Remembering Some Of The Greatest Boxers Of All-Time To Get In The Ring
Boxing is full of plenty of drama, largely because anyone who gets in the ring is essentially putting their life on the line. It’s certainly a tough sport.
In recent years, the heavyweight division has been blessed due to its competitiveness thanks to the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder. Below that, there’s an array of excellent boxers putting on regular shows for fight fans. Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin, Aleksandr Usyk, the list goes on and on. Boxing is certainly in good shape, with various champions throughout the divisions facing strong competition in the coming months, just like their former heroes did.
The fighters of today were undoubtedly inspired by fighters from the past. A number of greats have had a profound influence on modern-day boxing and deserve further recognition for it. So, without further ado, here is a look back at some of boxing’s greatest ever stars.
Shane Mosley – 49-10-1
A trainer these days, Shane Mosley had a remarkable career. He certainly had a few critics during it though, with casino life distractions like Age of the Gods: Fate Sisters slots and partying occasionally getting in the way, but overall “Sugar” Shane Mosley registered huge success. He held multiple world championships in three weight classes (lightweight, welterweight and light middleweight) before retiring from the sport in 2017. Boxing fans will always remember his classic bout with Oscar De La Hoya in 2000, right? What a fight.
Wladimir Klitschko – 64-5-0
His style certainly wasn’t adored by all, but there’s no doubting the effectiveness and all-round boxing skill Wladimir Klitschko had. To defend a belt, especially in the heavyweight division, for 4,382 days is quite remarkable and a record that will be hard to beat. Despite being six-foot, six, Klitschko was a tricky customer known for his mobility and excellent footwork.
Larry Holmes – 69-6-0
A fighter for nearly three decades, which is an amazing achievement in itself, Larry Holmes goes down as one of the all-time great heavyweights. A world heavyweight champion for a record-breaking seven and a half years, Holmes made a name for himself with his fearsome left jab. Not many of his rivals could cope with it in the ring, which is why Holmes reigned supreme for so long, eventually earning him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.
Joe Calzaghe – 46-0-0
Joe Calzaghe was one of the most skilled boxers to have entered the ring. The Pride of Wales retired from the sport in 2009 with an unbeaten record to his name. His reputation is certainly strong, with BoxRec labeling him as the best super-middleweight of all time. To remain world champion for a decade and never lose a fight makes Joe Calzaghe a worthy inclusion on this list.
Roberto Duran – 103-16-0
Where do we even begin with Roberto Duran and his quite remarkable career? Well, after the great Jack Johnson, he is only the second boxer ever to have had a career lasting five decades in the ring, which is a frankly ridiculous achievement. Known for his tough defense and deadly punches, Duran was nicknamed the “Hands of Stone” and is regarded by many as the greatest lightweight ever.
Ray Leonard – 36-3-1
“Sugar” Ray Leonard had to make the list after playing his part in the “Fabulous Four” with Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, and Thomas Hearns. Leonard won world titles in five weight divisions and became the lineal champion in three weight classes, alongside becoming the undisputed welterweight champion. Legend.
And if you love sports and want to bet on your favorite sport, you can use the services of https://betting-sider.net/
Special mentions to Bernard Hopkins, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Carlos Monzon, Manny Pacquiao, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Feature Image via https://twitter.com/ringnews24