Ranked: The 25 greatest boxers of the 20th century

The 20th century witnessed some of the greatest fighters in boxing history, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From legendary heavyweights to elite lightweights, the era is synonymous with iconic fights and fighters.

While it's a tricky prospect comparing so many unique and important fighters, we're going to try! Here are the 25 greatest boxers of the 20th Century. All records sourced from the BoxRec database.

Record: 40-4-1 (17 KOs)

Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time, Whitaker’s exceptional skills and elusive style earned him world titles across multiple divisions.

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Record: 107-6-2 (86 KOs)

Chávez was one of the most dominant lightweights and super lightweights in history, with his relentless style, unparalleled chin, and fierce will to win making him a boxing legend.

Record: 62-3-2 (52 KOs)

A dominant middleweight with a granite chin and relentless aggression, Hagler’s reign was marked by iconic wins, including a legendary fight against Sugar Ray Leonard.

Record: 55-8-1 (40 KOs)

Patterson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 21 and was the first to regain the title after losing it, solidifying his place in the sport’s history.

Record: 103-16 (70 KOs)

Durán, known as "Hands of Stone," was a versatile fighter who dominated multiple weight classes and was famous for his brutal style and epic battles with Sugar Ray Leonard.

Record: 77-13-8 (39 KOs)

Johnson, the first African American heavyweight champion, broke racial barriers in the sport with his combination of skill, power, and confidence, changing the landscape of boxing forever.

Record: 65-1-1 (48 KOs)

Tunney’s intelligent boxing style and smooth technique helped him defeat Jack Dempsey twice, including in the famous "Long Count" fight of 1927.

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Record: 50-4 (39 KOs)

This one is probably going to be a contentious placing. Liston’s intimidating and presence and explosive power made him one of the most feared heavyweights of his era, though his reign as champion cut short by injury and personal issues, as ESPN reported.

Record: 185-23-10 (131 KOs)

Known for his unparalleled knockout record, Moore was one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, capturing the title and remaining a force in the ring well into his 40s.

Record: 44-10-2 (29 KOs)

Holyfield’s heart and determination helped him become the undisputed heavyweight champion, with signature victories over Tyson and Riddick Bowe.

Record: 39-6 (30 KOs)

De La Hoya, "The Golden Boy," became one of the most successful pay-per-view draws in history, winning titles in six different weight classes and becoming a major crossover star.

Record: 41-2-1 (32 KOs)

Lewis was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, defeating the best of his era, including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, and Vitali Klitschko. His boxing IQ, combined with his size and skill, made him one of the most complete fighters in history.

Record: 50-6 (44 KOs)

Tyson’s ferocity and unmatched knockout power made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history, though his run-ins with the law and other controversies had surely negatively impacted his overall career.

Record: 179-30-37 (128 KOs)

Langford, often called the "Boston Bonecrusher," was a relentless and powerful fighter who competed across multiple divisions despite being undersized for the heavyweight division.

Record: 61-5-1 (48 KOs)

Hearns, "The Hitman," was a towering presence in the welterweight and middleweight divisions, known for his devastating power and epic battles against Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler.

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Record: 200-19-10 (91 KOs)

Leonard was a boxing master, dominating the lightweight division for over a decade with unparalleled technical skill, making him one of the most beloved fighters of his time.

Record: 32-4-1 (27 KOs)

Frazier’s relentless aggression and left hook made him one of the most feared fighters of the 1970s, with his win over Muhammad Ali in their first fight being a career-defining moment, as Sports Illustrated recounted.

Record: 49-0 (43 KOs)

Marciano's undefeated record and unmatched knockout power set him apart in the heavyweight division. His relentless style and remarkable endurance allowed him to overcome the best of his era, making him a true legend.

Record: 229-11-1 (65 KOs)

Pep’s footwork, speed, and defensive brilliance made him one of the greatest featherweights in boxing history, amassing over 200 victories with only a handful of losses.

Record: 36-3-1 (25 KOs)

Leonard was a brilliant technician with remarkable speed and power, claiming world titles in five different weight divisions and producing memorable rivalries with Hagler, Duran, and Hearns.

Record: 66-3 (52 KOs)

Louis, the "Brown Bomber," reigned as heavyweight champion for over 11 years and defended his title 25 times, leaving a legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Record: 76-5 (68 KOs)

Foreman’s raw power earned him the heavyweight title twice—once in his prime and again as a 45-year-old comeback king, solidifying his status as a boxing legend.

Record: 61-6-9 (51 KOs)

Dempsey’s aggressive, all-out style and devastating knockout power changed the face of boxing, with his reign during the 1920s becoming iconic in both sports and pop culture.

Record: 56-5 (37 KOs)

Ali revolutionized boxing with his combination of speed, skill, and charisma, becoming an icon both inside and outside the ring with victories over the best of his era, including Frazier, Foreman, and Liston. We possibly didn't see the best of him, though, as his four-year ban coincided with what many believe to be his peak.

Record: 175-19-6 (108 KOs)

Widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time, Robinson combined unmatched technical skill, speed, and power to dominate both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His incredible versatility and longevity, including a legendary 91-fight unbeaten streak, set the gold standard for boxing excellence.

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