The boxing world has delivered an elite lineup of icons who’ve left their legacy on the sport.
Though it’s tough to narrow the list to name the greatest boxers of all time, we’re ranking the top 10 fighters based on fight records, historic rivalries, and signature moves that make them memorable.
Let’s see if you agree with who made the cut.
1. Muhammad Ali (56-5)
No one can objectively overlook the prowess of one of the best boxers ever, Muhammad “The Greatest” Ali. Not only was he a three-time heavyweight champ, but he was also an Olympic Gold medalist.
He battled against many of the other boxing greats, including notorious matches against Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston, and George Foreman, and will be known forever for his ability to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” showcasing speed, charisma, and courage in and out of the ring.
2. Joe Louis (66-3)
Known as “The Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis is one of the sport’s greatest heavyweight boxers, holding the title for over a decade with a record-breaking 25 consecutive title defenses.
Off the mat, in service to his country, he joined the U.S. Army and eventually became a sergeant. During World War II, he fought in 96 exhibition boxing matches, raising more than $100,000, which he donated to military relief efforts, and served as a symbol of inspiration and strength for American troops.
3. Sugar Ray Robinson (174-19-6)
With a 91-fight winning streak over a 25-year career, Sugar Ray Robinson is one of the best boxers ever to enter the ring and held titles in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
Pound-for-pound, he is considered by many one of the greatest boxers of all time, and an inventor of the blueprint that many of today’s fighters follow.
4. Rocky Marciano (49-0)
Rocky Marciano is one of the greatest heavyweight boxers and hung up his boxing gloves with an undefeated record.
He has been deemed one of the toughest fighters to ever enter the ring, winning 43 of 49 fights by KO. Revered for his unrelenting pressure and punching power against opponents, he’s best known for beating fight legends Archie Moore and Jersey Joe Walcott.
5. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (50-0)
An impressive title holder in five weight classes, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. cements his spot among the top 10 boxers in history. He is known as the master of modern era boxing and holds an impressive 50-0 record with wins over Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, and Oscar De La Hoya.
During his career, he won 15 major world championships and remained undefeated throughout his career, and was revered for his punching accuracy.
In the years immediately preceding his retirement, he was listed as the highest-paid athlete in the world and was inducted into the 2021 International Boxing Hall of Fame.
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6. Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2)
Mayweather, Jr. may have held five titles, but Manny Pacquiao upped the ante by being the only boxer to win titles in eight weight divisions.
With a boxing career spanning over four decades and a history of beating the most elite fighters in every division, his speed and footwork kept him untouchable in the ring.
7. Jack Dempsey (53-6-8)
Thought of by many as boxing’s first true superstar, Jack Dempsey introduced the sport to the masses with his aggressive style and devastating punching power.
He held the heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926 and set the tone for the greats to come, earning him a spot on the list of top 10 boxers in history.
8. Roberto Duran (103-16)
Roberto Duran made his mark on the boxing world as a four-weight world champion over a five-decade boxing career, whose toughness was unmatched.
Nicknamed “Hands of Stone,” his strength and savagery defeated boxing legends including Sugar Ray Leonard and Ken Buchanan.
9. Henry Armstrong (149-21-10)
Accomplishing the feat of simultaneously holding world titles in three divisions, Henry Armstrong racked up over 150 wins during the era of 15-round boxing battles.
He is known as one of the sport’s most aggressive fighters who fought until the final bell rang and never backed down from a competitor.
10. Willie Pep (229-11-1)
As the featherweight world champion in the 1940s, Willie Pep excelled defensively and is best known for winning a round without throwing a single punch.
With 241 fights under his belt, his swift movements and control in the ring earned him the respect of being the master of timing.
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Each of the fighters on our top ten list deserve their position, though every boxer is in a position to leave their mark on the sport.
Most fans would also rightfully include Mike Tyson, Canelo Álvarez, and Lennox Lewis on the list of greatest boxers of all time, among several others.
However, beyond the fight records and reputation, greatness boils down to the impact a boxer has had on the sport. List or not, it’s the legacy they leave behind that matters.
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