It is probably somebody who was denied a title shot due to the color bar, because in a later era an exceptional fighter would probably end up holding the title at some point. Peter Jackson was probably literally the best heavyweight in the world at some point. Sam Langford and Harry Wills were exceptional contenders, but their time lines coincided with those of strong champions, so it is hard to know whether they could have held the title. Most people after the mid 30s didn't hold it because they weren't good enough.
Was Joe Jeannette lineal? I don’t think he was off the top of my head but he’s a solid candidate as well
There wasn't when Holmes beat a shot 38 year old Ali who was retired for two years before coming back. Ali was still considered the lineal champ though everybody knew that Holmes was the best in the world.
In the argument I think. He first appears in the rankings in 2007, and I don't think that he has been out of them since!
Tua? Really? Dude had 2 chances and couldn't even sniff a title let alone undisputed and/or lineal. My pick is Wills.
I read some of these names and it gives some confidence to, call me crazy but Gerry Cooney. If you don't think so ask Holmes, he thought so. Without question there are lineal champs he would have beaten. You can call me crazy.
