This is fighters who have unblemished KO records and were never stopped in any form as pros. So no Sam Langfords, Harry Greb, Sugar Ray Robinsons or Muhammad Alis on this list. Who do you think are the greatest fighters who were never stopped in their whole careers?
Can we cut Ali a break? He wasn't even in a condition to go for a walk, let alone get in the ring, and it was his corner who threw in the towel.
HOFers with at least 100 pro fights, who were never stopped inside the distance: Gorilla Jones 174 Panama Al Brown 163 Joe Lynch 159 Kid Gavilan 143 Mike Gibbons 132 Billy Graham 126 Duilio Loi 126 Packey McFarland 113 (added by Flo Raiden) Pancho Villa 104 Carlos Monzon 100 NB: Jimmy Goodrich is the world champion with the most pro fights (195) without ever getting stopped - but of course he's not a HOFer!
I believe the Ali of the second Spinks fight goes the distance with Holmes and even has some moments.
Barney Ross had 82 wins with 4 losses with no stoppage losses. Charley Burley had 83 wins, 12 losses and was never stopped once. Gene Tunney had 82 wins and only 1 loss by decision to Harry Greb.
Add James Toney to the list. He was never stopped despite competing into his 40's and several weight classes over his natural weight. Hell, he even tore his bicep in half in a fight with Rydell Booker and one with one hand while in horrible pain.