The greatest pound-for-pound boxers of all time

Ranking the greatest fighters in boxing history is indeed a tough challenge, as it involves balancing multiple criteria: the number of wins and losses, the level of competition faced, the World Championships won, the fighter's longevity, and even their impact on the sport's culture. From the explosive power of Mike Tyson to the technical brilliance of Sugar Ray Robinson, here are some of the best pound-for-pound boxers.

Smokin' Joe Frazier (31-4-1, 27 K.O), the iconic American fighter is best known for his remarkable fight against Muhammad Ali in 1971. It was labeled the "Fight of the Century" and was televised worldwide. Frazier held the heavyweight championship title until facing the young superstar George Foreman, who finished him with a K.O. in 1973. According to Bleacher Report, the fight was labeled "The Ring Fight of the Year."

Sandy Saddler (144-16-2, 103 KO) was a renowned professional boxer from Boston. A featherweight champion in the late 1940s, who developed a fierce rivalry with Willie Pep. According to Britannica, it is considered on the the greatest American boxing rivalries!

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Tony Canzoneri (137-24-10, 44 KO) was another renowned American boxer who left his mark after winning world titles in three weight divisions at the same time! He held the Featherweight, World Lightweight, and Junior Welterweight championships.

Jimmy "Baby-Faced Assasin" McLarnin (54-11-3, 21 KO) was a frenetic boxer who crowned himself World Lightweight and World Welterweight champ from 1923-1936. According to Bleacher Report, McLarnin is considered a top-five all-time welterweight despite his short record.

Rocky Marciano's (49-0, 43 KO) short boxing record might downplay his impact on the sport, but the Italian American boxer was one of the best in his weight. A boxing legend for many, who retired from the sport without a single loss! According to EPSN, Marciano was the only heavyweight champion in history to accomplish this feat. He retired in 1955, making it 8 years in the ring.

Barney Ross (72-4-3, 22 KO) is another renowned Welterweight champion, as he was never knocked out in 81 professional bouts. Ross snatched big victories against fellow legends Tony Canzoneri and Jimmy McLarnin.

George Foreman (76-5, 68 KO) is arguably one of the scariest Heavyweight champions to ever step in a ring! The American boxer bulldozed through the heavyweight division and became a champion less than four years into his career. He is also remembered for his iconic fight against Muhammad Ali. Nevertheless, "Big" George became the oldest heavyweight champ in history after he won at 45 years old.

Julio Cesar Chavez (108-6-2, 87 KO) is remembered as one of the best Mexican fighters to ever step into a ring. He began his career with an impressive 87 fights without a loss! A fierce warrior who would fight till the very end. Bleacher Report describes him as "the consummate stalker-style fighter with a granite chin."

Jimmy Wilde (132-4-1, 98 KO) is considered one of the best boxing champions to ever come out of Europe. He won various European titles alongside the first officially recognized World Flyweight Champion.

Archie Moore (185-23-10, 131 KO) was nicknamed "The Old Mongoose" due to his long boxing career. He has the longest-spanning career in the history of the sport and is considered by many to be the best light heavyweight fighter in history.

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Sam Langford (179-30-40, 120 KO) had some series power behind his devastating punches, but he is often overlooked due to the fact he was denied many fights as a result of "the pervasive racism in the sport at the time," according to Bleacher Report. He won the 'World Colored Heavyweight Championship' on five occasions.

Roberto Duran (103-16, 70 KO) also known as "Manos de Piedra" which translates from Spanish, "Rock-hard hands" was a renowned aggressive fighter who fought his way to world titles in four weight divisions. His career spanned over five decades and he cashed in over 100 professional wins! He was the first man to ever defeat Sugar Ray Leonard.

Joe Louis (66-3, 52 KO) nicknamed "The Brown Bomber", ruled the ring with his ferocity and remarkable skill. He was the heavyweight champion after successfully defending the record 25 times. He is regarded as the first African-American to achieve mainstream stardom in the U.S.A.

Muhammad Ali (56-5, 37 KO) was often referred to as "The Greatest" heavyweight of all time. His unique style and flamboyant personality made him a cultural icon during the 1960s. Fighting under his original name, Cassius Clay, he won his first heavyweight title at 22 years old against Sonny Liston. He is also remembered for his trilogy with Joe Frazier and his iconic "rope-a-dope" fight against Foreman in the Congo (1974).

Willie Pep (229-11-1, 65 KO) is believed to be one of the sharpest and most durable fighters in boxing history. His record resembles that of no other professional boxer. According to Bleacher Report, Pep won his first 62 fights and was a dominant featherweight champion. He lost his title to Sandy Saddler in 1948, but would later avenge his loss in another fight. He went 1-3 against Saddler but dominated everyone else in his division. He is among the best fighters in the history of the sport.

Sugar Ray Leonard (36-3-1, 25 KO) was an iconic American boxer who displayed great form from 1977 to 1997. He was the best of the best in multiple weight divisions and would beat every single challenger. He stood out in an era with several high-profile fighters but still managed to win World Championships in five separate divisions.

Who was your pick from the list? Is there anyone we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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