- Joe Louis has the longest title reign in boxing history with 11 years and eight months as the heavyweight world champion.
- There have been nine undisputed world champions in boxing history since the four-belt era.
- Wilfred Benitez is the youngest boxing champion in history and George Foreman is the oldest heavyweight champion.
“A champion is not a champion unless he has successfully defended his title” is the famous saying in combat sports, and boxing champions have proved time and again they are true champions of the sport by defending their world titles multiple times.
Current titleholders and boxing stars like Canelo Alvarez, Naoya Inoue, Terence Crawford, and Tyson Fury are leading the list of the top boxers today and are constantly boxing odds favourites when they step into the ring.
But who holds the longest title reign in boxing history?
Who Has the Longest Title Reign in Boxing History?
Heavyweight legend Joe Louis holds the record for the longest title reign in boxing history as he held the heavyweight title for 11 years and eight months. He captured the title in June 1937, defeating Jim Braddock via eighth-round knockout.
Louis held the title until March 1949 when he relinquished the belt due to retirement. His last fight before retirement was an 11th-round knockout of Jersey Joe Walcott in June 1948. He finished his career with a record of 66 wins, with 52 TKO/KO and three losses.
How Many Undisputed Boxers Are There Now?
There have been nine undisputed boxers across all divisions since the four-belt era in 2004, where four boxing bodies are considered the major organizations that give out world titles. The list includes the following boxing superstars:
- Bernard Hopkins
- Jermain Taylor
- Terence Crawford (two weight divisions)
- Oleksandr Usyk
- Josh Taylor
- Canelo Alvarez Alvarez
- Jermell Charlo
- Devin Haney
- Naoya Inoue (two weight divisions)
Who Has the Most Title Defences in Heavyweight History?
Joe Louis also holds the most title defences in heavyweight history with 25 as his reign of 11 years and eight months produced this remarkable record. Some notable opponents he beat during the stretch were Nathan Mann, Max Schmeling, Bob Pastor, Buddy Baer, and Walcott (twice).
Not only was Joe Louis a great fighter, he was an example to everyone and became the leading figure in the boxing business for nearly two decades. He set defenses records for all divisions, with 25 of them. He looked invincible, no matter who his rival was. pic.twitter.com/13edX6m5oT
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) October 16, 2023
Who Is the Youngest Title Holder in Boxing History?
The youngest title holder in boxing history is Wilfred Benitez who captured the WBA Super Light Welterweight belt at 17. He defeated Antonio Cervantes in a close split decision result in 1976. Benitez eventually became a three-division world champion and a lineal light welterweight champion.
Who Is the Oldest Heavyweight Boxing Champion in History?
The oldest heavyweight champion in history is George Foreman, who became the WBA and IBF World Heavyweight champion at 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round of their heavyweight clash.
Today in 1994, George Foreman becomes the oldest heavyweight champion at age 45.#TodayInSports #ThrowbackThursday
— TodayInSports (@TodayInSportsCo) November 5, 2020
Foreman fought until November 1997 and lost to Shannon Briggs via majority decision in his last fight. He ended his career with 76 wins (68 TKO/KO) and five losses.
