Top 10 All-Time Greatest Middleweights

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Nov 18, 2009

Top 10 All-Time Greatest Middleweights

Jake LaMotta

The first fighter to beat Sugar Ray Robinson, the legendarily tough "Bronx (and, of course, "Raging") Bull" also held wins over the likes of Fritzie Zivic, Bob Satterfield and Marcel Cerdan.

Bob Fitzsimmons

"Ruby" Robert was boxing's first three-division champion, taking the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles after holding the middleweight crown from 1891 until he relinquished it in 1897. The New Zealander was of the hardest punchers, pound-for-pound, in boxing history.

Dick Tiger

The Nigerian native was an indomitable force in the ring, tenacious and extremely durable. Tiger, who's real name was Richard Ihetu, was one of the most exciting fighters of the early 1960s, having won the light heavyweight title in 1966.

Charley Burley

So feared that he was avoided by many of the best middleweights of the 1940s (including Marcel Cerdan and Ray Robinson), Burley never got a shot at a title. Archie Moore, who did fight Burley -- and lost -- called him the toughest man he ever faced.

Stanley Ketchel

Known as the "Michigan Assassin," Ketchel was described by contemporaries as "savage," "reckless," "a demon of the roped square," "supremely confident," "a killer," and, indeed, "the greatest middleweight who ever lived." His career was cut short when he was fatally shot at age 24 in 1910, still in his prime.

Mickey Walker

At 5-foot-7, the "Toy Bulldog" took on all comers, all the way up to heavyweight. Fast, durable and a big puncher with either hand, Walker was one of the most exciting champions of the 1920s.

Marvin Hagler

"Marvelous" Marvin was the hardest-working man in the boxing biz, and a rugged southpaw who made every fight a war.

Carlos Monzon

The Argentine hero -- a tall, elegant fighter with a thunderous right hand -- recorded a then-record 14 successful title defenses at middleweight in the 1970s.

Sugar Ray Robinson

The greatest ever, pound-for-pound, reached his peak as a welterweight. He wasn't bad at 160, though, winning the title five times. In short, his blend of speed, boxing ability and power were unmatched.

Harry Greb

The speedy, swarming "Pittsburgh Windmill" fought and beat the best in every division from middleweight to heavyweight during the late teens and '20s. He was the only man ever to beat Gene Tunney.