Contrary to popluar belief, there have been a number of split champinship eras. Regular and "colored." IBA and British boxing board WBA and New York State WBA and WBC WBA,WBC,IBF WBA,WBC,IBF, WBO Lets examine the winningest heavyweight champs overall, if lightly regarded or impartial titles are inlcuded: Louis 25 or 27, Two extra for winning the British boxing version against Lee Savold Johnson 9 or 26 17 defenses of the "colored" title Wills 0 or 26 Never got the shot against Dempsey and made 26 defenses of the "colored" title Wlad 12 or 18 or 23 18 on his WBA/IFB/WBO run, and other five on his first WBO run. Our good friend McGrain establishes his legitimate title reighn after beaing Chagaev. Holmes 8 or 11, or 12, or 16 or 19 or 20 Holmes is generally credited at 20, but no belt was on the line when he beat Frazier. What is more, if Wladdy has to wait until Chagaev, then Holmes, who beat Norton, who was handed a belt in a board room, has to wait until he beats Ali. What is more, his last three were defending a title that he was handed in a board room himself. I am comfortable with anything between 8-19 for his real reighn, and 20 with all in scoring. Ali 19 No controversy apart from a couple of dodgy decisions. Hell of a feat! And probably would have been more with the three extra years. Still the greatest regardles sof numbers.
