Sports

Boxing’s 20 Greatest Heavyweights of All Time Ranked by Fans

Published

3 months ago

March 27, 2026

admin

The heavyweight division in boxing is the most historic and iconic division in the sport’s history. The division has been the home to the most hyped and biggest fights ever due to its larger-than-life characters and the knowledge in the back of everyone’s mind that a whole fight can be turned upside down in the blink of an eye due to the power that the fighters at this weight possess.

The discussion of the greatest heavyweights of all time is sometimes a difficult and uncomfortable one as there have been many iconic fighters over the years who have left an incredible legacy on the sport of boxing.

With that said, Ranker has produced a list which has been voted on and put together by fans to decide the 20 greatest heavyweights of all time. GIVEMESPORT will today take you through the full ranking, which features iconic names such as Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and current unbeaten champion Oleksandr Usyk, and reveal to you who has been voted the best ever by the fans in boxing’s most iconic division.

20 Greatest Heavyweights of All Time (20-11)
Rank	Boxer	Professional/Official Boxing Record (as of 21/03/25)
20.	Gene Tunney	65-1-1-1-17 (NC/Newspaper Decisions/Draws)
19.	Riddick Bowe	43-1-1 (NC)
18.	Ken Norton	42-7-1
17.	Tyson Fury	34-2-1
16.	Jack Dempsey	63-6-9-6 (Newspaper Decisions/Draws)
15.	Floyd Patterson	55-8-1
14.	Oleksandr Usyk	24-0
13.	Vitali Klitschko	45-2
12.	Wladimir Klitschko	64-5
11.	Rocky Marciano	49-0

10

Sonny Liston

Professional boxing record: 50-4

Recognised by many as one of the most terrifying fighters in professional boxing history due to his iron chin and vicious power in both hands, Sonny Liston is the 10th greatest heavyweight of all time according to Ranker’s fan vote. The Arkansas-native may not have been the most slick of fighters, but he certainly knew how to get the job done.

Prior to his two clashes with Muhammad Ali in 1964 and 1965, Liston had pure dominance over the heavyweight division and was an incredible KO artist. As mentioned, Liston may not have had the slick boxing ability of other heavyweight greats, but he possessed dynamite in both hands and an iron chin, which are two of the most terrifying traits a boxer can have.

Sonny Liston’s professional boxing record
54 fights	50 wins	4 losses
By knockout	39	3
By decision	11	1

9

Jack Johnson

Official boxing record: 54-11-8-4-17 (newspaper decisions/draws)

Jack Johnson’s incredible legacy in boxing will stand the test of time as he is the heavyweight division’s first-ever black champion. In 1908, Johnson became the first African American heavyweight champion and is credited as one of the main reasons for other black fighters’ success further down the line, such as Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis.

Unlike most of the heavyweights who competed in the same era as Johnson, he possessed much more than just a hard punch and was considered by many to be a defensive genius who would at times toy with his opponents, therefore frustrating them, leading them to rush in and make mistakes.

Jack Johnson’s official boxing record
94 fights	54 wins	11 losses
By knockout	34	6
By decision	15	4
By disqualification	5	1
Draws	8
No contests	4
Newspaper decisions/draws	17

8

Larry Holmes

Professional boxing record: 69-6

Despite never being given as much love and appreciation as fellow heavyweight greats such as Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes is arguably the most consistent heavyweight in boxing history and is extremely underrated. ‘The Easton Assassin’ is the only fighter to have ever defeated Ali via stoppage, which shows just how good he was.

Just like Jack Johnson, Holmes was somewhat of a rarity in the heavyweight division while he was active as he never relied on power or his chin, but instead focused on defensive brilliance and a tidy jab. Holmes adopting such a clean and efficient style saw him able to compete into his 50s, becoming a fighter with some of the best longevity we will ever see.

Larry Holmes’ professional boxing record
75 fights	69 wins	6 losses
By knockout	44	1
By decision	25	5

7

Evander Holyfield

Professional boxing record: 44-10-2-1 (no contests)

Many fighters throughout boxing history have made the jump from cruiserweight to heavyweight, but not many were as successful at doing so as Evander Holyfield. Holyfield took his cruiserweight slickness and skill and utilised it seamlessly in the heavyweight division, where he became the only fighter ever to win the heavyweight title on four separate occasions.

‘The Real Deal’ has one of the best and most decorated resumes in boxing history, holding victories over icons of the sport such as Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Larry Holmes. What makes Holyfield’s success in the heavyweight division even more impressive is the fact that he was never the biggest of heavyweights, therefore he had to rely on his skill and heart a lot to get through fights.

Evander Holyfield’s professional boxing record
57 fights	44 wins	10 losses
By knockout	29	2
By decision	14	8
By disqualification	1	0
Draws	2
No contests	1

6

Lennox Lewis

Professional boxing records: 41-2-1

Due to his lack of one-punch KO power and, at times, unwillingness to throw down and have a war, Lennox Lewis is often not given as much praise as he should be given. The British-Canadian describes himself as a “pugilist specialist” and that is exactly what he was: a master of boxing.

While the likes of Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko are given the most praise for the technical big man style, Lewis is arguably the first heavyweight to have adopted that style, and he maybe did it better than anyone has ever done. Lewis’ movement, jab, and fight IQ are what set him apart from other heavyweights as a true great of the sport.

Lennox Lewis’s professional boxing record
44 fights	41 wins	2 losses
By knockout	32	2
By decision	7	0
By disqualification	2	0
Draws	1

5

Joe Frazier

Professional boxing record: 32-4-1

Having become undisputed heavyweight champion and the winner of an Olympic gold medal, Joe Frazier is one of the best and most accomplished heavyweight boxers to have ever lived. Although Frazier is most known for his iconic rivalry with Muhammad Ali, his ability inside the ring is as good as we have ever seen and probably will ever see again.

Frazier competed in some of the biggest heavyweight clashes ever against Ali and produced some of the most iconic moments ever, in particular, the cinematic-like left hook he landed on Ali and broke his jaw with in “The Fight of the Century” in 1971. ‘Smokin’ simply had it all, heart, durability, devastating body work, and a left hook which acted almost as a get-out-of-jail card it was that good.

Joe Frazier’s professional boxing record
37 fights	32 wins	4 losses
By knockout	27	3
By decision	5	1
Draws	1

4

Mike Tyson

Professional boxing record: 50-7-2

Perhaps the most terrifying fighter the sport of boxing has ever witnessed, Mike Tyson is an absolute must to mention when discussing the greats of the heavyweight division. ‘Iron’ is often credited as the main reason why the heavyweight division was revitalised in the 80s due to his incredible aura and devastating style.

Despite being one of the biggest power punchers and draws in heavyweight history, Tyson’s greatest achievement is undoubtedly becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever at just the age of 20 years old. Tyson’s dominance began in 1986 and completely obliterated everyone in his path for the years following, prior to his shock defeat to Buster Douglas.

Mike Tyson’s professional boxing record
59 fights	50 wins	7 losses
By knockout	44	5
By decision	5	1
By disqualification	1	1
No contests	2

3

George Foreman

Professional boxing record: 76-5

Arguably the most devastating and brutal KO artist in boxing history, George Foreman has been voted the second-greatest heavyweight of all time. Foreman’s career holds some of the most iconic moments in heavyweight history, including his Rumble in the Jungle showdown with Muhammad Ali in 1974, and his 1994 victory over Michael Moorer, which made him the oldest champion in heavyweight history.

While also being one of the most marketable athletes ever due to his immense success with George Foreman Grill, ‘Big George’ was a destroyer in the ring and is known for being one of the most brutal and devastating power punchers in boxing history, which helped him seamlessly make a return to the sport after a decade long retirement in 1987.

George Foreman’s professional boxing record
81 fights	76 wins	5 losses
By knockout	68	1
By decision	8	4

2

Joe Louis

Professional boxing record: 66-3

Constant long-term success in the heavyweight division of any combat sport is somewhat of a rarity given the fact that things can change with just one strike. However, Joe Louis somehow managed to completely clear out and dominate boxing’s heaviest weight class and is still to this day the longest-reigning undisputed champion in the division’s history.

Louis held undisputed status for almost 12 years and is recognised as one of the best and most influential boxers ever, not only in the heavyweight division. Think of any key boxing trait and Louis excelled at it. Whether it was technique, power, precision, or combinations, Louis had it all, and it made him an almost impossible puzzle to solve.

Joe Louis’ professional boxing record
69 fights	66 wins	3 losses
By knockout	52	2
By decision	13	1
By disqualification	1	0

1

Muhammad Ali

Professional boxing record: 56-5

The man who changed the game. Muhammad Ali has been voted the greatest heavyweight boxer ever. Despite being one of the best and most naturally talented fighters ever, Ali’s impact on the sport of boxing as a whole is what has featured him so highly in these types of conversations for many years, as he changed the game when it came to big-money bouts, swagger, and trash talk.

Away from the glamour of being involved in some of the biggest bouts ever, in terms of sheer boxing skill, Ali was as good as anyone. The Kentucky-native, as well as winning Olympic gold in 1960, became the first boxer ever to win the heavyweight title on three separate occasions. Such success in such a hard division can only be achieved by true greats and that is exactly what Ali was and will always be.

Muhammad Ali’s professional boxing record
61 fights	56 wins	5 losses
By knockout	37	1
By decision	19	4

Information correct as of 27/03/2026

Sports

Mark Hughes’ Son, Alex, Passes Away Aged 38

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

admin

Former Manchester United forward Mark Hughes has revealed the sudden passing of his 38-year-old son, Alex, in a heartbreaking statement on Saturday night.

Hughes senior, 62, most recently managed Carlisle United, but he left the club at the end of May after failing to win promotion from the National League.

Prior to that, he had a journeyman managerial career with stops such as Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Southampton, and Bradford City. But now, family matters are of primary importance, following this week’s sad news.

Mark Hughes’ Emotional Statement After Passing of Alex

In an emotional family statement shared via the League Managers Association (LMA), he wrote: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.

“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo. Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.”

It concluded: “We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss,” with the circumstances around the tragedy currently unknown.

Born in 1987, while dad Mark was contracted to Barcelona, Alex had a brief football career in Wales before moving into a variety of behind-the-scenes roles. As per The Sun, he earned his stripes as a match analyst at Blackburn before Man City took him on as a scout.

Alex then worked as chief analyst at another of his dad’s former clubs, Fulham, before forging his own path with advisory roles at 1860 Munich and Reading. In 2024, he took over as director of football at AFC Fylde before returning to prominent scouting roles at Morecambe and Grimsby.

Sports

Liverpool Fans Cast Yan Diomande Verdict After Germany vs Ivory Coast

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2026

admin

All eyes were firmly on teenager Yan Diomande during Germany vs Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup. The RB Leipzig winger has been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool this summer, and fans have now had their say.

Replacing Mohamed Salah was never going to be an easy task after the Egyptian King brought his nine-year spell at Anfield to an end last month. It’s certainly proving to be a costly mission, with Diomande’s current club slapping a £100 million+ price tag on his head.

Not only are Andoni Iraola’s side looking for a player who can play on the right flank, but Diomande’s versatility is likely a very appealing trait. For his country, he started on the left-hand side of attack following an impressive debut in the competition vs Ecuador.

Yan Diomande Catches the Eye vs Germany

Joshua Kimmich (Germany) vs Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

It was a slow start at Toronto Stadium for the young forward. Diomande had several loose touches, giving the ball away needlessly in the opening exchanges.

Even with his lightning speed, he was struggling to get on the end of his own heavy touches. However, the first hydration break shortly after the 23-minute mark definitely woke him up.

The 19-year-old looked like a different player once proceedings got back underway. He gave veteran full-back Joshua Kimmich a torrid time with his lightning-quick feet and fearless dribbling ability.

⚽

World Cup History Quiz

You scored

out of 20

He was key to the opening goal as Diomande breezed past Kimmich before firing a dangerous ball into the area. It eventually fell to Franck Kessie, who put the ball in the net. From that moment on, the Germans were terrified of what the young Ivorian could do.

Liverpool fans were conducting their own scouting mission while watching from home. “Liverpool just pay the f****** money for Diomande; this kid is top quality,” one supporter pleaded.

Andoni Iraola’s Dream Liverpool XI If He Replaces Arne Slot Would Cost Just £190m

Andoni Iraola has been linked with the Liverpool job, and could have an ideal starting 11 next season.

Another compared Diomande to Ousmane Dembele, who has a similar turn of pace: “A stop-start move on either side from Diomande is as good as peak Dembele.”

Even ex-Red Daniel Sturridge was raving about the performance, posting: “Diomande is causing all kinds of trouble. Africa always produces amazing attackers, and he’s next up. Love his game.”

One fan simply said: “Diomande that is incredible wowwwww,” while another compared him to a Liverpool great: “Yan Diomande showing us all that Sadio Mane trait. Stand the defender up, slow, slow, slow and then boom! He’s gone. Impossible to defend. What a talent.”

Sports

World Cup Fans Praise Alexander Isak’s Display in Netherlands 5-1 Sweden

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2026

admin

World Cup viewers have cast a very strong verdict on Liverpool striker Alexander Isak after he struggled to find a bolt from the blue in Sweden’s attempts to turn around a 5-1 loss against the Netherlands on Saturday evening.

After a slow start to this summer’s tournament with a 2-2 stalemate with Japan in their opener, Ronald Koeman’s side – featuring a trio of Isak’s clubmates – found a way to change their own fortunes and find an instant response to concerns they may not continue to build on their reputation as perennial dark horses.

But while the scoreline might suggest the reaction to Sweden’s number nine is bound to be negative, there were parts of his game that shone stateside. There was a feeling that his teammates let him down somewhat, too, and points being made on social media make for an interesting – and insightful – read.

How World Cup Fans Have Reacted to Isak’s Performance vs Netherlands

One X user wrote of Isak, who also still managed to grab an assist: “Isak had such a good first half, he started all three of Sweden’s best moves,” while another added:

“Alexander Isak’s masterclass against Holland. He drops deep to receive, inside, with his back to goal, then opens up wider on the wing. He creates space, launches his teammates into attack. Self-sacrificing and committed.”

Of course, Liverpool fans had a lot to say as well, and it would seem his fitness level is slowly getting back to how it was with Newcastle, prompting more positive reactions. As one supporter put it: “Alexander Isak is definitely returning to his level. He’s a huge footballer, huge. He has the full repertoire to lead the front line and invent plays out of thin air.”

Another continued: “One thing I’m proper excited about seeing from Alexander Isak for Sweden here, is that he’s playing really well with a second striker alongside him in Victor Gyokeres. That means him and Hugo Ekitike can do the same at Liverpool. Exciting thought.”

Statistics Support the Idea that Isak is Returning to Form

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike comes on as a substitute to replace Alexander Isak

After registering three goal involvements last week, it would surely have been a tough ask for Isak to continue that rich vein of form, especially when his team found themselves with their backs against the wall for the majority of their visit to the Houston Stadium. But his FotMob rating suggests he did just that.

In fact, he was the fourth highest-rated player on the pitch, with Cody Gakpo earning Man of the Match with two goals and an assist. Isak created the most chances of any player with four, while registering a shot on target, a 100 per cent dribble success rate, all while also winning both his ground duels.

Perhaps the most promising part of his game that cannot be tied to statistics, though, is how often he was chasing the ball, making runs, or coming short to pick up the ball from deep or out wide. His movement, especially under an expansive head coach like Andoni Iraola, will provide his teammates with an incredible asset in attacking plays next term.