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We can trace boxing to 688 BC, yet it remains one of the most popular sports in the world to this day. Each era has its legends, with the likes of Mike Tyson grabbing headlines, and Jake LaMotta, who flew under the radar on their way to cult hero status. However, this made finding the best boxers of all time an incredibly arduous task.
While the starting point is to look at fighters with the best win/loss ratios, you can’t judge boxers by the number of fights won. In our search for the greatest boxer of all time, it was crucial to analyze more than just their records. During our research, we considered the boxer’s style, impact on the sport, achievements, and the level of competition during their era. With thousands of fighters to choose from, narrowing the options down to a select few wasn’t easy. We searched through all the weight classes and different eras, finally creating the perfect list. But if you think we’ve missed someone, let us know via social media!
10. Willie Pep
Guglielmo Papaleo, also known as Willie Pep, is a southpaw pioneer and paved the way for some of the modern era’s best boxers. Pep was always on the smaller side as a boy, and even as a man he only stood at 165 cm tall and weighed under 126 pounds, but Willie Pep didn’t need size. The featherweight used his outstanding boxing skills to win bouts as a master of defensive fighting. They gave him the nickname “Will-o’-the-wisp” because of his elusive style.
Willie Pep had 241 professional bouts during his career. Pep won 229, knocking out 65 of his opponents. None of his fights are as infamous as the Jackie Graves contest in 1946. “Will-o’-the-wisp” won the third round without throwing a punch, using solely his defensive movement. The round is controversial because of the lack of the internet and other forms of modern media. Some reporters dispute the claim, with many local papers not reporting a punchless third round. Pep allegedly told reporters he wouldn’t throw a meaningful punch in the third, which is probably what happened.
“Will-o’-the-wisp” became the Featherweight World Champion in 1942, beating Chalky Wright in 15 rounds. Willie Pep was just 20 years old when he won via unanimous decision. The two fighters had a long rivalry, with Pep beating Wright in four title fights. Pep defended his title against Jackie Wilson twice, Sal Bartolo thrice, Phil Terranova, Manuel Ortiz, Paddy DeMarco, and Sandy Saddler. He didn’t have a flawless record, most notably losing to Saddler multiple times. In 1990, the Hall of Fame inducted Willie Pep, and in 2005, the International Boxing Research Organization dubbed him the greatest featherweight of all time.
9. Roberto Duran
Roberto Duran terrorized the lightweight division in the 1970s with his lifeless stare and devastating power. Duran won his first 31 fights at lightweight, losing to Esteban de Jesus via unanimous decision in 1972. However, “Hands of Stone” continued his dominance at lightweight, but weight issues eventually forced a move to welterweight. This was ideal for Duran, as the welterweight division had much bigger fights and payouts. But it wasn’t until his surprise welterweight victory over Sugar Ray Leonard that the world considered him one of the greatest.
Despite his incredible lightweight career, Roberto Duran was the underdog heading into the first bout with Sugar Ray Leonard. The Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec hosted the contest in 1980. Duran shocked the world with a unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Leonard. “Hands of Stone” had an outstanding 72-1 record after his victory, but sadly, Duran’s career derailed. The Panama-born legend enjoyed food and partying, meaning he went into the rematch against Sugar Ray Leonard under-prepared. “Sugar Ray” knocked out Duran in the eighth round, regaining the WBC and Ring Magazine Welterweight belts. Duran lost more bouts after the Leonard rematch but is still one of the best boxers ever.
Roberto Durán catches "Sugar" Ray Leonard with a right hand before defeating him by decision in Montréal, 1980. pic.twitter.com/kyeqQKfCl8
— Boxing History (@BoxingHistory) March 17, 2024
Roberto Duran achieved amazing things but lacked consistency in the heavier-weight classes. In 1983, Duran defeated Davey Moore for the WBA Super-Welterweight title and a split decision victory over Iran Barkley in 1989 for the WBC Middleweight belt. “Hands of Stone” retired from boxing in 2001, with a record of 103 wins and 16 losses. Six years after his retirement, the World Boxing Hall of Fame inducted one of the best lightweights ever.
8. Jake LaMotta
Jake LaMotta wasn’t a naturally skilled boxer. He knew his way around the ring, but his greatest attribute was his toughness. LaMotta had a hard childhood, suffering beatings in school and at home. “Raging Bull” started his unlicensed boxing career early, with his father setting up bouts at ten years old. LaMotta didn’t take boxing seriously until he entered the prison system, beating the prison champion during his time behind bars. His first professional contest was in 1941, and LaMotta kept an unbeaten record until facing Jimmy Reeves. Reeves won a split decision in Cleveland, but LaMotta’s toughness earned him plenty of fans.
However, Jake LaMotta is one of the best boxers because of his legendary bouts against Sugar Ray Robinson. “The Bronx Bull” lost his first fight against Robinson, getting outclassed over ten rounds in 1942. LaMotta won the rematch a year later, handing “Sugar Ray” his first defeat. The two fighters faced each other four more times, but Robinson won them all. They dubbed their most notorious fight the “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre“, with “Sugar Ray” firing shots at LaMotta all night, but the “Raging Bull” refused to go down. LaMotta lost the fight, but his stardom grew once again.
In 1949, Jake LaMotta finally got his hands on a professional belt. He knocked out Marcel Cerdan in the ninth round, earning the NBA and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship. “The Bronx Bull” lost his titles in ‘51, with his rival Sugar Ray Robinson beating him for the last time in his career. After losing to Billy Kilgore, LaMotta retired in 1954. However, he became a household name to non-boxing fans in 1980 because of the Raging Bull film starring Robert De Niro. Ring Magazine ranked “The Bronx Bull” at 52nd in their 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years, but we believe he deserves greater recognition as one of the best boxers ever.
7. Pernell Whitaker
Pernell Whitaker was the most technically gifted boxer of his generation. Whitaker mastered offensive and defensive fighting, making his opponents miss while making them pay. “Sweet Pea” had plenty of time to master his craft, allegedly competing in 500 amateur bouts. Whitaker won gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, making a name for himself on a national level. Because of his Olympic performance, Whitaker entered the professional boxing world with lots of hype, debuting in 1984 against Farrain Comeaux. The fight was easy for “Sweet Pea”, knocking out Comeaux in the second round. Floyd Mayweather’s uncle, Roger Mayweather, was Whitaker’s first genuine test. Mayweather lost via unanimous decision, handing Whitaker the NABF Lightweight belt.
Pernell Whitaker and Roger Mayweather tried to kill each other in a 12-round lightweight match that took place OTD in 1987 in Whitaker's hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Both were floored. Whitaker won by scores of 116-110, 117-111, and 116-112.
VC: Lucky Punch
Subscribe at… pic.twitter.com/RC9OW3Z9QD— Ringside Seat (@RingsideSeatMag) March 28, 2024
Pernell Whitaker’s counter-punching style earned him a 13-0 record after beating Jim Flores via a first-round TKO. The victory over Flores got “Sweet Pea” his first title shot against Jose Miguel Santana. Whitaker put on a clinical performance, beating Santana in the sixth round, becoming the first lightweight to win an Olympic gold medal and a professional World Championship. Sadly, one of the best boxers of all time suffered his first defeat because of a robbery. Jose Luis Ramirez was well-beaten over twelve rounds, and many boxing experts had the Mexican losing by a wide margin. But Ramirez kept his WBC Lightweight World Championship via a split decision.
However, the politics of boxing didn’t stand in Pernell Whitaker’s way. “Sweet Pea” became a four-weight world champion during his career, amassing a record of 40 wins, four losses, one draw, and one no-contest. Not only did Whitaker win the Light welterweight and Welterweight belts, but he also captured the Light Middleweight World Championship. His mastery of the sweet science and achievements in the ring puts him amongst the best boxers in history.
6. Marvin Hagler
For most of Marvin Hagler’s early career, nobody cared about him. Hagler worked on construction sites during the week and fought contenders on the weekends. However, his unbelievable footwork and a golden generation of talent earned him millions of dollars throughout his career. But the road to becoming one of the best boxers ever wasn’t easy. Hagler suffered two defeats in the early stages of his legacy, with Bobby Watts and Willie Monroe scoring decision victories over him. “Marvelous” avenged his defeat against Monroe in 1977, winning the North American Middleweight belt, the first in his career.
“You have three strikes against you. You’re black, you’re a southpaw, and you’re good.” – Joe Frazier speaking about Marvin Hagler
It’s not uncommon for boxing politics to delay a worthy title shot, but Marvin Hagler’s treatment was one of the worst. Hagler didn’t get his first World Championship opportunity until 1979, after racking up 46 wins and just two losses. “Marvelous” faced Vito Antuofermo for the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine titles at Caesars Palace. Hagler won the fight according to the unofficial cards, but the ringside judges ruled it a draw. Thankfully, Hagler got another shot against Alan Minter in 1980. This time, he didn’t leave it to the judges. “Marvelous” won via a third-round TKO, claiming the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine belts.
Marvin Hagler was part of the “Four Kings” generation, alongside Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Hagler fought all of them, beating Duran unanimously in 1983. Three fights later, he faced the hard-hitting Hearns. In one of his career-best performances, “Marvelous” knocked out “The Hitman” in the third round. However, Hagler retired after his defeat against Leonard in 1987. It wasn’t a landslide victory, with “Sugar Ray” winning via a split decision, but it was Marvin Hagler’s last professional bout.
5. Joe Calzaghe
While many of the best boxers were trained by former champs, Joe Calzaghe had a slightly different claim to fame. His father was his lead trainer throughout most of his career. Enzo Calzaghe turned down a musician’s lifestyle to train his son, and the sacrifice certainly paid off. Calzaghe dominated the amateur scene, winning the ABA Welterweight Championship in 1991. But it’s his professional career that defines Calzaghe’s legacy.
The “Italian Dragon” stopped all but one of his opponents before getting his first title shot. Bobbie Joe Edwards lost via decision, but Joe Calzaghe knocked out the other 21 opponents. Before his bout with Chris Eubank, Calzaghe had a perfect 22-0 record. After twelve grueling rounds, “The Pride of Wales” got his hand raised, becoming the Super-Middleweight World Champion for the first time.
Joe Calzaghe defended the WBO Super-Middleweight World Championship 20 times. His last fight at Super-Middleweight was against Mikkel Kessler in 2007. Calzaghe won via unanimous decision, picking up the WBA and WBC titles. After this, the Welshman switched to the light-heavyweight division and fought two of the biggest names in the sport. Calzaghe edged a split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins, winning the Ring Magazine Light-Heavyweight title. The last fight of his career was an amazing spectacle. The “Italian Dragon” danced around Roy Jones Jr. on his way to a unanimous decision. Calzaghe retired with a perfect 46-0 record but is often overlooked when ranking the best boxers of all time.
4. Joe Louis
If it weren’t for his multiple defeats, most would regard Joe Louis as one of the best boxers of all time. While losses can be on a fighter’s record, Louis’ loss to Rocky Marciano makes it difficult to rank him higher than Marciano among the heavyweight legends. Louis was an icon in the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, facing all the top contenders. “The Brown Bomber” won his first 24 fights in his professional career, suffering his first setback against Max Schmeling. Schmeling was a well-known puncher, and he proved too much for Louis, knocking the American out in the twelfth round.
💥 Max Schmeling vs. Joe Louis I 💥
An overwhelming favorite, it was actually Joe who was overwhelmed. In round 12, Schmeling KO`d Louis leaving the entire Yankee Stadium in shock.
Max’s victory was used as propaganda for Nazism, despite Max hated it.#ClassicBattles pic.twitter.com/XIEvGDAEEI
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) August 5, 2020
Many fighters discuss the sacrifices they made before becoming a world champion, but for Joe Louis, the sacrifice was literal. Because Louis was a black boxer, he had to wait longer than most to get a title shot. Even after “The Brown Bomber” finally received his opportunity, he had to give 10% of his future career earnings to his opponent, James J. Braddock. Louis defeated Braddock in the eighth round and held onto the title like his life depended on it. Nobody has more heavyweight championship defenses than Louis, with the Alabama-born fighter defending the title 25 times. Ezzard Charles took the belt away from Louis in 1950, and he never won the championship again. After losing to Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis retired in 1951.
3. Manny Pacquiao
You might have expected Floyd Mayweather to be in the top ten best boxers of all time, but we chose his rival, Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in 2015 via a unanimous decision at the MGM Grand. However, “PacMan” had a much better career and his achievements are unmatched. Pacquiao is the only fighter in history to win a major title in eight weight classes. The Filipino is the former WBC Flyweight, IBF Super Bantamweight, WBC Super Featherweight, WBC Lightweight, Ring Magazine Light Welterweight, WBO Welterweight, WBA Super Welterweight, and WBC Light Middleweight champion.
That isn’t all of his titles, as Manny Pacquiao was also the lineal Flyweight, Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Light Welterweight, and Welterweight champion during his career. He had ten more honorary titles and six minor/international belts. Pacquiao is the most decorated fighter in history and had plenty of amazing bouts before retiring in 2021.
Manny Pacquiao won his first major title against Chatchai Sasakul in 1998. He secured the WBC Flyweight crown in the eighth round, with the title springboarding his career. One of his most memorable fights was against Oscar De La Hoya in 2008. De La Hoya had a legendary career, winning eleven world titles, but retired on the stool in the eighth round against Pacquiao. “PacMan” dominated from start to finish, and the “Golden Boy” couldn’t handle any more punishing combinations. Pacquiao’s next two fights were just as iconic, facing the fearsome Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto in back-to-back bouts.
Ricky Hatton is one of the greatest British boxers in history, but he had no answers for Pacquiao’s power when they fought. Hatton pushed the pace early, but Pacquiao floored him multiple times, ending the fight in the second round. Miguel Cotto survived much longer, with the fighting needing all twelve rounds. With two minutes left, the referee ended the contest in the last round. “PacMan” beat some of the best boxers of all time, and cemented himself as one of the greatest.
2. Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson had a 25-year career as a professional boxer. He retired with 174 wins, 19 losses, six draws, and two no-contests. However, don’t let his many losses deceive you, because Robinson was unbeatable for a long time. His masterful footwork and elusive head movement made him impossible to catch. Sugar Ray became a household name during the early 1940s, racking up a 40-0 record after beating Al Nettlow.
However, Sugar Ray Robinson wanted to test himself against the best and was certain he could beat Jake LaMotta for a second time. Robinson’s promoter advised him to avoid LaMotta, but he didn’t. This was a mistake, as “The Raging Bull” ground his way to a unanimous decision in ten tough rounds of boxing. After suffering his first loss, Sugar Ray Robinson only got better. He had one of the greatest unbeaten streaks in the history of boxing. Between 1943 and 1951, nobody beat Robinson. This might not sound overly impressive, but boxers fought much more often in this era. His record went from 40-1 to 129-1, with two draws and one no-contest. Robinson beat LaMotta thrice during his unbeaten streak.
https://twitter.com/philchipbally/status/566634025335681027
Randolph Turpin ended Sugar Ray Robinson’s winning streak in July 1951. A stunning 15-round bout between the two fighters required the judge’s scorecards. All three judges gave the fight to Turpin, with Robinson losing the NYSAC, NBA, and Ring Magazine Middleweight Championships. If Robinson had a shorter career, his record would look more impressive. At 44 years old, he lost his last fight, summarizing the inconsistency in the later phases of his career. Despite the 19 losses on his record, there’s no doubt that Sugar Ray Robinson is one of the best boxers of all time.
1. Rocky Marciano
People know the heavyweight division for producing giants. However, Rocky Marciano was an average-sized man. Marciano stood at 5ft 10in tall with an unassuming build, the type of guy you wouldn’t worry about passing in the street. But Marciano was the most devastating puncher in boxing history when he stepped into the ring. The “Brockton Blockbuster” worked manual labor jobs during the early days of his career, making his professional boxing debut in 1947. In his first bout, Marciano flatlined Lee Epperson in the third round.
Rocky Marciano knocked out all 16 of his first opponents, with Don Mogard surviving ten rounds against Marciano in 1949. Mogard lost via a unanimous decision, but withstanding Rocky’s power was a moral victory. Most of the fighters on our list were masters of sweet science. This wasn’t the case for Marciano, with his “slugger” reputation making him a fan favorite. His fight against Rex Layne in 1951 was a standout moment in Marciano’s career. The fight was as rough as it gets, but the “Brockton Blockbuster” knocked out Layne in the sixth round. This performance secured a fight against one of the best boxers of all time, Joe Louis. In the eighth round, the referee ended Louis’ punishment, with Marciano’s power dominating from the opening bell.
“The Rock didn’t know too much about the boxing book, but it wasn’t a book he hit me with. It was a whole library of bone crushers.” – Joe Louis after his loss against Rocky Marciano
After beating Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano got victories over Lee Savold, Gino Buonvino, Bernie Reynolds, and Harry Matthews before facing Jersey Joe Walcott for the Heavyweight World Championship. Walcott did not respect Marciano’s boxing ability, calling him a “bum” and a “hype job” ahead of their bout. However, the “Brockton Blockbuster” did his talking in the ring, knocking out Walcott in the 13th round. He won the NYSAC, NBA, and Ring Magazine Heavyweight Championships. Rocky defended his titles six times, beating the likes of Roland La Starza, Ezzard Charles, and Archie Moore. He retired with a perfect 49-0 record and is the best boxer of all time.
Conclusion
Here is the entire list of the best boxers of all time. We hope you enjoyed our journey through boxing history, but if you believe we’ve missed someone, let us know! We’re committed to creating weekly high-quality boxing predictions, guides, and ranking lists. So come back regularly to see what’s new.
