The heavyweight class is considered the pinnacle of talent, tenacity, and raw power in the history of the sport. Boxing has seen the rise of titans over the years, and many of them have left a lasting legacy.
From the earliest bare-knuckle fighters to the contemporary gladiators, the heavyweight class has produced a wide range of exceptional athletes whose names have endured for decades.
Come along as we set out to investigate the lives, careers, and legacies of the best heavyweight boxers in history, whose inspirational tales of perseverance and success have had a lasting impact on the boxing world.
What is Heavyweight Boxing?
In boxing, the heavyweight is the heaviest weight class, with competitors usually weighing more than 200 pounds (90.72 kg). It is well-known in the sport for its tremendous force, intense rivalry, and historical significance.
Heavyweight boxers are admired for their ability to finish opponents via knockout, and their legendary personas frequently get attention from the general public.
Heavyweight boxing matches are a major source of excitement and attention for spectators all around the world because they represent the peak of athleticism, strength, and ability in the sport.
More: Top 20 Most Powerful Punchers in Boxing History
Top 15 Best Heavyweight Boxers of All Time
Below is the list of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time:
15. Gene Tunney
Known as “The Fighting Marine,” boasted an impressive record of 65 wins, with 48 of them coming by knockout, and only 1 loss.
Hailing from New York, NY, USA, Tunney held the World Heavyweight Champion title from 1926 to 1928.
Among his notable victories at heavyweight were :
- A knockout win over Charley Weinert in the fourth round on November 29, 1922;
- A twelve-round knockout victory against Tommy Gibbons on June 5, 1925;
- Two ten-round decision wins over Jack Dempsey on September 23, 1926, and September 22, 1927, respectively and
- A technical knockout victory over Tom Heeney in the eleventh round on July 26, 1928.
Because of his foresightful and inventive approach to strategy and conditioning, Gene Tunney rightfully holds a position among the best heavyweight boxers of all time.
Being the only heavyweight champion to retire unbeaten while still holding the belt, he has that distinction. In the very short time he spent in the heavyweight class, Tunney maintained an unbeaten record, demonstrating his unmatched skill and fortitude.
Considered by many to be among the fastest heavyweight champions prior to Muhammad Ali, Tunney was renowned for his exceptional speed and accuracy.
In addition to establishing his legacy, his two memorable wins over the legendary Jack Dempsey broke attendance and gate records that would last for decades, making him one of the all-time best heavyweight boxers.
14. Ezzard Charles
also known as “The Cincinnati Cobra,” achieved an impressive record of 95 wins, with 52 of them coming by knockout, along with 25 losses and 1 draw.
Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, USA, Charles held the title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1950 to 1951.
Among his notable victories at heavyweight were:
- A ten-round decision win over Jimmy Bivins on September 13, 1948;
- A fifteen-round decision victory against Jersey Joe Walcott on June 22, 1949;
- A fifteen-round decision win over Joe Louis on September 27, 1950
- Another fifteen-round decision victory against Jersey Joe Walcott on March 7, 1951; and
- A ten-round decision win over Rex Layne on April 1, 1953.
The best heavyweight boxers hold Ezzard Charles, aka “The Cincinnati Cobra,” in high regard due to his exceptional skill and adaptability in the ring. Charles proved he had what it took to win a championship, even though he entered the heavyweight class after his prime.
He started out as a middleweight and brought a lot of strength to the heavyweight division.
Charles has won 95 fights in his career, which is the record for most wins among heavyweight champions. His remarkable accomplishment of being the only fighter to battle Rocky Marciano for 15 rounds demonstrated his tenacity.
Furthermore, Charles further cemented his place in boxing history as one of the best heavyweight boxers by being the first to defeat Joe Louis after Louis had won 14 straight fights.
13. James Jeffries
One of the best heavyweight boxers in history, James Jeffries, known as both “The Boilermaker” and “The Great White Hope,” boasted an impressive record of 19 wins, with 16 of them coming by knockout, along with 1 loss and 2 draws.
Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, USA, Jeffries held the title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1899 to 1905.
His notable victories include:
- A twenty-round decision win over Tom Sharkey on May 6, 1898;
- An eleventh-round knockout victory against Bob Fitzsimmons on June 9, 1899;
- A twenty-five-round decision win over Tom Sharkey on November 3, 1899;
- A twenty-third-round knockout victory against James Corbett on May 11, 1900; and
- An eighth-round knockout win over Bob Fitzsimmons on July 25, 1902.
With his tough striking style, James Jeffries, often known as “The Boilermaker” or “The Great White Hope,” is regarded as one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time and became an idol in his day.
He was the world heavyweight champion when he retired unbeaten in 1905; the only battle he lost was a single rematch five years later.
The fights Jeffries had with Sharkey—the second one in particular—are regarded as some of the most vicious heavyweight bouts in history.
In only his eighth professional fight, he famously fought seasoned Hall of Famer Joe Choynski to a 20-round draw, demonstrating his early talent. Jeffries’ fight with Johnson was likely the first prize fight to have a global social impact, ensuring his long-lasting influence on boxing.
12. Mike Tyson
Among the best heavyweight boxers in history, Mike Tyson, nicknamed both “Kid Dynamite” and “Iron Mike,” amassed an impressive record of 50 wins, with 44 of them coming by knockout, and 6 losses.
Hailing from Catskill, NY, USA, Tyson held the title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1988 to 1990.
His notable victories include:
- A second-round technical knockout win over Trevor Berbick on November 22, 1986;
- A fourth-round technical knockout victory against Larry Holmes on January 22, 1988;
- A first-round knockout win over Michael Spinks on June 27, 1988;
- A seventh-round technical knockout victory against Donovan Ruddock on March 18, 1991; and
A third-round technical knockout win over Frank Bruno on March 16, 1996.
Being the supreme knockout artist in his heyday, Mike Tyson, often known as “Kid Dynamite” or “Iron Mike,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. His skill set was a deadly mix of lightning-fast combos, tremendous power, and skill.
At the age of 20, Tyson demonstrated his exceptional talent by being the youngest person to win a heavyweight title. His controversial persona and exciting fighting style broke pay-per-view records and captivated spectators all over the world.
His unrivaled savagery was evident as 23 of his 44 career knockout victories happened in the opening round. Tyson’s singular achievements—such as being the only person to defeat Spinks and the only one to knock out Holmes—further cemented his legacy.
11. Evander Holyfield
Known as “The Real Deal,” he accumulated a record of 44 wins, with 29 of them by knockout, alongside 10 losses and 2 draws.
Atlanta, GA, USA
World Heavyweight Champion 1990–1992, 1993–1994
Here are the top five significant victories for Evander Holyfield in the heavyweight category:
- Knockout victory over Buster Douglas in the third round on October 25, 1990.
- Twelve-round decision win against George Foreman on April 19, 1991.
- Twelve-round decision victory over Riddick Bowe on November 6, 1993.
- The eleventh-round technical knockout win against Mike Tyson on November 9, 1996.
- Disqualification victory over Mike Tyson in the third round on June 28, 1997.
“The Real Deal,” Evander Holyfield, is without a doubt one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time,
Holyfield’s reputation as a strong force in the highly skilled heavyweight boxing of the 1990s was cemented by his tough boxer-puncher style and outstanding combinations.
He bravely fought the greatest heavyweights of his era, frequently taking on opponents who were younger or bigger than he was.
Notably, Holyfield became just the third person in history to accomplish the extraordinary accomplishment of winning the heavyweight belt again.
Moreover, his triumphs against Mike Tyson solidified his status even more, since he is the only person to have defeated the legendary heavyweight champion twice.
10. Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis, also referred to as “The Lion,” has an outstanding record of 41 wins—32 of which came via knockout—compared to 2 losses and 1 draw. This validates his position as one of the best heavyweight fighters.
Lewis, an Englishman from London, demonstrated his supremacy in the ring by winning the World Heavyweight Championship twice, from 1998 to 2001 and again from 2001 to 2004.
His five greatest wins came from:
- A TKO of Donovan Ruddock in the second round in 1992
- A TKO of Shannon Briggs in the fifth round in 1998,
- A unanimous decision victory over Evander Holyfield in 1999,
- Stunning knockouts of Hasim Rahman in 2001 and Mike Tyson in 2002.
Lewis distinguished himself in the heavyweight class with his ability to be a proficient boxer-puncher, his diverse skill set, and his powerful one-punch ability.
At the age of 37, he became the heavyweight champion and has the distinction of being one of only three men to retire permanently while still holding the title. This shows incredible longevity.
His late-career triumphs over Tyson and Holyfield made him the undisputed heavyweight champion of his generation.
Lewis stands out as one of just four individuals on this list who has triumphed over every opponent they have ever faced, demonstrating their unmatched talent and tenacity in the ring.
He also created history by being the first heavyweight champion in a century to be born in Britain.
9. Joe Frazier
Known by his stage name “Smokin’ Joe,” this heavyweight fighter is without a doubt one of the greatest in history, with a record of 32 wins—27 of which came via knockout—four losses, and one draw.
Originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, Frazier demonstrated his strength and perseverance in the ring by winning the title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1970 to 1973.
His five most memorable wins are:
- The TKO over Buster Mathis in 1968 -the TKO over Jerry Quarry in 1969 -the TKO over Jimmy Ellis in the fourth round in 1970
- The knockout of Bob Foster in the second round in 1970
- The historic 15-round decision win over Muhammad Ali in 1971 was the fight that is renowned as the “Fight of the Century.”
Frazier’s reputation as one of the best heavyweight boxers in history is cemented by his tough fighting style and devastating left hook.
As the first person to defeat Ali in the historic “Fight of the Century,” he created history and sparked the greatest rivalry in sports history.
Interestingly, 84% of Frazier’s wins during his career came via knockout, demonstrating his lethal hitting strength.
Only Ali and George Foreman were able to defeat him during the most gifted heavyweight period in history, as he was undefeated in his first 29 contests.
As one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time, Frazier will always be remembered for his remarkable fights, tenacity, and skill.
8. George Foreman
Famously known as “Big George,” he boasted an impressive record of 76 wins, with 68 of them coming by knockout, and 5 losses.
Hailing from Houston, TX, USA, Foreman held the title of World Heavyweight Champion twice, from 1973 to 1974 and again from 1994 to 1997.
Here are the top five significant victories for George Foreman:
- Second-round technical knockout win over Joe Frazier on January 22, 1973.
- Second-round technical knockout victory against Ken Norton on March 26, 1974.
- Fifth-round knockout win over Ron Lyle on January 24, 1976.
- Fifth-round technical knockout victory against Joe Frazier on June 15, 1976.
- Tenth-round knockout win over Michael Moorer on November 5, 1994.
As probably the hardest-hitting heavyweight champion in history, George Foreman cedes his place among the best heavyweight boxers. He astonishingly became the oldest man to win the heavyweight title at the age of 45, demonstrating his continued strength and competence in the ring.
With an incredible 38 knockout victories over his first 40 fights, Foreman demonstrated his supremacy and amassed an astonishing 84% career knockout ratio.
Notably, he demonstrated his extraordinary talent and tenacity by becoming the first person to defeat the formidable Joe Frazier.
Foreman’s status as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time is further cemented by his accomplishment of being one of just five men to regain the lineal heavyweight championship.
7. Sam Langford
Known by his stage name “The Boston Bonecrusher,”. He has a remarkable record of 178 wins—126 of which came via knockout—38 losses, and 38 draws.
Originating from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Langford’s career is distinguished by his exceptional ring acumen, resilience, and punching force, exhibiting a style that was well ahead of its time.
Langford was only 5’8″ tall and began as a lightweight, but he went on to defeat four Hall of Fame heavyweights, an incredible feat.
Notably, Langford’s strong reputation in the ring was highlighted by the fact that heavyweight champions Jack Johnson, Jess Willard, and Jack Dempsey conspicuously avoided confronting him during their title reigns.
Langford is second in boxing history with an amazing record of 129 knockout wins, making a lasting impression on the game.
He fought more matches than any other fighter, with an incredible 57 against world champions and Hall of Famers.
Beyond the ring, Langford’s accomplishments are even more impressive as he won the heavyweight titles of Mexico and Australia in addition to five segregated “Colored” titles, sealing his place in the annals of heavyweight boxing history.
6. Jack Dempsey
One of the best heavyweight boxers in history, Jack Dempsey, nicknamed “The Manassa Mauler,” achieved an impressive record of 53 wins, with 43 of them by knockout, alongside 6 losses and 8 draws.
Hailing from Manassa, CO, USA, Dempsey held the title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1919 to 1926.
Here are the top five significant victories for Jack Dempsey:
- First-round knockout win over Fred Fulton on July 27, 1918.
- Third-round technical knockout victory against Jess Willard on July 4, 1919.
- Fourth-round knockout win over Georges Carpentier on July 2, 1921.
- Fifteen-round decision victory against Tommy Gibbons on July 4, 1923.
- Second-round knockout win over Luis Angel Firpo on September 14, 1923.
Jack Dempsey’s fierce, bobbing-weaving, hard-hitting style is credited with revolutionizing and popularizing heavyweight boxing, making him one of the greatest fighters in the division. Remarkably, 25 of his 50 career knockouts came in the opening frame, demonstrating his unrivaled strength and ferocity in the ring.
One of the worst beatings ever inflicted on a heavyweight champion, Dempsey’s decisive victory against the enormous Jess Willard exemplifies his power and ability.
In addition, Dempsey’s historic fight with Georges Carpentier established boxing’s first million-dollar gate, further cementing his place in sports history.
Dempsey’s legendary position was further enhanced by one of his most famous triumphs, a slugfest against Luis Angel Firpo that is regarded as the most exciting title bout of the boxing heyday.
Furthermore, Dempsey was unquestionably the most well-known athlete of his era due to his enormous popularity outside of athletics.
He remains one of the best heavyweight boxers in history, and his fights against Gene Tunney broke attendance and gate records for many years to come.
5. Rocky Marciano
Considered one of the top heavyweight boxers in boxing history, Rocky Marciano, also known as “The Brockton Blockbuster,” amassed an unparalleled record of 49 wins, with 43 of them by knockout, and remarkably, zero losses.
Hailing from Brockton, MA, USA, Marciano held the prestigious title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1952 to 1956.
Here are the top five significant victories for Rocky Marciano:
- Eighth-round technical knockout win over Joe Louis on October 26, 1951.
- Thirteenth-round knockout victory against Jersey Joe Walcott on September 23, 1952.
- First-round knockout win over Jersey Joe Walcott on May 15, 1953.
- Fifteen-round decision victory against Ezzard Charles on June 17, 1954.
- Ninth-round knockout win over Archie Moore on September 21, 1955.
Rocky Marciano is regarded as one of the best heavyweight boxers because of his incredible ability to make up for lackluster skills with an iron jaw, crushing punching power, and an unyielding drive to win. In addition to being one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time, he has the distinction of being the only one to retire unbeaten.
To further highlight his supremacy in the ring, Marciano is just the second heavyweight champion to retire while still holding the championship.
The fact that Marciano became the first person to defeat Joe Louis in fifteen years, demonstrating his extraordinary power and technique, is a significant milestone in his legacy. Many people consider his historic 1952 fight against Jersey Joe Walcott to be among the most exciting in the division.
In addition to his achievements in the ring, Marciano’s charismatic fighting style, everyman appeal, and fair skin won him over fans, making him one of the most adored sports figures of the early television period.
4. Larry Holmes
Regarded as one of the best heavyweight boxers, Larry Holmes, also known as “The Easton Assassin,” amassed an impressive record of 69 wins, with 44 of them coming by knockout, and 6 losses.
Hailing from Easton, PA, USA, Holmes held the esteemed title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1980 to 1985.
Here are the top five significant victories for Larry Holmes:
- Fifteen-round decision win against Ken Norton on June 9, 1978.
- Eleventh-round technical knockout victory over Earnie Shavers on September 28, 1979.
- A tenth-round technical knockout win against Muhammad Ali on October 2, 1980.
- Thirteenth-round technical knockout victory over Gerry Cooney on June 11, 1982.
- Twelve-round decision win against Ray Mercer on February 7, 1992.
Larry Holmes’s exceptional boxing abilities, which are typified by a blend of technique, speed, power, and unrivaled guts—perhaps the strongest left jab in the history of the heavyweight division—secure his spot among the best heavyweight boxers.
His supremacy in the ring was highlighted by his 12 straight defenses during his reign as the lineal champion, a feat unparalleled since Joe Louis.
Among Holmes’ extraordinary accomplishments is being undefeated in his first 48 fights—a feat that came dangerously close to matching Rocky Marciano’s legendary record.
Notably, he defeated seven heavyweight champions once or in the future, enhancing his reputation as one of the greatest.
One of the most contested heavyweight title fights in a classic era for the division is his historic 1978 matchup with Ken Norton. Holmes’ remarkable feat of being the only person to defeat Muhammad Ali enhances his reputation and makes him one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
3. Jack Johnson
Considered one of the best heavyweight boxers in history, Jack Johnson, known as “The Galveston Giant,” amassed an impressive record of 54 wins, with 35 of them coming by knockout, along with 11 losses and 9 draws.
Hailing from Galveston, TX, USA, Johnson held the esteemed title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1908 to 1915.
Here are the top five significant victories for Jack Johnson:
- Twentieth-round knockout win over Sam McVey on April 22, 1904.
- Fifteen-round decision victory against Joe Jeanette on March 15, 1906.
- A fifteen-round decision win over Sam Langford on April 26, 1906.
- Fourteenth-round technical knockout victory against Tommy Burns on December 26, 1908.
- Fifteenth-round technical knockout win over James Jeffries on July 4, 1910.
As the first Black heavyweight champion in history, Jack Johnson deserves to be regarded as one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time.
Famous for his genius as a defensive and psychological warfare expert, Johnson’s path to the title was paved with years of discrimination because of his skin tone and extraordinary skills.
Even though he was probably past his peak by the time he ultimately won the championship, his legacy endured.
Johnson is even more of a boxing hero because of his incredible wins over the three other greatest Black heavyweights of all time: Sam Langford, Joe Jeanette, and Sam McVey. These triumphs came about because the white champions refused to fight them.
He also accomplished the extraordinary distinction of being the sole person to defeat heavyweight champion James Jeffries, demonstrating his unmatched ability and supremacy in the ring.
Johnson’s legacy as one of the best heavyweight boxers in history is undeniable, as he was a trailblazer who broke down racial barriers and cleared the way for future generations.
2. Joe Louis
Regarded as one of the best heavyweight boxers in history, Joe Louis, famously known as “The Brown Bomber,” amassed an impressive record of 66 wins, with 52 of them by knockout, and only 3 losses.
Hailing from Detroit, MI, USA, Louis held the prestigious title of World Heavyweight Champion from 1937 to 1949.
Here are the top five significant victories for Joe Louis:
- Sixth-round technical knockout win over Primo Carnera on June 25, 1935.
- Fourth-round knockout victory against Max Baer on September 24, 1935.
- Eighth-round knockout win over James Braddock on June 22, 1937.
- First-round knockout victory against Max Schmeling on June 22, 1938.
- Thirteenth-round knockout win over Billy Conn on June 18, 1941.
Being probably the most formidable puncher the sport has ever seen, Joe Louis cedes his place as one of the best heavyweight boxers in history. Louis was unmatched in the ring due to his terrifying combination of talent, hand speed, punching force, and lethal instinct.
His incredible 25 successful lineal championship defenses set a record that has never been surpassed by any other boxing champion. With a nearly 12-year reign, Louis also has the distinction of being the boxing champion with the longest reign in history.
Louis became a patriotic American hero after becoming the second Black man to win the heavyweight belt. He is most known for his victory over Max Schmeling of Germany.
His reputation as one of the legendary heavyweight boxers of all time is further cemented by his involvement in the U.S. Army, his contribution of purses to the war effort, and his role as a symbol of hope for African Americans amid segregation and the Great Depression.
1. Muhammad Ali
Considered the best heavyweight boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, also known as “The Louisville Lip” and “The Greatest,” amassed an impressive record of 56 wins, with 37 of them by knockout, and 5 losses.
Hailing from Louisville, KY, USA, Ali held the esteemed title of World Heavyweight Champion three times, from 1964 to 1967, 1974 to 1978, and 1978 to 1979.
Here are the top five significant victories for Muhammad Ali:
- Sixth-round technical knockout win over Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964.
- Third-round technical knockout victory against Cleveland Williams on November 14, 1966.
- Eighth-round knockout win over George Foreman on October 30, 1974.
- Fourteenth-round technical knockout victory against Joe Frazier on October 1, 1975.
- Fifteen-round decision win against Leon Spinks on September 15, 1978.
In addition to his exceptional talent, charisma, and controversial beliefs, Muhammad Ali deserves to be considered a legendary heavyweight boxer of all time since he is the most well-known and prosperous athlete of his generation.
Due to his exceptional conditioning, acute reflexes, and deft footwork, he was nearly unbeatable during his peak years. He was able to dominate two heavyweight generations, including the incredibly gifted 1970s group.
Being the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion in history further solidifies Ali’s legend. Boxing history is forever marked by his legendary rivalry with Joe Frazier, in which he prevailed in two of the three contests.
He also shocked the boxing world by defeating Sonny Liston and George Foreman, demonstrating his unmatched talent and tenacity.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Who is the Greatest heavyweight Boxer in History?
Muhammad Ali has an outstanding record that makes him stand out among the best heavyweight boxers in history. His record was 56 wins, 5 defeats, with 19 victories coming via decision and 37 via TKO/KO. Ali successfully defended his world titles 19 times, including the NYSAC World Heavyweight Title, the WBA Heavyweight Title, and the WBC Heavyweight Title.
Who is the only Heavyweight Champion to have ever Retired Undefeated?
Rocky Marciano, who is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, had a stellar career and ended it with a perfect 49-0 record, 43 of which came via TKO/KO. Being the only heavyweight champion to retire unbeaten is a distinction held by Marciano. He defeated Jersey Joe Walcott in the thirteenth round to win the world title in September of 1952. Prior to the end of his career in boxing, a number of six times ;he defended his belt successfully.
Who Defeated Muhammad Ali?
Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali by decision in the first of their three iconic fights on March 8, 1971, in a momentous match known as The Fight of the Century at Madison Square Garden in New York. Remarkably, German astronomer Johannes Kepler developed his third equation of planetary motion on this day in 1618. The heritage of the best heavyweight boxers is preserved with these historic occasions.
Is Tyson Fury the Best Heavyweight Ever?
It's possible that Tyson Fury, the current WBC and lineal heavyweight boxing champion, isn't the most physically gifted heavyweight boxer in history—some even believe he's not one of the finest. Still, his speed is what makes him stand out.
How many Heavyweight Belts are there?
The fighter who holds the belts from the four main championship organizations—the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO—is considered the indisputable champion among the best heavyweight boxers. Even though the four-belt era began in 2004, the undisputed heavyweight champion has not yet been crowned.
Conclusion
In summary, ranking the legendary heavyweight boxers in history is a subjective endeavor influenced by several variables, including ability, dominance during their time, titles won, and contributions to the sport.
However, given their unmatched accomplishments, incredible records, and enduring legacies, figures like Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis, and Muhammad Ali frequently take center stage in conversations. Every boxer captivated viewers and cemented their spots in boxing history by bringing their distinct styles and charisma to the ring.
Though the top heavyweight boxer of all time is ultimately up for debate, these iconic fighters’ extraordinary skill and lasting influence have inspired countless spectators and fighters over the years.