Top 10 All-Time Greatest Heavyweights

Top 10 All-Time Greatest Heavyweights
Top 10 All-Time Greatest Heavyweights /

Lennox Lewis / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

The model of the modern super heavyweight, Lewis fought big, with a good jab and huge right hand. Much of his success came from his learning and adapting throughout his career.


Rocky Marciano / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

Marciano was the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated. Seemingly impervious to punishment, the "Brockton Blockbuster" was often outsized, but never outworked.


Joe Frazier / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

Relentless, swarming and implacable with that terrible, swift left hook -- there was no place to hide when Joe was Smokin'.


George Foreman / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

Though inelegant at times, Big George was an irresistible offensive force. In 1987, after a 10-year layoff, he returned older and heavier, but smarter than ever and nearly as effective.


Jack Dempsey / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

The "Manassa Mauler" was a ferocious attacking force and pound-for-pound the hardest puncher in heavyweight history. Electrifying in action.


Jack Johnson / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

The first black heavyweight champion and the first truly modern champion, Johnson had great speed, power in both hands and was a defensive wizard.


Larry Holmes / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

His 20 successful title defenses are second only to Louis's 25. With an unmatched jab and tremendous ring smarts, Holmes described his crafty style by saying, "You always got to make somebody drunk before you mug him."


Sonny Liston / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

At his peak, Liston was an absolute destroyer (ask Floyd Patterson) and far more complete fighter than he is given credit for.


Joe Louis / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

He was the classic boxer-puncher, and the greatest finisher in heavyweight history.


Muhammad Ali / Richard O'Brien, SI.com

He's been called "The Greatest" and, you know what? He was. Speed, grace, a transcendent ring intelligence and miraculous resilience made Ali a legend in the ring.



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