Boxing history is full of sublime technicians. These fighters dedicated their lives to mastering the sweet science.
Some went on to parlay their talents into becoming pay-per-view superstars and – in some cases – global icons. Others, meanwhile, didn’t find fame and fortune, but are globally appreciated for the skills they possessed and the impressive records they went on to achieve.
Below, GIVEMESPORT pays tribute to the best to ever step foot in a ring as we rank the 20 greatest pound-for-pound boxers in history.
Ranking factors include:
Overall record
Titles
Ability in the ring
20 greatest pound-for-pound boxers ever [20-11]
Position
Name
Nationality
Boxing record
20.
Evander Holyfield
American
44-10-2 (1 NC)
19.
Larry Holmes
American
69-6
18.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
Mexican
63-3-2
17.
Lennox Lewis
British
41-2-1
16.
Bernard Hopkins
American
55-8-2 (2 NC)
15.
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr
Mexican
107-6-2
14.
Pernell Whitaker
American
40-4-1 (1 NC)
13.
Oleksandr Usyk
Ukrainian
24-0
12.
Terence Crawford
American
42-0
11.
Harry Greb
American
108-8-3 (1 NC)
10 Roy Jones Jr
Professional record: 66-10
Winning a light middleweight silver medal at the 1988 summer Olympic Games, this sparked the beginning of an incredibly successful career for Jones Jr. Having had 76 professional fights throughout his career that spanned from 1989 to as recently as 2023, he boasts 66 wins during that time, with his first loss coming in 1997 to Montell Griffin, a loss that ended his near eight-year win streak. Holding multiple world championships in four different weight classes; middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight, Jones Jr showed an adaptability unlike many before or since, and will go down as one of the greatest to grace the sport.
9 Willie Pep
Professional record: 229-11-1
Reeling back the years for ninth on this list, and it is Willie Pep, a featherweight known by the nickname ‘Will O’ the Wisp’. The American boxed a 26-year career which saw him involved in a jaw-dropping 241 bouts. A two-time featherweight champion, Pep’s ability to defend and counter left him with 229 victories to his name, as he made himself one of the most feared men of the 1940s. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, and has since been dubbed the best featherweight of all time. Having passed away in 2006, he left a legacy in boxing that will stand the test of time.
8 Henry Armstrong
Professional record: 152-22-9
Having dabbled in the 1940s era of boxing, Armstrong brings it even further back, as he made a name for himself during the 1930s as the man who simultaneously held the featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight championships. Only losing 21 bouts in a career that saw him fight 180 times, Hurricane Hank’s 14-year career saw his unrelenting in-ring style bring him to the top of boxing, and find himself undoubtedly agreed upon as being one of the best to step into a ring.
7 Manny Pacquiao
Professional record: 62-8-3
Manny Pacquiao entering the ring
A fan favourite for years, the Philippine-born boxer dominated in various weight classes throughout his career, amassing 62 victories from 72 bouts. Having had classic bouts with the likes of Erik Morales, much like Armstrong, it was Pacquiao’s unrelenting in-ring style and speed that saw him maintain a level of success that not many will ever be able to reach. Pacquiao is still to this day the only boxer in history to win 12 world titles in eight different weight classes, from flyweight to light middleweight, a record that sees him unanimously viewed as one of the greatest of all time.
6 Rocky Marciano
Professional record: 49-0
The Rock from Brockton is next on this list, with the heavyweight managing a feat that has rarely been accomplished, ending his career with a flawless record of 49 wins from 49 fights. A man with a chin that couldn’t be rocked, Marciano holds the highest knockout-to-win percentage of any boxer in heavyweight title bouts, with an 85.71% success rate. With a career that only spanned eight years, he finds himself with a career much shorter than most and much more successful than most, something that plays a huge role in him being viewed as one of the best heavyweights ever.
5 Roberto Duran
Professional record: 103-16
Fifth place on this list is the Panamanian-born boxer, Roberto Duran, a man who, much like prior entrants, saw himself fight in several weight classes in a career that saw him win over 100 fights. From super featherweight to light heavyweight, the ‘Hands of Stone’ had a power that could rarely be stopped, and he made a name for himself as being a man who wouldn’t shy away from facing the best there was, hence the litany of weight classes he fought in. Having been voted the best lightweight of the 20th century, his world championships in lightweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight see him viewed as one of the best pressure fighters of his time.
4 Floyd Mayweather Jr
Professional record: 50-0
It wouldn’t be a list of boxing greats without ‘Money’ Mayweather being featured, and for good reason, as the American, much like Marciano, enjoyed a flawless career, with a 100% success rate in his 50 fights. The former 15-time world champion fought between super featherweight and light middleweight throughout his career, with his pretty footwork and ability to dodge punches making him a feared opponent for all. With a classic against the aforementioned Pacquiao, he also worked his magic against the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, dodging no man in his pursuit of becoming one of the best of all time.
3 Joe Louis
Professional record: 66-3
Making the podium on this list is none other than the ‘Brown Bomber’ Joe Louis. A man who held the heavyweight championship for a ludicrous 12 years, his right hand sees him known as one of the most ruthless punchers of all time. Competing from 1934 to 1951, his 25 consecutive successful title defences from 1937 to his temporary retirement in 1949 is a record still held to this day. He had a tenacity and bravery unlike many, making himself a fan favourite, as he went on to become one of the first African-Americans to achieve a hero-like status in the United States during a time of divide, an achievement that supersedes a career that all boxers dream of.
2 Sugar Ray Robinson
Professional record: 174-19-6 (2 NC)
With a career spanning three decades, it is easy to see why Robinson is viewed as pound-for-pound one of the greatest boxers of all time. A combination of perfect technique, speed, and power, Robinson managed to earn himself an impressive 174 career victories, a stat bested by his rumoured flawless amateur career of 85 straight victories. Turning professional at just 19 in 1940, Robinson went on to dominate until 1952, when he temporarily retired. Having won both the welterweight and middleweight world titles before his first retirement, his legacy proceeds him, as he will forever find himself brought up in the conversation of the greatest of all time.
1 Muhammad Ali
Professional record: 56-5
Taking the gold medal on this list of best pound-for-pound boxers of all time, and it is none other than Muhammad Ali. It is hard to begrudge a man nicknamed ‘the Greatest’, and in Ali’s case, he truly was, as he is still regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Having been voted Sportsman of the Century in 1999, Ali held Olympic Gold, and the WBA and Ring world heavyweight titles during this era of dominance. A success in the ring, his career outside was a huge success too, with Ali dedicating a lot of time to fighting against racial injustice and prejudices, a legacy any man would be proud of. Having infamous bouts against Joe Frazier, known as the Fight of the Century, Ali also competed in the Thrilla in Manila against Frazier. With the Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman also being on his CV, it is hard to argue against Muhammad Ali being the greatest boxer of all time.
England have survived a scare from DR Congo to set up a mouth-watering Mexico City reunion.
Harry Kane inspired England to a dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, dragging the Three Lions from the brink of elimination after Brian Cipenga’s early strike had stunned everyone in attendance.
Thomas Tuchel’s side toiled for over an hour against a disciplined and fearless Congolese outfit before two second-half goals turned the tie in their favour, setting up a round of 16 date with hosts Mexico in the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, going into Monday morning.
England Player Ratings vs DR Congo
Player
Rating
Jordan Pickford
6
Djed Spence
5
Ezri Konsa
7
Marc Guéhi
7
Nico O’Reilly
6
Elliot Anderson
6
Declan Rice
7
Noni Madueke
7
Jude Bellingham
7.5
Marcus Rashford
6.5
Harry Kane
9.5
Anthony Gordon (sub)
8.5
Bukayo Saka (sub)
7
Eberechi Eze (sub)
6
Congo Player Ratings vs England
Player
Rating
Lionel Mpasi
8.5
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
7.5
Chancel Mbemba
7.5
Axel Tuanzebe
6.5
Arthur Masuaku
6
Ngal’ayel Mukau
6
Samuel Moutoussamy
6.5
Noah Sadiki
6
Nathanaël Mbuku
6
Yoane Wissa
7
Brian Cipenga
7.5
Meschack Elia (sub)
6
Kane’s Brace Ends Congo Resistance
Nathan Ray Seebeck via Reuters
Kane was the difference in a game England had barely any right to win. Held at bay bay for the best part of 70 minutes, the captain finally broke through in the 75th, nodding home Anthony Gordon’s cross to level matters. He struck again soon after, latching onto a second Gordon assist to fire beyond Lionel Mpasi and move to 13 World Cup goals, overtaking Pele in the all-time charts.
Spence Errors Punished, Anthony Gordon Changes the Game
England’s Djed Spence
Djed Spence endured a difficult afternoon deputising at right-back, badly caught out for Cipenga’s seventh-minute opener as Congo exploited the space in behind the Three Lions. England were sluggish for long spells, before Tuchel’s introduction of Gordon and Saka on the hour mark injected the pace and directness that had been missing, with Gordon in particular proving the catalyst for the late turnaround.
The Los Angeles Lakers rank among the most decorated franchises in NBA history, winning 17 championships – just one fewer than the Boston Celtics’ all-time record – and establishing a legacy built on decades of sustained success.
From the iconic Showtime teams of the 1980s, which captured five championships in a 10-year stretch, to the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant dynasty that secured three straight titles between 2000 and 2002, the Lakers have delivered countless unforgettable moments while producing many of the greatest stars the game has ever witnessed.
Choosing the greatest Lakers players of all time is never an easy debate, so GIVEMESPORT turned to ChatGPT to select and rank the 10 finest players ever to represent the famous purple and gold.
While the AI’s rankings were based on individual achievements, team success, and overall influence, several legendary figures narrowly missed out on the top 10. Honourable mentions include Gail Goodrich, Michael Cooper, Byron Scott, A.C. Green, and Anthony Davis.
So, without further ado, here are the 10 greatest Los Angeles Lakers players of all time – ranked by AI.
10 Pau Gasol
2x NBA Champion, 3x All-Star (with Lakers)
Acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in a 2008 trade, Pau Gasol became a crucial piece of the Lakers’ back-to-back NBA championship teams in 2009 and 2010, forming an outstanding partnership alongside Kobe Bryant.
During his time in Los Angeles, Gasol averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists across 429 games. He also earned three All-Star selections and established himself as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
The National Basketball Association has seen dozens of stellar players over the years, but which 20 players have been the absolute best?
ChatGPT described Gasol as Kobe’s ‘perfect sidekick’ during the late 2000s, highlighting the significant impact he made after joining the Lakers from Memphis in 2008 and helping transform the franchise’s fortunes.
“Kobe Bryant’s perfect sidekick in the late 2000s. Intelligent, unselfish, and clutch in big moments. His acquisition changed the trajectory of the franchise in 2008.”
9 James Worthy
3x NBA Champion, 1x Finals MVP
Selected with the No.1 overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, James Worthy spent all 12 seasons of his NBA career with the Lakers and became a cornerstone of the franchise’s famous Showtime era.
Playing alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Worthy was an integral part of one of the greatest teams in NBA history, helping the Lakers capture three championships. His standout performance in the 1988 Finals also earned him Finals MVP honours.
According to AI, Worthy consistently justified his ‘Big Game James’ nickname and played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ dominance throughout the 1980s, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 926 games.
“‘Big Game James’ lived up to the nickname. Crucial to the Showtime Lakers with his slashing style and postseason heroics.”
8 Wilt Chamberlain
1x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 1x Finals MVP
Wilt Chamberlain spent the final five seasons of his legendary career with the Lakers and helped lead them to the 1972 NBA championship – the franchise’s first since moving to Los Angeles.
The dominant center was a key defensive anchor and rebounder during his time with the Lakers, and this is why ChatGPT placed him eighth on the greatest Lakers ever list.
“Not at his statistical peak with the Lakers, but still dominant. His 1972 championship team set a then-record 69 wins. He was a key defensive anchor and rebounder.”
Chamberlain averaged 19.2 rebounds, 17.7 points and 4.3 assists in 339 games for the Lakers and was named Finals MVP in 1972.
7 LeBron James
1x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 1x Finals MVP
LeBron James signed with the Lakers in 2018 and helped bring an end to the franchise’s decade-long championship drought by leading them to the NBA title in 2020.
During that season, he steered the Lakers to championship success inside the Orlando bubble and claimed Finals MVP honours, becoming the first player in NBA history to win the award with three different franchises – Miami, Cleveland and Los Angeles.
A player of this stature is always going to have a long que of potential suitors.
LeBron also surpassed the NBA’s all-time scoring record while wearing a Lakers uniform in 2023, and ChatGPT believes his continued elite level of play well into his late 30s has secured his place as the seventh-greatest Laker of all time.
“Though most of his legacy was made in Cleveland and Miami, he brought a title to the Lakers in 2020 and has continued elite play well into his late 30s.”
6 Elgin Baylor
11x All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team
Elgin Baylor joined the franchise in 1958 when it was still based in Minneapolis and became one of the Lakers’ original superstars and a true pioneer of modern basketball.
His athleticism, hang time and scoring ability were particular standouts at that point in time and helped him become the cornerstone of the team’s early success after the move to Los Angeles in 1960.
Baylor averaged 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 843 games for the Lakers and holds the record for most points in an NBA Finals game with 61, while ChatGPT called him a pioneer of above-the-rim play.
“Pioneered above-the-rim play. Though he never won a title, Baylor was ahead of his time in athleticism and scoring. Consistently carried the Lakers in the early days.”
5 Shaquille O’Neal
3x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 1x MVP
Arguably the most dominant NBA player of all time, Shaquille O’Neal joined the Lakers in 1996 as a free agent and immediately transformed the team into a title contender.
Shaq led the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 alongside Kobe Bryant and won three straight Finals MVP awards during that period.
His 2000 season was one of the most dominant in league history, as he was named regular season MVP and led the league in scoring, while, according to AI, his and Kobe’s duo was one of the most unstoppable in NBA history.
“Most dominant big man of his era. Shaq and Kobe formed one of the most unstoppable duos in NBA history. Peak Shaq (2000–2002) was nearly unstoppable.”
4 Jerry West
1x NBA Champion, 10x All-NBA First Team
Jerry West was the face of the Lakers throughout the 1960s and early 1970s and spent his entire 14-season career with the franchise, averaging 27.0 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 932 games.
Despite reaching the Finals nine times as a Laker, West only won the title once in 1972 alongside Wilt Chamberlain, while ChatGPT praised his clutch performances and ‘unmatched’ leadership.
“‘The Logo’ was a model of consistency and clutch performances. Despite multiple Finals losses, his talent and leadership were unmatched. He also became a successful executive for the Lakers post-playing.”
West’s silhouette became the inspiration for the NBA logo, while his legacy as a Laker extends beyond his playing days – he spent three seasons coaching the team from 1976 to 1979 and later worked as a general manager for almost two decades.
3 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
5x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 3x MVP
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined the Lakers in 1975 after a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks and went on to cement his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
Known for his signature skyhook, he helped lead the Lakers to five championships in the 1980s and was named MVP three times – adding to his collection of six (including three with Milwaukee)
“Dominant for over a decade with the Lakers. His skyhook and consistency made him an anchor during the Showtime run. Had more MVPs than any other Laker.”
Abdul-Jabbar averaged 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 1,093 games for the Lakers and was also named Finals MVP in 1985 at the age of 38.
He developed into a relentless competitor and an elite scorer during his time in Los Angeles, winning five NBA titles, earning 18 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections and a league MVP in 2008.
From record-breaking seasons to dynastic runs, here are the greatest teams in NBA history.
Kobe averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 1,346 games in the purple and gold uniform and scored 81 points in a single game in 2006 – the second-highest in league history.
“Spent entire 20-year career with the Lakers. His work ethic, killer instinct, and iconic moments (like 81 points vs. Raptors) made him a legend. No Laker has scored more points in purple and gold.”
1 Magic Johnson
5x NBA Champion, 3x MVP
Ultimately, AI named Magic Johnson as the greatest Lakers player of all time and praised him for revolutionising the point guard role with his size and unmatched vision.
“The face of the “Showtime” era, Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his size and vision. His leadership and clutch performances defined the 1980s Lakers dynasty. Arguably the most important Laker in terms of branding and winning.”
Johnson is regarded as arguably the greatest point guard in NBA history and was a leader of the Lakers during their iconic Showtime era, winning five championships, three league MVPs and a Finals MVP as a rookie in 1980.
He spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Lakers, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 906 games.
Man Utd are in the market for new midfielders this summer.
Man Utd Explore Fernandes Alternatives
via Reuters
According to a report from The Athletic, Manchester United have a host of names on their shortlist to strengthen their midfield options in the summer transfer window.
