Best heavyweight by year.

Best heavyweight by year.

For a twist I'm going to list the best heavyweight by year as the champion is not always that guy, he just happens to have the title and possibly keeps it by not fighting his #1 or #2 contender often in times of older age or during the rise of a better fighter who had to wait.

The question I'm asking myself is in this given year, who was likely the best? This could be a little controversial, but I think it will make for a good debate.

I'll do it in 20-year intervals. Up first 1880-1900


1880 Paddy Ryan*
1881 John Sullivan
1882 John Sullivan
1883 John Sullivan
1884 John Sullivan
1885 John Sullivan
1886 Peter Jackson*
1887 Peter Jackson
1888 Peter Jackson
1889 Peter Jackson
1890 Peter Jackson

1891 Peter Jackson
1892 Jim Corbett
1893 Jim Corbett
1894 Jim Corbett
1895 Jim Corbett
1896 Bob Fitzsimmons
1897 Bob Fitzsimmons
1898 James Jeffries
1899 James Jeffries

I had trouble with 1880 as Sullivan was just starting out, as someone else, in theory, was better that year. Perhaps Ryan. 1885 is tough to judge as Sullivan was on the decline. In 1895 was Fitz ready to take Corbett?

The one name that jumps out is Peter Jackson, who, for a while, was probably the best heavyweight in the world, and I think would have beaten Sullivan as early as 1886.

After the debate slows down, I'll list the more difficult 1900-1919!

 

Sure, but one weight class at a time. Let this thread play out first, okay? I think this a very interesting way to look at things. I'm not saying I'm right either, some of these dates are hard to call. For example 1880. I am open to changing my mind.

 

Well, there was no light heavyweight division back in 1880's, we have to fast forward to the early 1900's for that. But I say so what. There were some guys under 175 pounds that would qualify as the best at that weight limit before the division was officially recognized.

I'm waiting for fans of the 1880's like Janitor to ring in.

 

Checking in the dates. Goddard did not start boxing until 1889 according to box rec.

1886 is tough to pin down as Sullivan on on the steep decline.

On 1880 Paddy Ryan did beat Joe Goss in 87 rounds for the American Heavyweight title, so he might the best for that year. Sullivan was active since 1879. Not enough on his resume at that point. I'm editing 1880 and listing Paddy Ryan for now. Good call