Famous boxers of the 21st century. Top 10 most famous boxers in the world
This is top 10 best and greatest boxers of all time when this top it became clear that it is incredibly difficult to choose 10 boxers and think that such greats as Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., Carlos Monzon and hundreds of other amazing fighters are not included in this top best and greatest boxers of all time. top made up of fighters who throughout history were considered the best and have contributed to the culture, development of boxing and history. Many magazines and Internet portals have come to some kind of consensus as to who is really the best, there is no distribution by weight categories, they are just best and greatest boxers.
10 Willie Pep
Willy Pep is an Italian-American boxer who has fought for 26 years and has a total of 229 wins out of 241 fights, perhaps the most impressive record in boxing. Pep competed in the featherweight division until 1943 with an impressive record of 61 wins and 0 losses until he lost to world champion Sammy Angott. However, he won the remaining five fights that year, and in 1944 he won all 16 victories. Pep continued his career with a staggering number of championship wins cementing the fact that he is one of the best boxers of all time. He won 73 fights in a row and set an amazing record in boxing. Pep, known for his speed and grace, is considered one of the best fighters 20th century and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, voted number one of the 20th century featherweight by the Associated Press and ranked number one among best boxers of all time featherweight, according to the International Boxing Research Organization in 2005.
boxing career: 1940-1966 Fights: 241 Wins: 229 Wins by knockout: 65 Losses: 11 Draw: 0
9. Henry Jackson Jr. (Henry Armstrong)
Henry Armstrong started out as a lightweight and ended up as a middleweight. He is the only boxer in the world who managed to win three champion titles in a row in three weight categories. He could be said to have won a fourth title as well, but a controversial draw with Ceferino Garcia was admitted, although almost everyone believes that Armstrong should have won. His 27 knockout winning streak is regarded as the best winning streak in the history of boxing. Recognized by boxing critics and fellow professionals as one of the greatest fighters of all time. The authoritative boxing magazine The Ring, in 2007, recognized Armstrong as the second the greatest boxer over the past 80 years.
boxing career: 1931-1945 Fights: 181 Wins: 150 Knockout wins: 101 Losses: 21 Draws: 10
8. Rocky Marciano
Marciano competed in the heavyweight division and was famous for his toughness and ruthlessness towards his opponents. He is the only heavyweight champion to remain undefeated throughout his career. And defended his title six times. Many consider him the greatest boxers throughout history, however, there are those who believe that at that time there was no worthy competition and rivals. Yes, he endured Joe Louis, but 37-year-old Louis at that time was no longer the same. But despite all these critics, Morciano will be remembered as the only undefeated champion of all time, remembered in relevant discussions and counted in ratings for a very long time.
boxing career: 1948-1955 Fights: 49 Wins: 49 Wins by knockout: 43 Losses: 0 Draw: 0 (Undefeated)
7. Julio Cesar Chavez
Chavez is considered the greatest boxer Mexico, who competed in 5 different weight categories, is a six-time world champion in three weight categories, was recognized for several years as the best boxer in the world. Julio Cesar Chavez was known for his outstanding punching power, devastating attack, surprisingly strong chin, and relentless pursuit of his opponents. In 2010, he was inducted into the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame. In the ESPN ranking of the 50 greatest boxers of all time, he is ranked 24th. His records speak for themselves, for 10 years he was undefeated, had 88 fights without defeat until he lost to Frankie Randall, but after more convincingly avenged twice. Chavez beat Roger Mayweather, Hector Camacho, Sammy Fuentes and more great boxers for many years. Before his retirement, he was already a legend, respected and admired.
boxing career: 1980-2005 Fights: 116 Wins: 108 KO wins: 87 Losses: 6 Draws: 2
6. Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey, by far one of the most popular American boxers in history, was a cultural icon of the 20s. His fights had the highest attendance and earned the first million dollars in history. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power have made him one of the most popular boxers of all time. He was the heavyweight champion for 7 years. All 7 years he severely punished those who tried to overthrow him. Dempsey eventually lost his title to Jin Tani in what was the most slanting fight in history for many years, but a year later he confidently took revenge. In The Ring's magazine, in the list of the best heavyweights in history, he takes the 10th position, in the top 100 boxers of the Greatest Punchers at the 7th position, in 1950 the Associated Press voted for Dempsey as the greatest boxer the last 50 years, is a member of the International Boxing Glory.
boxing career: 1914-1927 Fights: 83 Wins: 65 Wins by knockout: 51 Losses: 6 Draws: 11
5. Mike Tyson
Let's be realistic, even people far from boxing have heard the name Mike Tyson. There is no such boxer in history who has accumulated as many legendary factors as: fear, risk, noise in the press and scandals as "Iron" Mike Tyson. In the 80s and early 90s, Tyson was regarded as the consummate boxer who knocked out every opponent of any size and caliber, within seconds or the first rounds of any fight. They made bets on him, only thinking about how long the opponent would last and how long the fight would continue. It was with this knockout that in the photo, at the age of 20, he became the youngest world heavyweight champion. Considered the most powerful puncher of all time and the most brutal man in sports history according to ESPN. Included in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, is in the Guinness Book of Records, for the largest number of fastest knockouts (produced 9 knockouts in less than 1 minute) and for becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion as mentioned above. And this is probably only a couple of percent of his mentions and awards, if writing about all of them takes a lot of time and more than one page.
boxing career: 1985-2005 Fights: 58 Wins: 50 KO wins: 44 Losses: 6 Draws: 0
4. Jack Johnson
American boxer nicknamed "The Galveston Giant". At the height of the Jim Crow era, became the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion of the world (1908-1915). For many years, Johnson was the most famous African-American boxer in the world. The fact that he became the first African-American heavyweight champion and remained undefeated for over 10 years already deserves a place in any top ranking great boxers. No matter how he was insulted in battle, he remained victorious without giving the enemy a chance. He was the most hated by boxers, since no one could beat him. Jack Johnson is one of the most striking boxers of all time, using an unusual style that was difficult for opponents to predict, he was extremely elusive and evaded almost any blow in return with his own.
boxing career: 1897-1945 Fights: 114 Wins: 80 Wins by knockout: 45 Losses: 13 Draws: 12
3. Sugar Ray Robinson
Many believe that Robinson best boxer, which the world has ever seen, however, Ring magazine recognized him best boxer of all time, regardless of weight category. Robinson competed in seven different weight classes, he combined skill, talent used all the best that is in boxing. He possessed amazing strength and lightning strike, high speed, outstanding leg dexterity and a firm chin. He became the world welterweight champion (1946-1950) and middleweight (1951, 1951-1952, 1955-1957, 1957 and 1958-1960) years. Robinson was a boxing genius and proved to be the best of the best with an exclamation point. Honorary Member of the Boxing Hall of Fame. And of course, perhaps it should be in first place in top best, but in this list, Ali and Louis were more significant in international, political and social significance, in terms of the fights they fought.
boxing career: 1940-1965 Fights: 200 Wins: 173 Wins by knockout: 108 Losses: 19 Draws: 6
2. Muhammad Ali
Ali is without a doubt a universally accepted boxing icon, the greatest person in boxing, one of the most famous and recognizable heavyweight athletes. He received the title of Boxer of the Year five times, according to Ring magazine, in 1970 he was recognized as the boxer of the decade. Became an Olympic light heavyweight champion. He was the heavyweight champion of the world more than once. However, he faced incarceration and refused to fight in Vietnam due to his religious beliefs, thus being stripped of his heavyweight titles. Muhammad Ali was a strong self-confident person who was considered invincible in the 60s. Although he also faced misunderstanding, the country tried to shame him as a blameless and running away. But he gave the whole world the reasons why this happened. Despite all this, Ali returned to the sport three years later and, in spite of everything, for his not easy career, he is deservedly considered one of the best. After completing his career, he took part in social and charitable activities, and was also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Boxing career: 1960-1981 Fights: 61 Wins: 56 Wins by knockout: 37 Losses: 5 Draws: 0
1. Joe Louis
Joe Louis was very tall and it was believed that he could not lose, in fact he lost 1 time to Germany against Max Schmeling, but he later retaliated in a sensational and historic fight when he took out Schmeling in the first round. His other two defeats are more associated with the fact that Luis was already not the same, losing to Rocky Marciano is more attributed to age, because then he was already 37, and he opposed Marciano, who was in excellent shape, besides, there were financially difficult conditions and not the best conditions for training. Louis became an American hero and a symbol of national pride. During the World War and the racial divide in America, Louis was more than just boxing. In those days, there was no such boxer of international, political and social significance in difficult times. All over the country, people gathered in crowds around the radio and followed his performance, this gave them great strength and hope for a good future. He became the first African-American boxer to be recognized as an American Hero by whites, blacks, and all Americans. In 2005, Louis was recognized by the International Boxing Research Organization of Boxers as the number one among best and greatest boxers heavyweights of all time.
Boxing career: 1934-1951 Fights: 72 Wins: 69 Wins by knockout: 57 Losses: 3 Draws: 0
19.08.2013
This article presents ten best boxers in the world from all over the world. They became the best at different times. They are collected from various weight categories. This top was compiled on the recommendation of fans as well as various boxing magazines. To become great boxers, they worked hard on themselves, improved every day. Now, perhaps, let's start from the tenth place in our top 10 The best and greatest boxers in the world in history .
No. 10. Willie Pep
Played: 1940-1966 Total Fights: 241 Wins: 229 Knockout wins: 65 Losses: 11 Draws: 0
Willy Pep takes this honorable tenth place. Boxer can be attributed to the Italian American boxer, who fought in the ring for twenty-six years. He has a lot of victories and a minimum of defeats, this is probably the most incredible record of all time. Pep belonged to the lightweight category, he fought all the time without defeat until 1944, and also on his account 61 victories, this is impressive. Some time passed, and he still suffered the first defeat in his career from the world champion Sammy Angott. Soon, Willie won all his fights this year, and next year this boxer did not suffer a single defeat. Pep continued to move on in this sport without defeat, thereby emphasizing that he is the strongest fighter in the entire boxing world. He won 73 bouts. This is an amazing record that exists in this sport. Pep is undoubtedly rightfully great boxer of the twentieth century, for which he was inducted into the boxing hall of fame in 1990, he was given first place in the very light weight, according to the Associated Press magazine.
No. 9. Henry Armstrong
Played: 1931-1945 Total Fights: 181 Wins: 150 Knockout Wins: 101 Losses: 21 Draws: 10
Henry Armstrong ranks ninth on this list. This boxer started in the lightweight category and ended his career as a middleweight. Only Henry was able to win 3 championship awards in 3 different weight classes. Impressive result. It is believed that he won four titles, but in a fight with Ceferino Garcia, a draw was declared, although it is controversial. However, everyone thinks that it was Armstrong who won. He won 27 times in a row only by knockouts. This is perhaps the best statistic in boxing. Armstrong was recognized great boxer, so decided other boxers no less famous than Henry himself. Boxing magazine The Ring honored Armstrong with the title in 2007. the best boxer in the world for 80 years.
No. 8. Rocky Marciano
Played: 1948-1955 Total Fights: 49 Wins: 49 Knockout Wins: 43 Losses: 0 Draw: 0 (Remained undefeated)
Rocky Marciano deserves eighth place. This boxer belonged to the heavyweights, became famous for his cruelty to his opponents. The only boxer who has not lost his heavyweight championship to anyone. Defended this title six times. He is considered the greatest boxer in history, but many also think that no one could compete with him. Despite such critics in his direction, Morciano will be remembered by everyone as the undefeated boxer of all time, as well as take him into account in various ratings for a long time to come.
No. 7. Julio Cesar Chavez
Played: 1980-2005 Total Fights: 116 Wins: 108 Knockout Wins: 87 Losses: 6 Draws: 2
He is the most famous and great boxer in Mexico, because it was Chavez who participated in as many as five categories, this is a six-time winner in 3 weight criteria, was recognizedthe best boxer in the worldfor 10 years. Julio Cesar Chavez was famous for his power, destructiveness of opponents, strong chin, and constant control of the enemy. In the ESPN ranking of the 50 great boxers, he takes an honorable 24th place. He spent as many as 88 fights without losing until he was defeated by Frankie Randall, then Chavez inflicted 2 defeats on him. Chavez defeated such boxers as Roger Mayweather, Hector Camacho, Sammy Fuentes and many others.
No. 6. Jack Dempsey
Played: 1914-1927 Total Fights: 83 Wins: 65 Knockout Wins: 51 Losses: 6 Draws: 11
He can safely be called one of the greatest American boxers in history. A lot of people attended his fights, and the first million dollars was earned here. The aggression and real power of this boxer turned him into the most famous boxer. He has been the undisputed heavyweight champion for seven years now. All these years, he mercilessly cracked down on those who wanted to appropriate the title of champion. But after some time, Dempsey still loses him in a battle with Jin Tani, but a year later he defeated him in a new fierce battle. In The Ring's magazines, Dempsey found himself on the tenth line in the list of heavyweights.
No. 5. Mike Tyson
Played: 1985-2005 Total Fights: 58 Wins: 50 Knockout Wins: 44 Losses: 6 Draws: 0
This greatest boxer ranks fifth. Everyone has heard this name. This is the most famous boxer in the whole world, he was famous for the fact that he defeated absolutely any opponent in a few seconds or during only the first round. They constantly made bets on him and only thought about how many minutes the enemy could stand against him. Mike Tyson is considered the most brutal puncher in history. He also found a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the most powerful and fastest knockouts of all time. (he has 9 knockouts in less than one minute to his credit) as well as his record of being the youngest winner in the heavyweight division.
No. 4. Jack Johnson
Played: 1894-1938 Total Fights: 114 Wins: 80 Knockout Wins: 45 Losses: 13 Draws: 12
This is a fairly famous African American boxer. Jack was the undisputed heavyweight champion all the time for ten years! No one has been able to defeat him. I got into all possible boxing ratings. He always emerged victorious from every fight, despite the screams and insults addressed to him. For a long time no one could and could not beat him, for which many boxers disliked him. Jack Johnson is an incredible boxer, he had his own style of fighting that opponents could not guess at all, he is also known for being very good at dodging opponent's punches.
#3 Sugar Ray Robinson
Played: 1940-1965 Total Fights: 200 Wins: 173 Knockout Wins: 108 Losses: 19 Draws: 6
Almost everyone considers it best boxer of a kind. Robinson took part in 7 weight categories, he had all the best qualities of a real boxer. He was very strong, possessed increased stamina, he had a very hard chin. He also earned his middleweight and welterweight titles. He proved to everyone that he deserves to be the greatest boxer in history. And many of the most authoritative publications give him the first line in such a rating.
No. 2. Muhammad Ali
Played: 1960-1981 Total Fights: 61 Wins: 56 Knockout Wins: 37 Losses: 5 Draws: 0
This is perhaps the most famous and famous boxer in the world. The title "Boxer of the Year" was with him 5 times, he is recognized the best boxer the past decade. Ali became the Olympic champion in the heavyweight category. He held the world title in this weight, but was deprived of these titles due to the fact that he did not go to fight in Vietnam. Muhammad was considered invincible. The country tried to humiliate him, but this did not prevent him from getting on his feet and reaching such heights. After some time, he made a return to the ring and continued his glorious path.
No. 1. Joe Louis
Played: 1934-1951 Total Fights: 72 Wins: 69 Knockout Wins: 57 Losses: 3 Draws: 0
The greatest and best boxer in the world in history. Louis was very tall and everyone believed that he could not be defeated, however, he still had one defeat, from the German Max Schmeling, although the German did not rejoice at this for a long time, after a while, Louis took a sensational revenge, defeating Max in just 1 round. Then he suffered 2 more defeats, but this was only due to the fact that he was not in the best shape, and he also had financial problems and could not maintain constant training. For everyone, Louis has become an American symbol. Especially Louis was present in the hearts of people just when the Second World War was. As far as we know, during the war there simply would not have been anyone else who could become a politically significant boxer like Joe Louis. Everywhere a bunch of people crowded around the ring and the radio to find out about his fights with opponents and this gave people at least some, but hope for the future and faith that everything would be fine in life. Joe Louis was the only boxer who was recognized as the best of the best among any nationality.
Who is the king of boxing?
There are quite a lot of great and powerful boxers in the history of this sport, but there are only ten of those who deserve close attention. In various sources you can find a different rating table.
Their incompatibility often depends on the personal attitude of those who make up to certain representatives of this sport. But if you turn on a cold mind and look not just at the statistics of the fights, but at strong blows, quick knockouts, exceptional techniques, several candidates will immediately disappear.
The first place by indisputable right is awarded to Sugar Ray Robinson. He fought from 1940 to 1965. This is the most talented and strong fighter in the world, famous for his accurate strikes, lightning attacks. Robinson has established himself as the best in all seven weight classes. He has 173 victories on his account, while he never chose a weak opponent for himself, he entered into battle only with the strongest and most worthy.
First five
The second line of the rating is occupied by Muhammad Ali. And this opinion is shared by almost everyone who has ever compiled a list where the most powerful boxers in the world were listed. In the 21 years that have passed in the ring, Ali has earned the title of "Athlete of the Century". His fights have become legends, and he is a "boxing icon".
Joe Louis is the greatest athlete with 66 victories behind him and he is in third place in this ranking. His punches came with such accuracy, with a completely different trajectory, that even today brilliant boxers could envy him. Louis had high speed, perfected technique, but the defense was not perfect.
Fourth place can be safely given to Mike Tyson, who performed from 1985 to 2005. He became the youngest famous boxing champion. A unique technique, a kind of protection, instant speed and the most deadly blow deservedly put him forward among equally strong athletes.
Jack Johnson is fifth. He won a fairly large number of victories, many of which ended in a quick knockout of the enemy. Johnson owned an individual fighting style. It was this that made him unpredictable, which irritated his opponents so much. And what is the cost of evading them from blows?
Below the fifth line
The sixth line of the rating goes to the only undefeated boxer in his professional career - Rocky Marciano. He had a strong-willed character. Rocky did not give up under any circumstances, surprising his opponents with his technique, striking his opponents with his accurate and hard blow.
George Foreman is often put at the bottom of the ratings, but he was truly the greatest boxer who, after a turning point in his life, also became a formidable fighter of his time with a practiced right hand. And he takes an honorable seventh place. Foreman has become a vivid example of the fact that everyone is the blacksmith of their own destiny. George made himself.
Larry Holmes should be right behind Muhammad Ali in world titles, but is only eighth in the rankings. He was most worried about money and he practiced his skills only for personal well-being. He knew how to accompany his blows from any distance.
Marvin Hagler is only in ninth place. But he will still always be the greatest middleweight boxer ever. Many experts award him everywhere only the first lines.
Completes the rating table, which lists strong boxers, Roy Jones Jr. This is one of the few fighters who was able to win first at middleweight, and then rise with positive results to heavyweight. With all this, Jones Jr. won a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics. He carried out all his fights so gracefully that he left practically no one indifferent.
In addition to the listed athletes in the history of boxing, there are a dozen of the best and no less strong fighters, but for a number of reasons they could not enter this rating, the main of which is constant work on themselves.
It is impossible to accurately answer the question of who is the strongest boxer. Unfortunately, humanity does not have a chance to put up a fight between Muhammad Ali and Tyson, for example, since they fought in different eras. In addition, Oscar de la Hoya cannot be compared with heavyweights, as he performed in a different weight category.
In the world of boxing, everything is relative, but there are certain facts that indicate that there have been and are fighters worthy of all respect and honor. Below are the best boxers over the past hundred years, if we consider the statistics of their fights and the duration of their appearances in the ring.
Muhammad Ali
This great boxer is a role model for some. It was he who always said that one should flutter like a butterfly, and sting like a bee. In the ring, Ali confirmed his statement with deeds, destroying opponents.
During his sports career, the boxer won 56 victories with 5 defeats. By the way, the political struggle in the United States is also associated with his name, since in his youth, Mohammed Ali began to wage an open war against the oppression of immigrants from other countries and continents in the United States. In the end, victory was on his side.
Joe Louis
A great boxer whose fights boggled the imagination more than half a century ago. During his career, he was able to win 66 times with 3 defeats. Joe Louis is a true symbol of America in the forties.
He had excellent fighting technique. This made it possible to perform in the ring even at retirement age, hitting opponents.
Sugar Ray Leonard
It is believed that after the departure of Muhammad Ali from boxing, it was Leonard who was able to maintain spectator interest in his sport. He was even called the "Boxer of the Decade" of the 80s of the last century.
Sugar Ray was distinguished by his attractive appearance, charm, and the ability to communicate with people. For a boxer, these are extremely rare qualities. During his career, he won 36 victories, lost three times and drew one fight.
Carlos Monzon
He has the longest winning streak, which is very difficult to beat - more than 60 times. A native of Argentina was able to win 87 victories in his career, with 3 defeats. But he has 9 draws.
He died in a car accident just after he was released from prison, where he spent 11 years.
Marvin Hetler
dominated the middleweight division. He won 62 victories, losing three times and drawing twice in one fight. He was distinguished by perseverance and the desire to restore justice in an honest way.
Roy Jones Jr.
The most popular boxer of his time. He boxed in four weight categories at once, gradually gaining weight, since it was not interesting to fight with opponents - he was too superior to everyone in strength.
During his career, he won 55 victories, losing 8 fights. He managed for the first time in history to become the winner of both middleweight and heavyweight. In the ring, he played with an opponent, bringing him to a state of knockdown, but giving him the opportunity to return to the fight. Always distinguished by excellent reaction and endurance. I could play basketball for a professional team three hours before the fight, and then box 12 rounds.
In the 90s of the last century, he was recognized as the “Boxer of the Decade”.
There is no doubt that in boxing everything is decided by individuals. Of course, it sometimes happens that the main characters are not in the ring, but in the shadow of spotlights. Until now, the promoters in the offices decide the fate of fights. Nevertheless, there is a succession of champions in boxing who have entered the history of this sport.
These are real personalities who had legendary fights and achieved their glory in battles with really strong opponents. Today, novice boxers look up to these idols, dreaming of winning at least a share of their fame.
JOSEPH WILLIAM "JOE" FRAZER
American professional boxer in the heavyweight division. Olympic champion in 1964. World heavyweight champion (WBC version, 1970-1973; WBA version, 1970-1973). He is recognized by many reputable sports publications as one of the greatest boxers of all time along with Muhammad Ali.
For a long time, there was no one in Joe's path who could beat him. Only Buster Mathis managed to do it. That victory gave him the right to go to the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. But a hand injury prevented Mathis, in the end it was Fraser who represented the United States.
He became the Olympic champion, defeating the German Huber in the final. Since 1965, Fraser has been performing as a professional. His boxing style is quite tough, the left hook is considered a signature blow. In the first 11 fights, Fraser won victories, but in September 1966, the uncompromising Oscar Bonavena stood in his way. During the round, this Argentine knocked down Frazier twice, but he managed to turn the tide of the fight and win. By the end of 1967, Frazier had an impressive 19 wins in 19 fights.
When Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title, the WBA fell into chaos with the definition of a champion. The result was a New York State Special Tournament. Fraser was able to knock out his old friend Mathis and take the prestigious title for himself. In 1968-1970, Joe repeatedly defended his status, and in 1970 he became the absolute world champion.
When the disqualification was lifted from Muhammad Ali in the summer of that year, it became unclear who should be considered number one in boxing? By the end of that year, Ali won several fights and won the right to fight Frazier for the title of absolute champion. That fight caused a lot of excitement. Each boxer was promised $2.5 million to participate.
The 15 round bout took place on March 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. In that fight, Joe Frazier managed to inflict the first defeat of his career on Muhammad Ali. This decision was taken by the judges unanimously. A year and a half later, Fraser in Jamaica was defeated by George Foreman and his career began to decline. Attempts to regain the championship title did not end with success, in 1976 Frazier left boxing. By that time, he managed to lose twice to Ali and again to Foreman. Frazier tried to return to the ring in 1981, but it ended in failure. In 2011, the legendary boxer died of liver cancer.
MUHAMMED ALI
American professional boxer who performed in the heavyweight category; one of the most famous and recognizable boxers in the history of world boxing. Champion of the XVII Summer Olympic Games in 1960 in the light heavyweight category, the absolute world champion in heavyweight (1964-1966, 1974-1978).
Winner of the title "Boxer of the Year" (five times - 1963, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978) and "Boxer of the Decade" (1970s) according to The Ring magazine; The 2nd boxer in history to receive the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award (1974), was named Sportsman of the Century by several sports publications. At the end of his career, he was included in the Boxing Hall of Fame (1987) and the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990). Brilliant speaker.
Muhammad Ali had the perfect physique of an athlete, he had a flexible mind and excellent intuition. But that was preceded by hard work. The younger brother threw stones at Cassius, honing his reaction. The timid then-teenager began training with police officer Joe Martin.
For the sake of the love of sports, the athlete ignored problems with his pressure. In 1959, a promising boxer was easily selected for the US Olympic team. Cassius Clay easily won the 1960 Olympics in the light heavyweight division. From 1964 to 1974, Ali was a multiple heavyweight boxing world champion. For 20 years he was the king of the ring. With a height of 192 cm, the boxer weighed about 97 kg, he was very mobile. It is no coincidence that Ali owns the phrase: "I flutter like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
In total, the legend had 25 title or qualifying fights, which is second only to Joe Louis. In total, Ali suffered 5 defeats in the ring, the first of which was in a championship fight with Joe Frazier in 1971.
One of Muhammad Ali's greatest fights took place on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa. He was opposed by defending champion George Foreman. Muhammad Ali led the entire fight, and in the 8th round he punched the enemy. The powerful champion collapsed onto the platform. But he was a legendary fighter who managed to beat many strong opponents and achieve the title of champion! One can imagine the power of Muhammad Ali.
In the early 80s, the great boxer ended his career losing 3 of his last 4 fights. In total, he spent 56 fights in the professional ring, winning 51 of which, 37 by knockout. Unfortunately, at the age of less than 40, the athlete was struck by Parkinson's disease. Throughout his life, the boxer also fought for the rights of blacks and for peace, protesting against the Vietnam War.
ROCKY MARCIANO
American professional boxer, world heavyweight champion from September 23, 1952 to November 30, 1956.
This boxer was born in 1923 in Massachusetts in the family of an Italian invalid. From childhood, Rocky grew up as a brave boy. But in order to earn a living, he had to work from a young age. He cleared the streets of snow, washed dishes, laid pipes, dug the earth.
A developed teenager was noticed by boxing trainer Gene Cajano. But in 1943, Rocky was drafted into the army. While serving in the Navy, on leave he fought for money in pubs, developing his fist art. Marciano was agile, sharp and determined. His punches were accurate and strong. It was like a bulldog who was ready to fight to the last drop of blood.
Both in personal and in everyday life, Rocky Marciano was quite modest. He eschewed luxury, devoting much time to his family. But behind these was a man with incredible willpower. In total, Rocky spent 49 fights in the professional field, without losing a single one. The debut took place in 1947.
In 1951, Marciano met the legendary Joe Louis. The aged champion resigned his powers to a young, assertive competitor. In 1952, in a fight against another champion, Jersey Joe Walcott, Marciano was knocked down for the first time, but was able to rise and knock out the opponent in the 13th round.
Victories were not easy for Marciano, he often left the ring with a bloodied and disfigured face. But 83% of his fights ended ahead of schedule, by knockout. Rocky was one of the first to practice his kicks in the water. Marciano's preparations for the fight were carried out at the highest level of professionalism.
The last fight of the undefeated champion took place in 1956, his career was over due to back problems.
And in 1969, Rocky Marciano tragically died in a plane crash. It is believed that it was he who served as the prototype for Rocky Balboa, the protagonist of the Rocky series of films that glorified Sylvester Stallone.
GEORGE FOREMAN
American professional boxer in the heavyweight division. Olympic champion in 1968. World heavyweight champion (WBC version, 1973-1974; WBA version, 1973-1974 and 1994; IBF version, 1994-1995) weight category.
This legendary boxer had a long and glorious career during which he spent 81 fights, losing only 5 of them. The future champion was born in 1949 in Texas. Foreman began boxing at a school for difficult teenagers. At the age of 19, Foreman successfully performed at the Olympics, winning gold there. The road to professionals was open.
In 1969, in just six months of performances, Foreman managed to win 13 victories. He was tall at 195 cm and had strong arms, making him a tough fighter. The rising star meets January 2, 1973 with champion Joe Frazier.
He was able to hold out for only 4.5 minutes, during which time he was knocked down 7 times. Fraser gave up his title only on October 30, 1974, when he lost to Muhammad Ali. After that fight, George felt a connection with God. The second call came after the loss in 1977 to Jimmy Young. Foreman left big sport and became a preacher. He built a church, collected donations. 10 years outside of boxing changed the athlete, but in 1987 he announced that he was dreaming of a return.
Foreman was going to become a champion again. After a year of training, the boxer got back in shape. Foreman won 24 fights in a row, all by knockout.
In April 1991, he lost to Evander Holyfield only on points, without becoming the undisputed champion. But soon Foreman got the WBA belt for his victory over Michael Moorer in 1994. The boxer finally left the sport in 1997. Currently, Foreman has returned to his former activities - he reads sermons and helps the disadvantaged.
JOE LUIS
Legendary American professional boxer, world heavyweight champion. Boxer was born into a poor family in 1914. His father picked cotton in Alabama, but in 1924 the family moved to Detroit. Here the future athlete got a job with his father at the Ford plant. His mother loved Joe very much and collected money for him to study music. But he took all the savings to the boxing club. What Joe was guided by is not clear, because he was not a fighter.
An experienced tall fighter was released against a newcomer in the club. He began to beat Louis, but suddenly Joe sent his offender to the floor with a counter blow. Soon there were no equals for the young boxer in big Detroit. The promising athlete was noticed by coach Jack Blackburn, who promised to pull Louis out of the ghetto and make him a professional.
At 22, Joe began his career in the big ring. He literally broke into the elite. Louis, known as the "Brown Corporal", won his first 27 fights, 24 of them by knockout. The coach selected his opponents, gradually increasing their level. However, Louis swept away both experienced boxers and ex-champions from the ring.
Prior to the outbreak of World War II, Joe defended his title of absolute champion 25 times. Equal rivals did not appear, and fees for fights with a decided outcome became less and less. In 1948, Louis decided to retire from the sport.
A year later, the undefeated champion was returned to the ring - a new generation of fighters had grown up. Louis lost his first fight to Ezzard Charles, and a brutal defeat by Marciano in 1951 finally put an end to it. At that time, the state of the great boxer was a fantastic $ 4.5 million.
But Louis quickly squandered that capital. At the end of his life, the former boxer worked as a gatekeeper at a Las Vegas casino. In this city, the legendary athlete died in 1981.
Various boxing organizations and polls rank Joe Louis as the best puncher in history. He spent 27 fights for the championship, holding the title of the strongest boxer in the world for 11 years. Louis has won 66 of his 70 fights.
MICHAEL TYSON
American professional boxer who performed in the heavyweight category; one of the most famous and recognizable boxers in the history of world boxing. Olympic champion among juniors in the first heavyweight (1982). Absolute world champion in the heavy weight category (1987-1990).
WBC champion (1986-1990, 1996), WBA (1987-1990, 1996), IBF (1987-1990), The Ring (1988-1990). Lineal champion (1988-1990). "The most promising boxer" in 1985 according to the magazine "Ring". The best boxer regardless of the weight category (1987-1989) according to the Ring magazine.
"Boxer of the Year" according to the magazine "Ring" (1986, 1988). "Boxer of the Year" according to the BWAA (1986,1988). BBC Sports Personality of the Year (1989). BBC Foreign Athlete of the Year (1989). The best athlete abroad (1987-1989) according to the BBC.
Included in the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2011), the World Boxing Hall of Fame (2010), the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (2013), the WWE Hall of Fame (2012). At the 49th annual WBC convention in Las Vegas, Michael Tyson was entered into the Guinness Book of Records and in a solemn ceremony received two certificates: for the most fastest knockouts and for becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion.
Tyson was born in 1966 in New York. By that time, his father had separated from his mother. In the future, Michael took his mother's surname. The family lived in Brooklyn, in a poor neighborhood. The young guy grew up big and tough, but at first his voice was high and lisping. Mike had to fight a lot to teach his offenders a lesson.
Soon everyone in Brownsville already knew this uncompromising black guy. When he was in a rage, he could knock down an adult with his blows. Over time, Michael became a participant in many dubious stories - thefts, attacks, robberies. To fix the troubled teenager, the authorities sent him to a boys' school on the outskirts of the state. Here Tyson had a happy meeting with coach Bobby Stewart. He himself was once a professional and managed to teach the young guy the basics of boxing.
In 1980, Stewart brought his ward to New York to show D'Amato to that manager. The coach entered the ring with his ward, and it soon became clear to everyone that Tyson would be the new world champion. Michael first entered the professional ring on March 5, 1985. In total, the boxer spent 15 fights that year, winning all by knockout. Tyson managed to become the youngest world champion, having won this title at the age of 20. At 21, Michael managed to become the youngest absolute world champion. Failures in your personal life will inevitably affect your career "Iron Michael".
He is arrested for assault and rape, in 1992 Tyson went to prison. The return to the ring in 1995 was not a triumph. In addition, in the match against Holyfield, the boxer also managed to make a scandal by biting off a piece of his opponent's ear. The last fight of the champion took place in 2005, after the defeat of the little-known Kevin McBride, Tyson decided not to disgrace himself and leave the sport. Today Tyson is acting in films, he has 3 convictions, 3 marriages and 8 children. A talented boxer quickly climbed to the top of success, but also quickly squandered his gift.
MAX SCHMELING
German professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight category. The first (and until 2007 the only) German world heavyweight champion (1930-1932). "Boxer of the Year" according to the magazine "Ring" (1930). After completing his boxing career, he worked as a sports referee for several years.
This boxer lived a glorious and long life. He was born in 1905 in Germany. Schmelling made his first fight in the professional ring at the age of 19. At 21, he became the German lightweight champion, in 1927 he won the continental championship, and the very next year, Max had no equal in his country in heavy weight.
In 1930, Schmelling defeated the American Sharkey in New York, winning the world title. The title was soon lost due to a dubious decision by the judges. But in 1936, the German again became the champion, defeating the young talent Joe Louis. But the bets on the victory of the American were 10 against 1. At that moment, the Aryan athlete becomes the pride of Nazi propaganda. His name is the perfect German, the white man defeated the black. A rematch with Lewis in 1938 in New York was seen by Hitler as an opportunity to prove to the world the superiority of his nation.
70 thousand spectators gathered at the stadium, Max himself was perceived only as a Nazi, insulting and throwing garbage at him.
Schmelling lost crushingly already in the first round, for millions that victory became a symbol of the defeat of fascism. They tried not to remember the name of the former favorite in Germany. Angry Hitler, having learned that the boxer also supports the Jews, sent his former favorite to the front. Schmelling managed to survive the meat grinder of World War II. After her, he went into business and even helped financially his former rival Louis. All his life let the boxer be a model of decency, respect for rivals. Compatriots loved Schmelling for his beautiful victories in the ring. In total, Max had 70 fights, of which he won 56, and the boxer died at the age of 99.
LENNOX LEWIS
Canadian and British professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight category. Champion of the XXIV Olympic Games in the weight category over 91 kg (as part of the Canadian team). Champion of North America among amateurs in the category over 91 kg (1987). The absolute world heavyweight champion among professionals (1999).
World champion in the heavy weight category according to the WBC (1993-1994, 1997-2001 and 2001-2003), IBF (1999-2001 and 2001-2002), WBA (1999). Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
The athlete was born in London in 1965. At the age of 12, Lennox and his family moved to Canada. Lewis grew up very athletic as a child, playing football, volleyball, basketball and boxing. He had offers to continue playing for the college in the gaming disciplines, but Lennox chose amateur boxing.
Already at the age of 17 he managed to become the world champion among juniors. At the age of 18, the young boxer competed at the Los Angeles Olympics, representing Canada. He did not have enough experience, and Lewis reached only the quarterfinals. Even then, a promising fighter began to be called to the professionals. But Lewis himself dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion, which he succeeded in 4 years.
In the final, American Riddick Bowie was knocked out in the second round. In 1989, Lewis began his professional career. He becomes the heavyweight champion of England, then wins the European championship. On October 31, 1992, in London, Lewis dealt with the dangerous Razor Ruddock in just 2 rounds, and after 2 months, the Briton already became the WBC world champion.
In September 1994, Lennox lost his title, but in early 1997 he managed to regain his title, becoming the first Briton to do so.
Then there were impressive victories over Andrew Golota, Shannon Briggs, Zeiko Mavrovik. In 1999, an interesting duel took place with Evander Holyfield for the title of champion in three versions at once. The fight was watched by 150 million viewers. Then a draw was recorded, the second fight brought the title of absolute champion to Lennox Lewis.
Then there were victories over Hasim Rahman, Michael Tyson, Vitali Klitschko. After a dubious victory over the Ukrainian, the Englishman announced his retirement. In total, Lewis spent 44 fights, winning 41 of them. The boxer entered the elite club of those heavyweight champions who sooner or later won against all their rivals. The Englishman walked away undefeated, holding the title.
SUGAR RAY ROBINSON
American professional boxer who competed in the light, first welterweight, welterweight, first middle, middle, second middle and light heavyweight categories. World champion in the welterweight (1946-1950) and middle (1951, 1951-1952, 1955-1957, 1957 and 1958-1960) weight categories. The best boxer of all time, regardless of weight category, according to Ring magazine (2002).
This American athlete was born in 1921 in the town of Ailey, Georgia, under the name of Walker Smith Jr. In the family, the boy turned out to be the third child, his father had to work hard and hard. After the divorce of his parents, Walker ended up with his mother in New York, and the Harlem area.
Studying at school did not work out, and the teenager decided to devote all his strength to boxing. The young fighter was once called by his trainer as sweet as sugar. This is how the first part of his nickname appeared. And to participate in underground battles, he borrowed the name and card of his friend, Ray Robinson. So the young boxer got his nickname, which will soon become famous. In the featherweight division, the athlete won all of his 90 fights, receiving the Golden Gloves award.
Since 1940, Sugar Ray Robinson has been turning professional. He literally blew up the boxing world with his appearance. In 1946, the young athlete became the world welterweight champion. In 1951 he won the middleweight title. In the title of champion Robinson retired from the sport in 1952, losing only 3 fights. However, boxing did not let him go so easily.
The return to the sport took place in 1955 and turned out to be triumphant. Sugar Ray Robinson became the first boxer to regain the title after officially retiring. In 1958, the boxer again became the middleweight champion. However, in 1960 the belt was lost to Paul Pender.
Sugar Ray Robinson is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He stood out from the crowd with his kind of perfect appearance. The boxer's face is without scars and grins, his hair is carefully pomaded. The speed and accuracy of Robinson's strikes, the quick transition from defense to attack confused the enemy.
At the end of his career, the great boxer tried to prove himself in the entertainment industry and in business. But nowhere outside the ring did the athlete succeed. In his final years, Robinson suffered from Alzheimer's disease, dying in poverty in 1989.
HENRY ARMSTRONG
American professional boxer and world boxing champion who is known as Henry Armstrong. Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time by many critics and fellow professionals.
The world boxing legend was born in 1912 in Columbus, Mississippi. At birth, he received the surname Jackson. He entered the history of world boxing as the owner of three champion titles in different weight categories at the same time. From the age of 17, Armstrong began to participate in amateur fights, and the transition to professionals took place in 1933. At that time, the boxer won 58 of his 62 fights. In 1937, Armstrong became the featherweight champion by knocking out Sarron.
A year later, multiple welterweight champion Barney Ross was defeated. 10 weeks after that victory, Lou Embers was reclaimed the lightweight belt. In the years 1937-1938, as a result, Armstrong won 46 fights in a row, 7 of them were title fights.
Boxing managers agreed to fight with any opponents, they said that the bets on Armstrong at that moment were the most correct. At that time, boxing fame belonged entirely to Joe Louis, which is why Armstrong and his managers decided to collect three titles in their hands at the same time.
According to the rules of the American Boxing Association, an athlete had to vacate the title if he became a champion in a different weight. Therefore, Armstrong gave away his titles without a fight. In total, during his professional career, the boxer held 174 fights, scoring 145 victories. He was nicknamed "perpetual motion machine" and "California comet" for his swiftness and strength.
The Hurricane Hank was a machine that struck nonstop, more rhythmically than purposefully.
In 1945, Armstrong retired from the sport, deciding to become a preacher. Since 1951, the athlete became a Baptist priest, starting to work with the poor. The famous champion died in 1988.