The best Heavyweights never to win a Heavyweight world title?

I'd say Golota, simply because he fought Chris Byrd and John Ruiz for the IBF and WBA titles (respectively), appeared to win both fights, and had to settle for a draw and one of the worst decisions in heavyweight title history. Ruiz's manager even got himself kicked out of the arena because he knew Ruiz was losing. He was as shocked as anyone when Ruiz's hand was raised.

Most of the other guys mentioned - like Lyle, Quarry, Bonvena, Tua - didn't fight a reigning champ to a draw or floor the reigning champ twice and get robbed like Golota did in those fights.

For all his faults, Golota actually fought in two title fights where he did more than enough to unify TWO titles, but the judges screwed it all up.

So he gets my vote.

 

I understand your point, but I feel like Ike, Ruddock, Tua, would probably devastate him in head to head matches.

 

hahahah
chambersburg pa ???
You really are a world champion duschbag
are you not nookie?
Go chase cars on the pa turnpike dogbreath!
Do something meaningful for mankind ass face!

 

Oh Jesus!atsch

 

OK, all my top guys have been named so I'm just adding a few to the list here by naming those who haven't been named.

Ernie Schaaf
Larry Gains
Elmer Ray
Rex Layne
Bob Baker
Nino Valdez
Gerry ****ey

 

Could be any number of guys. Langford seems to be a popular pick, but if I'm not mistaken, Langford did at least hold the colored heavyweight title, which was a world belt of its own, so I'm not sure if that counts in the minds of some. Tom Sharkey, Jerry Quarry and Bob Pastor are good shouts as well.

 

****ey/Golota/Tucker come to mind..however if I had one to pick I would say Ruddock..he was the most underatted boxer ,had speed ,power and very technical when he used everything,he has a win over Lewis in amatuers and beat up holmes in sparring,he is also the only man to go toe to toe with Tyson,and did so twice.Lewis is even on record stating Ruddock was the most talented fighter he ever saw at one time.

Bad breaks of poor stratedgy in some fights and bad management in his prime years was his downfall.No one can really make the argument he dint fight anyone,the likes of Bowe,holyfield and Foreman all ran from him,he was a beast vs Tyson but he was up against even a more vicious beast at that time.One of the greatest left hooks ever and uppercuts.Hes the best example of wasted talent I can think of who could have been a world beater before Tyson came on the scene.

 

The three standouts are Peter Jackson, Sam Langford, and Harry Wills.

Once the colour bar was removed, you simply didn’t get fighters of that calibre, not holding a title at some point.

 

Archie Moore went 3-0 against Baker and Valdes. no mention of him?

 

Paddy Slavin and Les Darcy.

 

He was actually named in post #11, which is why I didn't mention him. A worthy name to the list.

 

Rusty Rosenberger

 

Ahh my apologies

 

Great List

I think Ibeabuchi or tua should be in there.