The Best Heavyweight Champion Ever, Is? And why?

If I have to pick number 1, Joe Louis fought all styles,colors and sizes. He beat a lot of former lineal champions and Walcott who would become.

Some people say Joe had trouble with boxers and some say crowding swarmers but in fact he only lost once when young against a very smart and dangerous Max Schmeling and 2 fights when he was past his very best.

He had the kryptonite to stop Ali and a greater longevity than Marciano, Louis re-matched every tough opponent (something Holmes did not) and while Louis was Champ there were no split titles, something that Holmes,Ali at one point did not clarify or unify.

Louis fought at a more advanced era than Dempsey (the first modern Champ) but was much more active.

Head to Head Joe Louis is the worst nightmare for any heavyweight champ ever.

My top 3 are Louis, then Ali and Marciano are in the next bracket. After those 3 the rest are really more of a cavalry charge then any that really stand-out above the rest.

Walcott is my upset specialist and I pick him to beat Foreman, Tyson and Liston on a given night and could also upset anyone. Walcott could also be a little unfocused or erratic at times but he is my live ATG spoiler

 

I agree with the apparent consensus that there is a distinction between who the greatest heavyweight was, and who the best champion was. As it has happened, the best heavyweight champion was clearly Louis. Ali was cheated out of the opportunity to challenge him by enforced exile, but it is what it is.