News: Boxing, one of the oldest sports globally, traces its roots back thousands of years. The sport evolved into prize fighting in the 16th-18th century, propelling it to become a truly global phenomenon and one of the most popular sports. Like any other sport, boxing has produced a list of legendary figures, prompting the age-old question among fans: “Who are the best boxers in history?”
10. Harry Greb
In a relatively brief career from 1913 to 1926, Greb achieved remarkable success, winning the world middleweight title in 1923 and successfully defending it six times over the next three years. His notable victory over future heavyweight champion Gene Tunney in 1922 sets him apart.
9. Benny Leonard
Spanning from 1911 to 1932, Leonard became the world lightweight champion in 1917 and held the title until his retirement in 1925. With an impressive record of 85-5-1, Leonard returned to the ring after a seven-year hiatus, winning 18 out of 19 bouts and showcasing his enduring skill.
8. Manny Pacquiao
Active since 1995, Pacquiao has left an indelible mark on boxing. Named Fighter of the Decade for the 2000s, he was the first to win world titles in eight different divisions. A national hero in the Philippines, Pacquiao’s victories include notable names such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, and Shane Mosley.
7. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
From 1996 to 2017, Mayweather’s undefeated record of 50-0 speaks for itself. His defensive-oriented style may be debated, but he thwarted numerous great fighters, including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
6. Roberto Duran
With a career spanning from 1968 to 2001, Duran’s intensity and boxing skills led him to win titles in multiple weight classes. Notably, he defeated Sugar Ray Leonard to secure the welterweight title in 1980 and continued to make significant contributions to the sport.
5. Sugar Ray Leonard
Active from 1977 to 1997, Leonard stood out in an era of legends, earning victories against Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Winning titles in multiple weight classes, Leonard’s resilience was showcased in the famous ‘No Mas’ fight against Duran.
4. Muhammad Ali
From 1960 to 1981, Ali transcended boxing, earning recognition as one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century. Winning the World heavyweight title three times, his iconic victories include the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ against George Foreman.
3. Willie Pep
Pep, a two-time world featherweight champion (1940-66), was known for his defensive prowess. Despite surviving a near-fatal plane crash in 1947, he continued to enjoy success in the ring, showcasing remarkable skills.
2. Henry Armstrong
Active from 1932 to 1945, Armstrong is the only boxer to hold world titles in three different weight classes simultaneously. Known as “Homicide Hank,” his achievements in a time with only one world champion and eight weight divisions are unparalleled.
1. Sugar Ray Robinson
Robinson, with a career from 1940 to 1965, stands as the supreme ring combatant. Winning world titles at welterweight and middleweight, he achieved five-time world middleweight champion status, defeating legends such as Carmen Basilio, Jake LaMotta, and Gene Fullmer. Robinson’s only stoppage defeat came in extreme heat while fighting for the world light-heavyweight title against Joey Maxim.
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