The heavyweight class has seen some of the greatest names in boxing history. All these boxing champions have the highest record of victory, with massive wins due to knocking out their opponents. It is difficult to shortlist 10, but Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Larry Homes, and George Foreman are undoubtedly on everyone’s list of top 10 heavyweight champions of all time. The list wouldn’t be complete without Dempsey, Johnson, Louis, Frazier and Marciano.
Top Heavyweight Boxers From Around The World
Few boxers have permanently established themselves in the heavyweight category with their punching precision, prowess, and unique fighting style.
Muhammad Ali
He is also known as “The Champ” or “The Greatest” and is the most recognized name in the history of boxing and sports. He was a three-time heavyweight world champion and the 1960 Summer Olympic Games lightweight gold medalist. His career started in 1960 with 56 wins, of which 37 came out of the way as a knockout.
He only lost 5 fights, and his career ended in 1981. Ali was suspended from fighting for four years and stripped of his heavyweight title as he refused to fight in the Vietnam War. When he returned to the ring, he lost to Joe Frazier in what was called “THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY.”
In 1974, Ali regained the title by defeating the upcoming George Foreman. He was the first to acclaim the heavyweight titles at three events and against some strong opponents. Ali made a name for himself outside boxing because of his competitive, hero, villain, and outspoken personality. He surely meant when he said, “If my mind can conceive it, if my heart can believe it–then I can achieve it.”
- Greatest Win Against: George Foreman (Rumble in the Jungle)
Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson won the youngest heavyweight championship title against Trevor Berbick in the history of professional boxing. He knocked out most of the opponents with his tremendous punching power. He could take down his opponent and overpower them. He was the only one to maintain the record of 37-0 until his defeat in 1990 against Buster Douglas in Japan.
In his 20-year career (1985-2005), Mike Tyson won 50 fights, 44 of which were knockouts. Tyson holds the title of “youngest dynamite,” but he had tough times outside the ring. Controversies surround Iron Man Tyson’s personal life, and in the series of unfortunate events, he bit his opponent “Holyfield ear clean off.”
- Greatest Win Against: Knocks out Michael Spink in 1988
Larry Holmes
Holmes had the longest-shining boxing career, lasting over 30 years (1973-2002). Holmes was often called Easton Assassin and had a smashing career with 69 wins, 44 of which were knockouts. He is mainly known for his left jab and WBC heavyweight title from 1978 to 1983.
He stood undefeated until his first 48 professional fights, in which he billed a victory against the greatest names like Earnie Shavers, Mike, Gerry Cooney, Weaver, Carl Williams, and Muhammad Ali, who was once Holmes sparring partner. In 1985, Holmes retired after losing a rematch with Michael Spinks but made repeated comebacks during his long standing career.
He is always listed amongst the top heavyweight champions and has his name on the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame. He is the only living boxer to have defeated Ali and the only one to defeat him by stoppage or corner retirement.
- Greatest Win Against: Muhammad Ali
Evander Holyfield
An undisputed heavyweight champion in the early 1990s and undisputed in two weight classes. “The Warrior” and “Real Deal” Holyfield moved to the heavyweight division in 1988 after making a name in lightweight and cruiserweight boxing. He defended his title against Larry Holmes and George Foreman until his defeat against Riddick Bowe in 1992.
Due to health issues, Holfiel retired in 1994 and made a smashing comeback against Mike Tyson, which made headlines in newspapers and magazines as THE FIGHT OF THE YEAR or UPSET OF THE YEAR.
He was the first after Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title three times. He is listed 77 on the Rings list of the greatest punchers of all time. He is also the first boxer to hold world titles in three different weight decades (1980s, 1990,s and 2000,s), along with an acclaimed career in the heavyweight class.
- Greatest Win Against: Mike Tyson
George Foreman
An Olympic Gold medalist and two-time heavyweight champion, Foreman acclaimed his first victory against Joe Frazier in 1973. He combined power, agility, and size in the 28 incredible years of his fighting career.
He became the oldest heavyweight champion, claiming the title at the age of 45. He has a career of 76 wins, losses, and 68 knockouts. His most notable fight was against Muhammad Ali in 1974, in the “Rumble in the Jungle.”
- Greatest Win Against: Joe Frazier
Jack Dempsey
History remembers him as the king in heavyweight circles. He held the title for seven consecutive years (1919 to 1926). Dempsey’s magnificent presence was a major crowd-puller. He had 61 wins with 50 knockouts. His aggressive fighting style and punching power made him popular in the history of boxing.
Many of his fights broke the financial record with the first million-dollar gate. During his fighting era, the live broadcasting of boxing matches started. He is fourth among the Ring Top 100 Greatest Punchers. He also has a name in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and was in the previous Boxing Hall of Fame.
- Greatest Win Against: Luis Angel Firpo
Jack Johnson
Galveston Giant had a 31-year career in which he won 77 times with 48 knockouts. He became the first African American heavyweight champion in 1908 by defeating Tommy Burns. The title belonged to him until Jess Willard defeated him in 1915.
On July 4, 1910, Jack fought against James Jefferies, who had come out of retirement. This fight was known as the fight of the century. He became one of the greatest heavyweight-class fighters and paved the way for fellow Black fighters.
- Greatest Win Against: James J. Jeffries
Joe Louis
From 1934 to 1951, Joe “the Brown Bomber” reigned supreme in the heavyweight class. He held 25 consecutive title defenses for all weight classes. After Jack Dempsey, he is considered vital in bringing boxing to the mainstream once again. He was recognized as the greatest heavyweight by the International Boxing Research Organization in 2005.
He was the greatest athlete in America and a Legend. He is the greatest puncher the division ever had. Amongst all the time, he was able to defend his title 23 were knocked out while the rest stopped due to Joe’s overwhelming punching power.
- Greatest Win Against: Max Schmeling
Joe Frazier
The 16 years of Frazier’s career had a record of 32 wins and 4 losses, with 27 flights ending by knockout. His moment of distinction was definitely when he defeated Muhammad Ali. He is remembered for his relentless pressure-fighting style, durability, and strength.
The Ring magazine named him the eighth greatest heavyweight champion and the Fighter of the Year title in 1967, 1970, and 1971. In 1973, he retired for the first time and lost the title to George Foreman and later lost again to him, because of which he took his retirement for the first time in 1976. Joe fought the heavyweight fight of all time in 1975.
- Greatest Win Against: Muhammad Ali
Rocky Marciano
Rocky reached the height of success in heavyweight with his win against Joe Walcott in Philadelphia in 1952. He had a short career lasting only nine years (1947-1956.) He had a very smooth career, winning 49 bouts, 43 of which were knockouts.
He is entitled to the longest undefeated streak by a heavyweight. He had the ability to take the beating and give it back to his opponent. With the top 87% of his opponents, he has the highest knockout percentage in boxing history. Many people in the boxing world know him by the Brockton Blockbuster name.
- Greatest Win Against: Jersey Joe Walcott
Wrapping It Up!
The heavyweight class has seen many great boxers like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and George Foremen. Some of them have earned a place in both the hearts of people and in the World Boxing Hall of Fame due to their incredible fighting prowess. Based on their wins, fights, and knockouts, ten of them can easily be shortlisted. Every boxer and heavyweight champion has played their part in making boxing the greatest sport in the world. Inspired by the journey? You can be the next one on the list. Buy boxing equipment from a premium manufacturer to start your journey of success and practice intensely to become a pro.