Boxing is a sport with a rich history. Every decade or so, a stream of world-class fighters appear and dazzle fans all over the world with their speed, strength, and agility. Eventually, certain names stand tall and the true legends of the sport stand the test of time. That is why we listed the 15 best boxers of all time, to compare the best fighters of the last 100 years or so.
While it’s common to start by looking at a fighter’s win/loss record, judging boxers solely by the number of victories doesn’t tell the entire story. In our quest to find the best boxers of all time, we focused on much more than just their records. We carefully considered each fighter’s style, accomplishments, and the boxing legacy they left behind. Don’t worry, we gave proper consideration to the best Irish boxers and local legends. Without any further delay, let’s dive right in with number 15.
15. Willie Pep
Guglielmo Papaleo, better known as Willie Pep, was a trailblazer in the world of boxing and set the stage for many of today’s top fighters. Despite being on the smaller side, standing at just 5’5” and weighing under 126 pounds, Pep’s size was never an obstacle. His exceptional boxing ability, particularly in the realm of defence, earned him the nickname “Will-o’-the-wisp” for his elusive style in the ring.
Incredibly, Willie Pep fought 241 professional bouts. He won 229 of them, with 65 coming by knockout. He would have been a marvel for anyone betting on boxing events. One of his career’s most memorable and debated moments came in his 1946 fight against Jackie Graves. In the third round, Pep won without landing a single punch, relying entirely on his defensive movement. The round became controversial because of the lack of modern media coverage, with some reporters questioning the account of events.
In 1942, at the age of 20, Willie Pep became the Featherweight World Champion after defeating Chalky Wright in a 15-round fight by unanimous decision. This victory started a long rivalry, with Pep defeating Wright in four title bouts. Pep successfully defended his title against several notable challengers, including Jackie Wilson, Sal Bartolo, Phil Terranova, Manuel Ortiz, Paddy DeMarco, and Sandy Saddler. While Pep’s career was far from flawless, with multiple losses to Saddler, his legacy remains one of the greatest in boxing. In 1990, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and in 2005, the International Boxing Research Organization named him the greatest featherweight of all time.
14. Jake LaMotta
Jake LaMotta wasn’t known for natural boxing skills, but his greatest asset was his unparalleled toughness. ‘The Bronx Bull’ began his unlicensed boxing career at a young age, with his father arranging matches for him when he was just ten years old. He made his professional debut in 1941 and remained unbeaten for 14 fights until he met Jimmy Reeves, who won by a split decision. Despite the loss, LaMotta’s toughness and resilience gained him a loyal following.
LaMotta’s legendary battles with Sugar Ray Robinson cemented his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats. In their first encounter in 1942, LaMotta was thoroughly outclassed over ten rounds. However, he returned the favour the following year, handing Robinson his first-ever defeat. The two met five more times, with Robinson winning every encounter. Their most infamous battle, known as the “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,” saw Robinson relentlessly attacking LaMotta throughout the fight. Despite taking a beating, LaMotta refused to go down, and though he lost the fight, his reputation soared.
In 1949, LaMotta finally captured a professional title by knocking out Marcel Cerdan in the ninth round to win the NBA and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the title in 1951 to his longtime rival Sugar Ray Robinson, in the last time they faced each other. After a final loss to Billy Kilgore, LaMotta retired in 1954 with a record of 83-19-4. One of the best boxers was forever immortalised when Robert De Niro brought his story to a wider audience in the critically acclaimed 1980 film Raging Bull.
13. Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes is a heavyweight boxing legend known for his remarkable reign as champion. From 1978 to 1985, he successfully defended his world title 20 times, a feat that stands as one of the greatest in boxing history. Holmes made his professional debut in 1974 and quickly built momentum, racking up 28 straight victories before stepping into his first world title bout against Ken Norton. The fight was a thrilling contest, with the judges calling it a draw heading into the final round. Holmes rallied in the 15th, clinching a split decision win and the WBC title.
Holmes defended his title seven times before winning another title. The Easton Assassin faced the legendary Muhammad Ali and controlled the fight, dominating Ali until his trainer stopped the bout in the 10th round. Holmes was a master of combining athleticism with precision, using his exceptional conditioning and stamina to overwhelm opponents throughout his long title reign.
Despite his incredible accomplishments, Holmes is often overlooked, largely because he fought between the iconic eras of Ali and Mike Tyson. However, his skill and ring mastery were undeniable. Holmes’s influence on the sport is still felt today, as no other heavyweight has come close to matching his number of title defences since his retirement. Finishing his career with an impressive 69-6 record, the Easton Assassin’s longevity and dominance cemented his place as one of the best boxers ever.
12. Roberto Duran
Roberto Duran dominated the lightweight division throughout the 1970s with devastating power, earning him the nickname “Hands of Stone”. He won his first 31 lightweight bouts before suffering his first loss to Esteban de Jesus by unanimous decision in 1972. Despite the setback, Duran continued to reign at lightweight until issues with his weight forced him to move up to welterweight. This shift turned out to be a strategic move, as the welterweight division offered bigger matchups and higher earnings. However, his shocking victory over Sugar Ray Leonard at welterweight solidified Duran’s place among the sport’s greatest.
Duran entered his first fight with Leonard as the underdog. The Panamanian stunned the world with a unanimous decision win over the previously undefeated Sugar Ray. He would have been a monstrous pick for anyone making live bets back in the day. Duran’s career took a downward turn after his first bout with Leonard, losing in a rematch, but his incredulous 103-16 record is inarguable.
He bounced back in 1983, defeating Davey Moore to capture the WBA Super-Welterweight title. Hands of Stone experienced a career resurgence when he earned a split decision victory over Iran Barkley to claim the WBC Middleweight belt in 1989. Duran retired from boxing in 2001 with a remarkable record of 103 wins and 16 losses. Six years after his retirement, he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the best boxers and lightweights in history.
11. Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson was one of the fastest-rising stars in boxing during the late 1980s. ‘Iron’ Mike made his debut at 18 years old after winning gold at the Junior Olympic Games at 14 and claiming a Golden Gloves title in 1984. His rapid ascent reached its peak in 1986 when he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20 years and 145 days, knocking out Trevor Berbick in the second round.
Tyson ruled the heavyweight division for nearly four years, defending his title nine times and unifying the championship. However, his shocking loss to Buster Douglas in 1990 remains one of the greatest upsets in sports history. Tyson bounced back six years later when he defeated Frank Bruno by TKO in the third round to win another world title.
Standing at 5’10”, Tyson was shorter than most heavyweights, but his presence in the ring made him larger than life. His incredible speed and brutal knockout power made him a dominant force, unmatched in his prime. No one could withstand his raw power and precision. Tyson’s brutal combinations punished even the slightest mistakes from his opponents. He knocked out 40 fighters in 58 bouts, finishing his career with a 50-6-2 record.
Despite his extraordinary achievements in the ring, Tyson’s controversial career and personal struggles often overshadowed his talents. His infamous ear-biting incident during his fight with Evander Holyfield remains a talking point to this day. Nevertheless, his impact on the sport is undeniable. Tyson’s energy, aggression, and relentless drive have yet to be matched nearly two decades after his retirement. He is arguably the biggest star the sport has ever seen and goes down as one of the best boxers of all time.
10. Pernell Whittaker
People don’t talk about Pernell Whitaker enough, considering he was arguably the most technically gifted boxer of his era, renowned for his mastery of offence and defence. With a wealth of experience from allegedly competing in 500 amateur bouts, Whitaker honed his craft over many years.
Whittaker burst onto the scene by winning gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. His Olympic success generated significant hype, and he entered the professional ranks that same year, debuting against Farrain Comeaux. The fight was a breeze for “Sweet Pea,” as he knocked Comeaux out in the second round. His first true test came against Floyd Mayweather’s uncle, Roger Mayweather, whom he defeated by unanimous decision to claim the NABF Lightweight title.
Whitaker’s counter-punching style propelled him to a perfect 13-0 record, culminating in a first-round TKO of Jim Flores. This victory earned him his first world title shot, and he delivered a flawless performance against Jose Miguel Santana. He stopped him in the sixth round to become the first lightweight to win an Olympic gold medal and a professional world championship. Unfortunately, Whitaker’s first defeat came due to what many considered a robbery. Against Jose Luis Ramirez, Whitaker outboxed the Mexican fighter over 12 rounds, yet Ramirez retained his WBC Lightweight title via a controversial split decision.
Despite the setbacks caused by boxing politics, Whitaker refused to be deterred. “Sweet Pea” became a four-weight world champion and was one of the best boxers ever. He finished with an impressive record of 40 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no-contest. He not only won the Light Welterweight and Welterweight titles but also captured the Light Middleweight World Championship. Whitaker’s technical brilliance and achievements in the ring solidify his place among the greatest boxers in history.
9. Joe Calzaghe
While many top boxers were trained by former champions, the story of Joe Calzaghe is different. His father, Enzo Calzaghe, served as his lead trainer throughout his career. Enzo dedicated himself to training his son, and that decision certainly paid off. Joe Calzaghe dominated the amateur scene, winning the ABA Welterweight Championship in 1991, but his professional career truly solidified his legacy.
The “Italian Dragon” knocked out all but one of his opponents before earning his first title shot. The only fighter to escape his knockout streak was Bobbie Joe Edwards, whom Calzaghe defeated by decision. By the time he faced Chris Eubank, Calzaghe had a perfect 22-0 record. After twelve intense rounds, Calzaghe emerged victorious, claiming the Super-Middleweight World Championship for the first time. A new British boxing legend was born.
Calzaghe went on to defend his WBO Super-Middleweight World Championship 20 times. Just think about how many successful boxing bets that would have been! His final fight at Super-Middleweight came in 2007 against Mikkel Kessler. Calzaghe won by unanimous decision, also capturing the WBA and WBC titles.
The Italian Dragon moved up to the light-heavyweight division, where he faced two of the biggest names in boxing. He narrowly edged Bernard Hopkins by a split decision, earning the Ring Magazine Light-Heavyweight title. His last fight was a stunning performance against Roy Jones Jr., where Calzaghe danced around his opponent on his way to a unanimous decision win. The Welshman retired with an impeccable record of 46-0, dominating divisions with the perfect blend of power and ring IQ. He is widely considered the greatest super-middleweight of all time and deserves his spot on our list of the best boxers.
8. Marvin Hagler
Marvin Hagler came from humble beginnings, working construction jobs during the week, fighting contenders on the weekends, and quietly making his way up in the boxing world. However, his path to becoming one of boxing’s all-time greats was far from smooth. Early in his career, Hagler suffered two losses, one to Bobby Watts and another to Willie Monroe, both by decision. In 1977, he avenged his loss to Monroe, claiming the North American Middleweight title, the first of many honours in his career.
Boxing politics often delayed deserving fighters from title shots, and Hagler’s case was no different. He didn’t get his first world title opportunity until 1979 when he boasted a 46-2 record. Hagler faced Vito Antuofermo for the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine titles at Caesars Palace. While Hagler was widely considered the winner on the unofficial scorecards, the judges ruled it a draw. Fortunately, Hagler got another chance against Alan Minter in 1980. This time, he made sure there was no doubt, winning by third-round TKO to claim the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine titles.
Hagler was a central figure in the legendary “Four Kings” era, alongside Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard. He faced all three, earning a unanimous decision over Duran in 1983. Three fights later, he met the powerful Thomas Hearns in a bout that would go down as one of his best performances. Hagler knocked out “The Hitman” in the third round. Marvelous Marvin retired in 1987 and finished with a record of 62-3-2 in a golden era of boxing, affirming his spot on the list of best boxers.
7. Joe Louis
Joe Louis’ talent and ability to overcome adversity cements him as one of the best boxers of all time. Louis was a dominant figure throughout the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, facing all the top contenders of his era. Known as “The Brown Bomber,” he won his first 24 professional bouts, with his first loss coming at the hands of Max Schmeling. Schmeling, a powerful puncher, proved too much for Louis, knocking him out in the twelfth round. However, that did nothing to deter Louis, who bounced back immediately and went on a 34-fight undefeated streak.
Louis’s career was not without hardship, fighting his entire career in segregation-era America. As a black boxer, Louis had to wait longer than most to receive a title shot. Even after earning his chance, he had to give up 10% of his future career earnings to his opponent, James J. Braddock. Louis defeated Braddock in the eighth round and went on to hold on to the heavyweight title with relentless determination. No other fighter has more heavyweight championship defences than Louis, with a remarkable 25 successful title defences. His reign ended in 1950 when Ezzard Charles took the belt from him, and he never regained the championship. After his defeat to Rocky Marciano, Louis retired in 1951.
Joe Louis had obstacles put in front of him throughout his 17-year career and he lept over every one of them. The prospect of a black champion was unwelcome among many white American boxing fans, but that did nothing to stop the Brown Bomber. He finished his career with a 66-3 record including an incredible 11-year title reign, leaving behind one of the greatest legacies in all of sport.
6. Sugar Ray Leonard
Sugar Ray Leonard’s career began as Muhammad Ali was nearing the end of his. The sport needed a new star, and Leonard answered the call. Like Ali, Leonard won an Olympic gold medal in his amateur days before making his professional debut in 1977. He quickly racked up 25 wins in less than three years before facing Wilfred Benítez in 1979 for his first world title shot at welterweight. In a thrilling battle, Leonard secured a TKO victory in the 15th and final round, claiming his first world title. His performance earned him the title of “Fighter of the Year” from both The Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring. Leonard defended his title once before losing it to Roberto Durán, but he regained it in their rematch.
As a boxer, Leonard possessed a rare combination of hand speed, fluid movement, solid fundamentals, and incredible determination. His pursuit of knockouts led to 25 wins by KO/TKO, finishing his career with a 36-3-1 record. His rise coincided with Ali’s departure from the sport, allowing Leonard to become the new face of boxing. However, a serious eye injury that required surgery forced him to step away at the peak of his career, and at just 27 years old, he shocked the boxing world by announcing his retirement.
Leonard returned three years later, defeating Marvin Hagler to win the middleweight title in his comeback fight. Throughout his career, Sugar Ray won world titles in five different weight classes. Had he not been sidelined by injury, Leonard might have been held in even higher regard as one of the best boxers of all time. Regardless, his place among the sport’s greatest is anchored.
5. Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is the only fighter in history to win major titles in eight different weight classes. He’s been the WBC Flyweight, IBF Super Bantamweight, WBC Super Featherweight, WBC Lightweight, Ring Magazine Light Welterweight, WBO Welterweight, WBA Super Welterweight, and WBC Light Middleweight champion. And that’s not all—Pacquiao was also the lineal Flyweight, Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Light Welterweight, and Welterweight champion. Besides these, he held ten honorary titles and six minor/international belts. Pacquiao remains the most decorated fighter in boxing history, having delivered countless thrilling performances before retiring in 2021.
Pacquiao claimed his first major title in 1998, defeating Chatchai Sasakul for the WBC Flyweight crown in the eighth round. This victory marked the beginning of his storied career. One of his most unforgettable bouts was against Oscar De La Hoya in 2008. Despite De La Hoya’s legendary career and eleven world titles, he was forced to retire on his stool in the eighth round after being overwhelmed by Pacquiao’s relentless assault. Pacquiao dominated from start to finish, leaving the “Golden Boy” unable to continue. That bout was a true showcase of just how good Pac-Man was.
Pacquiao’s following two fights were equally iconic, as he took on the formidable Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto in consecutive bouts. Hatton, one of the finest British boxers, couldn’t withstand Pacquiao’s power and was knocked out in the second round after being floored multiple times. Cotto endured a much longer contest, going all twelve rounds before the referee stepped in to stop the fight with two minutes left in the final round. Pacquiao’s victories over some of the greatest fighters of all time and his incredible championship haul solidified his place as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
4. Floyd Mayweather
Starting his career in 1996, Floyd Mayweather’s remarkable journey spanned three decades, and he dominated the boxing pound-for-pound rankings for much of that time. From 2005 to 2015, he was a force in the ring, capturing world titles across five weight classes, all while being trained by a long line of family fighters, most notably his father, Floyd Sr. It took Mayweather less than two years to earn his first world title, defeating Genaro Hernández for the WBC Super Featherweight title in 1998. By 2002, he became a two-weight champion after beating José Luis Castillo for the WBC lightweight title, eventually adding belts in super lightweight, welterweight, and middleweight.
Though his defensive style, especially his iconic shoulder roll, frustrated some fans, his brilliance in the ring is undeniable. Mayweather’s precision punching, flawless footwork, and unmatched skill led him to victories over some of the best fighters of his era, including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Márquez, and even current super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez. His bout with Pacquiao in 2015 was one of the most anticipated fights ever, breaking records with a staggering $500 million in revenue, making it the highest-grossing boxing event in history.
Mayweather’s career ended with a special crossover fight against UFC superstar Conor McGregor. In a clash of the two biggest combat sports stars, Mayweather showcased his boxing mastery, dominating McGregor before stopping him in the 10th round via TKO, capping his record at a perfect 50-0 with 27 knockouts. Undoubtedly one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century, Mayweather firmly belongs in the conversation with the all-time greats. He is one of just three men on this list to finish with a flawless record and is well-established as one of the best boxers of all time.
3. Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson enjoyed a remarkable 25-year career as a professional boxer, retiring with 174 wins, 19 losses, six draws, and two no-contests. Despite the number of losses, don’t be misled — Robinson was virtually unbeatable for long stretches of his career. His exceptional footwork and elusive head movement made him a tough fighter to catch. Robinson rose to prominence in the early 1940s, going a perfect 40-0 after defeating Al Nettlow with a win over Jake LaMotta along the way.
Robinson was always eager to test himself against the best and was confident he could defeat LaMotta again. Despite his promoter’s advice to steer clear of the Bronx Bull, Robinson went ahead with the match. Unfortunately for him, LaMotta emerged victorious, winning a unanimous decision after ten tough rounds. This loss only fuelled Robinson’s drive, and he went on to create one of the most impressive unbeaten streaks in boxing history. From 1943 to 1951, Robinson remained undefeated, amassing an incredible 129-1 record, with two draws and one no-contest. During this streak, he even defeated LaMotta three times.
Robinson’s remarkable streak came to an end in July 1951 when Randolph Turpin defeated him in a dramatic 15-round battle. All three judges scored the fight for Turpin, which cost Robinson the NYSAC, NBA, and Ring Magazine Middleweight Championships. Had Robinson’s career been shorter, his record would be even more impressive. Despite the later inconsistency that led to losses, especially at the age of 44, there’s no doubt that Sugar Ray Robinson remains one of the greatest boxers of all time.
2. Rocky Marciano
The heavyweight division is often associated with towering giants, but Rocky Marciano didn’t fit that mould. Standing at 5ft 10in with a physique that wouldn’t draw attention on the street, Marciano was not the type of person you’d expect to make a big impact. Yet, when he stepped into the ring, he became one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history. Known as the “Brockton Blockbuster,” Marciano worked manual labour jobs early in his career before making his professional debut in 1947. His first fight ended with a knockout of Lee Epperson in the third round.
Marciano knocked out all 16 of his initial opponents. Unlike many of the boxers on this list who were masters of technique, Marciano was known for his “slugger” style, which earned him a devoted fanbase. One of his standout moments came in 1951 when he faced Rex Layne in a brutal bout. Marciano knocked Layne out in the sixth round, solidifying his reputation and earning a fight with one of the best boxers of all time, Joe Louis. In the eighth round, the referee stopped the fight, with Marciano’s relentless power overwhelming Louis from the start.
Following his victory over Louis, Marciano scored wins against Lee Savold, Gino Buonvino, Bernie Reynolds, and Harry Matthews before challenging Jersey Joe Walcott for the Heavyweight World Championship. Walcott dismissed Marciano’s abilities, calling him a “bum” and a “hype job” before their bout. However, Marciano let his fists do the talking, knocking Walcott out in the 13th round to win the NYSAC, NBA, and Ring Magazine Heavyweight Championships. He went on to defend his titles six times, defeating fighters like Roland La Starza, Ezzard Charles, and Archie Moore. Marciano retired with an unblemished 49-0 record, solidifying his place as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
1. Muhammad Ali
If Muhammad Ali never turned pro, his amateur career alone would be the stuff of legend. Before turning professional in 1960 at 18, Ali was already an Olympic gold medalist and had won numerous trophies and national titles. He started his pro career with an impressive 19-0 record, including 15 knockouts, defeating legends like Archie Moore and Henry Cooper on his path to a title bout against Sonny Liston.
In one of the most shocking moments in boxing history, Ali, then a massive underdog, forced Liston to retire in the sixth round. He backed up his victory by knocking out Liston in their rematch the following year. Ali went on to defend his title 19 times, nearly all by KO/TKO, until he was controversially banned from boxing for three years after refusing to fight in the Vietnam War, leading to the loss of his belts.
Ali’s footwork, head movement, and iconic ‘rope-a-dope’ strategy left opponents baffled and unable to cope with his speed. His extraordinary self-confidence, rarely seen in boxing, allowed him to win fights before even throwing a punch, using mental games to get inside his opponent’s head. One of the most quotable athletes ever, his famous line, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” never overshadowed his unmatched skill in the ring.
After his ban, Ali returned with two victories before facing Joe Frazier in the legendary “Fight of the Century.” Though he lost by unanimous decision in their first meeting, he triumphed in their rematch three years later. This win set up a title fight with George Foreman, where Ali dazzled with a stunning performance, beginning his second reign as world champion. He successfully defended his title 10 times before losing to Leon Spinks.
He retired in 1981 with a 56-5 record, but his influence on the sport remains immense. “The Greatest” was much more than just a nickname for Muhammad Ali. He may have faced setbacks and defeats, but his style and talent were unlike anything seen in his era and his legacy is still present 65 years after his debut. Muhammad Ali sits at the top of the list of best boxers of all time.
