Boxer who took the longest to become champion?

Archie Moore debuted in 1935 and won his first World title in 1952.

I can't think of any fighter who won their first lineal world title 17 years after their pro debut, not off the top of my head anyway.

 

Jersey Joe Walcott debuted in 1930 and won the heavyweight title in 1951. That is about 21 years apart.

But wait for Moses Itauma to become champion in 2045.

 

Of course I can. JJW debuted in 1930 and won the lineal World title in 1951. I'll be surprised if 21 years is beaten.

 

Just beat me to it.

 

Chronologically I think JJW has it, but there is the other hand. And that is who had the most fights before winning. Johnny Dundee had been a pro only 13 years before winning the featherweight title, but didn't win it until his 282nd fight.

 

Sam Langford....time to winning a belt (other than Mexican HW champ).....infinity.

 

First that sprang to mind. Hundred and some fifty-odd matches before it finally came together?

 

In my lifetime it took some guys 15 rounds to win it. Back in the daddy it could take 20 or more.

Today’s fighters are able to do it in 12 or less. That’s how evolution is done.

 

Yeah, he beat Maxim to take the title in his 161st fight.

As others have said, he's neither the longest by time (JJW, 21 years) or number of fights (Johnny Dundee, 281 fights), though.

 

Joe Brown won his first title almost 16 years in his pro career.

 

Harold Johnson is another who won his first lineal WT 16 years into his career.

 

Joey Giardello - 15 years

 

Jersey Joe Walcott made his debut in 1930 won his lineal HW title in 1951. 21 years later.

 

Langford won 2 world alphabet titles in 1909 and 1913. The first was recognized by the NSC after Jack Johnson refused to fight Iron Hague. The 2nd was against Jeannette in Paris the same week Jack Johnson fought Jim Johnson.