Boxing is a sport that has been known to produce legends. There is something about the competitiveness and culture of boxing that breeds greatness. So if you are the kind of person that likes to keep up with the latest boxing news, this is a list for you.
There have been many golden gloves given out over the course of boxing’s storied history, but some of the athletes have transcended awards, titles, and fame. Some have been so influential and essential to the culture of the sport.
The Heavy Hitters
Sometimes all it takes is one punch to change the world. These great athletes may have made the hall of fame with their heavy hits, but it was their policies, determination, courage, and charisma that landed them on this list of the best boxers of all time:
Stanley Ketchel – A world champion boxer that there has scarcely been an equal since, Ketchel’s career and life was tragically cut short when he was murdered at the young age of 24. Ketchel was of a Polish descent that was born in Michigan. At the unbelievably young age of 21, Ketchel became the middleweight world champion. Ketchel’s greatness was no fluke either, he defended his title of world champion 11 times over a three year period, making him one of the best to ever tape up a pair of gloves.
Mike Tyson – While Mike is now the butt of a lot of jokes, people tend to forget he was one of the greatest boxers to ever step into the ring. He is a very contentious boxer, as many would choose to ignore him for a boxing great list, while others would put him as number one. When Tyson was fresh out of the gate, he had devastating and terrifying power and speed. He was so strong and dominant in the ring that his style caused a resurgence of interest in boxing in the late 80’s.
Archie Moore – A lesser known boxing legend, Archie Moore was like the Mayweather of the 1940’s. Moore had an amazing career, which is why he is mentioned on this list. His stats are outrageous. He won 185 of his 219 fights, getting a knockout for 131 of them, making him have more knockouts than any other fighter in the history of the sport. It is sad that more people do not remember Archie, because he was a force to be reckoned with on the mat, and to this day holds the longest reign as Light Heavyweight champion of the world.
Lennox Lewis – Known for being as smart as he was fast and powerful, Lewis is certainly no slouch in the ring. He was born in England to Jamaican parents, but was raised in Canada. While his origin may be a bit convoluted, his rise to boxing greatness was not. Lewis even holds a gold medal from the 1988 olympic games.