After a quick glance at heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko’s Wikipedia page, you will find a record that trumps boxing legends like George Foreman, Mike Tyson, and even Muhammad Ali.
It’s all there in plain black-and-white. The 39-year-old boxer holds a 64-3 record, is unbeaten in over a decade, and has sat on the throne as champion for nine-and-a-half years – a heavyweight title reign second only to Joe Louis’ streak in the 1930s and ’40s.
If records alone told the story, Klitschko would be regarded as boxing royalty.
Klitschko, who fights British steamroller Tyson Fury this weekend, is without a doubt the best heavyweight of this era.
Standing six-foot-six and weighing 110 kilos, the champion for the IBF, WBO, IBO, WBA, and The Ring magazine has absolutely dominated opponents with a ramrod jab and a brick fist of a right hand.
The ’96 Olympic gold medallist is clearly an outstanding boxer. But ruling over the modern heavyweight garbage bin with an iron fist can only get you so much adulation.
That isn’t to say Klitschko hasn’t had his share of tough matches. His record includes wins over five Olympic medallists, 12 current or former champions and 12 formerly unbeaten fighters, but his resume lacks a signature win or rivalry to define his place in history.
Ali had his greatest success as a boxer and cultural icon on the back of historic feuds and important clashes against the best of a generation.
I find it hard to imagine Ali reaching the same lofty heights without classic battles with Joe Frazier and George Foreman.
Similarly, legendary knockout machine Rocky Marciano built his legacy in high stakes matches against Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott.
Even indestructible wrecking ball Tyson needed to crush Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick to springboard to superstardom.
The biggest test for Klitschko on the market today is without a doubt WBC heavyweight kingpin Deontay Wilder.
The 29-year-old American smashing machine is essentially the anti-Klitschko. He’s a fierce power puncher who never fails to get the fans’ blood pumping, which is underlined by the fact that he has won by knockout in 34 of his 35 matches.
Klitschko is clearly in the twilight of his career, so the clock is ticking on this important unification bout becoming a reality, but perhaps a win over Wilder is the missing scalp on Klitschko’s resume to push him into the upper echelon of all-time greats.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at my picks for the top 10 greatest heavyweights in history.
10. Mike Tyson (50-6-0-2NC)
Undoubtedly one of the most feared fighters to ever strap on a pair of gloves, Tyson is considered the greatest attacking fighter in heavyweight history.
The five-foot-ten, 110-kilogram knockout artist once had the potential to top this, or any other list of great heavyweights. But a lack of discipline and battles with his own demons dashed those chances long ago.
9. Wladimir Klitschko (64-3)
Klitschko has earned a place on this list for being the second most accomplished heavyweight champ boxing has ever known.
The gigantic pugilist is in many ways being punished for being born into the wrong era. It seems like a no-brainer that Klitschko could at the very least hold his own against the sport’s greatest.
With his size, power, and technical striking chops it seems a given that the Ukrainian king could best several legends of the game, but without those names filling out his record it would be ridiculous to push him any higher up this list.
8. Lennox Lewis (41-2-1)
The only British-born lineal heavyweight champion of the 20th century, Lewis was one of the most impressive physical specimens to grace the boxing ring – blending power and athleticism to become one of the best ever.
The former Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist had an outstanding amateur career, and an even better one as a pro, scoring wins over the likes of Tyson, Riddick Bowe, and Evander Holyfield.
7. Larry Holmes (69-6)
The owner of perhaps the best jab in boxing history, Holmes was stuck in the shadow of the biggest stars in the sport for a big chunk of his career.
Once dismissed as “just Muhammad Ali’s sparring partner”, Holmes certainly shattered that perception, lodging 20 successful title defences and becoming one of only five to ever defeat the great Ali.
6. George Foreman (76-5)
Long before he was the face of the fat-reducing grill, ‘Big George’ carved a legacy between the boxing ropes.
While Foreman will forever be linked to the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ against Ali, the hard-hitting big man has a Hall of Fame career even without his most famous match.
A two-time champ of the world, Foreman also holds the distinction of being the oldest fighter to win the heavyweight title at 45.
5. Rocky Marciano (49-0)
Despite weighing in at a slim 86 kilos – a cruiserweight by today’s standards – Marciano is one of the biggest punchers ever seen, winning by knockout in 43 of his 49 matches for an 87.75 percent finish ratio.
The only heavyweight champ to retire undefeated, Marciano had a short career as a relentless pressure fighter, winning the division’s top prize and defending it six times before hanging up his gloves.
4. Joe Frazier (32-4-1)
The city of Philadelphia currently has a 10-foot tall bronze statue of fictional brawler Rocky Balboa. The city’s real champion doesn’t have a comically large sculpture, but he does have a place in boxing’s history books.
‘Smokin’ Joe’ is best remembered for his trilogy with Ali, the final of which ‘The Thrilla in Manila’, is one of the most brutal championship fights ever documented.
3. Jack Johnson (73-13-10-5NC)
The first African-American heavyweight champ, Johnson broke down racial barrier after racial barrier during his glory days.
With a storied career as a ‘world coloured champion’ long before he got to fight for the real deal, Johnson proved to be the best of his era, combining technique, skill, power and footwork to collect 40 knockout wins.
2. Joe Louis (66-3)
‘The Brown Bomber’ reigned as champ from 1937-1948 for a total of 11 years, eight months, eight days.
If that weren’t enough to justify his position near the top, Louis defended the title 25 consecutive times – more than anyone else in history, as well.
1. Muhammad Ali (56-5)
To little surprise, the self-proclaimed ‘greatest’ tops this list. Perhaps the most known athlete in history, Ali transcended boxing and ushered in a golden age of boxing.
The charismatic former champ didn’t match Louis’ lengthy title run but wins over Frazier (#4), Foreman (#6), Ken Norton, Floyd Patterson, Archie Moore and Sonny Liston make him the undisputed best.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I'd think Wilder would beat either of them. Wlad just hasn't fought enough good fighters, and it showed today when he couldn't change his strategy when it became obvious that Fury wasn't going to let him get close enough.
TJ
Guest
Couldn't agree more mate, unfortunately Wlad has already said that the rematch clause will be used and he will be fighting Fury again in the future. Problem for Wlad is that Wilder will probably fight Fury next to unify the division, I honestly can't see Wlad beating Wilder if today's showing is anything to go by. In fact, I'll go as far as to say that Wilder will win by early knockout!
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
You only have to look at how few punches connected by either boxer to know how poor it was. Wlad was scared to go forward against Fury. Though I have to say it was a good strategy by Fury. Just not the sort of thing your happy to pay to watch. Hopefully Wlad doesn't demand a rematch and the heavyweight boxing title is again open for business.
Johnno
Guest
TJ I just checked some fight stats. I didn't know this, but Bowe 2-1 vs Holyfield. So they fought 3-times and Holyfield did beat him one time, but lost twice as well.
klee Gluckman
Guest
Holyfield is better than Wladimir he has wins over Tyson, Bowe, Foreman, beat everyone he faced until he was forty. Drew with Lewis and good have the decision in the second fight. 1. Ali 2.Louis 3. Foreman 4. Dempsey 5.Johnson 6. Frazier 7. Holmes 8. Holyfield 9. Tyson 10. Lewis 11. Liston 12. Bowe 13. Marciano. I wouldn't rank Wlad ahead of those guys. And I think his brother beats him head to head.
TJ
Guest
Probably one of the worst heavyweight championship title fights I've ever seen. Fury gets him on points but in my opinion only just. Honestly neither of them looked like a champion. Boring as hell. I'm sure there'll be excuses for Wlad but he did nothing until the last two rounds by then far too late. A rematch will probably be on the cards but I honestly see Wilder running this division for years to come
Ironmonger
Guest
Great article and insightful comments. I wonder how much a role corruption in the sport has played in shaping some of these careers...or denying them at least. The comments about Jimmy Young seem to suggest a fighter who might end have been conflicted...
TJ
Guest
Big fan of Hopkins in his prime. I actually think he is still fighting?? Pretty sure he has fought every champion in his selected division over the past 20+ years. Some great wins, certainly some controversial losses but has a huge heart and wonderful athleticism.No doubt in my opinion he will go down in history as one of the truly all time greats. Seems like he has been around forever! I agree with your comments regarding Holyfield, was simply untouchable as cruiser weight. Bowe was a very talented fighter who again was very tall (6"5) but not very athletic. Had a good jab and a lot of power in his right hand. The Bowe V Holyfield trilogy was awesome in the 90s and if I'm not mistaken, round 10 in their first fight is one of best rounds of boxing I've ever seen, check it out if you get the chance! Moorer was the first Southpaw to win the Heavyweight title I think and I also think he moved up from light heavyweight. He was flogging big George until one punch ended it all and gave Foreman the title at 45 years old! Probably the only thing Moorer will be remembered for!
Johnno
Guest
Are you a Hopkins fan TJ? Oh and to add what was awesome about Holyfield was, he was a crusier-weight who became a heavyweight aged-25, which is alot later in in his career. He might be the best crusier weight in the last 50-years he cleaned out the divison.
Johnno
Guest
TJ, good points. Holyfield has alot of heart,skill,athletsicm, I just like his attitude, a real boxer. He said Foreman was hardest puncher he faced. Didn't know Bowe x2 or Moorer beat him. It brings in the point, the old if only list in sport. It seems Riddick Bowe is certainly one, who didn't reach his potential in the end. He got a world title, but you know what I mean. And he went broke. But talent wise Riddick Bowe had alot. Moorer I didn't see alot off but he was handy fighter. But yep those losses to bring Holyfield down the pecking order. Tyson vs Bowe would have been a cracking fight.
Johnno
Guest
Justin in general, when it's at it's best, as far as spectator sports go, nothing is more fun than watching any martial arts e.g. boxing/UFC, when it's good. Problem is often the fight doesn't live up to expectations. But I've had my most enjoyable sports fan moments from boxing, when the fight has been good. And I really enjoyed the woman's UFC stuff a few weeks ago in Melbourne. I really enjoy woman's UFC. But like no other sport, the "fight game" seems the only sport where people are willing to pay-per view and WWE wrestling lol, which is match-fixed and more about entertainment than a sport. Time and time agin I'm willing to pay $50 bucks to watch a fight, but no way would I be willing to pay $50 bucks let alone anymore than $20 bucks to watch a movie.
TJ
Guest
Hey Johnno, I remember Holyfield getting dropped by Bert Cooper in the early 90s (can't remember what year) but got up to win by knock out and Riddick Bowe also dropped him and knocked him out in his prime. His heart was as big as a lion though and again he never ducked any fights and really was a true warrior but the loss to Moorer and twice to Bowe drop him down a bit for mine. An awesome athlete with tremendous skill, heart and athleticism. He really was a great champion but just can't rate him as high as the others due to the above mentioned but can certainly understand why others would
Johnno
Guest
nice list, either way Foreman for me has to be in top-5 somewhere. World champ/Olympic gold medalist, fought good fighters. I'm not sure Wladmir Klitschko has fought a fighter as good as "Ron Lyle or Shavers". David Haye is not as good as Ron Lyle, or Jimmy Young. I'd have Lennox Lewis and Holyfield ahead of Tyson. Holyfield was damn good fighter. As was Lewis. I not seen Holyfield ever KO'D in his prime or knocked down. Bernard Hopkins I know he's in another division but I rate him greater in his own weight divisions than any other fighter. Maybe best since world war 2. Hopkins loss vs Roy Jones, was very controversial loss.And a few other losses, in controversy or old age. Hopkins best defence I seen, Holyfield a wonderful defence.
Big J
Guest
Justin, once again great article, you should be proud of your effort. I agree that Klitschko Is a dominant champion in poor field, so in reality the best of a bad bunch. If he was to fight everybody from the 90's I think he would be on the floor. His brother could not even beat an old out of shape Lewis and I find it strange that he constantly ducks a challenge from Briggs (even though his brother smashed him for twelve rounds with relative ease) and still is yet to fight for the WBC belt ( probably) the biggest price in boxing. No doubt this man is a great boxer but he still lacks a big price scalp. I really think he needs he needs to have a bout with wilder for unification to be considered the best of this generation. Also I like your thoughts on green v Mundine 2 please
ten four
Guest
my top 10: Ali Louis Foreman Marciano Tyson Frazier Lewis Vitali Kit Floyd Patterson Sonny Liston
TJ
Guest
Tyson was 38-0 in his prime against only taller boxers.....that makes him "very" ordinary??? Doubt anyone in the history of the sport would knock out Tyson easily, never mind either of the Klitschko brothers. Tyson had a great chin and although hardly ever hit as a younger man, he was flogged by Holyfied in the first fight but still stood there, even against Lewis he showed he was getting absolutely bashed and could've (and probably should've) stayed down but kept getting up. I agree with you chook, not a great comment to make and certainly no evidence to support it
TJ
Guest
Hey Johnno, the tale of Jimmy is quite a remarkable one isn't it? Seemed to perform at his best against the best opponents but was defeated so many times throughout his career by far less skilled opposition. Again another sad case of an athlete destroying themselves like Greg Page that ended in tragedy. The way he conducted himself against the far more fancied Ali, Foreman, Norton and even Shavers shows the potential of the man however, I believe his career will more than likely be forgotten by most who don't have the opportunity to look at some of the sports best fringe contenders simply due to his overall record which shouldn't determine the quality of a fighter but often does. Hence I don't believe Wlad is in the top 15 heavyweights even though his record is amazing and Vitali was better. I remember watching Sanders absolutely destroy him and he looked absolutely woeful when instead of fighting him again, Vitali fought Sanders and beat him, something again not many will remember...
Chook-a-Doodle-do
Roar Rookie
@ Nic, talk it up mate, do you even know anything about boxing? Tyson was shorter than every single fighter he fought as a professional! EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! Wake up and smell the coffee mate!!
Johnno
Guest
TJ, Jimmy Young was a very underrated fighter. -He went 15-rounds with Ali and lost on points, in a fight that was controversial, many said Jimmy Young won -He beat Ron Lyle twice -He beat George Foreman on points, one of the few fighters to beat Foreman Jimmy Young was an Ali style fighter in some way, very skilled etc, not a big puncher, but an excellent counter-puncher and subduing his opponents strengths. When he beat Foreman wherever it was, that State Boxing body had heavier glove rules, as some states had heavier glove rules than others. The lighter gloves suit the big punchers more. By Tyson's time the Gloves had become heavier.
Nic
Guest
Tyson was very ordinary against tall fighters even in his prime Vitali would have ko'd him easily