Boxing isn’t a sport for the faint-hearted. This explains why the sport is so popular everywhere you look — whether it’s the United States, China, Argentina or Poland, the fans of the sport are everywhere. Stepping into the ring, professionally or otherwise, has always required a show of power, speed, and strength.
Many people have been fortunate to punch others legally (via boxing). But there are some names that left an impact on their opponents. These aren’t just regular athletes, they’re men that combined toughness and skill, cementing them as boxers you’d never want to face in the real-world.
Due to their success, the major stars in the sport have also been able to attract sponsorships. The endorsement deals they raked in are spread across many industries, including the online gambling space. For instance, casino players in Poland who follow these stars will probably see some of them as the face of their gambling sites.
Since the energy and thrills seen in boxing fights can also be compared to what casino players experience, this partnership makes sense. Meanwhile, boxing fans in Poland can also follow the footsteps of these stars by engaging in casino games in their free time. However, to have a rewarding experience, experts often advise that players consult guides and reviews on the top casino online platforms in the country to discover the right fit for them.
Quickly, let’s take a look at 10 boxers that left an indelible mark on the sport, and by extension, their opponents:
1. Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson, also called “Iron Mike,” is one of the most feared boxers in history. He ranked as the “undisputed” world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. Tyson’s speed and agility was next to none. As such, it wasn’t a surprise that he left other boxers seeing stars after one punch.
No one could seem to put up a defense against him.
To those who tried, he had this warning: “Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth.”
All through his stellar career, Tyson recorded 50 wins and 44 knockouts.
2. Muhammed Ali
Ali is regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer in history. He had lightning-quick hands and legs that came in handy for delivering knockouts and steering clear from the opposition’s blows, respectively.
Unlike most boxers, Ali was chatty and always breathed confidence when heading into bouts. He wasn’t all talk, though, and his wins against boxing juggernauts like Joe Fraser and George Foreman proved that.
Ali’s career wasn’t just revered for his famous “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” quote.
It was cemented by three heavyweight titles, 56 wins, 37 knockouts, and five losses.
3. George Foreman
Before he became a grill salesman, Foreman was one of the most prolific boxers on the planet. His raw strength and punching power made him a nightmare for opponents. The fact he dropped Joe Frazier, a bout favorite, six times within two rounds while delivering a knockout in the process sets him as one of the most brutal boxers of all time.
Although he took a sabbatical in 1977, he came back to the boxing scene 10 years later. Out of shape, he clawed his way back to the top and in 1994, he defeated Micheal Moorer to take the IBF and WBA titles.
4. Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier’s boxing endeavors can be described best as “relentless.” Despite contesting in the era of Muhammed Ali and George Foreman, Frazier racked up mind-blowing statistics. Besides being the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973, Frazier won 56 professional boxing matches (37 of them coming by knockout) in his career.
With Frazier lauded for his ferociousness all through bouts, he’s definitely one boxer you didn’t want to face during his active years.
5. Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis was regarded as a giant, standing at 6 feet and five inches. His reach was nothing short of spectacular, allowing him to knock out or distance his opponents with just one punch. Lewis defeated some of the world’s finest heavyweight boxers, including names like Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko.
In 1999, he became the undisputed heavyweight champion after defeating Evander Holyfield. Lennox Lewis had put on some mind-blowing numbers after retiring in 2004. For context, he registered 41 victories (32 in the form of knockouts), two losses, and a single draw. Lewis’ knockout numbers in today’s MMA would rank him among fighters with the best T(KO) win percentage.
6. Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano remains the only heavyweight title winner to finish his career undefeated. He had a record of 49 wins and zero losses. What makes Marciano lethal in the ring was his ability to soak up punches and apply pressure regardless.
His relentless nature and powerful right hand saw him deliver knockouts after knockout. It didn’t matter how skilled the opponent was, Marciano’s otherworldly will to win ensured he edged ahead every time.
Honorable Mentions
Apart from the six names above, the fighters below also showed unbelievable grit and dominated their opponents.
7. Sugar Ray Leonard
Boxing IQ and incredible footwork made him outmaneuver opponents. Leonard had 36 wins (25 through KO), three losses, and a draw during the course of his career.
8. Evander Holyfield
Nicknamed the “Real Deal,” Holyfield got a reputation for going above and beyond in the ring. His intense battles with adversaries like Mike Tyson placed him as one of the most resilient. Holyfield is the only boxer to win the heavyweight champion’s title four times.
9. Roberto Durán
Also called “Hands of Stone,” Durán is one of the hardest hitters in boxing history. He was never a heavyweight champion. However, he was a world champion in the four weight classes and gathered 103 wins in a career that spanned over three decades (1968 to 2001).
10. Julio César Chávez
Chávez ranks as one of the best Mexicans to slug it out in the ring. When he retired, he’d registered 103 wins, making him one of the few boxers in history with 100+ wins. Chávez also holds world championships in different weight classes.
Conclusion
This guide has shed light on the 10 most revered boxers in history you won’t like to face. These athletes were propelled to championships with skills that cemented them as legends. They’re a reminder that with determination and courage, everything’s possible!