The Ipswich Express Top 100 Fighters of All Time List

69. Marco Antonio Barrera 65-7 (43)

Best Wins: W12 x 2 Erik Morales, W12 x 2 Rocky Juarez, W12 Johnny Tapia, W12 Naseem Hamed, TKO12 Kennedy McKinney, TKO10 Paulie Ayala.

Good Losses: L12 Morales, L12 Junior Jones.

Somewhere between his contentious loss to Morales and his dethroning of Naseem Hamed, Barrera transformed himself from a pressure fighter to a skillful boxer. Perhaps that ability was always there and he chose to stand and slug or apply pressure. His trilogy with Morales is a thing of terrible beauty. His resume speaks for itself.


68.

Erik Morales 48-6 (34)

Best Wins: W12 Manny Pacquaio, W12 Marco Antonio Barrera, W12 Carlos Hernandez, W12 Jesus Chavez, W12 Paulie Ayala, W12 In Jin Chi, TKO7 Kevin Kelley, W12 Wayne McCullough, TKO4 Junior Jones, KO11 Daniel Zaragoza.

Good Losses: TKO10 Pacquaio, L12 x 2 Barrera, L12 David Diaz.

Morales is possibly the most exciting fighter of his generation. As legend has it, "El Terrible" was born in a boxing gym. His straight right hand to the body is straight out of a text book. He's been in more wars than the Yanks and every fight he put it all on the line. For mine, Morales is one of the modern fighters who would've flourished fighting in years gone by. His victory over Pacquiao gets him the nod over Barrera for mine and I think it's fitting that they are both placed together on the list.


67.

Joe Walcott 51-18-2 (32)

Best Wins: W15 & KO7 Ezzard Charles, KO3 Harold Johnson, W10 x 2 Joey Maxim, KO3 & W10 Elmer Ray, W10 Jimmy Bivins.

Good Losses: KO13 Rocky Marciano, L15 Charles, KO11 & L15 Joe Louis, L10 Ray, L10 Maxim.

"Jersey Joe" would be infinitely higher up the list if he had kept away from Marciano as he perhaps should have. He was on the wrong end of a razor thin decision to Joe Louis, despite knocking the "Brown Bomber" down twice. Would be a Cruiser by today's standards, after starting his career at Middle. His wins over Ezzard Charles point to the man born "Arnold Cream's" true ability.


66.

Carlos Zarate 66-4 (63)

Best Wins: KO9 Rodolpho Martinez, TKO12 Paul Ferreri, TKO4 Alfonso Zamora, TKO8 Alberto Davila, KO6 Danilo Batista.

Best Losses: L15 Lupe Pintor.

Considered by many as the best Bantamweight of all time. I'm not sure I'd go that far but he is certainly up there. He defended his title (which he won twice) against some outstanding challengers, including Australia's Paul Ferrari. He was blasted out by Wilfredo Gomez after struggling like hell to make the weight. He is ranked #21 by The Ring as an all time puncher.

65.

Lennox Lewis 41-2-1 (32)

Best Wins: TKO6 Vitali Klitschko, KO8 Mike Tyson, KO4 Hasim Rahman, W12 David Tua, W Evander Holyfield, KO1 Andrew Golota, W10 Ray Mercer, TKO6 Tommy Morrison, TKO7 Frank Bruno, W12 Tony Tucker, TKO2 Donovan Ruddock.

Good Losses: D12 Holyfield

Far from my favourite fighter, but undoubtedly one of the smartest of all time. A self professed "pugilist specialist," Lewis was often cautious, using his long jab before detonating his lethal right hand. He had the ability to crush those who had left their best in the dressing room (see Ruddock, Golota, Rahman II). He had two losses that can be described as poor, but he avenged them both.

64.

Jose Napoles 81-7 (55)

Best Wins: TKO 9 & W15 Hedgemon Lewis, W15 Emile Griffith, TKO12 & TKO10 Curtis Cokes, W10 Eddie Perkins, W10 Bunny Grant.

Good Losses: TKO 7 Carlos Monzon.

I may have placed him a little high on the list, but he possessed everything except perhaps a great chin. His clear cut win over Griffith is something I rate highly, and he managed to push Monzon early in their bout before being run over.


63.

Azumah Nelson 39-6-2 ( 28 )

Best Wins: TKO6 James Leija, TKO8 Jeff Fenech, W12 Juan La Porte, W12 & TKO12 Mario Martinez, W12 x 2 Marcos Villasana, KO1 Pat Cowdell, KO11 Wilfredo Gomez.

Good Losses: L12 Genaro Hernandez, L12, D12 Leija, L12 Whitaker, TKO15 Salvador Sanchez.

One of the great "rematch" fighters. "The Professor" needs no introduction to Australian fans. His effort in the second Fenech fight was a thing of beauty, no matter how hard it was for the Australian public to swallow at the time. That he never got a rematch with Sanchez is one of the greatest bouts never to occur.


62.

Joe Jeanette 112-22-14 ( 68 ) (Includes newspaper decisions)

Best Wins: W12, W10 & TKO8 Sam Langford, W8 Kid Norfolk, W15 Georges Carpentier, TKO 49 & W10 Sam McVey, DQ2 Jack Johnson.

Good Losses: D10, D6, D12 x 2, L12, KO7, L20, L10, L12, L15 x 2 Langford, L8, KO5, L12, L10 & D10 Harry Wills, D12 & L20 Sam McVey, D10, D6, L6 & L15 Jack Johnson.

What a resume Jeanette possessed! Considered by many historians as the best African-American boxer of the early 20th century. Owns some big wins over Sam Langford and it's hard to doubt the heart and stamina of a guy who wins in the 49th round.


61.

Flash Elorde 88-27-2 (33)

Best Wins: W10 Ismael Laguna, W10 Frank Narvaez, TKO12 & KO15, W12 x 2 Teruo Kosaka, W15 Johnny Bizarro, W15 Auburn Copeland, W10 Sandy Sadler.

Good Losses: TKO14 x 2 Carlos Ortiz, L12 Kosaka, TKO13 Saddler.

Longest reigning Jnr Lightweight champion of all time. Defended his title 10 times over 7 and a bit years. Is recognised as one of the greatest Filipino boxers of all time, along with Pancho Villa and of course Manny Pacquiao.


60.

Miguel Canto 61-9-4 (15)

Best Wins: W15 x 3 Shoji Oguma, W15 x 2 Betulio Gonzalez, W15 x 2 Martin Vargas, W 15 Antonio Avelar, W10 Sung Jun Kim, W10 Gabriel Bernal.

Good Losses: L15 Gonzalez, D15 Chan Hee Park.

Considered by many experts to be the greatest Flyweight of all time. He successfully defended his title 14 times. Probably as good of a defensive fighter as you're ever likely to see, his name is rarely mentioned when it comes to this topic. He knows the meaning of championship rounds, 13 of his defences went 15 rounds, a record that is not likely to be matched any time soon.

59.

Carmen Basilio 56-16-7 (27)

Best Wins: W 15 Ray Robinson, TKO2 & TKO9 Johnny Saxton, TKO12 x 2 Tony DeMarco, W10 Gil Turner, W12 Billy Graham, W10 Ike Williams, W10 Lew Jenkins.

Good Losses: L15 Paul Pender, TKO12 & TKO14 Gene Fullmer, L15 Ray Robinson, L15 Johnny Saxton, L15 Kid Gavilan, D12 & L10 Billy Graham.

Perhaps Robinson himself summed up Basilio's fortitude, when he was not interested in facing him a third time. Often dismissed as reckless and crude, Basilio fought and beat many of the best to lace them up. His bouts with Fullmer were brutal... The NY Times wrote:

"When the referee intervened Basilio screamed, 'What do you mean? What are you talking about?' Then cocking his fist, he said to the referee, 'I'll give you one.' Two policeman entered the ring and led Basilio to his corner still protesting."


58.


Wilfred Benitez 53-8-1 (31)

Best Wins: W15 Roberto Duran, TKO12 Maurice Hope, W10 Pete Ranzany, W15 Harold Weston, W15 Carlos Palomino, W15 Antonio Cervantes.

Good Losses: L15 Thomas Hearns, TKO15 Ray Leonard.

For mine, Benitez was like a shooting star, bright, fast and short lived. An incredible defensive fighter, he rose to prominence by beating the legendary Cervantes at just 17 years and 5 months! He was a 3 division champion by the time he was 22, beating great fighters along the way.


57.


James Toney 72-6-3 (42)

Best Wins: TKO9 Holyfield, W12 Vassiliy Jirov, W12 x 2 Mike McCallum, KO12 Charles Williams, TKO10 Iran Barkley, W12 Reggie Johnson, KO11 Michael Nunn, W12 Merqui Sosa

Good Losses: L12 Sam Peter, D12 John Ruiz, L12 x 2 Montell Griffin, D12 McCallum.

The skill-set owned by "Lights Out" is quite simply one of the best of modern times. Sure, his dedication could've been far better. That's not in question. His counter punching was sublime when he was on his game. I'm certain that many trainers will be digging out tapes of Toney's shoulder roll when showing their budding pugilists how to defend. A world champion at Middle, Super Middle, Cruiser and a successful venture up to Heavyweight.


56.


Shane Mosley 46-5 (39)

Best Wins: TKO9 Antonio Margarito, W12 x 2 Oscar De La Hoya, W12 Luis Collazo, TKO10 & KO6 Fernando Vargas, KO10 Wilfredo Rivera, TKO9 Jessie James Leija, TKO8 John John Molina, W12 Phillip Holiday.

Good Losses: L12 Miguel Cotto, L12 x 2 Winky Wright.

Sugar Shane made nine successful Lightweight title defences before moving up two divisions to face and defeat De La Hoya. A couple of successful defences followed before being dethroned by Vernon Forrest. He moved to Lt Middle where he again beat De La Hoya, making him a 3 division champion. After being beaten by Wright twice, it looked like the writing was on the wall for Shane.

He rebounded however to batter Vargas twice and was defeated in a game effort by Cotto. Perhaps his most impressive victory came against Margarito, where as a 4-1 underdog, he stomped Tony in one of the most one sided beat downs in boxing history. Slated to face Mayweather, where a win will further shoot him up the list of all time greats.


55.


Wilfredo Gomez 44-3-1 (42)

Best Wins: W12 Juan La Porte, TKO14 Lupe Pintor, TKO6 Juan Meza, TKO5 Carlos Zarate, KO3 Royal Kobayashi, KO9 Alberto Davila.

Good Losses: TKO8 Salvador Sanchez, KO11 Azumah Nelson.

Gomez is ranked 13th by The Ring on their "All Time Punchers" list and with good reason. The "Bazooka" won an incredible 88% of his bouts before the final bell. His 32 knockout wins in a row is the most amongst any world champion. Gomez owned a record 17 defences in the Jnr Feather division, winning all inside the distance. He also won world titles at Feather and Jnr Light before retirement.

 

54.


Harry Wills 81-10-4 (51) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: W10x5, W8, W12, W15 x 2, W20, TKO7 & KO6 Sam Langford, W8, W10, W12 & KO8 Joe Jeanette, KO5 & W12 Sam McVey, W12 Luis Firpo.


Good Losses: D6, D10, KO19, KO14, Sam Langford, L20, L10 & D6 Sam McVey, D10 Joe Jeanette.

Wills is perhaps the fighter who most famously suffered from "the colour line". He was the number one contender for Jack Dempsey's crown but never got the opportunity to fight for it. He battled with Langford an incredible 22 times as a result of coloured fighters having to fight each other, while being ducked by whites. Also ranked in the Ring's Top Punchers. The number of wins he owns against Langford, Jeanette and McVey weighs heavily for me.



53.


Billy Conn 64-12-1 (15)

Best Wins: W12 Tony Zale, W10 Al McCoy, W15 x 2 Gus Lesnevich, W15 x 2 Melino Bettina, W15 & W10 Fred Apostoli, W15 x 2 Teddy Yaroscz, W10 Young Corbett III, W10 Vince Dundee, W10 Fritzie Zivic.

Good Losses: KO13 Joe Louis, L10 Teddy Yaroscz.

Most of the footage available of Conn is as a Heavyweight. He started his career at Welter and went on to become one of the finest Lt Heavy's ever. He was boxing Joe Louis' ears off when he foolishly chose to go for the knock out in the 13th round and was stopped himself. What many fail to realise is that he weighed under the Lt Heavy limit against Louis, a truly remarkable feat! A beautiful boxer that occasionally let his Irish temper get to him, making him slug when he didn't need to. Underrated by many.


52.


Dick Tiger 60-19-3 (27)

Best Wins: W10 Nino Benvenuti, W15 x 2 Jose Torres, W10 & W15 Joey Giardello, W10 Ruben Carter, W15 & TKO7 Gene Fullmer, W10 Henry Hank, KO6 Florentino Fernandez.


Good Losses: L125 Emile Griffith, L10 Joey Archer, L10 & L15 Joey Giardello, D15 Gene Fullmer.

Recognised by many experts as the best fighter Africa has ever produced. His battles with Fullmer and Giardello are legendary. Managed to win the World Middleweight title before moving up to capture the Lt Heavyweight title, despite being a small fighter in that division. In fact he weighed under today's Super Middle limit for the Torres fight. Still good enough to whip Benvenuti three months shy of his 40th birthday.


51.


Floyd Mayweather 40-0 (25)

Best Wins: TKO10 Ricky Hatton, W12 Oscar De La Hoya, W12 Zab Judah, W12 x 2 Jose Luis Castillo, TKO9 Jesus Chavez, W12 Carlos Hernandez, TKO10 Diego Corrales, TKO8 Genaro Hernandez.

Hating Mayweather seems to be the hip thing among boxing fans these days. The cold hard facts are that Mayweather is easily the most talented fighter of his generation and he would give nightmares to any fighter around his weight, from any generation.

His beat down against Diego Corrales should be in everyone's collection. That he traveled as far north as 154lbs to beat De La Hoya still amazes me. He is scheduled to fight Mosley in the next few months. If he gets by Sugar Shane, he would jump considerably up this list. If he were to beat the one man wrecking ball that is Manny Pacquiao at an even later date, it's conceivable he is top 15 or higher.


50.



Jake LaMotta 83-19-4 (30)

Best Wins: W10 Bob Murphy, KO15 Laurent Dauthuille, TKO10 Marcel Cerdan, W10 Tommy Yarosz, W10 Tony Janiro, W10 x 3 Tommy Bell, W10 Holman Williams, W10 & TKO9 Jose Basora, KO6 George Costner, W10 x 2 Fritzie Zivic, W10 Ray Robinson.

Good Losses: TKO13, L10 x 2, L12 Ray Robinson, L10 Lloyd Marshall, L15 & L10 Fritzie Zivic.

To be completely honest, when I was putting this together and grouping fighters in pools, I never imagined LaMotta being so high. However, when you got through his record he fought and beat just about everyone. He is the first man to beat Ray Robinson, knocking him through the ropes in the process.

Sure, he was heavier than Robinson, but that says more about Robinson's greatness than an unfair advangtage in my opinion. He had a better skill set than many give him credit for and he was too tough for his own good. His crazy bull rush tactics are forever enshrined in boxing folklore.

49.


Luis Rodriguez 107-13 (49)


Best Wins: W10 x 2 Bennie Briscoe, TKO9 George Benton, W10 x 2 Rubin Carter, W15 Emile Griffith, W10 & TKO3 Yama Bahama, W10 Frederico Thompson, W10 Curtis Cokes, W10 x 2 Virgil Akins UD10, W10 Benny Paret.

Good Losses: KO11 Nino Benvenuti, L15 x 2 & L10 Emile Griffith.

Known as "El Feo" or "The Ugly One" Rodriguez is yet another Cuban to appear on this list. His series of battles with Emile Griffith is one of the closest contested in the modern era, with many believing that Luis should have received more than just the one victory. A master defensive fighter who wasn't afraid to get in a war.


48.


Jack Britton 212-53-44 (30) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: WQD 13 Benny Leonard, W12 Mickey Walker, W15, W8, W10 x 3, KO9, W12 x 2 & W20 Ted Lewis, W12 & TKO18 Charley White.

Good Losses: L15 Mickey Walker, D15 & D10 Dave Shade, L10 & L6 Benny Leonard, D6, D10 x 3, L6, L10 x 2, L12 x 2 & L20 Ted Lewis, L10 x 2 & D8 Packey McFarland.

One of the greatest Welterweights of all time. Britton won the title on three occassions. He holds the record for the number of title fights in a career ( 38 ), many of which were against the great Ted Lewis, his rival. He defended his title 6 times in his second reign and 15 times in his third. Wins over all tiem greats Walker and Leonard go a long way as well.


47.


Julio Cesar Chavez 107-6-2 (86)

Best Wins: TKO5 Greg Haugen, W12 Hector Camacho, TKO12 Meldrick Taylor, TKO10 & TKO2 Roger Mayweather, TD11 Jose Luis Ramirez, TKO11 Edwin Rosario, W12 Juan La Porte, W12 Rocky Lockridge, KO6 Ruben Castillo KO6, Mario Martinez TKO8


Good Losses: TKO8 Oscar De La Hoya.

Chavez is another fighter that for mine, has actually become somewhat underrated over the years. He is a 6 time world champion over 3 divisions, beating 15 other world champions on the way. He owned the longest undefeated steak in boxing history (89-0-1), he possessed an indomitable will to win and a ferocious body attack.

His fight against Taylor will forever be etched in the minds of fans, showing incredible heart to stop Taylor with seconds remaining. It was the fight of the 90s. His beatdown of Hector Camacho in what was a "pick-em" is also a "must see"


46.


Ruben Olivares 88-13-3 (77)

Best Wins: TKO2 Jose Luis Ramirez, TKO2 & TKO9 Bobby Chacon, W15 x 2 Chuco Castillo, KO5 Lionel Rose, KO8 Jose Medal, W12 Art Hafey, TKO11 Jesus Pimentel.

Good Losses: TKO12 Eusebio Pedroza, W10 Bobby Chacon, KO7 Danny Lopez, L15 David Kotey, KO13 Alexis Arguello, TKO14 Chuco Castillo.

It's hard to imagine a more exciting fighter that "El Púas" or "The Sharp Points". Rated by most as the greatest Bantamweight who ever lived, he was also one of the greatest punchers our sport has seen. He has consecutive knock out streaks of 22 and 21 fights apiece. His demolitions of Ramirez, Rose and Chacon are frightening. Even in defeat it was all about give and take. Check out his first round with Lopez, if you've never seen it. It's something straight out of a Rocky movie. A Bantam and Featherweight champion.



45.


Jack Johnson 73-13-9 (40) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)


Best Wins: W15 Sam Langford, W14 Tommy Burns, W6, W15 Joe Jeanette, KO20 & W20 x 2 Sam McVey

Good Losses: D6 & D10 Jeanette, L20 Marvin Hart, D12 Peter Jackson.

Quite possibly the single most important athlete of the last century. No other fighter in history has had to endure what "The Gavelston Giant" went through. He managed to defeat the best fighters of his generation and somehow managed to live to tell the tale in those racially charged times. His fight with Ketchel is something that I didn't rate in his "best wins" but it was a sensational fight. Also considered by many experts to be one of the best defensive fighters of all time, he had enough punching power to keep anyone honest.

 

44.

Holman Williams 146-30-11 (36)

Best wins: W10 Archie Moore, W15 x 2 & W12 Charley Burley, W10 x 2 Lloyd Marshall, W12 x 2, W15 Jack Chase, W6 x 2, W10 Jose Basora, W10 Eddie Booker, W12 x 3 Cocoa Kid.

Good Losses: L10 Jake LaMotta, L10 Marcel Cerdan, TKO11 Archie Moore, TKO9, L10 x 2, D10 Charlie Burley, L10 Lloyd Marshall, L10 & D6 Eddie Booker.

Turned pro as a Featherweight and boxed some of the best in the sport. Wins over Moore, Booker, and 3 over Burley stand out for me. Hard to comprehend why this guy is not more well known. Fought LaMotta and Cerdan past his best and lost close contests.
Someone I'd be very keen to see footage of, if it exists. Eddie Futch once said that he would rather watch "Black Dynamite" shadow box, than most other boxers fight.

He split his 7 fight series with Burley with 3 wins each and a no decision. The defensive wizard fought from Welter to Lt Heavy, he never received a title shot.


43.


Salvador Sanchez 44-1-1 (32)

Best Wins: TKO15 Azumah Nelson, TKO8 Wilfredo Gomez, W15 Juan La Porte, TKO14 & TKO13 Danny Lopez, W15 Ruben Castillo, W15 Pat Cowdell.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Sanchez would be placed higher on this list if he hadn't passed away so tragically. He really was a complete fighter. An excellent jab, lightning speed and great counter-punching skills.

He made 9 successful defences of his Feathweight crown and is generally accepted as one of the best ever at this weight class.


42.


Jimmy Wilde 135-5-2 (99)

Best Wins: W12 Frankie Mason, W20 Memphis Pal Moore, W15 & W3 Joe Lynch, KO3, TKO8 & KO9 Sid Smith, TKO12 & W15 Joe Symonds.

This Flyweight legends' fighting ability is probably best described by The Ring (1941): "Wilde's strength and his hitting power, considering his size and weight, were simply amazing. He was a highly skilled boxer and the power of his punches was almost magical.

His sense of distance was uncanny. He could stand within range of a blow when it started but when an opponent let it loose, a little jerk of the head or the body and the punch landed in space".

Known as "The Ghost with a hammer in his hand" and "The Mighty Atom" Wilde is without doubt one of the greatest punchers of all time.


41.


Carlos Ortiz 61-7-1 (30)

Best Wins: W15 x 2 Ismael Laguna, TKO4 & TKO5 Sugar Ramos, TKO14 x 2 Flash Elorde, TKO12 Johnny Bizarro, TKO2 & W15 Kenny Lane, W15 Joe Brown, W15 Diulio Loi

Good Losses: D10 Niccolino Loche, L15 Ismael Laguna, L15 x 2 Duilio Loi, L10 Kenny Lane, L15 Teo Cruz.

In my opinion the great Puerto Rican fighter of all time. Ortiz was a two time Lightweight and a Jnr Welterweight champion. An excellent combination puncher who didn't mind boxing from a distance, or mixing it up inside. He also had a great defence.

Most historians believe that Ortiz was clearly beaten on just two occasions in his whole career - once against Loi and of course his last outing against Ken Buchanan.


40.

Joe Gans 147-11-17 (96) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: WDQ 42 Battling Nelson, KO8 Kid Herman, W6 & W15 Jack Blackburn, KO10 & KO15 Mike Sullivan, KO15 Rufe Turner, KO1 Frank Erne, TKO14 & KO7 Bobby Dobbs, TKO 8 Young Griffo.

Good Losses: D20 Joe Walcott, L15 Sam Langford

Considered to be one of the greatest Lightweights of all time. There is some confusion as to how long he reigned as champion, with most sources indicating a 12 defence reign over a 6 year period. During this time, he also captured the World Welter title. Gans once fought in 3 bouts on the same day (KO2 and W6 x 2). He faced the brilliant Sam Langford and lost a decision. It should be noted though, that he had faced undefeated contender Dave Holly the previous day, before traveling 300 miles by train! Hard to imagine today's guys doing that.

39.


George Foreman 76-5 (68 )

Best wins: W12 Lou Savarese, KO10 Michael Moorer, W10 Alex Stewart, TKO5 & TKO2 Joe Frazier, KO5 Ron Lyle, KO2 Ken Norton, TKO3 George Chuvalo, W10 & TKO10 Gregorio Peralta.

Good Losses: L12 Shannon Briggs, L12 Evander Holyfield, L12 Jimmy Young & KO8 Muhammad Ali.

We perhaps never quite saw the best version of "Big" George Foreman. Imagine trying to combine the wrecking ball of a Heavyweight that we saw in his first "career" with the patient slugger from his "rebirth". A lethal concoction of brute force and aggressiveness mixed with will and stamina.

Regardless, he is still a top 5 Heavyweight for mine. Belting Joe Frazier twice and giving Evander Holyfield plenty 20 years later is ample proof. The oldest ever Heayweight champion, he beat Moorer, a man 19 years his junior, a truly incredible feat.


38.


Charlie Burley 83-12-2 (50)

Best Wins: W10 Archie Moore, TKO12, TKO9, W10 Jack Chase, TKO9 W10 x 2 Holman Williams, W10 x 2 Fritzie Zivic, W10 Billy Soose, W15 Cocoa Kid.

Good Losses: L15 x 2, L12 Holman Williams, L10 Lloyd Marshall, L10 x 2 Ezzard Charles, L10 Jimmy Bivins, L10 Fritzie Zivic.

Not too much footage floating around of Burley. From the little I have seen, his style looks to be one that would slip seamlessly into today's methods. He is one of the most avoided fighters in history, never earning a title shot at either Welter or Middle. Despite this, he has some outstanding wins, and losses on his ledger. Eddie Futch called him the finest all-round boxer he ever saw. I think that's saying something.



37.

George Dixon 65-30-2 (34) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: W19 Nunc Wallace, TKO22 Cal McCarthy, KO14 Fred Johnson, WDQ3 & KO6 Torpedo Billy Murphy, W25 Oscar Gardiner, KO10 Young Pluto, W20 Tommy White, W20 Pedlar Palmer.

Good Losses: D70 Cal McCarthy, D20, D25, D10 Young Griffo, L20 Solly Smith, D10 & L15 Abe Attell, L6 Jim Driscoll, LKO8 Terry McGovern.


"Little Chocolate" had lightning fast hands and apparently exceptional foot speed. He won the world Bantamweight title in 1890, becoming the first black fighter to capture a world crown. He is also Canada's first champion.

From 1891-1897 and from 1898-1900 he reigned as world Featherweight champion. Apparently used his left jab followed by a straight right hand to much success. He is believe to have actually fought in excess of 800 times, though these unfortunately aren't recorded. Someone I'd definitely like to read more about.


36.


Maxie Rosenbloom 222-42-31 (19) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: W10 Lou Nova, W10 Lee Ramage, W10 x 3 John Henry Lewis, W15 Mickey Walker, W10 Tiger Jack Fox, W10 x 3 & W15 Lou Scozza, W10, W15 x 2 Jimmy Slattery, W10 Jim Braddock, W10 Pete Latzo, DQ9 Tiger Flowers, W12 & W10 Dave Shase.

Good Losses: L10 Mickey Walker, L10 & D15 Joe Knight, L10 x 2 Young Stribling, L10 x 2 John Henry Lewis, L10 & D10 Tiger Jack Fox, L10 x 3 Jimmy Slattery, D10 x 2 Tiger Flowers, L10 Harry Greb.

A man that is overlooked by so many. Just 19 stoppages in an amazing 222 wins, "Slapsie Maxie" defended his Lt Heavyweight title 7 times. Despite using an open glove technique and having no power, he was only stopped twice in his entire career, even though he often fought bigger men. He beat many greats and gave them all they could handle in defeat.



35.


Bernard Hopkins 50-5-1 (32)

Best Wins: W12 Kelly Pavlik, W12 Winky Wright, W12 Antonio Tarver, W12 Howard Eastman, W12 William Joppy, KO9 Oscar De La Hoya, TKO10 Carl Daniels, TKO12 Felix Trinidad, W12 Keith Holmes, TKO10 & W12 Antwun Echols, TKO11 Glen Johnson, TKO7 John David Jackson.

Good Losses: L12 Joe Calazghe, L12 x 2 Jermain Taylor, L12 Roy Jones.

Quite simply, a living legend. A master defensive fighter that appears to somehow get better with age. Hopkins had his coming out party some 6 years after winning the Middleweight title, whipping Felix Trinidad in New York. Hopkins made a record 20 defences of his title, becoming the oldest Middleweight champion ever and owning the longest reign.

He moved up to Lt Heavyweight and shocked many by beating Antonio Tarver. 7 years after his Trinidad victory and against the odds, Hopkins whipped the reigning Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, in a near shut out. There may be more exciting fighters out there, but very few who have "The Executioner's" technique. Perhaps the most applicable comment is that Hopkins is a throw back fighter in the truest sense.

 

34.

Roy Jones Jnr 54-6 (40)

Best Wins: TKO10 Jeff Lacy, W12 Antonio Tarver, W12 John Ruiz, TKO10 Erik Harding, W12 Reggie Johnson, KO4 Virgil Hill, KO1 Montell Griffin, TKO2 Merqui Sosa, W12 James Toney, W12 Bernard Hopkins, W10 Jorge Castro.

Good Losses: LDQ9 Montell Griffen.

One of the most athletic men to ever step into the ring. Jones had reflexes that were beyond imagination. Thoroughly dominated Toney in a fight that was a "pick 'em". Between 1997 and 2003 he looked absolutely unbeatable, clearing out the Lt Heavyweight division, apart from Dariusz Michalcwezski. Beat John Ruiz for his Heavyweight title, making him a 4 division champion from Middle to Heavy.


33.


Evander Holyfield 42-10-2 (27)


Best Wins: TKO8 Hasim Rahman, TKO8 Michael Moorer, WDQ3 & TKO11 Mike Tyson, W12 Riddick Bowe, W10 Ray Mercer, W12 Larry Holmes, W12 George Foreman, TKO8 Alex Stewart, TKO10 Michael Dokes, TKO7 Bert Cooper, TKO8 Carlos De Leon, W15 & KO4 Dwight Muhammad Qawi.

Good Losses: L12 Nicoli Valuev, L12 & D12 John Ruiz, L12 Lennox Lewis, TKO8 & L12 Riddick Bowe.

Everything you could want in a fighter. Holyfield fought anyone, anywhere, anytime. With just 11 fights under his belt, he got down and dirty with Qawi, going on to establish himself as the great Cruiser champion ever.

Crushed Buster Douglas to annex the Heavyweight title and eventually became the only 4 time Heavyweight champion. Beating Tyson against all odds was epic. His wars with Riddick Bowe are among boxing's best. Look up heart in the dictionary, there's a picture of this man.


32.


Manny Pacquiao 50-3-2 (38 )

Best Wins: TKO12 Miguel Cotto, KO2 Ricky Hatton, TKO8 Oscar De La Hoya, W12 Juan Manual Marquez, TKO11 & W12 Marco Antonio Barerra, KO3 & KO9 Erik Morales, KO2 Jorge Elicear Julio, TKO6 Lehlo Ledwaba.

Good Losses: D12 Juan Manuel Marquez, L12 Erik Morales.


To put it simply, a modern day great. Champion from Flyweight to Welterweight, which basically says it all. A fighter that has improved significantly as his career has progressed.

"The Pac-Man" has looked near unbeatable for the past 5 or so years, jumping weight classes and dispatching a number of great fighters along the way. If he gets past Clottey and then defeats Mayweather, there is potential to climb even higher on this list.


31.


Terry McGovern 65-6-7 (44) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: KO11, KO2, KO15 Harry Forbes, KO24 & WDQ7 George Monroe, KO12 Casper Leon, KO1 Pedlar Palmer, TKO8 & W6 George Dixon, KO5 Eddie Santry, KO3 & KO4 Oscar Gardner, TKO3 Frank Erne, KO2 Joe Gans, KO5 Aurelio Herrera.

Good Losses: D10 Tommy Sullivan, D20 George Monroe, L6 Battling Nelson


Won the Bantamweight title with a first round blowout over Pedlar Palmer and defended that crown once. Won the Featherweight title and made 7 successful defences.

On top of this he annihilated the legendary Gans in 2 rounds and also whipped George Dixon twice. "Terrible Terry" is recognised as one of the best punchers of all time, and Nat Fleischer called him the best Featherweight of all time.



30.


Tommy Loughran 116-29-13 (17) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: W15 Jack Sharkey, W10 Max Baer, W15 James Braddock, W10 Mickey Walker, W8, W10 & W15 Mike McTigue, W10 & W15 Pete Latzo, W15 Jimmy Slattery, W10 Young Stribling, W10 Georges Carpentier, W10 Harry Greb, W12 Arturo Godoy.

Good Losses: W15 Primo Carnera, L10 & D10 Jack Delaney, L6 & L10 Young Stribling, L8, L10 x 2, L15 & D10 Harry Greb, D8 Gene Tunney.


"The Phantom of Philly" was a fighter with incredible footwork and a deadly counter-puncher. A two time Light Heavyweight champ, making 6 defences in his second reign. He also has some fantastic wins at Heavyweight.

Fought for the Heavyweight title against Carnera and gave at 84lbs (38kg) in a losing effort. His record is truly amazing with some top wins at Heavyweight over top contenders of his day.

29.


Larry Holmes 69-6 (44)

Best Wins: W12 Ray Mercer, W15 Carl Williams, W12 Tim Witherspoon, TKO13 Gerry Cooney, TKO3 Leon Spinks, TKO11 & W12 Earnie Shavers, TKO12 Mike Weaver, W15 Ken Norton.

Good Losses: L12 Oliver McCall, L12 Evander Holyfield, L15 Michael Spinks.

One of the greatest Heavyweight champions of all time. Holmes made 20 successful defences, second only to the great Joe Louis. His war with Ken Norton is one of the division's finest, and the "Easton Assassin" did it through heart, something he would show numerous times throughout his career.

His skill set is on par with Ali for mine, he just had less of a chance to show it. He completely dominated his era, and you can't do much more than that. Probably the most underrated fighter, that is considered an all time great.



28.



Jimmy McLarnin 54-11-3 (21)

Best Wins: W10 Lou Ambers, W10 Tony Canzoneri, W15 Barney Ross, KO1 Young Corbett III, KO8 Sammy Fuller, W10 x 2 Billy Petrolle, KO3 Al Singer, W10 Young Jack Thompson, W10 x 2 Sammy Mandell, KO8 Louis Kaplan, W10 Pancho Villa, W4 & W10 Fidel La Barba, KO2 Jackie Fields.


Good Losses: L10 Tony Canzoneri, L15 x 2 Barney Ross, L10 Billy Petrolle, L10 Lou Broulliard.

In this age of Manny Pacquiao hoopla (and it's deserved), here is a legend who started his career as a Flyweight. Fought in an era where weigh ins were 5 hours prior to the fight, McLarnin beat Pancho Villa in his 25th bout.

Knocked out Young Corbett III, for the World Welterweight title in a single round, causing one of boxing's biggest upsets. Corbett was 103-8-22 at the time.

An epic trilogy with Barney Ross followed. "The Baby-Faced Assassin" won his last two fights over all time greats Ambers and Canzoneri.


27.

Thomas Hearns 61-5-1 (48 )

Best Wins: W12 Nate Miller, W12 Virgil Hill, W12 James Kinchen, KO4 Juan Roldan, TKO10 Dennis Andries, KO1 James Shuler, KO2 Roberto Duran, W12 Luigi Minchillo, W15 Wilfred Benitez, KO2 Pipino Cuevas, TKO4 Angel Espada, TKO6 Harold Weston.


Good Losses: L12 Iran Barkley, D12 & TKO14 Ray Leonard D12 & TKO14, KO3 Marvin Hagler.

Thomas "Hitman" Hearns is surely one of the most destructive offensive fighters our great sport has ever seen. Owned one of the best one-two's in boxing history. His right hand put more people to sleep than counting sheep.

Hearns was the first ever champion in four weight divisions. The Ring recognises him as the greatest Jnr Middle of all time and 18th on their all time punchers list.

His KO's of Cuevas and Duran are frightening. His wars with Leonard and Hagler are some of the greatest fights boxing has ever seen. His whipping of Virgil Hill is the cream on the cake. Possibly the most exciting fighter of all time, in my opinion.



26.


Abe Attell 108-18-23 (39) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)

Best Wins: W15 George Dixon, W20 & W15 Johnny Reagan, KO5 & TKO7 Harry Forbes, W6 Young Erne, W6 Battling Nelson, W15, TKO9, W10 Jimmy Walsh, W20 Frankie Neil, W10 x 2, TKO13 Owen Moran, W10 Johnny Kilbane.

Good Losses: D10, D20 George Dixon, KO19 Benny Yanger, D10 Harry Forbes, D6 & L6 Young Erne, D6, D23 & D25 Owen Moran, D15 Battling Nelson, D10 Ad Wolgast, L10 Jim Driscoll, L20 Johnny Kilbane.


"The Little Hebrew" beat the legendary George Dixon for the World Featherweight title at just 18 years of age. After doing a lot of reading on Attell, there is some conjecture to how many title defences he made. Some claim 18, others claim 22.

Regardless, Attell fought the best in the world and often. His mother was initially against him fighting, until after Attell's first fight (KO2) when he came home unscathed and with $15. His mother asked: "Abie, when are you going to fight again?"

Initially a KO artist, his style changed after watching Dixon and James J Corbett slip and duck punches. He was also infamously involved in the Baseball World Series betting scandal.

 

25.

Tony Canzoneri 141-24-10 (44)

(Includes Newspaper Decisions)




Best Wins: W10 Jimmy McLarnin, W10 x 2, TKO9, W12 Frankie Klick, W15 Lou Ambers, W10 Baby Arizmendi, W15 & KO2 Kid Chocolate, W15 Billy Petrolle, W15 & KO3 Jack Berg, KO1 Al Singer, W10 & W15 Benny Bass, W10 Bud Taylor, W15 Johnny Dundee, W12 Andre Routis.

Good Losses: L10 McLarnin UD10, L15 & L10 Barney Ross, L10 Jack Berg, L10 Sammy Mandell, L15 x 2 Lou Ambers.

Canzoneri has a simply stellar resume and is deserved of the #25 spot on this list. He beat 12 different world champions and decisioned two Hall of Famers in Arizmendi and Petrolle.

Canzoneri won world titles at Featherweight, Lightweight and Light Welterweight. He was an agressive fighter, who had more of a punch than his stoppage ratio would indicate. He fought for two world titles by the time he was 20 years of age and by the age of 23 was considered the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.

Had he beaten Ross (he lost razor close decisions) he'd be much further up this list. As it was, he faced 18 world champions in total and 6 HOFers over a 15 year career.

24.


Barney Ross 77-4-3 (22)
(Includes Newspaper Decisions)




Best Wins: W10 x 2, W15 Ceferino Garcia, W15 x 2 Jimmy McLarnin, W10 Frankie Klick, W10 x 2 Billy Petrolle, W10 Sammy Fuller, W15 & W10 Tony Canzoneri, W10 Battling Battalino.

Good Losses: L15 Jimmy McLarnin, D10 Frankie Klick, L15 Henry Armstrong.


Just the third boxer ever to hold titles at three different weights Ross was a courageous fighter, whether it be in the ring, or on the beaches in World War II. Ross had a chin of steel, never knocked out in 80 odd fights.

He took an absolute shellacking against Henry Armstrong while losing his Welter crown, but refused to yield. Ross also possessed incredible stamina, often getting on top of his opponents the later the fight went. Winning 3 titles in different division in those days is a remarkable achievement.




23.


Emile Griffith 85-24-2 (23)






Best Wins: W10 Bennie Briscoe, W15 & W10 Dick Tiger, W10 Tom Boggs, W15 Nino Benvenuti, W15 x 2 Joey Archer, W15 x 2 & W10 Luis Rodriguez, KO3 & W15 Ralph Dupas, KO13 & TKO12 Benny Paret, W10 Yama Bahama, W10 Florentino Fernandez.


Good Losses: L15 Eckhard Dagge, D10 Benny Briscoe, L15 & TKO14 Carlos Monzon, L15 Jose Napoles, L15 x 2 Nino Benvenuti, L15 Luis Rodriguez, L15 Benny Paret.

Griffith knocked out Paret for the World Welter title in 1960, initiating a great trilogy with terrible consequences. Paret best Emile in the return. Griffith would have his revenge in the rubber match but Paret would lose not only the fight, but his life. Paret absorbed a number of blows before the fight was stopped. Paret would never regain consciousness.

He lost the Welter title and regained it to the brilliant Luis Rodriguez, before stepping up and beating Dick Tiger for his Middleweight crown. Griffith lost the crown to Benvenuti, before regaining it once again. He did everything well inside the ring, except perhaps punch. That could well be down to the tragedy of the Paret fights. Extremely adaptable. He would lose a fight, but find a way to win the rematch. He boxed 339 title fight rounds, the most ever.


22.


Stanley Ketchel 53-5-5 (38 )
(Includes Newspaper Decisions)




Best Wins: KO32, W20, TKO2 Joe Thomas, KO1 Mike "Twin" Sullivan, KO20 Jack "Twin" Sullivan, W20 & KO11 Billy Papke, W10 & TKO3 Philadelphia Jack O'Brien.

Good Losses: D10 Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, D20 Joe Thomas, KO12 Billy Papke, KO12 Jack Johnson, L6 Sam Langford.

"The Michigan Assassin" is considered by many historians to be the greatest Middleweight who ever lived. He was a natural born fighter in every sense of the word, as he never formally trained!

He knocked out Jack Sullivan to claim the Middleweight title, he had previously won a version of the world Welter title (although he was 3 pounds over the weight). He lost his title to Billy Papke, who punched Ketchel in the face while the fighters met in centre ring to shake hands!

Ketchel administered a savage beating in the rubber match and stopped Papke in 11 furious rounds. He also knocked out Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, who was the reigning Lt Heavy champion at the time.

Giving away 35lbs (16kg) he faced the legendary Jack Johnson for the World Heavyweight title. Ketchel avoided Johnson's best for the first 6 rounds, before landing his attack in the 7th. Both fighters landed throughout the next few rounds. Ketchel dropped Johnson with a solid right hand to the champion's jaw. Johnson rose and promptly landed a right hand of his own, leaving Ketchel's teeth embedded in his glove and Stanley out for the count.

Tragically, his career was cut short by his murder. Imagine Ketchel facing John Ruiz for the title in this day and age like former Middles Toney and Jones Jnr.



21.

Alexis Arguello 82-8 (68 )



Best Wins: KO5 Andy Ganigan, TKO14 Ray Mancini, W15 Jim Watt, W10 Jose Luis Ramirez, TKO8 Cornelius Boza Edwards, TKO7 Bobby Chacon, TKO11 Bazooka Limon, TKO13 x 2 Alfredo Escalera, KO13 Ruben Olivares, KO5 Royal Kobayashi, KO11 Ruben Castillo.

Good Losses: KO14 Aaron Pryor, L15 Ernesto Marcel.

Nicknamed "The Explosive Thin Man," Arguello used his height and reach to gain exceptional leverage for his punches. When I think of Arguello and his style, 'smooth' is the first word that comes to mind. He just appears very fluent in his movements.

Won titles at Feather, Jnr Light and Lightweight, becoming just the sixth man to win titles in 3 divisions. He faced Pryor for a then record 4th division title, but was stopped in an epic encounter. He faced 14 world champions during his career. He is ranked 20th by the Ring as an all time puncher.

 

20.


Eder Jofre 70-2-4 (50)



Best Wins: KO4 Vicente Saldivar, L15 Jose Legra, KO7 Bernardo Carraballo, KO6 & KO10 Jose Medel, TKO10 Johnny Caldwell, TKO9 Piero Rollo.

Good losses: L15 x 2 Fighting Harada.

Jofre is considered by many to be the greatest Bantamweight of all time. He made 7 defences of his title before running into Harada, the only man to defeat him as a professional. Possibly the greatest puncher at Bantamweight, with only 20 of his 70 wins going the distance.

After a 3 year retirement, Jofre moved up to Featherweight and defeated the legendary Jose Legra. He made defended this against Saldivar, crushing him in 4 rounds. He had sublime skills, coupled with a tremendous chin, never stopped in 76 professional bouts.

19.

Sandy Saddler 144-16-2 (103)



Best wins: TKO5 Ray Famechon, TKO13 Flash Elorde, TKO9, TKO8, KO4 Willie Pep, TKO6 & TKO9 Lauro Salas, W10 Orlando Zulueta, TKO9 Paddy DeMarco, W10 Harold Dade, TKO2 Joe Brown.

Good Losses: L10 Flash Elorde, L15 Willie Pep, L10 Tony DeMarco.

Saddler was two time Featherweight champion who also reigned as the world's Jnr Lightweight champ. Saddler is best known for his brilliant four bout rivalry with the brilliant Willie Pep, of which he won 3 out of 4 encounters, all by stoppage. Pep was the defending Feather champ with a truly remarkable record of 143-1-1 when he was dethroned.

Saddler was probably the greatest puncher that the Featherweight division has ever known. Brown, Salas, DeMarco, Elorde and Carter would all be or were champions. The Ring recognises him as the 5th greatest puncher of all time.

18.

Marvin Hagler 62-3-2 (52)




Best Wins: KO11 John Mugabi, TKO3 Thomas Hearns, TKO3 & TKO11 Mustapha Hamsho, TKO10 Juan Roldan, W15 Roberto Duran, TKO5 Vito Antuofermo, TKO3 Alan Minter, TKO2 Bobby Watts, W10 & TKO1 Ray Seales, W10 Bennie Briscoe, KO12 Mike Colbert, TKO2 & TKO12 Willie Monroe.

Good Losses: L12 Ray Leonard, D15 Vito Antuofermo, L10 Bobby Watts.

If there's a boxer past or present with a better chin than Hagler, I've never seen him. He faced some hallcious punchers during his career and survived them all. He was knocked down just once, by Juan Roldan and he even disputed that!

Hagler is remembered for his relentlessness and aggression, but he was a fighter that had every trick in the book. After being robbed in his initial tilt at the title, Hagler vowed he would never be screwed by the judges again. His shootout with Tommy Hearns is possibly the greatest fight of all time, with "Marvelous" Marvin winning in 3 breathtaking rounds.

He chased a fight with Leonard for years and was on the wrong end of a split decision loss in a fight that is still debated among boxing enthusiasts. Hagler successfully defended the Middleweight title 12 times. He is viewed by every boxing expert as one of the great Middleweights of all time.

17.

Carlos Monzon 87-3-9 (59)



Best Wins: W15 x 2 Rodrigo Valdez, TKO7 Jose Napoles, TKO14 & W15 Emile Griffith, TKO7 Tony Mundine, W15 Bennie Briscoe, TKO12 & W15 Jean Claude Bouttier, TKO3 & TKO12 Nino Benvenuti.

Good Losses: D10 Bennie Briscoe.

"Escopeta" or "Shotgun" Monzon is recognised as one of the greatest Middleweight champions of all time. He held the world title for a period of seven years, initially winning it from fellow Hall of Famer Nino Benvenuti. He went on to make a then record 14 defences. Of his 15 title fights, 10 of them ended inside the distance.

Monzon was unbeaten over the last 81 fights of his career, a truly incredible achievement. It's fair to say Monzon was an animal both inside and outside the ring, but that is not what is being judged here. His level of competition is stellar as is his record. There's every chance I'll rate Hagler higher than him next week and that is a fantasy match up for the ages. But for now, it's Monzon by a nose.

16.

Pernell Whitaker 40-4-1 (19)



Best Wins: KO11 Diosbelys Hurtado, W12 Julio Cesar Vasquez, W12 x 2 Buddy McGirt, W12 Rafael Pineda, W12 Anthony Jones, W12 Azumah Nelson, W12 Jose Luis Ramirez, W12 Greg Haugen, W12 Roger Mayweather, W12 x 2 Wilfredo Rivera.

Good Losses: L12 Oscar De La Hoya, D12 Julio Cesar Chavez, L12 Jose Luis Ramirez.

Won the Lightweight title from Greg Haugen before gaining revenge over Ramirez and unified the division by the end of 1990. Titles followed at Jnr Welter, Welter and Jnr Middleweight.

"Sweet Pea" possessed incredible defensive skills and a potent right hand jab from his southpaw style. He was considered the best fighter in the world, pound for pound for years. This was further compounded by his fight with Chavez, when most believed he was on the short end of a draw from the judges. For mine, Whitaker is the master boxer of the last quarter of a century and would be considered a great fighter in any era of our sport.

 

15.


Mickey Walker 110-22-5 (60)
(Includes Newspaper Decisions)



Best Wins: W10 Maxie Rosenbloom, W10 Paulino Uzcudun, W10 Paul Berlenbach, W12 & TKO1 Mike McTigue, W10 Tiger Flowers, TKO8 & W15 Dave Shade, W10 Lew Tendler, W12 Pete Latzo, W15 Jack Britton, W10 x 2 Ace Hudkins, W10 & W12 Jock Malone.

Good Losses: L15 Rosenbloom, TKO8 Max Schmeling, D15 Jack Sharkey, L10 Tommy Loughran, L15 Harry Greb, L12 Jack Britton, L10 Lou Broulliard.

One of the bravest men to step between the ropes of the squared circle. Walker is the only fighter win a championship as a Welterweight and end up a Heavyweight contender. A rugged slugger that reigned as Welter and went on to become Middleweight champion, over a 9 year period. Walker battered McTigue for the Lt Heavy championship over 12 rounds for a No Decision. "The Toy Bulldog" weighed less than 150lbs on that night!

Walker captured the public's imagination by taking on Heavy's and Lt Heavy's such as King Levinsky, Uzcudun, Arthur De Kuh (who outweighed him by nearly 50lbs) and Schmeling despite being just 5'7 and with no amateur boxing experience. His playboy lifestyle meant he was sadly without a penny to his name upon his retirement from boxing.

14.


Bob Fitzsimmons 70-8-5 (60) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)



Best Wins: KO5 Billy McCarthy, TKO13 Jack Dempsey, W12 & KO1 Peter Maher, TKO2 Jack Britton, KO4 Jim Hall, KO14 James J Corbett, W20 George Gardner.

Good Losses: D5 Joe Choynski, LDQ8 Tom Sharkey, KO11 & KO8 James J Jeffries, D6 Philadelphia Jack O'Brien.

Boxing's first triple champion, "Ruby Robert" won the world Middleweight, Heavyweight and then Lt Heavyweight titles over an incredible 27 year career. A Blacksmith by trade, Fitzsimmons had incredible upper body strength, resulting in pulvarising power.

Born in Cornwall, England before traveling to New Zealand and then Australia where his professional career is believed to have started. Fitzsimmons then traveled to the United States and knocked out Jack Dempsey for the world Middleweight title. He then moved up to Heavyweight and eventually engaged in an 14 round war with James J Corbett, who weighed 16 pounds greater. Fitzsimmons was behind in the bloody battle when his straight right hand to the solar plexis felled the bigger man. He lost his title to Jeffries and was leading in the rematch before being stopped.

Fitzsimmons moved down an annexed the Light Heavyweight title, completing his triple crown. Incredibly he was 40 years old at the time.

13.


Ray Leonard 36-3-1 (25)




Best Wins: W12 Marvin Hagler, TKO14 Thomas Hearns, TKO9 Ayub Kalule, TKO8 Roberto Duran, TKO15 Wilfred Benitez, KO1 Andy Price, TKO4 Pete Ranzany.

Good Losses: L15 Roberto Duran, D12 Thomas Hearns.

"Sugar" Ray filled the void left in boxing after the retirement of Muhammad Ali. He won 5 world titles in 5 weight classes (although the Super Middle / Lt Heavy contested against Lalonde must have an asterisk) and was seen as the fighter of the 1980s.

He first won the world Welter title in a brilliant tactical battle against Wilfred Benitez, stopping him in the final round. He lost the title after one defence, to Roberto Duran who would not be denied that night in Montreal.

Leonard promptly reclaimed the title and stepped up to defeat Kalule for his Lt Middle strap. Leonard returned to Welt and would face Thomas Hearns, stopping him in 14 breath taking rounds.

Leonard retired soon afterwards, making a short lived comeback against Kevin Howard. Marvin Hagler's challenge was finally answered and Leonard defied the odds to pull off a remarkable victory. The Lalonde fight for the Light Heavyweight and Super Middle titles (Lalonde was forced to weigh in at Super Middle) was followed by the return match with Hearns, ending in a controversial draw. Leonard followed this with a thorough effort against Duran, winning on points.

Leonard is a fighter with very few weaknesses. He had blinding speed, sensational footwork and outstanding recuperative powers. His place in boxing history is secure. I have no doubts that it would be even higher if it weren't for injuries and his unwillingness to grant returns to some opponents.

12.


Joe Louis 65-3 (51)



Best Wins: KO11 & W15 Jersey Joe Walcott, KO13 Billy Conn, W15 & TKO8 Arturo Godoy, TKO1 Max Schmeling, TKO6 Lou Nova, TKO11 & W10 Bob Pastor, W15 Tommy Farr, KO8 James Braddock, KO4 Max Baer.


Considered by many to be the greatest Heavyweight of all time, "The Brown Bomber" made an incredible 25 defences of his crown, over nearly a dozen years. An excellent combination puncher, with every single shot designed to break an opponent down. His jab was vicious and his right cross separated many boxers from their senses. Ring Magazine calls him the greatest puncher of all time.

Louis dispatched so many challengers to his title, they became known as "The Bum Of The Month Club". He was an excellent rematch fighter, the most famous of which was his one round blitz of Schmeling.

Even past his best, he was still good enough to beat contenders such as Jimmy Bivens and Lee Savold. His career was eventually ended by Marciano. Louis was respected by all Americans, something which can't be said of many African-American athletes during those times. Reporter Jimmy Cannon once wrote that, "Louis was a credit to his race ... the human race."

11.


Archie Moore




Best Wins: KO3 Carl Bobo Olson, W10 & W15 Nino Valdes, W10 x 3 & TKO14 Harold Johnson, W15 x 3 Joey Maxim, W10, TKO9 x 2 & KO8 Jimmy Bivins, W10 x 2, KO9, W15 Jack Chase, KO11 Holman Williams, KO8 Cocoa Kid, TKO10 & W 10 Lloyd Marshall.

Good Losses: D10 Willie Pastrano, KO9 Rocky Marciano, L10 Harold Johnson, KO8, L10 x 2 Ezzard Charles, L10 Williams, D12 & D10 Eddie Booker, L10 Teddy Yaroscz.

So much remains unknown about "The Old Mongoose". His date of birth in not agreed on and he claims to have fought many more fights that he is credited with, often under other names.

What is known is that Moore captured the Lt Heavyweight title, beating Joey Maxim (who had just disposed of Ray Robinson) by decision. He achieved his dream 16 years after his career began and at 39 years of age. After years of being avoided he had finally got his hands on the title. He would hold on to it for nearly a decade.

Despite losing at cracks for the Heavyweight crown against Marciano (he had the Rock on the deck) and Floyd Patterson, Moore was nearly unbeatable at Lt Heavyweight. He defended his title 9 times and fought some top fighters such as Maxim, Johnson and Durelle.

His first fight with Durelle was an all out war, with Moore being dropped 3 times in the first round and once in the fifth, before turning the tides on the Canadian challenger and dropping him in the seveth and stopping him in the eleventh.

Moore fought nine world champions and seven Hall-of-Famers. He had multi-fight series with some of the game's top fighters, something I hold in extremely high regard. He has the most knockout victories of any fighter in the history of the game.

 

10.


Gene Tunney 80-1-3 (48 ) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)



Best Wins: W10 x 2 Jack Dempsey, KO12 Tommy Gibbons, W15 x 2 & W10 Harry Greb, W15 Jeff Smith, KO15 George Carpentier, W12 Battling Levinsky, W12 & W6 Leo Houck.

Good Losses: UD15 & D10 Harry Greb

"The Fighting Marine" went from Middleweight to Heavyweight and fought the best of a generation on the way. He was near unbeatable at Light Heavyweight. His series of fights with Harry Greb are considered some of the greatest battles boxing has ever seen.

Tunney moved up to Heavyweight and studied films of Dempsey. He also got in some of Dempsey's old opponents as sparring partners, trying to learn as much as he could about the ferocious champion. This proved to be highly successful, with Tunney annexing Dempsey's title in front of 120,000 fans.

The rematch is forever tainted in controversy due to the "long count", however Tunney won the fight with a masterful display of boxing. He possessed a flawless technique, combined with respectable power and tremendous handspeed.

9.

Benny Leonard 183-19-11 (70) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)




Best Wins: W15 & W12 Lew Tendler, W10, TKO8 W15 & W12 Rocky Kansas, TKO6 & TKO7 Richie Mitchell, KO9 Charley White, W10 & W8 x 3 Johnny Dundee, TKO8 Willie Ritchie, W6 & W10 Jack Britton, KO3 Johnny Kilbane, TKO9 & W10 Freddie Welsh.

Good Losses: D10 Johnny Kilbane, LDQ13 Jack Britton, D8 Ted Lewis, L10 Freddie Welsh, L10 Johnny Dundee.

Regarded by many as the greatest lightweight of all time, Benny Leonard possessed superb boxing skills as well as formidable punching power. He fought over two hundred times and suffered only four knockouts, three of which were in the early stages of his career and the fourth in his final fight.

Leonard held the lightweight title for six years. In his first defense, he knocked out Kilbane, then featherweight champ, in three rounds. Leonard also successfully held several other challengers at bay.

"The Ghetto Wizard" was famous for talking to his opponents in the ring. Leonard states in relation to his great rival Lew Tendler: "He caught me over the eye with a left and I felt my knees going under me. I said, That was a good punch, Lew.' I said it in a friendly, matter-of-fact tone of voice and it put the fight on a different plane. Lew snarled, 'Never mind that stuff, come on and fight.' But I stuck out a restraining hand and said, 'No, Lew. That was really a good punch. It was all right.' Lew paused again, and by that time I had recovered my senses."

8.

Willie Pep 229-11-1 (65)



Best Wins: W15 Ray Famechon, TKO7 Eddie Compo, W15 Sandy Saddler, W10 Paddy Demarco, KO12 Jock Leslie, KO3, W10 & W15 x 2 Chalky Wright, KO12, W10 & W15 Sal Bartolo, W15 Phil Terranova, W10 Manuel Ortiz, W10 Willie Joyce.

Good Losses: TKO9, TKO8, KO4 Sandy Saddler.

Legend has it that the "Will o' the Wisp" once won a round without throwing a punch. He was a fighter with exceptional speed and finesse inside the ring. He is recognised by many as the greatest defensive fighter of all time.

Pep was the World Featherweight champion for six years and fought just about every worthy contender. He is best remembered for his physical four-fight series against fellow Hall of Famer Sandy Saddler.

Saddler took Pep's title in their first encounter, in 1948. He won the rematch however, making him a two time champion. He then defended against the likes of Famechon and Compo. The rubber match with Saddler awaited and Saddler regained the title.

7.


Muhammad Ali 56-5 (37)



Best Wins: W15 Leon Spinks, W15 Earnie Shavers, W15 & W12 Ken Norton, W12 & TKO14 Joe Frazier, W12 & W15 Joe Bugner, TKO11 Ron Lyle, KO8 George Foreman, TKO3 & TKO7 Jerry Quarry, W12 & W15 George Chuvalo, TKO15 Oscar Bonavena, KO1 & TKO7 Sonny Liston.

Good Losses: L12 Norton, L15 Frazier.

The self proclaimed "Greatest", Ali certainly lived up to the boast. His resume speaks for itself. He dominated the Heavyweight division during its strongest years. Ali had speed and footwork unlike any Heavyweight. He also possessed a tremendous chin, taking bombs from the divisions biggest hitters in Liston, Frazier, Foreman and Shavers.

First claimed the title when he shocked the world by beating Sonny Liston. His exile eventually lead to "The Fight of the Century" with Joe Frazier, in which Joe took a 15 round decision. He regained the title by again shocking the world by stopping the unbeaten Foreman in Zaire.

His rubber match with Frazier, "The Thrilla in Manila" is possibly the greatest Heavyweight fight of all time. It is simply 14 rounds of unbridled fury, with both fighters raining hell on each other.

Ali went on to become the only fighter at that point in time to win the title 3 times, when he beat Leon Spinks in a rematch.

6.


Ezzard Charles 92-25-1 (51)



Best Wins: W10 x 3 & KO4 Jimmy Bivins, W10 x 2, W12, W15 x 2 Joey Maxim, W15 x 2 Jersey Joe Walcott, W15 Joe Louis, KO9 Elmer Ray, KO8 & W10 x 2 Archie Moore, KO2 & KO6 Lloyd Marshall, KO5 Jose Basora, W10 x 2 Charley Burley, W10 Teddy Yarosz.

Good Losses: KO8 & L15 Rocky Marciano, L10 Harold Johnson, L15 & KO7 Jersey Joe Walcott, L10 Elmer Ray, L10 Jimmy Bivins,KO8 Lloyd Marshall, D10 Ken Overlin.

Recognised by many as the great Light Heavyweight of all time, "The Cincinnati Cobra" never actually held the 175lbs crown. He began his career at Middleweight, defeating Burley and Yarosz. He was unable to gain a shot at the title, moving north to Lt Heavy where he beat Hall of Famers Moore, Marshall, Maxim and Bivens.

After serving in World War II, Charles moved to Heavyweight, beating Joe Walcott for the vacant title. He then defeated Joe Louis for universal recognition. He made 8 defenses before losing it to Walcott. He ran Marciano close twice, despite being well past his best.

It should be noted that 20 of his 25 losses were after he lost his title, with 13 of those 25 when he fought on despite suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease.

He had speed, agility, fast hands and excellent footwork. Charles possessed a masterful jab and was a superb combination puncher.

 

5.


Sam Langford 203-46-52 (129) (ncludes Newspaper Decisions)



Best Wins: KO2 Tiger Flowers, KO1 & KO2 George Godfrey, KO2 Kid Norfolk, KO7, W10, W12 x 2, W15 x 2, W20 Joe Jeanette, W 10 x 2, KO13, TKO11 & W20 x 2 Sam McVey, W15 Joe Gans, KO19 & KO14 Harry Wills, KO5 Jack O'Brien, W6 Stanley Ketchel, W20 & W15 x 3 Peter Jackson.

Good Losses: TKO7, KO6, L8 x 2, L10 x 5, L12, L15 x 2, L20, D6 & D10 Harry Wills, D10 George Godfrey, L12, L20, D10 x 2, D12 & D20 x 4 Sam McVey, TKO8, L10, L12, D6, D10, D12 x 2 Joe Jeanette, L15 Jack Johnson, D15 Joe Walcott.

Known as "The Boston Tar Baby," "The Boston Bonecrusher," and "The Boston Terror," Langford is probably the greatest fighter to never win a world title. He fought the best from Lightweight up to Heavyweight, he weighed 185lbs (84kg) in his prime, often giving up a lot of weight to his opponents.

Jack Johnson refused to defend his Heavyweight title against Langford, citing that he couldn't raise a $30,000 guarantee. Langford was however considered the most dangerous contender for the crown. Langford was forced to fight other black fighters of his day, including facing Harry Wills on 17 seperate occasions.

Films exist of Langford fighting Fireman Jim Flynn and Bill Lang. One story characterizing his career involved Langford walking out for the 8th round and touching gloves with his opponent. "What's the matter, Sam, it ain't the last round!" said his mystified opponent. "Tis for you son," said Langford, who promptly knocked his opponent out.

Heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey said: "The hell I feared no man. There was one man I wouldn't fight because I knew he would flatten me. I was afraid of Sam Langford".

4.


Roberto Duran 103-16 (70)



Best Wins: W10 Jorge Castro, W12 Iran Barkley, TKO8 Davey Moore, TKO4 Pipino Cuevas, W10 Luigi Minchillo, W15 Ray Leonard, W10 Carlos Palomino, TKO12 & KO11 Esteban De Jesus, KO13 Vilomar Fernandez, W10 & W15 Edwin Viruet, W10 Saoul Mamby, KO14 Ray Lampkin, TKO8 Hector Thompson, TKO13 Ken Buchanan, TKO10 Ernesto Marcel.

Good Losses: L12 Hector Camacho, L12 Vinnie Pazienza, L15 Marvin Hagler, L10 Esteban De Jesus.

Without question the best fighter of my lifetime. "Manos de Piedra" or "Hands of Stone" was undefeated when he TKO'd Ken Buchanan in 13 rounds for the Lightweight championship in 1972 at Madison Square Garden.

Twelve successful defenses followed, including wins over the likes of Jimmy Robertson, Guts Ishimatsu, Esteban De Jesus, Ray Lampkin, Lou Bizzarro, and Edwin Viruet. Only De Jesus beat Duran at Lightweight, and Roberto crushed him twice in return.

Duran moved up to Welterweight and defeated the previously unbeaten Leonard in "The Brawl in Montreal". Duran was different to many fighters, he genuinely hated his opponents and Leonard was no exception. Duran was disgusted that he was getting paid one-fifth of Leonard's earnings, despite entering the bout with a 71-1 record. He was not to be denied that night as he brutalised a game Leonard, earning a decision.

Perhaps his greatest feat was his ability to continue to reinvent himself long after people thought he was finished. After the "No Mas" incident, Duran had a couple of insignificant years before bashing Cuevas and Moore, winning his 3rd title in different weight classes.

He battled Marvin Hagler for the Middleweight title, losing the fight but gaining Hagler's respect. He was dismantled by Hearns before winding back the clocks in 1989 to win the Middleweight title against Iran Barkley in a truly remarkable battle.

The nonstop aggression in his youth transformed into the slick defensive counterpuncher of old age. But there were constants. The chin of granite, the disdain for his opponent and a right hand from hell.

3.


Harry Greb 259-21-14 (48 ) (Includes Newspaper Decisions)



Best Wins: W10 Maxie Rosenbloom, W15 Mickey Walker, W6 Jimmy Slattery, W10 Tiger Flowers, W8, W10 & W15 Tommy Loughran, W12 Lou Bogash, W15 Gene Tunney, W10 & W15 Tommy Gibbons, W10 Kid Norfolk, W10 x 2 Mike McTigue, W6, W10 x 3, W12 Battling Levinsky, W10 Mike Gibbons, W6, W10 & W12 Leo Houck, W10 x 2 Billy Miske, W10 & W12 Jack Dillon.

Good Losses: L15 x 2 Tiger Flowers, D10, L10 & L15 x 2 Gene Tunney, L10 & D10 Tommy Loughran, L10 x 2 Tommy Gibbons, L6 Mike Gibbons.

"The Pittsburgh Windmill" was an all action fighter who threw punches from every conceivable angle. A middleweight champion, Greb fought the top fighters from the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. Amazingly he did this with an incredible disadantage... he was blind in one eye.

He swarmed his opponents with his non-stop punching and often employed dirty tactics such as thumbing or lacing his opponents.

Greb is the only man to have defeated Gene Tunney. Greb captured the middleweight crown by decisioning Johnny Wilson in 1923 and made six successful title defenses. Perhaps his most memorable middleweight conquest was a points win over legendary Mickey Walker in 1925.

Greb also fought light heavyweight champions Jack Dillon, Battling Levinsky, Mike McTigue, Tommy Loughran (six times) and Maxie Rosenbloom. In addition, he met top heavyweights Gunboat Smith, Willie Meehan, and Billy Miske.

2.


Henry Armstrong 149-21-10 (101)



Best Wins: W10 x 2 Willie Joyce, W10 Sammy Angott, TKO6 & TKO8 Lew Jenkins, W10 Fritzie Zivic, KO4 & TKO2 Juan Zurita, TKO9 Pedro Montanez, W10 x 3 Babi Arizmendi, W15 Ceferino Garcia, W15 Lou Ambers, W15 Barney Ross, KO3 Chalky Wright, KO6 Petey Sarron, KO4 Benny Bass, W10 & TKO4 Mike Belloise.


Good Losses: L15 & KO12 Fritzie Zivic, L10 x 2 Willie Joyce, L15 Lou Ambers, L12 & L10 Babi Arizmendi, D10 Ceferino Garcia.

Armstrong was the only boxer to hold world titles in three different weight divisions simultaneously. After this was accomplished no boxer was allowed to hold titles in more than one division.

In 1940, Armstrong challenged Ceferino Garcia for the World Middleweight Title. Garcia retained the title with a draw, but most at ringside felt that Armstrong had won. A victory would have given Armstrong an incredible fourth divisional title at a time when there were only eight weight divisions.

"Homocide Hank" defeated sixteen world champions in total and was a whirlwind of fury inside the ropes. In 1937 Henry won all 27 of his bouts, 26 of them inside the distance. Five were against top-10 competition, and he captured the world featherweight title from Petey Sarron Nov. 19, via sixth-round stoppage. This surely ranks as one of the greatest achievements in boxing history.

He defended his Welterweight title 18 times, a division record. He attributed his astonishing stamina to an abnormal heartbeat. In fact, he stated that it took him over two hours to warm-up for a fifteen round fight.

1.


Ray Robinson 173-19-6 (108 )



Best Wins: W15 Carmen Basilio, KO5 Gene Fullmer, KO2, KO4, KO12 & W15 Bobo Olson, KO3 Rocky Graziano, TKO10 Randy Turpin, W10 x 3, W12 & TKO13 Jake LaMotta, KO1 Jose Basora, W15 Charley Fusari, KO1 & KO2 George Costner, W10 & W15 Kid Gavilan, W15 Bernard Docusen, W10 & W15 Tommy Bell, W10 x 3 Sammy Angott, W10 x 2 Marty Servo, W10 & TKO10 Fritzie Zivic.

Good Losses: L15 x 2 & D15 Gene Fullmer, L15 x 2 Paul Pender, L15 Carmen Basilio, TKO14 Joey Maxim, L10 Jake LaMotta.

In A career that spanned three amazing decades, Sugar Ray Robinson embodied the essence of the sweet science. He was a world welterweight champion and held the middleweight title an incredible five times.

Robinson combined an athlete's grace and excellent power and was practically unbeatable in his prime. He is considered by many to be the best fighter in history, pound-for-pound. He earned his nickname when a newspaper reporter described him as "sweet as sugar."

He fought 18 world champions during his career. Robinson held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951, and won the world middleweight title in the latter year.

Robinson's resume is simply stellar. He defeated everyone at Welterweight and Middleweight in perhaps the divisions strongest era.

Said Ray Leonard: "Someone once said there was a comparison between Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson. Believe me, there's no comparison. Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest".

 

Top job that Ippy, well done mate. Fantastic read, I learnt a helluva lot about some of the old time fighters. Their fight records speak for themselves as opposed to todays elite fighters appearing once or twice a year in the ring. Agree with Leonards comments about Robinson, he was the greatest.

 

Yes Ippy that is something to cherish indeed , Thanks for taking the time & effort to offer up this fine outlook of your's to us all here on the forum , I doubt very much we will see this effort beaten when it comes to the end of year "Awards" and it's only March ......Best ...:good

 

Thats the hard part mate , Just when you think you got your mind made up you think again and it all changes THATS why its so hard . Ps i did have a little Chuckle when i saw Duran so high i figured you just ain't seen the Kirkland Laing fight ,,,,,lol .Using Kirkland as the common, how do you see a Colin Jones v Roberto Duran fight panning out ? Keep in mind Colin could turn you off at the mains with either hand .