Top 10 All-Time Greatest Heavyweights

SI Staff | Nov 18, 2009

Top 10 All-Time Greatest Heavyweights

Lennox Lewis

John Iacono/SI

The model of the modern super heavyweight, Lewis fought big, with a good jab and huge right hand. Much of his success came from his learning and adapting throughout his career.

Rocky Marciano

Hy Peskin/SI

Marciano was the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated. Seemingly impervious to punishment, the "Brockton Blockbuster" was often outsized, but never outworked.

Joe Frazier

Tony Triolo/SI

Relentless, swarming and implacable with that terrible, swift left hook -- there was no place to hide when Joe was Smokin'.

George Foreman

Neil Leifer, John Iacono/SI

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.

Jack Dempsey

AP

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

Jack Johnson

Durant Collection/SI

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

Larry Holmes

John Iacono, Tony Triolo, Joe DiMaggio, Lane Stewart, Manny Millan/SI

His 20 successful title defenses are second only to Louis's 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."

Sonny Liston

Mark Kauffman, John G. Zimmerman/SI

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

Joe Louis

AP

He was the classic boxer-puncher, and the greatest finisher in heavyweight history.

Muhammad Ali

Neil Leifer/SI

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