There is no doubt that personalities decide everything in boxing. Of course, it sometimes happens that the main characters are not in the ring, but in the shadow of the spotlights. Until now, promoters in the offices decide the fate of the fights. Nevertheless, there is a series of champions in boxing who have gone down in the history of this sport.
These are real personalities who have fought legendary fights and achieved their fame in battles with really strong opponents. Today, novice boxers look up to these idols, dreaming of winning at least a fraction of their glory.
Joe Fraser. This American was born in 1944 in South Carolina. Boxing happened to be in Joe's life by accident, his first hobby was gymnastics. However, taking up a new sport for himself, Fraser managed to become one of the best heavyweights in America. For a long time, there was no one on Joe's path who could beat him. Only Buster Mathis managed to do this. That victory gave him the right to go to the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. But a hand injury prevented Mathis, in the end it was Fraser who represented the United States. He became the Olympic champion, defeating the German Huber in the final.
Since 1965 Fraser has been acting like a professional. His boxing style is quite tough, with a left hook considered to be his signature hit. In the first 11 fights, Fraser won victories, but in September 1966, the unyielding Oscar Bonavena stood in his way. During the round, this Argentinian knocked down Fraser twice, but he managed to turn the tide of the fight and win. By the end of 1967, Fraser had an impressive 19 wins in 19 fights.
When Mohammed Ali was stripped of his title, the WBA was in chaos with the definition of the champion. The result was a New York State Special Tournament. Fraser was able to knock out his old friend Mathis and take the prestigious title for himself. In 1968-1970 Joe repeatedly defended his status, and in 1970 he became the undisputed world champion. When in the summer of the same year, Mohammed Ali was removed from the suspension, it became unclear who should be considered number one in boxing? By the end of that year, Ali had won several fights and secured the right to fight Fraser for the undisputed champion title. That fight caused a lot of excitement. Each boxer was promised $ 2.5 million for participation.
A 15-round bout took place on March 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. In that fight, Joe Fraser managed to inflict the first defeat in his career on Muhammad Ali. This decision was taken by the judges unanimously. A year and a half later, Fraser in Jamaica is defeated by George Foreman and his career begins to decline. Attempts to regain the championship title did not end with success; in 1976, Fraser left boxing. By that time, he managed to lose twice to Ali and again to Foremen. Fraser tried to return to the ring in 1981, but this ended in failure. In 2011, the legendary boxer died of liver cancer.
Muhammad Ali. The future legendary champion was born in 1942, then his name was Cassius Clay. 16-year-old Ali's career began with a call to famous coach Angelo Dundee. Young Cassius said that it was worth taking him under guardianship, then he could become an Olympic champion and simply the best boxer in the world. The coach decided to work with a promising young man and was right. He turned out to be a boxer by nature.
He had the ideal physique of an athlete, he had a flexible mind and excellent intuition. But that was preceded by hard work. The younger brother threw stones at Cassius, honing his reaction. The then timid teenager began training with police officer Joe Martin. For the love of sports, the athlete ignored the problems with his pressure. In 1959, the promising boxer easily qualified for the US Olympic Team.
Cassius Clay won the 1960 Olympics easily as a light heavyweight champion. From 1964 to 1974, Ali was a multiple world heavyweight boxing champion. For 20 years he was the king of the ring. With a height of 192 cm, the boxer weighed about 97 kg, he was very mobile. It is no coincidence that Ali owns the phrase: "I flutter like a butterfly, pity like a bee." In total, the legend had 25 title or qualifying fights, which is second only to Joe Louis. In total, Ali suffered 5 defeats in the ring, the first of which was in the championship fight with Joe Fraser in 1971.
One of the greatest battles of Muhammad Ali took place on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa. He was opposed by reigning champion George Foreman. Muhammad Ali fought the entire battle, and in the 8th round he punched the opponent. The powerful champion collapsed onto the platform. But he was a legendary fighter who managed to beat many strong opponents and achieve the title of champion! One can imagine the strength of Muhammad Ali.
In the early 80s, the great boxer ended his career losing 3 of his last 4 fights. In total, he spent 56 fights in the professional ring, won 51, 37 of which by knockout. Unfortunately, in less than 40 years, the athlete was struck by Parkinson's disease. Throughout his life, the boxer also fought for black rights and peace, protested against the Vietnam War.
Rocky Marciano. This boxer was born in 1923 in Massachusetts into a disabled Italian family. From childhood, Rocky grew up as a brave boy. But to earn a living, he had to work from a young age. He cleared the streets of snow, washed dishes, laid pipes, and dug the ground.
The developed teenager was noticed by boxing trainer Jin Cajano. But in 1943, Rocky was drafted into the army. While serving in the navy, on leave he fought for money in pubs, developing his fist art. Marciano was agile, sharp and determined. His strikes were precise and strong. It was like a bulldog who was ready to fight to the last drop of blood.
In both his personal and daily life, Rocky Marciano was quite modest. He eschewed luxury, devoting a lot of time to his family. But behind these was a man with incredible willpower. In total, in the professional field, Rocky spent 49 fights without losing more than one. The debut took place in 1947.
In 1951, Marciano met with the legendary Joe Luis. The aged champion resigned to a young assertive competitor. In 1952, Marciano, in a fight against another champion, Jersey Joe Walcott, was knocked down for the first time, but was able to get up and knock out the opponent in the 13th round.
Victories were not easy for Marciano, he often left the ring with a bloody and disfigured face. But 83% of his fights ended ahead of schedule, with a knockout. Rocky was one of the first to practice his blows in the water. Preparations for the battle at Marciano were carried out at the highest level of professionalism. The last fight of the undefeated champion took place in 1956, his career was over due to back problems.
And in 1969, Rocky Marciano died tragically in a plane crash. It is believed that it was he who served as the prototype for Rocky Balboa, the protagonist of the "Rocky" series of films that made Sylvester Stallone famous.
George Foreman. This legendary boxer had a long and illustrious career, during which he fought 81 fights, losing only 5 of them. The future champion was born in 1949 in Texas. Foreman started boxing at a school for troubled teenagers. At the age of 19, Foremen successfully performed at the Olympics, winning gold there. The road to becoming a professional was open.
In 1969, in just six months of performances, Foreman managed to win 13 victories. He was 195 cm tall and had strong arms, which made him a tough fighter. The rising star meets the champion Joe Fraser on January 2, 1973. He was able to hold out for only 4.5 minutes, during which time he was knocked down 7 times. Fraser gave his title only on October 30, 1974, when he lost to Muhammad Ali.
After that fight, George felt a connection with God. The second bell came after the 1977 defeat from Jimmy Young. Foreman left sports and became a preacher. He built a church, collected donations. 10 years outside of boxing changed the athlete, but in 1987 he announced that he dreamed of returning. Foreman was about to become champion again. After a year of training, the boxer regained his shape. Foreman won 24 bouts in a row, all by knockout.
In April 1991, he lost to Evander Holyfield only on points, never becoming the undisputed champion. But soon Foreman got the WBA belt for his victory over Michael Moorer in 1994. The boxer finally left the sport in 1997. Currently, Foreman has returned to his previous activities - he preaches sermons and helps the disadvantaged.
Joe Louis. The boxer was born into a poor family in 1914. His father picked cotton in Alabama, but in 1924 the family moved to Detroit. Here the future athlete got a job with his father at the Ford plant. Mother loved Joe very much and collected money for him to study music. But he took all the savings to the boxing club. It is not clear what Joe was guided by, because he was not a fighter.
An experienced tall fighter was released against the newcomer in the club. He began to beat Louis, but suddenly Joe sent his abuser to the floor with a counter blow. Soon there was no equal to the young boxer in the rather big Detroit. Coach Jack Blackburn drew attention to the promising athlete, who promised to get Louis out of the ghetto and make him a professional. At 22, Joe began his career in the big ring. He literally broke into the elite.
Louis, known as "The Brown Corporal", won his first 27 fights, 24 of them by knockout. The coach selected opponents for him, gradually increasing their level. However, Louis swept away both experienced boxers and ex-champions from the ring. Before the outbreak of World War II, Joe defended his title of undisputed champion 25 times. Equal rivals did not appear, and the fees for battles with a decided outcome became less and less. In 1948, Louis decided to retire from the sport.
A year later, the undefeated champion was returned to the ring - a new generation of fighters grew up. Luis lost the very first fight to Ezzard Charles, and the brutal defeat by Marciano in 1951 put the end to it. At that time, the fortune of the great boxer was a fantastic 4.5 million dollars. But Louis quickly squandered that capital. At the end of his life, the former boxer worked as a gatekeeper at a Las Vegas casino. In this city, the legendary athlete died in 1981.
Various boxing organizations and polls have named Joe Louis as the best puncher in history. He spent 27 fights for the championship, holding the title of the strongest boxer in the world for 11 years. Louis won 66 of his 70 fights.
Mike Tyson. Tyson was born in 1966 in New York. By that time, his father had separated from his mother. In the future, Mike took the name of his mother. The family lived in Brooklyn, in a poor neighborhood. The young guy grew up big and tough, but his voice at first was high and lisp. Mike had to fight a lot to teach his offenders a lesson.
Soon, in Brownsville, everyone knew this unyielding black guy. When he was furious, he could knock a grown man down with his blows. Over time, Mike became a participant in many dubious stories - thefts, attacks, robberies. To fix the troubled teenager, the authorities sent him to a boys' school on the outskirts of the state.
Here Tyson had a happy meeting with coach Bobby Stewart. He himself was once a professional and managed to teach the young guy the basics of boxing. At that time, Michael was only 13 years old, and he already weighed 90 kg and was very strong. Tyson squeezed a barbell weighing 100 kg from his chest. Stewart arranged training with Mike. Tyson quickly realized that he would not be able to get a degree and began to devote all his time and energy to boxing.
In 1980, Stewart brought his charge to New York to show the manager D'Amato. The coach entered the ring with his ward, and it soon became clear to everyone that Tyson would be the new world champion. Michael first entered the professional ring on March 5, 1985. In total, the boxer fought 15 fights that year, winning all by knockout. Tyson managed to become the youngest world champion, having won this title at the age of 20. At the age of 21, Michael managed to become the youngest undisputed world champion. Failures in his personal life inevitably affected the career of "Iron Michael".
He was arrested for assault and rape, in 1992 Tyson went to jail. Returning to the ring in 1995 did not become triumphant. In addition, in the match against Holyfield, the boxer also managed to throw a scandal by biting off a piece of his opponent's ear. The last fight of the champion took place in 2005, after being defeated by the little-known Kevin McBride, Tyson decided not to embarrass himself and leave the sport. Today, Tyson acts in films, behind his shoulders 3 convictions, 3 marriages and 8 children. The talented boxer quickly climbed to the pinnacle of success, but also quickly squandered his gift.
Max Schmelling. This boxer has lived a long and glorious life. He was born in 1905 in Germany. Schmelling made his first fight in the professional ring at the age of 19. At the age of 21, he became the German lightweight champion, in 1927 he won the continental championship, and the very next year Max had no equal in his country in the heavyweight division.
In 1930, Schmelling defeated American Sharkey in New York to win the world title. The title was soon lost due to a dubious decision by the judges. But in 1936, the German again became champions, defeating the young talent Joe Louis. But the bets on the victory of the American were 10 against 1. At that moment, the Aryan athlete becomes the pride of Nazi propaganda. His name is the perfect German, the white man defeated the black. The rematch with Lewis in 1938 in New York, Hitler saw as an opportunity to prove to the world the superiority of his nation.
70 thousand spectators gathered at the stadium, Max himself was perceived only as a Nazi, insulting and throwing garbage at him. Schmelling lost crushingly in the first round, for millions of that victory became a symbol of the defeat of fascism. They tried not to remember the name of their former favorite in Germany. The enraged Hitler, having learned that the boxer also supported the Jews, sent his former favorite to the front.
Schmelling managed to survive in the meat grinder of World War II. After her, he went into business and even helped financially to his former rival Louis. Let the boxer's whole life be an example of decency, respect for his rivals. Compatriots loved Schmelling for his beautiful victories in the ring. In total, Max fought 70 fights, of which he won 56, and the boxer died at the age of 99.
Lennox Lewis. The athlete was born in London in 1965. At the age of 12, Lennox and his family moved to Canada. Lewis grew up very athletic as a child, playing football, volleyball, basketball and boxing. He had offers to continue playing for college in gaming disciplines, but Lennox chose amateur boxing.
Already at the age of 17, he managed to become the world champion among juniors. At 18, the young boxer competed at the Los Angeles Olympics, representing Canada. He lacked experience, and Lewis only reached the quarterfinals. Even then, a promising fighter began to be called up to professionals. But Lewis himself dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion, which he succeeded in 4 years later. In the final in the second round, American Riddick Bowie was knocked out.
Lewis began his professional career in 1989. He becomes the heavyweight champion of England, then wins the European championship. On October 31, 1992, in London, Lewis defeated the dangerous Razor Ruddock in just 2 rounds, and after 2 months the Briton became the WBC world champion. Lennox lost his title in September 1994, but in early 1997 he managed to regain his title, becoming the first Briton to do so.
Then there were impressive victories over Andrew Golota, Shannon Briggs, Zeyko Mavrovik. In 1999, an interesting duel took place with Evander Holyfield for the title of champion in three versions at once. The fight was watched by 150 million TV viewers. Then a draw was recorded, the re-fight brought the title of absolute champion to Lennox Lewis.
Then there were victories over Hasim Rahman, Michael Tyson, Vitali Klitschko. After a dubious victory over the Ukrainian, the Englishman announced the end of his career. In total, Lewis had 44 fights, winning 41 of them. The boxer entered the elite club of those heavyweight champions who sooner or later beat all their rivals. The Englishman left undefeated, holding the championship title.
Sugar Ray Robinson. This American athlete was born in 1921 in the town of Ailey, Georgia, under the name Walker Smith Jr. In the family, the boy turned out to be the third child, his father had to work hard and hard. After his parents divorced, Walker ended up with his mother in New York, in the Harlem area.
Studying at school did not work out, and the teenager decided to devote all his strength to boxing. The young fighter was once called by his coach as sweet as sugar. This is how the first part of his nickname appeared. And to participate in clandestine battles, he borrowed the name and card of his friend - Ray Robinson. So the young boxer got his nickname, which will soon become famous.
In featherweight, the athlete won all of his 90 fights, receiving the Golden Gloves award. Since 1940, Sugar Ray Robinson has become a professional. He literally blew up the boxing world with his appearance. In 1946, the young athlete became the world welterweight champion. In 1951, he won the middleweight title. In the title of champion, Robinson retired from the sport in 1952, losing only 3 fights. However, boxing did not let him go so easily.
The return to the sport happened in 1955 and turned out to be triumphant. Sugar Ray Robinson became the first boxer to regain the title after officially retiring. In 1958, the boxer again became the middleweight champion. However, in 1960, the belt was lost to Paul Pender.
Sugar Ray Robinson is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He stood out from the crowd for his some kind of ideal appearance. The boxer's face is without scars and grins, his hair is thoroughly poured. The speed and accuracy of Robinson's punches, the rapid transition from defense to attack, confused the enemy. At the end of his career, the great boxer tried to prove himself in the entertainment industry and in business. But nowhere outside the ring did the athlete succeed. Robinson suffered from Alzheimer's in his final years, dying in poverty in 1989.
Henry Armstrong. The world boxing legend was born in 1912 in Columbus, Mississippi. At birth, he received the surname Jackson. He entered the history of world boxing as the owner of three champion titles at the same time in different weight categories. At the age of 17, Armstrong began to participate in amateur fights, and the transition to professionals took place in 1933. At that time, the boxer won 58 of his 62 fights.
In 1937, Armstrong became the featherweight champion by knocking out Sarron. A year later, multiple welterweight champion Barney Ross was defeated. Ten weeks after that victory, Lou Ambers was reclaimed the lightweight belt. In 1937-1938, Armstrong eventually won 46 fights in a row, 7 of them title fights.
The boxer's managers agreed to fight any opponents, saying that the bets on Armstrong at that moment were the most correct. At that time, boxing glory belonged entirely to Joe Louis, which is why Armstrong and his managers decided to collect three titles in their hands at the same time.
According to the rules of the American Boxing Association, an athlete had to vacate the title if he became a champion in another weight. Therefore, Armstrong gave up his titles without a fight. In total, during his professional career, the boxer had 174 fights, scoring 145 victories. He was nicknamed "perpetual motion machine" and "California comet" for its swiftness and strength.
The Hank Hurricane was a non-stop hitting machine, more rhythmically than purposefully. In 1945, Armstrong retired from the sport, deciding to become a preacher. In 1951, the athlete became a Baptist priest, working with the poor. The illustrious champion died in 1988.
Murat Georgievich Gassiev is a first heavyweight boxer (90.7 kg), originally from Vladikavkaz.
The future world champion was born on October 12, 1993 in a large family. Murat began boxing at the age of 13, and to this day he speaks with inspiration about his first coach Vitaly Konstantinovich Slanov, who laid the foundation and instilled a true love of boxing.
Andre Ward (San Francisco, USA, 02/23/1984) was born in the family of a white Irish man Frank and an African American Madeline. The boxer's parents showed not the best example for their son, they often had problems with the police due to drug abuse.
In one interview, Ward said that it was strong-willed qualities and an objective assessment of what was happening around that gave a strong impetus to his boxing career.
Ward began his amateur career under the guidance of his godfather, who to this day is always with him both in the gym during training and in the corner of the ring during fights.
Roman Alberto Gonzalez Luna was born in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua on 06/17/1987 in a family for which boxing was hereditary, father and uncles, as well as Roman's grandfather practiced this sport. Gonzalez received the nickname "Chocolate" from his uncle Javier.
Roman grew up in a simple family with a difficult financial situation, initially he began attending the football section, but later, on the strict instructions of his father, he went to the boxing hall of the legend of Latin America - Alexis Arguello, a three-time world champion, who immediately appreciated the potential of the young boxer and polished his technique and style.
Felix Savon "Guantanamera" was born in a small town with barely a dozen rural farms. Cockfighting and homemade baseball games were the only pastimes for the villagers. Young Savon showed an irresistible passion for sports from a young age and began to practice various disciplines such as swimming, baseball, football and even chess.
At the age of 13, he enrolled in a special school for the development of athletic talent, where a boxing trainer found that his height, arm span and punching force, combined with his skills, were high enough to become the successor of Teofilo Stevenson, the Cuban boxing legend. Thanks to the influence of the coach, Felix took part in the 1981 championship, receiving his first title in a competition between schoolchildren in Cuba.
Anthony Joshua is one of the most talented and exciting heavyweight boxers in recent years.
Growing up in Watford, Anthony Joshua (born 10/15/1989, 199 cm, 109 kg, 208 cm arm span) moved to the capital of England when he was 17 years old. He was brought into boxing by his cousin, as a child, the future boxer played football at a high level, which significantly influenced his endurance and speed, his personal record of 100 m in less than 11 seconds. Nevertheless, boxing became a passion for him and Anthony began to actively compete in the ring.
With a height of 201 centimeters and a span of 211 centimeters, future heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder dropped out of college and began boxing in 2005 to support his daughter, who was born with spina bifida.
Quickly breaking through the qualifiers, he gets a ticket to the Olympic Games representing the United States, and in his 21st amateur bout earns bronze in the Beijing Olympic Games ah 2008. The "Bronze Bomber" finished the first 32 professional fights by knockout, and in January 2015, the WBC world champion belt was on his list.
The future middleweight Santos Saul Alvarez Barraganode was born in Mexico in the city of Gwanalajara on July 18, 1990. At the age of 26, the Mexican nicknamed Canelo, with 49-1-1, 33 KOs, conquered the boxing world, conquering fans both in Mexico and around the world with his futuristic fighting style and charisma.
Alvarez came to boxing at the age of 13, spent 20 fights in amateurs.
Arturo Gatti was born on Italian soil on April 15, 1972, later he moved to Canada, where his amateur career began. The pinnacle was the victory in the national championship, and the receipt of a license for the 1992 Olympic Games in Spain. On this, he completed his performances in amateurs and entered the professional ring.
In 1991, he had his first fight in the second featherweight champion, knocking out Jose Gonzalez in the 3rd round.
The school of domestic boxing has brought up many promising fighters who, with their example and victories, inspire the younger generation of athletes around the world, Gennady Golovkin is a vivid example of this. Tri-G (Triple-G), as he was called in the world of professional boxing, was born in Kazakhstan in 1982.
Golovkin was sent to boxing together with his older brother Maxim at the age of 10, the assertiveness and determination of the young man surprised his coaches, and as a result, the victory in regional competitions a year later, in the amateur ring, Gennady had about 350 fights, of which only five did not end in his favor.
Vladimir Ilyich Gendlin was born in Moscow on May 26, 1936 into an acting family, thanks to his parents' tours, he was able to travel throughout the country from early childhood. After finishing school, Vladimir studies mathematics at Saratov University.
He successfully completed training until the 4th year, but his hobby for boxing dramatically changed his life, in a short time he fulfilled the standard of a master of sports, having spent 51 fights in the ring, only one of which he lost.
On January 20, 1984, Ruslan Mikhailovich Provodnikov was born in Berezovoye, Russian Federation. At the age of 10, he began to actively engage in boxing, his first coach was Evgeny Vakuev, a man who raised and laid best qualities inherent in a boxer. Later, Ruslan moved to live in the city of Izluchensk, where he continued to train with Stanislav Berezin, under whose guidance he fulfilled the master of sports standard.
In amateurs Ruslan had 150 fights, of which 20 ended not in his favor. The biggest achievement in the amateur ring was winning the junior tournament in Greece.
Sergey Alexandrovich Kovalev was born on April 2, 1983 in the suburb of Chelyabinsk, the city of Kopeysk. As soon as Sergey was 11 years old, he immediately enrolled in the boxing section, his first coach was Sergey Vladimirovich Novikov, with whom he achieved many results in amateur boxing.
Kovalev became the winner of the junior championship of Russia, many times reached the final of the country's prestigious tournaments, was a participant in the European Championship, won many international tournaments.
The future of the Ukrainian heavyweight division - Alexander Usik was born in the city of Simferopol on the Crimean peninsula in 1987 on January 17. Alexander's first sports hobby was football, but at the age of 15 he first got to boxing training, where in the ring he felt the strength and effectiveness of this sport, which predetermined his future fate.
At the championship of Ukraine, Alexander could be seen by his demeanor, passion for dancing in childhood formed her own style of warm-up, dancing, smiling boxer with access to the ring turned into a tactful, cold-blooded fighter.
Vasily Lomachenko, nicknamed "Hi Tech", is a Ukrainian boxer, a record holder who managed to surprise him with a brilliant career in the amateur ring, and since 2012, performing as a professional, is the most promising boxer of our time. Vasily was born in Belgorod-Dnestrovsk, Odessa region on February 17, 1988, his fate was predetermined by his father, Anatoly Nikolaevich, who, already in infancy, set the goal of raising an Olympic champion.
Lomachenko began to train with Joseph Katz, then came under the leadership of his father, who is still a mentor, friend and companion of the Ukrainian boxer.
WBO European Lightweight Champion, Pan-Asian Boxing Association Lightweight Champion, WBA International Lightweight Champion and WBA Intercontinental Light Welterweight Champion Eduard Troyanovsky, known as Bryansk Eagle or Troy, is a 35-year-old Russian boxer from Bryansk. He competes in two weight categories - light (61.2 kg) and welterweight (63.5 kg), since the boxer's combat weight ranges between 61 and 64 kg. This fighter's track record includes 20 fights and, accordingly, 20 victories, 17 of which were by knockout.
Eduard was born in Omsk on May 30, 1980, but already in infancy he moved with his parents to Oryol, where he subsequently took his first steps in sports.
Emanuel Steward is a true legend of world boxing, both as an athlete, and even more so as a brilliant coach. The steward has brought up the whole galaxy worldwide famous champions both amateurs and professionals of the ring. Among his most famous students are Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Thomas Hearns and Wladimir Klitschko.
Emanuel Steward was born on July 7, 1944 in the American town of Bottom Creek (West Virginia). The boy started boxing in early childhood. When he was 12 years old, after his parents divorced, Steward moved to Detroit with his mother. In his new place of residence, the young boxer began to train at the Brewster Recreation Center - the very one in the rings of which the famous Joe Lewis and Eddie Futch perfected their skills.
Continuation of the biography of Alexandra Povetkin.
The victory was then awarded to Alexander Povetkin. So he became the WBA world heavyweight champion.
In December of the same year, Alexander defended his new title in a fight with Cedric Boswell, and two months later, in February 2012, he again did it in a duel with Marco Hook. September 2012 brought Povetkin a victory over American boxer Hasim Rahman, in a duel with whom he again defended the WBA title, defeating his opponent in round 2. Well, in May 2013, the Russian boxer deprived the candidate for this title, Pole Andrzej Wawzhik, from the chances for the WBA champion belt by knocking him out in Moscow. By the way, it should be noted that at that time the Polish boxer had no defeats.
World renowned boxing trainer Freddie Roach, best known by the nicknames "Cucaracha" and "Choir Boy", was born in America. The eight-time boxer-to-be was born in Massachusetts on March 5, 1960. The boxer's surname is translated into Russian in different ways: both as a notch, and as a roach, and as hashish, and even as a cockroach. Actually, "cucaracha" in Spanish means "cockroach".
The boxer received the nickname "Boy from the Choir", as Freddie Roach himself recalls, for his "cute baby face". It is also for this reason that the successful boxer has sometimes been called the "child-faced killer." And in fact, if a stereotype has developed in society that a boxer is a bully without an extra imprint of intelligence on his face, then you need to understand: appearance is very often deceiving, and the example of Freddie Roach is just that case. Rather, one can assume that he is a bank clerk.
For more than a century of professional world boxing history, even experts can remember a few names of champions who have never experienced the bitterness of defeat in their entire career. Sports biography of Joe Calzaghe- a boxer of the 2nd middle weight category, a multiple holder of the world title in different versions, is an example of such an invincible boxer. During his performance in the professional ring (1993 - 2008), he entered the ring 46 times, and each time won.
The Terminator Joe (Joseph) Calzaghe was born on March 23, 1972 in England (London). But soon the family moved to the town of Newbridge in Ireland, and the first successes of the future boxer are associated with the Newbridge Boxing Club, where from the age of 9 his father Enzo Calzaghe began to train.
Argentina has always been famous for its good fighters. Oscar Bonavena, Grigorio Peralta, Sergio Martinez and others. Today is our story about Carlos Monsone whose name is now almost forgotten.
Carlos Roque Monson(Carlos Roque Monzón) was born on August 7, 1942 in the town of San Javier in the province of Rio Negro in the center of Argentina in a poor family. When Carlos was 7 years old, his large family moved to live in a poor suburb of Santa Fe. To help his family survive, Carlos dropped out of school in 3rd grade and went to work.
Edwin Valero professional boxer, world champion according to the WBA, he is from Venezuela. Valero won 27 victories in the professional ring, all by knockout, with his first 18 fights Edwin completed in the first round, thereby setting a world record. Edwin made his last 18 knockout on February 25, 2006. Later, this record was broken by Tyrone Brunson, who won 19 knockout wins.
Disputes about who best boxer in history, periodically flare up in discussions in many media, among professionals and amateurs of this sport. Objectively speaking, this is the point of view of one or another expert, and, like any point of view, in many respects the definition of the best and worst boxer is subjective.
For the first time, they began to talk about who is the best regardless of the weight category for a long time. The first such title was awarded boxer Benny Leonard who dominated the ring from May 1917 to January 1925. Now, many boxing historians reasonably believe that best boxer in history boxing regardless of the weight category ...
In the world of sports, it is customary to compile a wide variety of ratings. And not only to calculate who has been a champion longer and at what age, but also by indicators that cannot be measured. For example, how many years has the sport been conducted about which boxer has the most strong punch in boxing... Various ratings and lists are compiled. But ... Until now, no one has come up with a device that can measure the force of a boxer's blow just as objectively as the scales - the weight of an athlete or a ruler - his height. Probably because in battle it is not so important.
Research by scientists has convincingly proved that in order to knock out a boxer, it is enough to hit him in the chin with a force of 15 kilograms. And a person, depending on the degree of preparation, can hit with a force of 200 to 1000 kilograms.
Sports biography of Nikolai Valuev begins in school years. But he was not engaged in boxing, but in basketball, and even as part of the Frunzenskaya Sports School (St. Petersburg) became the champion of the country. Also among his hobbies was athletics.
In recent years, European boxers, indigenous to European countries, do not often delight their fans with championship belts. Not so long ago came to an end biography of Ricky Hatton in a professional boxing ring. Two defeats in a row - from the famous Filipino Manny Pacquiao on May 2, 2009. This was his second defeat in the ring. The first is December 28, 2007 from rising star Floyd Mayweather Jr. After the defeat in 2009, Hatton stopped performing for a while.
But after three years he decided to return. Defeat from a lesser-known Ukrainian boxer Vyacheslava Senchenko On November 24, 2012, he finally retired the once famous British knockout.
The era when in America boxing was associated only with the names of heavyweights ended with Mohammed Ali and Mike Tyson. Today, the most spectacular boxing in the United States is shown by middleweight boxers. AND Floyd Mayweather- the best among them. This is what the statistics say, the professionals think so.
The biography of Floyd Mayweather Jr., as it is customary to call the best boxer in the world in today's ratings, in order to distinguish it from his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., who at one time also played in the professional ring and fought against Sugar Ray Leonard, began quite standardly.
Floyd Mayweather achieved his first successes in the All-American ring while still an amateur.
Started boxing Cassius Marcellus Clay, who only after receiving the first champion title in a fight against Sonny Liston in February 1964 began to be called Muhammad Ali at the age at which many young boxers are starting today - at the age of 12. The first Muhammad Ali's workouts took place in a boxing club in his homeland, in the American town of Louisville (Kentucky).
Already the first classes showed the remarkable talent of the teenager. His first fight took place under the lenses of a local TV channel in six weeks after the start of training. Muhammad Ali defeated a white-skinned boy who trained for over a year. When he was declared the winner, he shouted that he would become the champion. And the boxer fulfilled his childhood promise, winning the champion title more than once in his life and winning when others no longer hoped for it.
Having made the decision to become a champion, the boy began train furiously.
Gerald McLellan- an outstanding professional boxer, champion, whose fate convincingly testifies that big sport is a big risk. Start biographies of Gerald McLellan similar to the biographies of many professional boxers of his period. He began to train at a young age. Then - an amateur career, performances at the Golden Glove tournament. At the age of 21 (August 12, 1988) he had his first fight in the professional ring.
During his performances in the amateur and professional ring, an outstanding Russian boxer Kostya Ju developed his own training cycle, which helped him to win and win championship titles. When asked to compare with known training methods, he replied simply: “ Kostya Ju training regimen, Is my technique. And it can only be compared with the Kostya Ju training regime. "
Among our contemporaries, there probably won't be a person who would not have heard of great boxer Mike Tyson, whose biography is replete with ups and downs. Michael Gerard Tyson was born in the Negro district of New York - Brooklyn. The father, who left his mother shortly before birth, Mike did not know. And the mother was not particularly worried about her son. Tyson was raised by the street.
At the age of 14, when the boy was once again in a correctional institution, in biographies of Mike Tyson there was a turning point: he met with the boxing icon Muhammad Ali. It was then that for the first time he seriously thought about the career of a boxer.
In professional boxing, a scandalous British David Haye came, like most professionals, from amateurs. But, despite the fact that he began to study at the age of ten, in the biography of David Haye there were no high-profile victories in an amateur career. At the 1999 World Championships, he lost the first fight, and the next, two years later, he still managed to win a place in the final, but lost to Odlanier Solis. David Haye went professional, having only the silver of the world championship.
David Haye started his career in the professional ring in the first heavyweight division.
Sports biography of Alexander Povetkin began in 1992 in the Kursk sports complex "Spartak", when the future winner and champion turned 13 years old. The boxer's talent manifested itself immediately. In 1995 he became Champion of Russia among youth, and in 1997 - among juniors.
The first time to take part in the Olympics (Sydney-1998) as part of the Russian national team, Alexander was prevented by an injury. In the Olympic offseason in the biography of Alexander Povetkin, there are several significant victories in the amateur ring.
In the world of boxing history, in that part of it that can be called the happy 70s for heavyweights, there are many athletes who could have achieved many great results, if not for the fact that at this time several not just talented boxers were competing at the same time, but the amazing legends of world boxing. So, in the Soviet Union, heavyweight Igor Vysotsky did not become a champion and did not fully reveal his talent.
In the USA, such a boxer was Ron Lyle, whose biography is full of amazing fights in the professional ring (43 wins, of which 31 by knockout, 7 defeats and one draw), but he never managed to win the championship belt.
Among the many legendary personalities of world sports in boxing, there are few athletes who would be on a par with Mike Tyson... His amazing victories by knockout, his fighting style, demeanor in the ring, today, after many years, cause only surprise and delight. Many would like to become so famous, but very few can prepare for fights as selflessly as Mike Tyson trained.
The legendary champion decided to become a boxer at the age of 14 after meeting with Muhammad Ali, when he was in a specialized school for juvenile delinquents. Boxer Bob stewart at this time he taught physical education at school. Mike Tyson turned to him for help.
The first trainer laid the foundation for the training of a boxer in the minds of the future champion and winner. How Mike Tyson trained was legendary at school.
Klitschko brothers nowadays they are among the most famous boxers in the world. They have collected all the possible championship belts that only there is in professional boxing, but they will never stand in the ring against each other.
The youngest of the famous brothers started playing sports in 1990. At the age of 14, it began biography of Vladimir Klitschko as an athlete when he began training in boxing at the Brovary Olympic Reserve School. Already in 1993, he won his first significant victory among amateur juniors, having received gold medal at the European Boxing Championships.
Among professional boxers, whose records it is unlikely that someone will manage to break, but at least repeat, the best boxer of the decade (2000s) undoubtedly stands out, regardless of the weight category, according to the versions of many experts Filipino Manny Pacquiao... He became the world champion in various versions in eight weight categories. And the difference between the minimum (lightest weight) and maximum (the first average weight) in the weight categories that Manny Pacquiao performed was ten weight categories, which is also not easy to achieve.
There are many outstanding family duos in the world of sports. But, perhaps, none of them can compare with fame today. brothers-boxers Vitaly and Wladimir Klitschko... The biography of Vitali Klitschko, the eldest of the brothers, begins in Kyrgyzstan, where he was born into the family of a serviceman on July 19, 1971. But this fact did not in any way affect his development as an athlete. Soon, my father was assigned to another garrison, and the family left Kyrgyzstan.
In his youth, together with his brother, they were engaged in various types of martial arts, but Vitaly chose kickboxing. He performed successfully as an amateur ( two-time champion world), and in the professional (four-time world champion) kickboxing ring.
The turning point in the biography of Vitali Klitschko was 1995, when he decided to go in for boxing.
Among professional boxers, not many showed such a variety of talents and managed to realize themselves not only in boxing, but also in other spheres of life, from excellent boxing.
Roy Jones biography- a clear confirmation that a person can have many talents and, having skillfully disposed of time, he has the opportunity to develop them. The athlete proved that he not only managed to reach the heights in amateur and professional boxing, but also realized himself as a singer, successfully performing rap, and as an artist who starred in more than one film.
It's hard to believe that boxing is an ancient martial art that dates back to 688 AD. This sport gained worldwide development in the 16th and 17th centuries, and nowadays boxing is known to almost everyone around the planet.
In ancient times, leather belts were used to protect against enemy blows, and now - special gloves. If you want to win this game, under the supervision of the referee, you need to make fierce blows to the opponent continuously for 2 to 3 minutes. The game only ends when the referee announces the winner. The referee also monitors compliance with the rules in the ring and the health of the competitors.
Boxing comes in two main categories, amateur and professional, and both boxers spend hundreds of hours of training and use a variety of techniques and tactics.
In this article, we've rounded up the top 10 best boxers of all time. People who made history thanks to their successes in this sport made our list.
Floyd Mayweather
He is a great boxing promoter and fighter, but there is one oddity that he is known for, he has given up many fights for fear of being defeated. It is for this reason that he ranks last in our ranking of the leading boxers in the world. But at the moment, Mayweather is the highest paid boxer in the world.
Leonard is one of the top ten boxers thanks to his elegant power, fluid movement around the ring, leg strength and wise fighting tactics. He is also one of the heaviest boxing champions. He became champion in five categories, which is really great.
The three categories in the line-ups are also his achievement, making him one of the ten best boxers of all time. Interestingly - named after the singer Ray Charles, is the godfather of Khloe Kardashian.
George Foreman
Boxing fans know George Foreman by the name "Big George" and he also cannot fail to be mentioned in the list of the best boxers. This boxer has won the world heavyweight title twice. He also won gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics.
He is indeed a very talented person as he is an entrepreneur and preaching pastor. According to IBRO, he is included in the list of the eight greatest world world champions in boxing and that is why he is included in our list.
Roy is a man with many talents, perhaps the rest of the members of our list cannot boast of this. He is a rapper, boxing trainer, promoter and actor. Roy started his career with the very basics of boxing and eventually won the heavyweight title.
Moving from middleweight to heavyweight is indeed an achievement. In 2003, Roy was declared the best fighter of the year and is therefore worth mentioning in our ranking. Interesting fact In addition to being American, Roy also has Russian citizenship.
In the boxing world, Joe was known as the Brown Scorer. Ring magazine ranked him number one in the Top 100 Puncher Boxers of All Time. He was born in 1914 and died in 1981, having lived through both the golden era of boxing and the Second World War.
When he began his professional boxing career, he was known as the first African American to achieve such success in the boxing ring. His other achievement is striking - the world heavyweight title remained with him from 1937 to 1949, and this is really amazing. Therefore, he is without a doubt one of the ten best boxers in the world.
Rocky is another of the top ten, and he can be called special due to the fact that in his entire boxing career no opponent has been able to defeat him. He is also known for holding the world heavyweight title for four years.
Since childhood, Rocky is used to a wide variety of jobs, from cleaning snow to laying gas pipes. Another shock in life - due to injury, his baseball career did not work out, but as a result, he became a world famous boxer. By the way, this Rocky became the prototype of another, cinematic Rocky performed by Sylvester Stallone.
Manny Pacquiao
Manny is another of the greatest athletes of our time. Manny Pacquiao has been named the "Fighter of the Decade" by the WBC, WBO and the Boxing Association of America. He became champion at eight! categories, and in five categories - he is the only linear five-time champion.
Manny is indeed a great boxer - he has been voted Boxer of the Year by the Association of Boxing Journalists on several occasions. Manny was so fierce and powerful in his boxing attacks that Floyd Mayweather even refused to fight with Manny, fearing his defeat. Pacquiao is not only one of the best boxers in the world, but also a big politician - he is currently working as a senator in the Philippines, the country where he was born.
Mike Tyson
At birth, he received the name Michael Gerard, became known to the world under the name Mike Tyson. And now his name is Malik Abdul Aziz. This athlete has won many victories, he won many controversial fights and heavyweight championships. He is the youngest fighter to become a heavyweight champion. He was only 20 years old when he won this title and was declared the youngest boxer by IBF, WBA and WBC.
Tyson is also known in the boxing world for his incredible speed in the ring. He may be underestimated for his contributions to world boxing history, but according to our list, he is one of the three most talented boxers in history. He had 5-6 glorious years in his career, when he beat almost every boxer in the ring. Perhaps he should have ended his career a little earlier in order not to darken his reputation with some scandalous defeats.
Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray was one of the outstanding fighters, if only because the number one on this list, boxer Mohammed Ali, once stated that Sugar Ray is one of the greatest boxers of his time. Robinson competed in several weight categories, and won champion titles in each. He was called a pound-for-pound fighter.
Robinson has always had a vibrant life style outside the ring in everyday life, and it is for this reason that he was so famous that even the mafia did not try to cooperate with him. But he is considered one of the top ten boxers due to his excellent boxing skills and physical strength.
Mohammed Ali
Mohammed Ali is not only the best boxer in history, but also a great man. His real name is Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. When he converted to Islam, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was not only physically strong, but also spiritually strong. He was only 12 years old when he started boxing and at the age of 18 he received his first gold medal, which was really a great achievement for a boxer at such a young age.
At that time he was engaged in amateur boxing, and in 1960, when he defeated Tunny Hunsacker, he began his career in professional boxing. It was a great win after 6 rounds. The opponent was also an excellent boxer, but Ali was different from him in that, using brutal attacks, he always relied on cold-blooded calculation to bring down his opponent. And Mohammed Ali is also the author of many quotes about life, sports and human destiny.
Conclusion
This sport is considered very difficult, as boxers have to fight with great courage and patience in order to win. Getting brutal savage punches against your opponent while keeping your cool is very difficult, but in boxing, if you follow this rule, you can emerge victorious from the fight.
Who do you think is the best boxer in the world? You can reply in the comments.
There is no doubt that personalities decide everything in boxing. Of course, it sometimes happens that the main characters are not in the ring, but in the shadow of the spotlights. Until now, promoters in the offices decide the fate of the fights. Nevertheless, there is a series of champions in boxing who have gone down in the history of this sport.
These are real personalities who have fought legendary fights and achieved their fame in battles with really strong opponents. Today, novice boxers look up to these idols, dreaming of winning at least a fraction of their glory.
JOSEPH WILLIAM "JOE" FRASER
American professional boxer, competing in the heavy weight category. Olympic champion in 1964. World Heavyweight Champion (WBC version, 1970-1973; WBA version, 1970-1973). He is recognized by many reputable sports publications as one of the greatest boxers of all time, along with Muhammad Ali.
For a long time, there was no one on Joe's path who could beat him. Only Buster Mathis managed to do this. That victory gave him the right to go to the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. But a hand injury prevented Mathis, in the end it was Fraser who represented the United States.
He became the Olympic champion, defeating the German Huber in the final. Since 1965 Fraser has been acting like a professional. His boxing style is quite tough, with a left hook considered to be his signature hit. In the first 11 fights, Fraser won victories, but in September 1966, the unyielding Oscar Bonavena stood in his way. During the round, this Argentinian knocked down Fraser twice, but he managed to turn the tide of the fight and win. By the end of 1967, Fraser had an impressive 19 wins in 19 fights.
When Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title, the WBA was in chaos with the definition of the champion. The result was a New York State Special Tournament. Fraser was able to knock out his old friend Mathis and take the prestigious title. In 1968-1970 Joe repeatedly defended his status, and in 1970 he became the undisputed world champion.
When in the summer of the same year, Muhammad Ali was removed from the disqualification, it became unclear who should be considered number one in boxing? By the end of that year, Ali had won several fights and secured the right to fight Fraser for the undisputed champion title. That fight caused a lot of excitement. Each boxer was promised $ 2.5 million for participation.
A 15-round bout took place on March 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. In that fight, Joe Fraser managed to inflict the first defeat of Muhammad Ali in his career. This decision was taken by the judges unanimously. A year and a half later, Fraser in Jamaica is defeated by George Foreman and his career begins to decline. Attempts to regain the championship title did not end with success; in 1976, Fraser left boxing. By that time, he managed to lose twice to Ali and again to Foremen. Fraser tried to return to the ring in 1981, but this ended in failure. In 2011, the legendary boxer died of liver cancer.
MUHAMMED ALI
American professional boxer in the heavyweight division; one of the most famous and recognizable boxers in the history of world boxing. Champion of the XVII Summer Olympic Games in 1960 in the light heavy weight category, the absolute world champion in the heavy weight (1964-1966, 1974-1978).
Winner of the title "Boxer of the Year" (five times - 1963, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978) and "Boxer of the Decade" (1970s) according to The Ring magazine; The 2nd ever boxer to win the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award (1974), has been named Sportsman of the Century by several sports publications. Upon retirement, he was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame (1987) and the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990). A bright speaker.
Muhammad Ali had the ideal physique of an athlete, he had a flexible mind and excellent intuition. But that was preceded by hard work. The younger brother threw stones at Cassius, honing his reaction. The then timid teenager began training with police officer Joe Martin.
For the love of sports, the athlete ignored the problems with his pressure. In 1959, the promising boxer easily qualified for the US Olympic Team. Cassius Clay won the 1960 Olympics easily as a light heavyweight champion. From 1964 to 1974, Ali was a multiple world heavyweight boxing champion. For 20 years he was the king of the ring. With a height of 192 cm, the boxer weighed about 97 kg, he was very mobile. It is no coincidence that Ali owns the phrase: "I flutter like a butterfly, pity like a bee."
In total, the legend had 25 title or qualifying fights, which is second only to Joe Louis. In total, Ali suffered 5 defeats in the ring, the first of which was in the championship fight with Joe Fraser in 1971.
One of the greatest battles of Muhammad Ali took place on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa. He was opposed by reigning champion George Foreman. Muhammad Ali fought the entire battle, and in the 8th round he punched the opponent. The powerful champion collapsed onto the platform. But he was a legendary fighter who managed to beat many strong opponents and achieve the title of champion! One can imagine the strength of Muhammad Ali.
In the early 80s, the great boxer ended his career losing 3 of his last 4 fights. In total, he spent 56 fights in the professional ring, won 51, 37 of which by knockout. Unfortunately, in less than 40 years, the athlete was struck by Parkinson's disease. Throughout his life, the boxer also fought for black rights and peace, protested against the Vietnam War.
ROCKY MARCHIANO
American professional boxer, world heavyweight champion from September 23, 1952 to November 30, 1956.
This boxer was born in 1923 in Massachusetts into a disabled Italian family. From childhood, Rocky grew up as a brave boy. But to earn a living, he had to work from a young age. He cleared the streets of snow, washed dishes, laid pipes, and dug the ground.
The developed teenager was noticed by boxing trainer Jin Cajano. But in 1943, Rocky was drafted into the army. While serving in the navy, on leave he fought for money in pubs, developing his fist art. Marciano was agile, sharp and determined. His strikes were precise and strong. It was like a bulldog who was ready to fight to the last drop of blood.
In both his personal and daily life, Rocky Marciano was quite modest. He eschewed luxury, devoting a lot of time to his family. But behind these was a man with incredible willpower. In total, in the professional field, Rocky spent 49 fights without losing more than one. The debut took place in 1947.
In 1951, Marciano met with the legendary Joe Luis. The aged champion resigned to a young assertive competitor. In 1952, Marciano, in a fight against another champion, Jersey Joe Walcott, was knocked down for the first time, but was able to get up and knock out the opponent in the 13th round.
Victories were not easy for Marciano, he often left the ring with a bloody and disfigured face. But 83% of his fights ended ahead of schedule, with a knockout. Rocky was one of the first to practice his blows in the water. Preparations for the battle at Marciano were carried out at the highest level of professionalism.
The last fight of the undefeated champion took place in 1956, his career was over due to back problems.
And in 1969, Rocky Marciano died tragically in a plane crash. It is believed that it was he who served as the prototype for Rocky Balboa, the protagonist of the Rocky film series that made Sylvester Stallone famous.
GEORGE FORMEN
American professional boxer, competing in the heavy weight category. Olympic champion in 1968. World Heavyweight Champion (WBC version, 1973-1974; WBA version, 1973-1974 and 1994; IBF version, 1994-1995) weight category.
This legendary boxer had a long and illustrious career, during which he fought 81 fights, losing only 5 of them. The future champion was born in 1949 in Texas. Foreman started boxing at a school for troubled teenagers. At the age of 19, Foremen successfully performed at the Olympics, winning gold there. The road to becoming a professional was open.
In 1969, in just six months of performances, Foreman managed to win 13 victories. He was 195 cm tall and had strong arms, which made him a tough fighter. The rising star meets the champion Joe Fraser on January 2, 1973.
He was able to hold out for only 4.5 minutes, during which time he was knocked down 7 times. Fraser gave his title only on October 30, 1974, when he lost to Muhammad Ali. After that fight, George felt a connection with God. The second bell came after the 1977 defeat from Jimmy Young. Foreman left sports and became a preacher. He built a church, collected donations. 10 years outside of boxing changed the athlete, but in 1987 he announced that he dreamed of returning.
Foreman was about to become champion again. After a year of training, the boxer regained his shape. Foreman won 24 bouts in a row, all by knockout.
In April 1991, he lost to Evander Holyfield only on points, never becoming the undisputed champion. But soon Foreman got the WBA belt for his victory over Michael Moorer in 1994. The boxer finally left the sport in 1997. Currently, Foreman has returned to his previous activities - he preaches sermons and helps the disadvantaged.
JOE LUIS
Legendary American professional boxer, world heavyweight champion. The boxer was born into a poor family in 1914. His father picked cotton in Alabama, but in 1924 the family moved to Detroit. Here the future athlete got a job with his father at the Ford plant. Mother loved Joe very much and collected money for him to study music. But he took all the savings to the boxing club. It is not clear what Joe was guided by, because he was not a fighter.
An experienced tall fighter was released against the newcomer in the club. He began to beat Louis, but suddenly Joe sent his abuser to the floor with a counter blow. Soon there was no equal to the young boxer in the rather big Detroit. Coach Jack Blackburn drew attention to the promising athlete, who promised to get Louis out of the ghetto and make him a professional.
At 22, Joe began his career in the big ring. He literally broke into the elite. Louis, known as "The Brown Corporal", won his first 27 fights, 24 of them by knockout. The coach selected opponents for him, gradually increasing their level. However, Louis swept away both experienced boxers and ex-champions from the ring.
Before the outbreak of World War II, Joe defended his title of undisputed champion 25 times. Equal rivals did not appear, and the fees for battles with a decided outcome became less and less. In 1948, Louis decided to retire from the sport.
A year later, the undefeated champion was returned to the ring - a new generation of fighters grew up. Luis lost the very first fight to Ezzard Charles, and the brutal defeat by Marciano in 1951 put the end to it. At that time, the fortune of the great boxer was a fantastic 4.5 million dollars.
But Louis quickly squandered that capital. At the end of his life, the former boxer worked as a gatekeeper at a Las Vegas casino. In this city, the legendary athlete died in 1981.
Various boxing organizations and polls have named Joe Louis as the best puncher in history. He spent 27 fights for the championship, holding the title of the strongest boxer in the world for 11 years. Louis won 66 of his 70 fights.
MICHAEL TYSON
American professional boxer in the heavyweight division; one of the most famous and recognizable boxers in the history of world boxing. Olympic champion among juniors in the first heavy weight (1982). The absolute world champion in the heavy weight category (1987-1990).
Champion in versions WBC (1986-1990, 1996), WBA (1987-1990, 1996), IBF (1987-1990), The Ring (1988-1990). Line champion (1988-1990). "The most promising boxer" in 1985 according to the magazine "Ring". The best boxer, regardless of weight category (1987-1989) according to the magazine "Ring".
"Boxer of the Year" according to the magazine "Ring" (1986, 1988). BWAA Boxer of the Year (1986,1988). BBC Sports Personality of the Year (1989). BBC Foreign Athlete of the Year (1989). Best Sportsman Abroad (1987-1989) according to the BBC.
Included in the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2011), the World Boxing Hall of Fame (2010), the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (2013), the WWE Hall of Fame (2012). At the 49th annual WBC convention in Las Vegas, Michael Tyson was inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records and in a solemn ceremony received two certificates: for the largest number of fastest knockouts and for becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion.
Tyson was born in 1966 in New York. By that time, his father had separated from his mother. In the future, Michael took the name of his mother. The family lived in Brooklyn, in a poor neighborhood. The young guy grew up big and tough, but his voice at first was high and lisp. Mike had to fight a lot to teach his offenders a lesson.
Soon, in Brownsville, everyone knew this unyielding black guy. When he was furious, he could knock a grown man down with his blows. Over time, Michael became a participant in many dubious stories - thefts, attacks, robberies. To fix the troubled teenager, the authorities sent him to a boys' school on the outskirts of the state. Here Tyson had a happy meeting with coach Bobby Stewart. He himself was once a professional and managed to teach the young guy the basics of boxing.
In 1980, Stewart brought his charge to New York to show the manager D'Amato. The coach entered the ring with his ward, and it soon became clear to everyone that Tyson would be the new world champion. Michael first entered the professional ring on March 5, 1985. In total, the boxer fought 15 fights that year, winning all by knockout. Tyson managed to become the youngest world champion, having won this title at the age of 20. At the age of 21, Michael managed to become the youngest undisputed world champion. Failures in your personal life will inevitably affect your career. Iron Michael.
He was arrested for assault and rape, in 1992 Tyson went to jail. Returning to the ring in 1995 did not become triumphant. In addition, in the match against Holyfield, the boxer also managed to throw a scandal by biting off a piece of his opponent's ear. The last fight of the champion took place in 2005, after being defeated by the little-known Kevin McBride, Tyson decided not to embarrass himself and leave the sport. Today, Tyson acts in films, behind his shoulders 3 convictions, 3 marriages and 8 children. The talented boxer quickly climbed to the pinnacle of success, but also quickly squandered his gift.
MAX SHMELING
German professional boxer, competing in the heavy weight category. The first (and until 2007 the only) German world heavyweight champion (1930-1932). "Boxer of the Year" according to the magazine "Ring" (1930). After completing his boxing career, he worked as a sports judge for several years.
This boxer has lived a long and glorious life. He was born in 1905 in Germany. Schmelling made his first fight in the professional ring at the age of 19. At the age of 21, he became the German lightweight champion, in 1927 he won the continental championship, and the very next year Max had no equal in his country in the heavyweight division.
In 1930, Schmelling defeated American Sharkey in New York to win the world title. The title was soon lost due to a dubious decision by the judges. But in 1936, the German became champion again, defeating the young talent Joe Louis. But the bets on the victory of the American were 10 against 1. At that moment, the Aryan athlete becomes the pride of Nazi propaganda. His name is the perfect German, the white man defeated the black. The rematch with Lewis in 1938 in New York, Hitler saw as an opportunity to prove to the world the superiority of his nation.
70 thousand spectators gathered at the stadium, Max himself was perceived only as a Nazi, insulting and throwing garbage at him.
Schmelling lost crushingly in the first round, for millions of that victory became a symbol of the defeat of fascism. They tried not to remember the name of their former favorite in Germany. The enraged Hitler, having learned that the boxer also supported the Jews, sent his former favorite to the front. Schmelling managed to survive in the meat grinder of World War II. After her, he went into business and even helped financially to his former rival Louis. Let the boxer's whole life be an example of decency, respect for his rivals. Compatriots loved Schmelling for his beautiful victories in the ring. In total, Max fought 70 fights, of which he won 56, and the boxer died at the age of 99.
LENNOX LEWIS
Canadian and British professional boxer in the heavyweight division. Champion XXIV Olympic games in the weight category over 91 kg (as part of the Canadian national team). Champion of North America among amateurs in the category over 91 kg (1987). Absolute World Heavyweight Champion among professionals (1999).
World Heavyweight Champion WBC (1993-1994, 1997-2001 and 2001-2003), IBF (1999-2001 and 2001-2002), WBA (1999). Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
The athlete was born in London in 1965. At the age of 12, Lennox and his family moved to Canada. Lewis grew up very athletic as a child, playing football, volleyball, basketball and boxing. He had offers to continue playing for college in gaming disciplines, but Lennox chose amateur boxing.
Already at the age of 17, he managed to become the world champion among juniors. At 18, the young boxer competed at the Los Angeles Olympics, representing Canada. He lacked experience, and Lewis only reached the quarterfinals. Even then, a promising fighter began to be called up to professionals. But Lewis himself dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion, which he succeeded in 4 years later.
In the final in the second round, American Riddick Bowie was knocked out. Lewis began his professional career in 1989. He becomes the heavyweight champion of England, then wins the European championship. On October 31, 1992, in London, Lewis defeated the dangerous Razor Ruddock in just 2 rounds, and after 2 months the Briton became the WBC world champion.
Lennox lost his title in September 1994, but in early 1997 he managed to regain his title, becoming the first Briton to do so.
Then there were impressive victories over Andrew Golota, Shannon Briggs, Zeyko Mavrovik. In 1999, an interesting duel took place with Evander Holyfield for the title of champion in three versions at once. The fight was watched by 150 million TV viewers. Then a draw was recorded, the re-fight brought the title of absolute champion to Lennox Lewis.
Then there were victories over Hasim Rahman, Michael Tyson, Vitali Klitschko. After a dubious victory over the Ukrainian, the Englishman announced the end of his career. In total, Lewis had 44 fights, winning 41 of them. The boxer entered the elite club of those heavyweight champions who sooner or later beat all their rivals. The Englishman left undefeated, holding the championship title.
SUGAR RAY ROBINSON
American professional boxer, competing in the light, first welterweight, welterweight, first middle, middle, second middle and light heavy weight categories. World champion in welterweight (1946-1950) and middle (1951, 1951-1952, 1955-1957, 1957 and 1958-1960) weight categories. The best boxer of all time, regardless of weight category, according to the magazine "Ring" (2002).
This American athlete was born in 1921 in the town of Ailey, Georgia, under the name Walker Smith Jr. In the family, the boy turned out to be the third child, his father had to work hard and hard. After his parents divorced, Walker ended up with his mother in New York, in the Harlem area.
Studying at school did not work out, and the teenager decided to devote all his strength to boxing. The young fighter was once called by his coach as sweet as sugar. This is how the first part of his nickname appeared. And to participate in clandestine battles, he borrowed the name and card of his friend - Ray Robinson. So the young boxer got his nickname, which will soon become famous. In featherweight, the athlete won all of his 90 fights, receiving the Golden Gloves award.
Since 1940, Sugar Ray Robinson has become a professional. He literally blew up the boxing world with his appearance. In 1946, the young athlete became the world welterweight champion. In 1951, he won the middleweight title. In the title of champion, Robinson retired from the sport in 1952, losing only 3 fights. However, boxing did not let him go so easily.
The return to the sport happened in 1955 and turned out to be triumphant. Sugar Ray Robinson became the first boxer to regain the title after officially retiring. In 1958, the boxer again became the middleweight champion. However, in 1960, the belt was lost to Paul Pender.
Sugar Ray Robinson is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He stood out from the crowd for his some kind of ideal appearance. The boxer's face is without scars and grins, his hair is thoroughly poured. The speed and accuracy of Robinson's punches, the rapid transition from defense to attack, confused the enemy.
At the end of his career, the great boxer tried to prove himself in the entertainment industry and in business. But nowhere outside the ring did the athlete succeed. Robinson suffered from Alzheimer's in his final years, dying in poverty in 1989.
HENRY ARMSTRONG
American professional boxer and world boxing champion who goes by the name of Henry Armstrong. Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time by many critics and fellow professionals.
The world boxing legend was born in 1912 in Columbus, Mississippi. At birth, he received the surname Jackson. He entered the history of world boxing as the owner of three champion titles at the same time in different weight categories. At the age of 17, Armstrong began to participate in amateur fights, and the transition to professionals took place in 1933. At that time, the boxer won 58 of his 62 fights. In 1937, Armstrong became the featherweight champion by knocking out Sarron.
A year later, multiple welterweight champion Barney Ross was defeated. Ten weeks after that victory, Lou Ambers was reclaimed the lightweight belt. In 1937-1938, Armstrong eventually won 46 fights in a row, 7 of them title fights.
The boxer's managers agreed to fight any opponents, saying that the bets on Armstrong at that moment were the most correct. At that time, boxing glory belonged entirely to Joe Louis, which is why Armstrong and his managers decided to collect three titles in their hands at the same time.
According to the rules of the American Boxing Association, an athlete had to vacate the title if he became a champion in another weight. Therefore, Armstrong gave up his titles without a fight. In total, during his professional career, the boxer had 174 fights, scoring 145 victories. He was nicknamed "perpetual motion machine" and "California comet" for its swiftness and strength.
The Hank Hurricane was a non-stop hitting machine, more rhythmically than purposefully.
In 1945, Armstrong retired from the sport, deciding to become a preacher. In 1951, the athlete became a Baptist priest, working with the poor. The illustrious champion died in 1988.
George Foreman, known by the nickname "Big George" (born January 10, 1949) - American boxer, heavyweight champion of the 1968 Olympics, heavyweight champion of the WBC (1973-1974), WBA (1973-1974, 1994) and IBF (1994-1995). He is the oldest world heavyweight champion in the history of boxing (won the title at 45) and the most devastating heavyweight champion of all time. In 1997, after a controversial defeat at the hands of Shannon Briggs by decision of the judges, he retired and became a pastor. Has his own church, where he preaches and helps the disadvantaged. In total, Foreman had 81 fights, of which he won 76 (by knockout 68).
Sugar Ray Leonard, nicknamed "Sugar" (born May 17, 1956) - American professional boxer, world welterweight champion (WBC, 1979-1980 and 1980-1982; WBA, 1981-1982), 1st middle (WBA , 1981), middle (WBC, 1987), 2nd middle (WBC, 1988-1989) and light heavy (version WBC, 1988) weight categories. Is an Olympic champion 1976 and one of the strongest boxers of the 80s of the last century. During his professional career, Leonard fought 40 fights, of which he won 36 (by knockout 25), one draw.
Eighth in the ranking of the best boxers of all time goes to Marvin Hagler, nicknamed "Amazing" (born May 23, 1954) - a former American professional boxer, undisputed world champion in the middle weight category (1980-1987). One of the strongest boxers of the 1980s. In 1993 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. During his professional career, Hagler had 67 fights, of which he won 62 (by knockout 52), two draws.
Archie Moore, known by the nickname "Old Mongoose" (December 13, 1916 - December 9, 1998) - American professional boxer, two-time world champion in light heavyweight (December 1952-May 1962), one of the boxers with the longest career. He also holds the record for the most knockouts committed in his career (131). Archie Moore was one of the most aggressive boxers of all time, with an extremely heavy right hand. He fought 219 battles, of which he won 185, eleven draws. After completing his career, he trained such famous boxers as Mohammed Ali, George Foreman, James Tillis for a short period of time.
Roy Jones Jr., nicknamed "Superman", "Captain Hook", "Junior" (born January 16, 1969) - famous American professional boxer, world champion in middle (IBF, 1993-1994), second middle (IBF, 1994 -1996), light heavyweight (WBC, 1997, 1997-2002 and 2003-2004; WBA, 1998-2002; IBF, 1999-2002), first heavyweight (WBU, 2013 - present) and heavyweight (WBA, 2003 ) weight categories. Silver medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He is the only boxer in history to start a professional middleweight career and then win a heavyweight title. In the 1990s, he was named the "Boxer of the Decade". During his professional career, Jones fought 71 fights, of which he won 62 (by knockout 45). Besides boxing, he is also known for his musical and acting career.
In fifth place in the list of the best boxers in the world is Joseph Louis Barrow, nicknamed "The Brown Bomber" (May 13, 1914 - April 12, 1981) - American boxer, undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949. He is considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, who set a record - he defended his championship belt 25 times (from June 22, 1937 to March 1, 1949). Throughout his career, Joe Louis had 70 fights, of which he won 66 (by knockout 52), one draw.
Julio Cesar Chavez, known by the nicknames "El Leon de Culiacan" and "JC" (born July 12, 1962) - Mexican professional boxer, world champion in the 2nd featherweight (WBC, 1984-1987), lightweight (WBC, 1987 -1988; WBA version, 1988), 1st welterweight (WBC, 1989-1994, 1994-1996; IBF, 1990-1991) weight categories. In 2011 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Julio Cesar Chavez is considered the greatest Mexican boxer and one of the greatest boxers of all time. During his professional career, which lasted 25 years, he fought 115 fights, of which he won 107 (86 by knockout), two draws.
Henry Armstrong, nicknamed "Slaughter Hank" (December 12, 1912 - October 22, 1988) - American boxer, world champion in featherweight, light and welterweight. The only boxer to simultaneously hold three championship titles in different weight categories for a short period in 1938. He has defended his title nineteen times at welterweight. Henry Armstrong fought 181 fights during his career, of which he won 150 (101 by knockout), ten draws. After retiring from boxing in 1946, he opened a nightclub.
Mohammed Ali, known by the nickname "The Greatest", "People's Champion" (January 17, 1942 - June 3, 2016) - the legendary American professional boxer, champion of the 1960 Summer Olympics in the light heavyweight division, the absolute world heavyweight champion (1964-1966 , 1974-1978). He is one of the most recognizable and famous boxers in history. Five-time winner of the title "Boxer of the Year" (1963, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978) and "Boxer of the Decade" (1970s). In 2002 he was awarded a Star of Fame on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During his professional career, Ali had 61 fights, of which he won 56 (37 by knockout). After completing his sports career, he was engaged in charitable and social activities. Since 1984 he suffered from symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Sugar Ray Robinson, nicknamed "Sugar" (May 3, 1921 - April 12, 1989) - American professional boxer, world champion in welterweight (1946-1950) and middle (1951, 1951-1952, 1955-1957, 1957 and 1958-1960 ) weight categories. In 1990 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. According to many journalists, coaches and other fighters, he is considered the greatest boxer of all time. During his professional career, Robinson fought 200 fights, of which he won 173 (108 by knockout), six draws. After leaving boxing, he tried to make a career as an entertainer, but he never succeeded.
