10 Best Boxers of All Time: From Mike Tyson to Muhammad Ali

A former opponent of Pernell Whitaker once mentioned him alongside Floyd Mayweather and Roberto Duran as the “best of the lot.” His unorthodox movement and defense constantly frustrated anyone who fought him. “Sweet Pea” won titles in four weight classes. 

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Rocky Marciano holds the distinction as the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated. Known as a hard puncher with a granite chin, Marciano claimed wins over other boxing legends like Jersey Joe Walcott and Joe Louis.

Out of all of the great boxers to come from Mexico, Julio Cesar Chavez might be the most beloved. Chavez fought 88 times and captured world titles at super featherweight, lightweight, and light welterweight before his record was ever blemished. He still holds records for championship victories and consecutive successful defenses.

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Manny Pacquiao stands out as the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight classes. Amazingly, his crushing power followed him from flyweight to light middleweight. Along the way, he also became one of the biggest stars in sports and headlined some of the most successful events

To an entire generation of sports fans, Mike Tyson was boxing. His destructive power is legendary but his technical acumen is grossly understated. Using a peekaboo style, “Iron” Mike became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. His time on top was brief but left a lasting impression and that is why he is one of the best boxers of all time.

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Roy Jones, Jr. possessed generational athletic ability, and fortunately for boxing fans, he used those gifts in the ring to create some truly memorable results. His knack for showmanship was only matched by how far it took him in the sport. Titles at middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight cemented his place in history.

It wasn’t always exciting, but it was certainly effective. Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s defense-first mentality not only kept him away from the loss column but also preserved him from much of the damage that plagues boxers far after they’ve hung up the gloves.

Outside of the ring, “Money” earned his nickname as the biggest earner in the sport due to bucking the promoter system as a self-made man who is one of the best boxers of all time.

“The Brown Bomber” stands as the most dominant heavyweight champion of all time. His 25 defenses over 11 years are records that are unlikely to be broken ever. Furthermore, Louis’ revenge KO defeat of Nazi Germany’s Max Schmelling became one of the most significant sporting events of the 20th century.

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The legend of Muhammad Ali extends far outside of the ring. But even putting aside his cultural impact and sociopolitical significance, the man born Cassius Clay was undoubtedly one of the best to ever do it. Boasting athleticism that allowed him to defy the boxing textbook.

Ali’s balance of sharp defense and relentless offense paved the way for the likes of Roy Jones, Pernell Whittaker, and Tyson Fury among others.

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The greatness of Sugar Ray Robinson is not up for debate. His championship accolades at welterweight and middleweight spawned the term “pound for pound” and his versatility allowed him to seamlessly change styles between rounds and that is why he is No. 1 on our list of the best boxers of all time.

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