Selecting the most thrilling sport, boxing certainly tops the list! Especially heavyweight boxing, as a giant's sport, its imposing and powerful nature leaves one breathless, filled with awe and trepidation!
Boxing has a long history, with modern boxing originating in 18th century England. After more than two centuries of development, a host of legendary boxers emerged.
Let's take a look at the five greatest heavyweight champions in world history.
Fifth place: The First Great, Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey was the first legendary heavyweight champion to profoundly influence boxing matches.
His professional record stood at 64 wins, 6 losses, and 9 draws, with 47 knockouts.
Dempsey made boxing matches more entertaining, inspiring fans. In the 1920s, he was a guarantee of ticket sales for boxing matches, attracting countless fans to watch his fights. He created the first million-dollar gate in boxing history in 1927.
Fourth place: The Beast of Boxing, Mike Tyson
In the 1980s and 1990s, heavyweight boxing became the hottest global sport, directly linked to Tyson.
During that era, basketball superstar Michael Jordan and boxer Mike Tyson each created an era in their respective fields.
Tyson's professional record was 50 wins, 6 losses, and 2 no-contests, with 44 knockouts. In 1986, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20.
Third place: The Tactical Master, Evander Holyfield
Evander Holyfield was the first person in modern boxing history to win the world heavyweight title five times.
His career spanned the 1980s, 1990s, and the first decade of the 21st century, and he held the heavyweight title in each of these three eras. Holyfield is an exemplar of a lightweight boxer successfully transitioning into a heavyweight professional.
His professional record was 44 wins, 10 losses, 2 draws, with 29 knockouts.
Second place: The Undefeated Champion, Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano maintains the highest winning percentage in heavyweight boxing history, remaining undefeated in world heavyweight competition.
He retired in September 1955 with a professional record of 49 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws, with 43 knockouts, a 100% win rate.
First place: The Eternal Legend, Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali has become synonymous with boxing, his influence extending beyond the sport to become a symbol of American society.
Ali's indomitable spirit inspired a generation. His professional career lasted 20 years, with 56 wins, 5 losses, and 37 knockouts. Ali participated in the Rome Olympics in 1960, winning a gold medal.
Ali's legacy transcends boxing, making him an integral part of world sports history.
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