titles. Captured Welsh heavyweight crown in 1936 and British Empire heavyweight title in 1937... outstanding run that included victories over Tommy Loughran (W10). Ben Foord (W15). Max Baer (W12) and Walter Nuesal (KO3) Led to a world title shot against Joe Louis in August 1937. Extended Louis the entire 15 rounds in “the brown bomber’s “ first title defense, giving an excellent account of himself.. retired in 1940, but returned to the ring 10 years later. Regained welsh heavyweight title in 1951. Won 11 of 16 come back fights, but retired for good in 1953 after suffering seventh round knockout to Don Cockell. Other top fighters he beat, Randy Jones, Larry Gaines, Red Burman.

“Why he’s rated where he’s rated“
A master craftsman who’s speed, durability, and boxing skills allowed him to overcome relatively small size and lack of a big punch. Wonderful performance against primetime Louis came as a shock to American media and fans, best British heavyweight of the 1930s but never won a fight in the United States.


Jimmy Ellis
40-12-1 (24)
Debuted as middleweight against Arley Seifer (KO3) in 1961. Suffered first defeat to Holly Mims (L10) in 1961. Endured harsh 1964 losing 3 of 4. Jumped to heavyweight in 1965, winning against Joe Blackwood (KO1). Fought exhibitions against exiled former champ Muhammad Ali during 1965. Won WBA elimination tournament with upset victories over Leotis Martin (KO9) and Oscar Bonavena (W12). Won vacant WBA title over Jerry Quarry (W15) in ‘68. Beat former champion Floyd Patterson (W15) with lack luster performance in first title defense. Inactive in 1969. Lost WBA title in 1970 to Joe Frazier (KO by 5) lost in ‘71 to Ali (KO by 12) for vacant NABF HW Title.. winless in five of last six bouts. Retired in 1975 after victory over Carl Baker (KO1) other top fighters he beat: Johnny Persol, George Chuvalo, Tony Doyle.

“Why he’s rated where he’s rated”
A crafty boxer with quick hands and sharp jab. Hampered by relatively small size. Entered heavyweight picture during an era saturated with talent. Floored only once as a pro prior to Frazier title fight.. Lacked punching power to stay with Frazier, Ali and Earnie Shavers all of whom knocked him out.


Once again those are the thoughts from Ring magazine, and once again I’m not sure they’re selling me much on some of these choices. But again it was ‘98 and it’s a fun list to dissect and discuss..