- Muhammad Ali was a boxing world champion who competed professionally for 21 years.
- Ali was a three-time lineal heavyweight world champion and defeated other sports’ top names.
- Ali’s incredible boxing skills were paired with his colourful personality and unmatched charisma outside the ring.
Professional boxing has produced several personalities that elevated the sport’s status as one of the most exciting disciplines in combat sports. The heavyweights are often considered the most glamorous and popular weight class among the different divisions in boxing due to the action-packed fights they generate.
But who among the long list of heavyweight stars is considered the best boxer in history? Why is he regarded as the premier boxer? And what are the accolades he achieved to be known as the finest athlete in the division?
Who Is the Best Heavyweight Boxer in History?
The best heavyweight boxer in history is undoubtedly Cassius Clay, better known as Muhammad Ali, and the boxing odds of modern-day athletes replicating his accomplishments are unfeasible. Before transitioning to the professional ranks, Ali was an accomplished amateur fighter who won an Olympic gold medal during the 1960 games in Rome.
In the same year, he made his pro debut and collected 19 straight wins to earn his shot for the WBA and WBC heavyweight world title against Sonny Liston in February 1964. Ali scored a sixth-round retirement win over Linston to capture the two titles.
His combination of power, speed, and footwork has helped Ali defend his world title multiple times against the likes of Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo, Karl Mildenberger, and Oscar Bonavena. Although he was stripped of his world title and suspended for refusing to enter the military, the Louisville native was able to reclaim his throne.
(1966) Even in a suit, Muhammad Ali's footwork was unreal. pic.twitter.com/EFSvM4INhe
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) August 22, 2017
Ali added Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, George Foreman, and Leon Spinks to his legendary pile of wins. He only sustained five losses throughout his two-decade career inside the ring. Another major boxing achievement Ali has is that he is the only three-time lineal world heavyweight champion. He finished his career with 56 wins and 37 TKO/KOs.
Besides his boxing skills, Ali is also an icon outside the sports world because he used his popularity to subdue social issues such as justice, equality, and religious freedom. At the peak of his fame, Ali was also a headline in major news outside of boxing for standing for his beliefs.
This transformative influence on both sports and social issues for multiple generations has rightfully earned him the moniker of “The Greatest.”
Who Is the Hardest Punching Heavyweight in Boxing History?
Former WBC World Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is known to be the hardest-punching heavyweight in boxing history because of his 98% finish rate. Wilder scored 42 TKO/KOs out of his 43 wins. The only boxer to survive his power throughout 12 rounds is Bermane Stiverne.
Is There a Max Weight for Heavyweight Boxing?
There is no maximum weight for boxers who want to compete in the heavyweight division, as long as they are over 201 pounds. The only requirement for boxers to officially compete in the weight class is to show up during the weigh-ins.
Who Is the Only Undefeated Heavyweight Champion in Boxing History?
The only undefeated heavyweight champion in boxing history is Rocky Marciano who collected 49 wins with 43 TKO/KOs during his eight-year professional career. He was known to be a boxer who hunted his opponents down with an aggressive style. Several notable boxers that Marciano defeated during his career were Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, and Archie Moore.
