Boxing has been a platform of LEGENDS, and the famous sport consistently captivates audiences around the globe. According to Forbes, Harris Poll studies revealed that boxing is the 4th most popular sport with 33% of the 2,000 respondents. Notably, boxing was more popular than MMA (30%).
This enduring popularity is led by the rich history of boxing, marked by iconic boxers who have made achievements that may not be repeated, making them boxing legends. Similarly, some boxing champions are making history and occupying places among the top rankings due to their remarkable skills, unique styles, and records.
If you are a fan of boxing, you must want to know about all-time best boxers, their achievements, and their unique styles. So, let’s unfold them.
Kings of the Ring: 9 Greatest Boxers of All Time Who Made History
1. Floyd Mayweather
Professional Record: 50 wins, including 27 by knockout.
“The biggest attraction of his era, Mayweather’s presence still looms large. He is the promoter of prominent lightweight Gervonta Davis, a champion from Jr. lightweight to Jr. middleweight, Mayweather earned his place among the greats.” – Boxing News.
Known as the best defensive boxer in history, Mayweather remained so accurate to avoid being hit, setting him apart. He has shown remarkable wins in the world title fights while remaining dominant in terms of versatile and consistent performance. Mayweather’s combination of defensive power, technical skills, and consistent dominance in the ring has helped him stay among the top boxers in history.
Achievements:
- Named the “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2010s by the Boxing Writers Association of America
- A two-time winner of The Ring magazine’s “Fighter of the Year
- A six-time winner of the Best Fighter ESPY Award.
- ESPN ranked him as one of the greatest boxers of the last 25 years as of 2016.
2. Roberto Duran
Professional Record: 119 fights with 103 wins, 70 by KO, & 16 losses.
Roberto Duran was a force of nature in the ring, a relentless warrior with fists of thunder. His ferocity, skill, and indomitable spirit made him one of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing.” – Jim Lampley – American sportscaster.
Durán stands out among world boxing champions for his exceptional versatility, which led him to excel in many weight classes. Known as “Hands of Stone,” he has shown outstanding wins by combining his technical skills, pressure fighting techniques, and aggressive brawling.
His ability to deliver knockouts has also contributed to helping him make the greatest records and wins. Duran’s five-decade-long career truly defines his adaptability, resilience, and expertise in the sport, making him the boxing champion.
Achievements:
- Held titles in Lightweight, Welterweight, Light Middleweight, and Middleweight divisions
- Defeated Sugar Ray Leonard in 1980 for the WBC Welterweight Title
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
- Listed the fifth greatest fighter of the last 80 years by The Ring magazine in 2002
- Best lightweight of the 20th century (Associated Press).
3. Erik Isaac Morales
Professional Record: 61 fights, 52 wins, 36 by knockout, & 9 losses.
“The Fearless Warrior Who Danced with Danger” – Global Boxing Review
Erik Morales, always adorned in top-tier boxing gloves, won admiration in the boxing world due to his courageous performance. His tall, slender, and long frame, along with his great fighting passion, led him to several wins.
Known for engaging in bloody brawls and an exciting fighting style, he has always captured everyone’s attention. A turning point in his career was 2005 when he defeated Manny Pacquiao unanimously. However, his career faced many challenges afterward due to this move.
Achievements:
- First Mexican Boxer to Clinch World Titles in Four Different Weight Classes
- Famous for Epic Trilogy with Marco Antonio Barrera
- Greatest Win Over Manny Pacquiao
- Ranked at number 49 on the list of the 50 all time best boxers. (ESPN)
4. Muhammad Ali
Professional Record: 61 fights, with 56 wins, 37 by knockout, & 5 losses.
“Ali: The Champion Who Floated Like a Butterfly and Stung Like a Bee” – Global Boxing Chronicle
Ali was highly appreciated for his charismatic personality both outside and inside the ring. His innovative fighting style and exceptional records solidify his position among Legendary boxers. With his extraordinary speed, agility, and footwork, Muhammad Ali’s boxing style was revolutionary, redefining what a heavyweight boxer could be.
His fights, like The Rumble in the Jungle and The Thrilla in Manila, were sporting events and cultural moments, making him an iconic figure in the boxing world.
Achievements:
- Regarded as the best heavyweight boxers of all time
- ESPN ranked him as the second-greatest boxer in history
- Three-time World Heavyweight Champion
- Olympic Gold Medalist
5. Shane Mosley
Professional Record: 61 fights with 49 wins, 41 by KO, & 10 losses
“The Swift Storm of the Ring” – Ringside Sports Network
Mosley is one of the greatest boxers ever as he always amazed audiences with his incredible fighting skills, power, and speed. Being lightweight, his talent combinations earned him a remarkable position and many achievements.
In his early career, he witnessed 23 straight wins and claimed the IBF lightweight title in 1997. He even accepted challenges at 154 pounds, showing his versatility across weight classes. His ability to leave fans in awe with the thrilling fights and moves in the ring contributed to his legendary position.
Achievements:
- Three-Division World Champion
- Won the IBF lightweight title, the WBA (Super) and WBC welterweight titles; and the WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring magazine light middleweight titles.
- Achieved Titled “Fighter of the Year” in 1998 by the Boxing Writers Association of America
- Named the world’s best active boxer in 2000 and 2001.
6. Pernell Whitaker
Professional Record: 46 total fights, with 40 wins, 17 by KO, & 4 losses
“The Dancing Master of Defense, Eluding Punches Like a Whisper in the Wind” – The Art of Boxing Weekly
Renowned for unparalleled defensive skills, Parnell holds a top position among the best boxers of all time. He showed incredible performance in every fight, backed by a strategic fighting approach and emphasis on defense. Furthermore, his ability to dominate in many weight classes set him apart.
What makes him unique is his focus on techniques and skills instead of using power. His professional boxing style made him a respected and legendary figure in history.
Achievements:
- A four-weight world champion
- Won a silver medal in 1982 World Championship for the lightweight division
- Won a gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games
- Olympic Gold Medalist
- Named as Fighter of the Year in 1989 by The Ring Magazine
7. Joe Louis
Professional Record: 66 Wins, 52 KOs, & 3 Losses
“The Brown Bomber, A Symbol of Hope and Strength” – Historic Boxing Journal
Louis’s boxing skills include a strategic fighting style and powerful punches that contributed significantly to making him the legend of the ring. His remarkable victories against Max Schmeling and other iconic figures during World War II further enhanced his position as a national hero.
His boxing always showed resilience and hope, making historical significance over a long period. Joe Louis has set benchmarks in the ring, making him a true legend and one of the best boxers of all time.
Achievements:
- Reigning World Heavyweight Champion for 12 Years
- 25 Successful Title Defenses
- Iconic Victory Over Max Schmeling
8. ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard
Professional Record: 36 Wins, 25 Kos, & 3 Losses
“A Ballet in the Ring, Graceful Yet Lethal” – The Boxing Tribune
Leonard has won many world titles and shown commendable performance. As one of the best fighters in the world, he has demonstrated his excellence with exceptional versatility and adaptability. He always combined his natural boxing talent with a strategic approach, which allowed him to beat opponents.
Besides, Leonard’s personality and charm have made him a celebrated figure among fans. His remarkable fights and victories are over Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Marvin Hagler. Another thing exemplifying his true champion’s spirit is his refusal to be defined by setbacks.
Achievements:
- Won World Titles in Five Weight Classes
- Part of “The Fabulous Four”
- Olympic Gold Medalist
- Named Fighter of the Year by ‘The Ring’ magazine in 1979
9. SAM LANGFORD
Professional Record: 180 Wins, 128 KOs, & 29 Losses
“The greatest fighter, pound for pound, that ever lived.” New York Journal
Langford earned a position as one of the top boxers of all time for his ability to continue fighting while absorbing punishments. For his style of bouncing back from hits, Langford is often compared to a “rubber ball” by the experts.
Even after being blinded in one eye due to injury, he continued to fight and win in the ring, indicating his resilience. Despite not getting many official world titles, his ability to excel across many weight divisions and enduring spirit has earned him a remarkable position among best boxers in history.
Achievements:
- One of the Greatest Pound-for-Pound Fighters
- Fought Across Multiple Divisions: Lightweight to Heavyweight
Final Words
As we close discussion of the best boxers ranked in the world, remember their supremacy goes beyond the ring. They are legendary fighters as well as the architects of history who contributed in making the greatest achievements.
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