Who is the best boxer of all time: TOP 5

Boxing, an age-old combat sport, has seen a succession of exceptional athletes who have left their mark on history. But who is the greatest boxer of all time? There's no simple answer, as it depends on a number of factors: technique, power, influence, record of success, and many others. In this article, we delve into the world of boxing and look at the careers of several legends to try and answer this tricky question.

Assessment criteria

• Awards and titles : World titles, successful defences and records are key indicators.
• Technique and Style : The ability to dominate in the ring, adapt to different opponents and demonstrate superior technique.
• Power and Endurance : The ability to take and deliver blows, as well as the stamina to hold out in the toughest battles.
• Impact and Influence : How these boxers influenced the sport and their times, both in and out of the ring.

1. Muhammad Ali

Known for her charismatic personality, unrivalled technique and memorable victories, Muhammad Ali is often regarded as the greatest. With iconic fights such as 'The Rumble in the Jungle' and 'The Thrilla in Manila', Ali dominated the category. weight and has become a global symbol.

His ability to predict his victories, his flamboyant rhetoric and his role in historic fights made him a figure to be reckoned with. His fights against George Foreman and Joe Frazier are the stuff of legend, as are his stances outside the ring.

He has fought 61 times, winning 56 and losing just 5. His record includes 37 wins by knockout, 14 of which came in title fights. Ali is notable for becoming the youngest boxer to take the title from a reigning heavyweight champion at the age of 22, although that record was broken by Mike Tyson in 1986. Ali's career was marked by remarkable performances and victories over seven Hall of Fame members, including Ken Norton, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and others. His last professional fight was a loss to Trevor Berbick.

Source : Muhammad Ali's career

2. Sugar Ray Robinson

Another serious contender for the title of best boxer of all time is Sugar Ray Robinson. World champion in two different weight categories, he is often hailed for his technique, speed and ability to deliver spectacular fights.

With a professional career spanning almost three decades, Robinson has demonstrated exceptional versatility and longevity. His ability to fight and win in different weight classes is testament to his extraordinary talent.

Sugar Ray Robinson, another boxing legend, had a remarkable career with a professional record of 173 wins, 19 losses and 6 draws. He is famous for being the first boxer in history to win a world championship five times in one weight class, a feat he achieved by beating Carmen Basilio in 1958 to regain the middleweight championship. Robinson was twice named "Boxer of the Year", first for his performances in 1942, then nine years and more than 90 fights later, for his efforts in 1951.

Source : The career of Sugar Ray Robinson

3. Joe Louis

The 'Brown Bomber', Joe Louis, was world heavyweight champion for almost 12 years, setting a record that lasted for decades. His power of hit and his cultural impact during a period of racial tension in the United States have given him a special place in the history of boxing.

His long period of dominance in the heavyweight category and his symbolic victory over Max Schmeling, which had a major impact during the Second World War, made him a sporting legend.

Joe Louis, nicknamed the 'Brown Bomber', had an impressive professional boxing record, with 66 wins and only 3 losses. His career, which spanned 17 years, included 26 successful title defences and 52 wins by knockout, 23 of which came in title fights. Louis made boxing history with memorable fights against such renowned opponents as Max Schmeling, Billy Conn and Jersey Joe Walcott. His last professional fight was an 8th-round knockout defeat by Rocky Marciano on 26 October 1951.

Source : The career of Joe Louis

4. Floyd Mayweather Jr

With an unbeaten record and victories over top-class opponents, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has proven his excellence in defensive technique and his ability to dominate his opponents.

His impenetrable defence, surgical precision and ability to control the pace of the fight enabled him to remain unbeaten throughout his career, facing and beating some of the best boxers of his generation.

He has a perfect record of 50 wins and no losses. Mayweather has also won 26 world championship fights, including 10 by knockout. He is renowned for his unrivalled defensive technique and his ability to control the pace of fights, which has enabled him to remain unbeaten throughout his career, which has been marked by victories over top-ranked opponents. His most recent victory was against Conor McGregor, a fight that attracted worldwide attention due to the renown of both fighters and their expertise in different disciplines.

Source : Floyd Mayweather Jr's 50-0

5. Rocky Marciano

The only unbeaten and uncontested heavyweight champion in history, Rocky Marciano holds a unique record. His power and tenacity in the ring have become legendary.

His raw power, stamina and unfailing determination, combined with his unrivalled record, make him a serious contender for the title of best boxer.

He had an outstanding professional boxing career, with a perfect record of 49 wins and no losses. He remained unbeaten throughout his career, which spanned from 1947 to 1955, and held the world heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956. Marciano is known for his relentless fighting style, fearsome punching power, stamina and exceptionally durable chin. He remains the only fighter to have knocked out every opponent in world heavyweight title fights and shares with Joe Louis the highest percentage of knockouts per victory in world heavyweight title fights, at 85.71%.

Source : Rocky Marciano's career