Boxing is a sport that has been around for centuries, and throughout its history, there have been countless talented fighters who have left their mark on the sport.
From the bare-knuckle brawlers of the 1800s to the modern-day boxing superstars, the sport has seen its fair share of legendary fighters.
In this article, I rank the top 51 boxers of all time based on their achievements, records, and impact on the sport. I also consider the best by weight category and by country.
How I Picked the Best Boxers of All Time
To determine the top 50 boxers of all time, I took into account several factors, including:
- Achievements and records: I looked at each fighter’s career accomplishments, including their wins, losses, and titles won.
- Impact on the sport: I considered each fighter’s impact on the sport of boxing, including their influence on future generations of boxers and the impact they had on the sport as a whole.
- Historical significance: I considered each fighter’s place in boxing history, including their impact on the sport’s evolution and their legacy as a boxer.
So, as you can see, this isn’t necessarily a list of the technically most gifted or accomplished fighters, but a blended ranking using the above criteria.
The Top 51 Boxers Of All Time By Weight Category
My top picks for the best boxers of all time include…
- Sugar Ray Robinson (Welterweight/Middleweight)
- Muhammad Ali (Heavyweight)
- Joe Louis (Heavyweight)
- Roberto Duran (Lightweight/Welterweight)
- Sugar Ray Leonard (Welterweight/Middleweight)
- Oleksandr Usyk (Cruiserweight/Heavyweight)
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Welterweight/Super Welterweight/Light Middleweight/Lightweight)
- Manny Pacquiao (Featherweight/Lightweight/Welterweight)
- Jack Johnson (Heavyweight)
- Julio Cesar Chavez (Lightweight/Super Featherweight/Light Welterweight/Welterweight)
- Marvin Hagler (Middleweight)
- Rocky Marciano (Heavyweight)
- Lennox Lewis (Heavyweight)
- Benny Leonard (Lightweight)
- Harry Greb (Middleweight/Light Heavyweight)
- George Foreman (Heavyweight)
- Thomas Hearns (Welterweight/Super Welterweight/Middleweight/Light Heavyweight)
- Marvellous Marvin Hagler (Middleweight)
- Gene Tunney (Heavyweight)
- Archie Moore (Light Heavyweight)
- Joe Frazier (Heavyweight)
- Jack Dempsey (Heavyweight)
- Pernell Whitaker (Lightweight/Light Welterweight/Welterweight)
- Roy Jones Jr. (Middleweight/Super Middleweight/Light Heavyweight)
- Willie Pep (Featherweight)
- Oscar De La Hoya (Super Featherweight/Lightweight/Welterweight)
- Bernard Hopkins (Middleweight/Light Heavyweight)
- Ezzard Charles (Heavyweight/Light Heavyweight)
- Henry Armstrong (Featherweight/Lightweight/Welterweight)
- Alexis Arguello (Featherweight/Super Featherweight/Lightweight)
- Salvador Sanchez (Featherweight)
- Bob Fitzsimmons (Middleweight/Light Heavyweight/Heavyweight)
- Evander Holyfield (Cruiserweight/Heavyweight)
- Mike Tyson (Heavyweight)
- Larry Holmes (Heavyweight)
- Michael Spinks (Light Heavyweight/Heavyweight)
- Aaron Pryor (Light Welterweight)
- Bob Foster (Light Heavyweight)
- Juan Manuel Marquez (Featherweight/Super Featherweight/Lightweight/Welterweight)
- Ricardo Lopez (Minimumweight/Light Flyweight/Flyweight)
- Tony Canzoneri (Featherweight/Super Featherweight/Lightweight)
- Kid Gavilan (Welterweight)
- Jose Napoles (Welterweight)
- Carlos Monzon (Middleweight)
- Joe Walcott (Welterweight/Middleweight)
- Sandy Saddler (Featherweight)
- Naseem Hamed (Featherweight)
- Emile Griffith (Welterweight/Middleweight)
- Ike Williams (Lightweight)
- Floyd Patterson (Heavyweight)
- Kid Chocolate (Featherweight/Super Featherweight/Lightweight)
Who is the Number One Best Boxer of All Time?
Many’s believe that the number one boxer of all time is Sugar Ray Robinson. While there are certainly other fighters who could make a case for the top spot, Robinson’s combination of skill, versatility, and longevity set him apart from the rest.
Robinson won world titles in multiple weight classes, and he had an incredible record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws. He was known for his lightning-fast hands, precise footwork, and devastating punching power, and he defeated some of the best fighters of his era, including Jake LaMotta, Carmen Basilio, and Kid Gavilan.
In addition to his impressive in-ring accomplishments, Robinson was also a trailblazer outside of the ring. He was one of the first African American athletes to achieve crossover success, and his charisma and personality helped to bring boxing into the mainstream.
While there are certainly other fighters who could make a case for the top spot, Sugar Ray Robinson’s combination of skill, versatility, and impact on the sport make him the greatest boxer of all time.
Heavyweight Division: The Greatest of All Time
The heavyweight division has always been the most glamorous and prestigious division in boxing, and it has produced some of the greatest fighters of all time. From Muhammad Ali to Joe Louis to Rocky Marciano to the latest addition to this list Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight division has seen some of the most dominant and influential boxers in history.
Middleweight Division: The Golden Boys
The middleweight division was once the most exciting and competitive division in boxing, and during the 1950s and 1960s, it produced some of the greatest fighters of all time, and continued to do so for decades after that. From Sugar Ray Robinson to Marvin Hagler to Bernard Hopkins, the middleweight division has a rich history of legendary fighters. And not to forget modern day legends like Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.
Lightweight Division: Legends of Speed and Precision
The lightweight division is known for producing some of the fastest, most agile, and technically skilled fighters in boxing history. From Roberto Duran to Floyd Mayweather Jr. to Pernell Whitaker, the lightweight division has seen some of the most talented boxers in the sport. And some of the biggest characters, too!
Featherweight Division: The Heart of Champions
The featherweight division is one of the most exciting and competitive divisions in boxing, and it has produced some of the toughest and most determined fighters in history. From Willie Pep to Ezzard Charles to Manny Pacquiao, the featherweight division has seen its fair share of legendary fighters. Although they generally receive less media attention and praise from the general public, the lighter weight categories often produce some of the most talented fighters.
The Legacy of the Top 51 Boxers Ever
Boxing is a sport that has been shaped by the legendary fighters who have left their mark on the sport. The top 50 boxers of all time represent the cream of the crop, the fighters who have achieved greatness through their talent, determination, and hard work.
While there will always be debate about who truly deserves to be on this list (we’ve all seen that barber shop scene from Coming To America), there is no denying the impact these fighters have had on the sport of boxing and the legacy they have left behind.
Who are the Best British Boxers of All Time?
When it comes to the sport of boxing, Great Britain has produced some of the best fighters in history. British fighters have made their mark on the sport in a big way.
One of the most legendary British boxers of all time is Bob Fitzsimmons. Born in Cornwall, England, Fitzsimmons won world titles in three different weight classes over the course of his career. He was known for his punching power, and his record of knocking out opponents with body shots still stands to this day.
Another great British boxer is Lennox Lewis. Born in London, Lewis won Olympic gold before going on to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. He had a long and successful career, with notable wins over Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko.
Joe Calzaghe is another British fighter who deserves a mention. The Welshman had an undefeated professional record of 46-0, with notable wins over fighters like Mikkel Kessler and Bernard Hopkins. He was known for his quick hands and footwork, as well as his ability to adapt to different opponents. And his incredible engine, of course!
It’s impossible to talk about British boxing without mentioning the likes of Ricky Hatton, Nigel Benn, and Chris Eubank. All three of these fighters had successful careers, with notable wins over top-level opponents. They’re also some of the most famous and loved fighters to come out of the UK.
Overall, the UK has produced some of the best boxers in history, and these fighters have left a lasting legacy in the sport of boxing.
The Top 25 British Fighters of All Time
Here is a list of the top 25 British boxers of all time:
- Lennox Lewis (heavyweight)
- Joe Calzaghe (super middleweight, light heavyweight)
- Bob Fitzsimmons (middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight)
- Ted “Kid” Lewis (welterweight)
- Jimmy Wilde (flyweight)
- Ken Buchanan (lightweight)
- Naseem Hamed (featherweight)
- Benny Lynch (flyweight)
- John Conteh (light heavyweight)
- Barry McGuigan (featherweight)
- Lloyd Honeyghan (welterweight)
- Chris Eubank (middleweight, super middleweight)
- Nigel Benn (middleweight, super middleweight)
- Carl Froch (super middleweight)
- Ricky Hatton (light welterweight, welterweight)
- Howard Winstone (featherweight)
- Bob Foster (light heavyweight)
- Terry Downes (middleweight)
- Alan Minter (middleweight)
- Randolph Turpin (middleweight)
- Clinton McKenzie (light welterweight, welterweight)
- Frank Bruno (heavyweight)
- Duke McKenzie (bantamweight, super bantamweight, featherweight)
- Maurice Hope (light middleweight)
- Charlie Magri (flyweight)
These fighters have made a significant impact on the sport of boxing, both in the UK and around the world. They have each left a lasting legacy and contributed to the rich history of British boxing.
10 Best Boxers from Wales
Wales has a proud boxing history and has produced some world-class fighters over the years. Here are some of the best Welsh boxers of all time:
- Joe Calzaghe (Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight)
- Jimmy Wilde (Flyweight)
- Howard Winstone (Featherweight)
- Tommy Farr (Heavyweight)
- Percy Jones (Featherweight)
- Lee Selby (Flyweight)
- Enzo Maccarinelli (Cruiserweight)
- Steve Robinson (Featherweight)
- Freddie Welsh (Lightweight)
- Eddie Thomas (Light Heavyweight)
This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are certainly other Welsh fighters who could make a case for inclusion. However, these boxers represent some of the finest to have ever stepped into the ring from Wales, and they have left a lasting impact on the sport.
10 Best Boxers from England
England has a rich boxing heritage and has produced many legendary fighters over the years. Here are some of the best English boxers of all time:
- Lennox Lewis (Heavyweight)
- Bob Fitzsimmons (Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight)
- Ted “Kid” Lewis (Welterweight)
- Nigel Benn (Middleweight, Super Middleweight)
- Tyson Fury (Heavyweight)
- Ken Buchanan (Lightweight)
- John Conteh (Light Heavyweight)
- Ricky Hatton (Light Welterweight, Welterweight)
- Chris Eubank (Middleweight, Super Middleweight)
- Carl Froch (Super Middleweight)
Again, this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other great English boxers who could have made the cut. However, these fighters represent some of the finest to have ever laced up a pair of gloves and stepped into the ring from England.
Best Boxers from Ireland
Here’s a list of the top Irish boxers of all time with their weight categories:
- Steve Collins (Middleweight, Super Middleweight)
- Barry McGuigan (Featherweight, Super Featherweight)
- John Caldwell (Bantamweight)
- Wayne McCullough (Bantamweight)
- Freddie Gilroy (Bantamweight)
- Andy Lee (Middleweight)
- Michael Carruth (Welterweight)
- Dave McAuley (Flyweight)
- Bernard Dunne (Super Bantamweight)
- Katie Taylor (Lightweight, Super Lightweight)
10 Best Boxers from Scotland
Here’s a list of the top Scottish boxers of all time with their weight categories:
- Ken Buchanan (Lightweight)
- Benny Lynch (Flyweight)
- Jim Watt (Lightweight)
- Dick McTaggart (Lightweight)
- Walter McGowan (Flyweight)
- Alex Arthur (Super Featherweight, Lightweight)
- Jim McCormick (Welterweight, Middleweight)
- Scott Harrison (Featherweight)
- Peter Keenan (Bantamweight)
- Pat Clinton (Lightweight)
The Top 25 American Boxers of All Time
America has produced some of the greatest boxers in history. Here are some of the best American boxers ever:
- Muhammad Ali
- Sugar Ray Robinson
- Joe Louis
- Floyd Mayweather Jr.
- Rocky Marciano
- Henry Armstrong
- Joe Frazier
- Jack Dempsey
- George Foreman
- Pernell Whitaker
- Mike Tyson
- Evander Holyfield
- Bernard Hopkins
- Roy Jones Jr.
- Archie Moore
- Willie Pep
- Benny Leonard
- Ray Leonard
- Tommy Hearns
- Marvin Hagler
- James Toney
- Bob Foster
- Larry Holmes
- Jersey Joe Walcott
- Gene Tunney
This list is not exhaustive, and there are certainly other great American boxers who could make a case for inclusion. However, these fighters represent some of the best that the United States has ever produced, and their impact on the sport of boxing is undeniable.
What Country Has the Best Boxers?
The debate on what country has the best boxers is a contentious one, as it largely depends on individual opinions and criteria. However, there are a few countries that are consistently regarded as producing some of the best boxers in history.
The United States is often considered to have produced some of the greatest boxers of all time, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Mike Tyson. American fighters have won more Olympic medals in boxing than any other country, and the United States has a long history of successful boxing programs and gyms.
Mexico is another country that has produced many legendary boxers, such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Salvador Sanchez. Mexican fighters are known for their aggressive fighting style, and Mexico has a deep boxing culture that has produced many world champions.
In recent years, the Ukraine has emerged as a dominant force in boxing. Ukrainian fighters such as the Klitschko brothers, Vasili Lomachenko, and Oleksandr Usyk have achieved tremendous success in the sport, with many considering Usyk to be one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world today.
Other countries that have produced many top-level boxers include Cuba, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. Ultimately, the question of what country has the best boxers is a subjective one, and there are many factors to consider, such as the quality of training facilities, the level of competition, and individual fighting styles.
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