Throughout boxing history, the heavyweight division has produced legendary figures whose size, skill, and cultural impact shaped the sport.
From Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali to modern icons like Lennox Lewis and Oleksandr Usyk, these champions have defined eras with their dominance and charisma.
Today, fighters such as Usyk, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois continue to elevate the division with record-breaking performances and global recognition.
Ranking the best is complex, balancing legacy, influence, and achievement, but the greatest heavyweights consistently stand out for their power, resilience, and ability to captivate audiences.
Here are the top 10 best heavyweight boxers of all time, celebrating their contributions to boxing history:
10. Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson, known as “Iron Mike,” is a legendary American boxer who began his professional career in 1985 and quickly rose to prominence as the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20.
He is the only boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming the undisputed champion from 1987 to 1990.
Tyson’s record stands at 50 wins (44 by knockout) and 6 losses, with his aggressive style and devastating power making him a global icon.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and remains a cultural figure, influencing boxing and pop culture worldwide.
9. Wladimir Klitschko
Wladimir Wladimirovitsch Klitschko is an intelligent and strategic boxer who is considered the strongest puncher among the top 10 heavyweight boxers of all time.
Wladimir was known for his knockout power, using the straight right hand, strong jab, left hook, and excellent footwork.
He won the world heavyweight championship two times, including the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring magazine.
Also won an Olympic Gold in the super heavyweight division and the European Championship in the year 1996. Made his retirement announcement in 2017.
Defeated a total of 23 boxers in his entire career, which is an all-time record.
8. Jack Dempsey
William Harrison “Jack” Dempsey, a dominant figure in early 20th-century boxing, reigned as the World Heavyweight Champion from 1919 to 1926.
Known as the “Manassa Mauler,” Dempsey combined an aggressive fighting style with powerful punching to become one of boxing’s greatest champions.
His 1919 victory over Jess Willard marked the start of his championship tenure, during which he set financial and attendance records, including hosting boxing’s first million-dollar gate in the legendary 1921 bout against Georges Carpentier broadcast by radio.
Ranked 10th among all-time heavyweight champions and 7th among the greatest punchers in The Ring magazine’s list, Dempsey was a charter inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, revered for his transformative impact on professional boxing.
7. Lennox Lewis
Lennox Claudius Lewis, known as “The Lion,” is one of the greatest British heavyweight boxers in history.
He won regional titles such as British, European, and Commonwealth early in his career before becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion and two-time lineal champion, remaining the last undisputed heavyweight champion.
Lewis captured Olympic Gold in 1988, Commonwealth Gold in 1986, and Pan American Games Gold in 1987, adding multiple world and North American championships to his legacy.
He unified the WBC, WBA, IBO, and IBF titles and defeated legends like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Lewis retired with a record of 41 wins (32 by knockout), 2 losses, and 1 draw. He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a boxing icon.
6. Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier, nicknamed “Smokin’ Joe,” is one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. He reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973, known for his relentless aggression, durability, and devastating left hook.
Frazier defeated legends like Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, winning the “Fight of the Century” in 1971 and becoming the first to beat Ali.
He compiled a record of 32 wins (27 by knockout), 4 losses, and 1 draw over 37 professional fights.
Frazier also won Olympic gold in 1964 and was rated among the top 10 heavyweights by the International Boxing Research Organization.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a boxing icon.
5. George Foreman
George Edward Foreman, known as “Big George,” is a legendary American boxer, minister, entrepreneur, and author.
He won Olympic gold in 1968 and unified the WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight titles in the 1970s, defeating Joe Frazier in a historic bout.
After retiring in 1977, Foreman made a remarkable comeback in 1994 at age 45, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion by defeating Michael Moorer and holding the record for the longest gap between world title reigns.
He retired for good in 1997 with a record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and 5 losses. Foreman was inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and remains a celebrated figure in boxing history.
4. Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes, known as “The Easton Assassin,” is a legendary American heavyweight boxer who competed from 1973 to 2002.
He held the WBC heavyweight title from 1978 to 1983, the lineal title from 1980 to 1985, and the inaugural IBF title from 1983 to 1985.
Holmes is renowned for his exceptional left jab, considered one of the best in boxing history, and defended his titles against 19 fighters, making him the second-most in heavyweight history.
He notably defeated Muhammad Ali in 1980, becoming the only boxer to stop Ali in a title fight. Holmes retired in 2002 at age 52 with a record of 69 wins (44 by knockout) and 6 losses.
He is frequently ranked among the greatest heavyweights and was inducted into both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
3. Rocky Marciano
Rocco Francis Marciano, known as Rocky Marciano, is the only heavyweight champion in boxing history to retire undefeated.
He held the world heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956, finishing his career with a perfect record of 49 wins, 43 by knockout, and no losses.
Marciano was famous for his relentless aggression, exceptional stamina, powerful punching, and durable chin.
His knockout-to-win ratio of 87.76% remains one of the highest in heavyweight history. He scored notable victories over legends like Jersey Joe Walcott, Joe Louis, and Ezzard Charles, defending his title 25 times, which is a record for any weight division.
Ranked 14th among the greatest punchers by The Ring magazine and inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, Marciano’s legacy as an iconic, undefeated champion endures.
2. Joe Louis
Joe Louis, known as the “Brown Bomber,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history.
He reigned as world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, holding the title for a record 11 years and 8 months, which is the longest single reign in any division.
During his career, Louis defended his title 25 consecutive times, a record unmatched in heavyweight boxing, and fought 27 championship bouts, winning 26 of them.
His career record stands at 66 wins (52 by knockout) and 3 losses. Louis was celebrated for his accuracy, power, and ability to transcend racial barriers, becoming a national hero in the United States.
He was ranked as the best heavyweight of all time by the International Boxing Research Organization in 2005 and remains a top entry in The Ring magazine’s list of greatest punchers.
1. Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali, widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time by publications like Sports Illustrated, BBC, and ESPN, is also celebrated as one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century.
He won Olympic gold in 1960 at age 18 and went on to become a three-time lineal heavyweight champion, defeating 21 opponents for the world title and winning 14 unified title bouts, a record that stood for 35 years. Ali’s professional record is 56 wins (37 by knockout) and 5 losses.
He is the only boxer to be named “The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year” six times and was a key figure in boxing history, known for his legendary fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman. Beyond boxing, Ali was a renowned activist and philanthropist, leaving a lasting legacy in sports and society.