There are several great boxers, but the most influential were undoubtedly the greats of the past. These men shaped boxing as it is known today, and their influence can be felt to this day. They deserve all the credit they’ve received. The list below includes Evander Holyfield, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, and many others. You might be surprised at who you find on the list. You will be inspired to learn more about these incredible fighters!
Rocky Marciano
The heavyweight champion of the world, Rocky Marciano, weighed in at around 188 pounds. His uncanny strength and determination never let him back down. He was known as the “Suzie Q” for his thunderous right. Marciano is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Read on to learn more about this legendary boxer. You may be surprised to learn about his many accomplishments.
Sugar Ray Robinson
In 1955, Sugar Ray Robinson was the welterweight champion. He had lost the title to Gene Fullmer in January but came back four months later and knocked him out in the fifth round. This fight is considered one of the greatest knockouts in boxing history. In addition to the left hook, Robinson also landed a right hand into Fullmer’s body. He followed up that punch with a textbook left hook that dropped Fullmer to the canvas.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, and he continues to be one of the most influential people in sports. He was also known for his humanitarian contributions, helping to free American hostages from Iraq. In 1984, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 2005, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The great boxer died on June 3, 2016.
Evander Holyfield
It’s easy to see why Evander Holyfield is considered to be one of the best boxers in history. Holyfield’s victory over Buster Douglas in Tokyo is considered one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. He won on scorecards and became only the third man in history to win back the heavyweight title from Douglas. His fight with Mike Tyson is also one of his best.
Willie Pep
Willie Pep was born in Middletown, Connecticut in 1922. He was the son of immigrants from Sicily and was first drawn to boxing as a self-defence technique. He dropped out of school at age 16 and began selling newspapers and shining shoes. He eventually began to become one of the world’s greatest boxers, winning over two hundred fights and becoming inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Julio Cesar Chavez
Chavez was one of the most successful boxers in history. He held six world titles in three weight classes. His first world title came in 1984 against Rocky Lockridge, and he also won the WBC Super Featherweight title in 1987. Chavez then fought in the lightweight division and defeated Juan Laporte and Rocky Lockridge. In 1989, Chavez defeated the WBA Champion Edwin Rosario in a controversial decision, and he won his next world title, the WBC Lightweight Championship, at the age of 27.
George Foreman
Foreman’s career spanned decades, but many still consider him a legend in the boxing world. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, and a talented striker, he had every chance to win the heavyweight championship. However, after losing the title to Tony Tucker, he turned to Christianity, dedicating himself to the worship of God. In fact, Foreman eventually became a reverend in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston. He dedicated himself to his community and family, opening a youth center named after him. Despite his failures in the ring, Foreman has since achieved business success, and has also been active in charitable endeavors.
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