2026 TOP 10 ALL-TIME HEAVYWEIGHTS SURVEY

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by MaccaveliMacc, Aug 25, 2026 at 2:21 AM.


  1. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

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    When you make a statement it's on you to provide the source for it not me! lol.
    Dempsey said at the time he was offered the fight with Langford he would not have been a match for Sam.During Dempsey's reign Langford would not have been a match for him!
    Oh, I can tell you what to do,you can name the fighters Langford beat during Dempsey;s reign ,weigh them against his losses, including to Dempsey's sparring partner Bill Tate,and get back to me!
     
  2. The Long Count

    The Long Count Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Ali
    Louis
    Holmes
    Wlad
    Marciano
    Lewis
    Holyfield
    Tyson
    Dempsey
    Foreman

    Since many posters are giving a break down of their choices, I’ll add in a quick synopsis of mine.
    Ali - two title reigns of 10 plus defenses split apart by a forced exile.
    Louis- 25 consecutive title defenses still the all the time record and missed time due to ww2
    Holmes - 20 title defenses and reached 48-0 one shy of that magical number
    Wlad - 18 title defenses in dominant form over 11 years.

    So the top 4 choices all share long historical runs as champion. They all also have a high total number of wins ledger for the division.

    5. Marciano - obviously if the list was H2h he wouldn’t rank on my list. He’s too small and list would be filled up with mostly more modern fighters. But 49-0 with no blemishes. Speaks for itself. Also his defenses were quality. Plus what else can you ask of a champion he twice got up off the canvas to retain his title. And against Charles, with his nose split Rocky stopped him when he had too. Imagine the Vitali fans if he was given 1 more round by the corner and stopped Lewis. His fans would swear he’s the best ever.
    6. Lewis a destroyer when he wanted to destroy he was an exciting fighter to watch. Bested every man he faced. Just didn’t quite have the long dominant reign as those above him and his overall win total is a little less than those above him.
    7. Holyfield - the first choice of fighter that didn’t make a lot of defenses but fought in a lot of big fights and has some great wins, Douglas, Bowe, Tyson, Foreman.
    8. Tyson. A meteor had he not come back from prison he’d rate higher for me. Going out and collecting each belt individually and then destroying Holmes and Spinks. The stuff of legend.
    9. Dempsey - destroyed Fulton, and Willard. Made 5 defenses - Miske and Gibbons were quality. And Firpo was a thrill ride line no other. Past his best summoned enough to stop Sharkey who had defeated longtime shadow Wills. And in final fight had enough to drop the great Tunney and nearly win if not for a blown call. Enough in my book to keep inside the top 10.
    10. Foreman. I prefer Frazier’s resume but George bested him twice he grabs the final slot with his wins over Frazier, Norton and Moorer
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
  3. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Loyal Member

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    Guy, you provided the source and claimed that it was incorrect, so no, that burden would be on you.