Top 16 Heavyweight Boxers of All Time

Bruising punchers, slick technicians, and undefeated icons spanning boxing's golden eras through the modern giants of the ring. Who reigns as the true king of the division?

1

Muhammad Ali

Three-time world champion whose résumé includes the Frazier trilogy and the Rumble in the Jungle.

1000pts

2

Larry Holmes

Owner of one of boxing's greatest jabs, with 20 straight title defenses in his prime.

862pts

3

Tyson Fury

The undefeated 'Gypsy King' known for his size, footwork, and comeback story.

731pts

4

Joe Louis

The 'Brown Bomber' who held the title for over a decade with a record 25 successful defenses.

632pts

5

Jack Dempsey

The 'Manassa Mauler,' a 1920s icon whose aggression drew boxing's first million-dollar gates.

632pts

6

Vitali Klitschko

The towering, hard-hitting champion who was never knocked down in his career.

548pts

7

George Foreman

Ferocious puncher who won the title in two eras, decades apart.

548pts

8

Mike Tyson

The youngest heavyweight champion ever, feared for his explosive knockout power in the 1980s.

448pts

9

Evander Holyfield

The only four-time heavyweight champion, famed for his wars with Tyson and Bowe.

448pts

10

Joe Frazier

Relentless 'Smokin' Joe,' the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali.

448pts

11

Rocky Marciano

The only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, at 49-0.

329pts

12

Jack Johnson

The first Black world heavyweight champion, a defensive master of the early 1900s.

329pts

13

Lennox Lewis

The last undisputed heavyweight champion of the 20th century, who beat every man he faced.

329pts

14

Wladimir Klitschko

Dominant Ukrainian champion who reigned over the division for most of the 2000s and 2010s.

329pts

15

Sonny Liston

The menacing puncher who terrorized the division before losing to a young Cassius Clay.

329pts

16

Gene Tunney

The skilled 1920s champion who twice defeated Jack Dempsey.

329pts