Hooks and jabs: 5 greatest boxers in history
One of the most popular combat sports, boxing has a rich and varied history. There have been some iconic champions of the sport, some who have left a huge mark in popular culture and punched their ways to immortality. So get ready for 15-round of action, gloves put on and muscles tensed. Here we present the 5 greatest boxers of all time!
Two men enter the ring, Tyson leaves as champion
If it was not for his out-of-the-ring problems, Tyson would have featured even higher in this list. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 when he knocked down Trevor Berbick in two rounds in 1986. Out of the 58 matches which he fought in his career, he won 44 by knock-outs. His fierce punches and intimidating style make him of the GOATs.
The Galveston Giant was a true legend
The first African-American world heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson held his title from 1908 to 1915. Johnson participated in the 'Fight of the Century' on July 4 1990, when he faced off against James Jeffries. Fighting professionally from 1897 to 1928, he won 40 of his matches by knock-out. During his career, Johnson battled racism and paved the way for other African-American fighters.
Undisputed champion: The astounding Rocky Marciano
The only boxing champion in world history to retire undefeated, Rocky Marciano surely makes his way here. The inspiration behind Stallone's Rocky Balboa, Marciano was known for his relentless fighting style and an exceptionally durable chin. He held the world heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1956. His knock-out-to-win percentage of 87.76 remains the highest ever in the sport of boxing.
The incredible records of the Brown Bomber
Joe Louis fought through the World War II as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949. His reign lasted for 140 consecutive months, in which he defended his title successfully 26 times. He has an incredible record of winning 66 matches and losing just 3 in his entire career. Losing his title to Max Schmeling. Louis won the rematch in 2 minutes flat.
Inspiring, controversial, polarizing: The true GOAT of boxing
Ali is one of the most popular sporting figures of the 20th century. He won a gold medal at the 1960 summer Olympics as an 18-year old, and at 22 he won the WBA, WCA and the lineal heavyweight championships from Sonny Liston. Named Athlete of the Century by Sports Illustrated and BBC, Ali was a three-time world heavyweight champion.
