Richard O'Brien's Top 10 Heavyweights

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 12, 2010

Richard O'Brien's Top 10 Heavyweights

Muhammad Ali

He said he was "The Greatest" and, you know what? He was. Speed, grace, a transcendent ring intelligence and miraculous resilience made Ali a legend in the ring.

Joe Louis

The Brown Bomber was was the classic boxer-puncher and the greatest finisher in heavyweight history.

Sonny Liston

At his peak, Liston was an absolute destroyer (ask Floyd Patterson) and a far more complete fighter than he is given credit for.

Larry Holmes

His 20 successful title defenses are second only to Louis' 25. With an unmatched jab and tremendous ring smarts, Holmes described his crafty style by saying, "You always got to make somebody drunk before you mug him."

Jack Johnson

The first black heavyweight champion and the first truly modern champion, Johnson had great speed, power in both hands and was a defensive wizard.

Jack Dempsey

The "Manassa Mauler" was a ferocious attacking force and pound-for-pound the hardest puncher in heavyweight history. Electrifying in action.

George Foreman

Though inelegant at times, Big George was an irresistible offensive force. In 1987, after a 10-year layoff, he returned older and heavier but smarter than ever and nearly as effective.

Joe Frazier

Relentless, swarming and implacable, with that terrible, swift left hook, there was nowhere to hide when Joe was Smokin.

Rocky Marciano

The only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, Marciano was a bruising puncher seemingly impervious to pain. Often outsized, the Brockton Blockbuster was never outworked.

Mike Tyson

The youngest heavyweight champion in history, Iron Mike in his prime was a positively pyrotechnic blend of speed and power -- and one of boxing's most intimidating figures.