Top 10 boxing heavyweight greats of all-time

(Original Caption) Louis wins by technical knockout in eighth round. New York City: As Champion Joe Louis blocks with his shoulders, Challenger Arturo Godoy misses a right to his face during their title fight in the Yankee Stadium, June 20th. Louis won by a technical knockout in the eighth round. /

7 of 12

Ken Norton is groggy on the ropes after receiving a blow from heavyweight George Foreman. /

6. George Foreman (76-5, 68 KOs)

George Foreman was a freak of nature and terrorized the heavyweight division in the early 70s. He was a colossal heavyweight during his era, and his punching power is fabled. Watch old footage of him hitting the heavy bag, and you’ll see why he intimidated so many people.

Foreman burst onto the heavyweight scene in 1969 and cruised through his first 40 bouts. During that streak, he brutalized Ken Norton and Joe Frazier, stopping both men in the second round knocking them down a combined nine times. That’s enough to throw him into the top 10 conversation right there.

Everyone was scared of Foreman except for a wise Muhammad Ali. Ali worked his rope-a-dope strategy on Foreman in their 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” bout in Zaire. Nobody thought Ali stood a chance, but he shocked the world once again knocking Foreman out in round 8.

Foreman’s loss to Ali shook him mentally. He tried to rebound with wins over Frazier and Ron Lyle, but his confidence was shot, and he lost to Jimmy Young in 1977 which made him retire.
Foreman’s story wasn’t over. Over the next 10 years, he underwent a spiritual metamorphosis. He found God and his harsh demeanor softened into the loveable and charismatic figure he is today.

Foreman returned to boxing in 1987 and astounded the world by knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994 to win the IBF and WBA heavyweight titles. He was 45 years old and once again the heavyweight champion of the world. This night superseded the disappoint of Zaire 20 years prior.

Foreman’s punching power and heart make him an all-time great. He lacked quickness and speed, which Ali exploited. Foreman needed to lose in 74 to win later in life which he did in epic fashion.

Home/Boxing