World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics: Difference between revisions
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===National sanctioning bodies=== |
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The growing popularity of boxing led to a birth of various regional sanctioning organizations, with each recognizing their own champion. The major governing bodies were the [[National Boxing Association]], formed in 1921, the [[New York State Athletic Commission]], found after the [[Walker Law]] legalized prizefighting in New York in 1920, and the [[International Boxing Union (1913–1946)|International Boxing Union]], created in 1911 in Paris in an attempt create a unified international governing body for professional boxing. The NBA and NYSAC both made then-lineal champion [[Jack Dempsey]] their inaugural champion on July 2, 1921, and July 24, 1922, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Jack_Dempsey |title=Jack Dempsey biography on BoxRec |publisher=[[BoxRec]] |accessdate=11 October 2017}}</ref> |
The growing popularity of boxing led to a birth of various regional sanctioning organizations, with each recognizing their own champion. The major governing bodies were the [[National Boxing Association]], formed in 1921, the [[New York State Athletic Commission]], found after the [[Walker Law]] legalized prizefighting in New York in 1920, and the [[International Boxing Union (1913–1946)|International Boxing Union]], created in 1911 in Paris in an attempt create a unified international governing body for professional boxing. The NBA and NYSAC both made then-lineal champion [[Jack Dempsey]] their inaugural champion on July 2, 1921, and July 24, 1922, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Jack_Dempsey |title=Jack Dempsey biography on BoxRec |publisher=[[BoxRec]] |accessdate=11 October 2017}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 15:16, 8 May 2019
At the beginnings of boxing, the heavyweight division had no weight limit and the category historically has been vaguely defined. In the 19th century, for example, many heavyweight champions weighed 170 pounds (12 st 2 lb, 77 kg) or less (although others weighed 200 pounds). The first heavyweight champion under the Marquess of Queensberry rules was John L. Sullivan, known as "The Boston Strong Boy". He weighed around 200 pounds when in shape and was a bare-knuckle champion. He was defeated by Jim Corbett on September 7, 1892, in 21 rounds. In 1920, the minimum weight for a heavyweight was set at 175 pounds (12 st 7 lb, 79 kg), which today is the light heavyweight division maximum. Since 1980, for most boxing organizations, the maximum weight for a cruiserweight has been 200 pounds. Boxers who weigh 200 pounds and over (14 st 3 lb, 90 kg) are considered heavyweights by the major professional boxing organizations: the International Boxing Federation,[1] the World Boxing Association,[2] the World Boxing Council,[3] and the World Boxing Organization.[4]
Since the 1960s, the heavyweight title has become fractured amongst various sanctioning organizations, and so what was once known as the single "Heavyweight Champion", is now referred to as the "Undisputed Champion" as the one fighter that has defeated all the other titlists. However, there is no officially declared definition of the term, as major boxing organizations refer to all boxers holding at least two world titles in their respective division as Unified champions.[5][6][7] Some title reigns are not recognized as official reigns due to long periods of inactivity, legitimacy of title, false billing and promotion. In March 1967, Muhammad Ali was systematically denied a boxing license in every state and stripped of his passport because of his refusal to be inducted into the armed forces. He was stripped of WBC and WBA titles but remained The Ring and lineal boxing champion, despite not having a boxing match until October 1970. In 2005, Ukrainian boxer Vitali Klitschko retired as WBC Champion. Following his retirement, the WBC conferred "champion emeritus" status on Klitschko, and assured him he would become the mandatory challenger if and when he decided to return.[8] On August 3, 2008 the WBC awarded Klitschko a chance to regain his WBC Heavyweight title against then-champion Samuel Peter. Vitali regained the title after Peter asked the bout be stopped after the eighth round.
Championship recognition
1884–1910
Champions were recognized by public acclamation. A champion in that era was a fighter who had a notable win over another fighter and kept winning afterward. Retirements or disputed results could lead to a championship being split among several men for periods of time. With only minor exceptions, the heavyweight division remained free from dual title-holders until the 1960s. For an early example, see the 1896 World Heavyweight Championship.
Sanctioning organizations: 1910–present
Gradually, the role of recognizing champions in the division evolved into a more formal affair, with public acclamation being supplemented (or in some cases, contradicted) by recognition by one or more athletic commissions, sanctioning organizations, or a combination of them. The most notable examples with respect to the heavyweight division have included:
- The International Boxing Union (IBU), which was formed in Paris in 1910. The organization would become the European Boxing Union in 1946, but would recognize "world" champions in various divisions until it subordinated itself in that area to the World Boxing Council.
- The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). A governmental entity initially formed for the purpose of regulating boxing in the State of New York, thanks to New York's place as the epicenter of boxing from the 1930s through 1950s, the NYSAC expanded its reach to sanctioning championship bouts. This practice continued until, like the IBU, the NYSAC became a member of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
- The National Boxing Association (NBA) was organized in 1921. In 1962, the organization was renamed the World Boxing Association (WBA).
- The World Boxing Council (WBC) was organized in 1963.
- The International Boxing Federation (IBF), which was founded in 1983 by the members of the United States Boxing Association after the USBA withdrew from membership in the WBA.
- The World Boxing Organization (WBO), which was founded in 1989 by disgruntled members of the World Boxing Council.
There are also titles that aren't considered major but play a significant role in legitimizing the heavyweight champion:
- Lineal championship was considered as the only form of the world championship until 1921. In professional boxing, the lineal champion is informally called "the man who beat the man", implying that the only way to win the championship is either to beat the current champion or (when the title is vacated due to suspension, retirement etc.) to become the winner of a fight between No. 1 and No. 2 (occasionally No. 3) ranked contenders.
- The Ring began awarding championship belts in 1922, stopped giving belts to world champions in the 1990s, then reintroduced their title in 2002, and ignored the current ongoing world championship lineage. Under the original version of the policy, you could win the title by either defeating the reigning champion or winning a box-off between the magazine's No. 1 and No. 2 (occasionally No. 3) ranked contenders. A fighter could not be stripped of the title unless he lost or retired. Since May 2012, under the new policy, The Ring title can be awarded when the No. 1 and No. 2 contenders face each other or when either of them faces No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5 contender. In addition, the title can be taken away by losing the fight, not scheduling a fight for 18 months, not scheduling a fight with a top 5 contender for two years, or retiring.[9]
Title fight wins & beaten opponents
These lists do not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although they only include heavyweight champions that have also captured The Ring or lineal title.
Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
- Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
Most title fight wins against the most opponents
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Wins—BO | Avg. of wins & BO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. IBF, WBO, WBA |
1. 6—6 2. 19—17 |
24 |
2. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 26—21 | 23.5 |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979 |
1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA |
1. 10—9 2. 11—11 3. 1—1 |
21.5 |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 20—20 | 20 |
5. | Lennox Lewis | 1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004 |
1. WBC 2. WBC, WBA, IBF 3. WBC, IBF |
1. 3—3 2. 9—9 3. 3—3 |
15 |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013 |
1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC |
1. 3—3 2. 2—2 3. 10—10 |
15 |
7. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. WBC, WBA, IBF 2. WBC, WBA |
1. 10—10 2. 2—1 |
11.5 |
8. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11—9 | 10 |
8. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 10—10 | 10 |
10. | Evander Holyfield | 1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001 |
1. WBC, WBA, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA |
1. 4—4 2. 1—1 3. 4—3 4. 1—1 |
9.5 |
11. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 9—8 | 8.5 |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
NYSAC, NBA | 1. 5—5 2. 3—2 |
7.5 |
13. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 7—7 | 7 |
13. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 8—6 | 7 |
15. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC | 6—6 | 6 |
15. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA | 7—5 | 6 |
Most title fight wins against the most opponents — The Ring/lineal champions, unified champions, wins over champions
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
- has won The Ring/lineal championship
- unified[5][6][7] the titles
- defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would later become the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active
As of September 16, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Beaten champions | Wins—BO | Avg. of wins & BO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. unified + The Ring, lineal |
1. Chris Byrd, IBF |
1. 6—6 2. 19—17 |
24 |
2. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 26—21 | 23.5 | |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979 |
1. unified + The Ring, lineal 2. unified + The Ring, lineal 3. WBA + The Ring, lineal |
1. 10—9 2. 11—11 3. 1—1 |
21.5 | |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC-to-IBF + The Ring, lineal | Mike Weaver, WBA | 20—20 | 20 |
5. | Lennox Lewis | 1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004 |
1. unified + The Ring, lineal 2. unified + The Ring, lineal |
1. Evander Holyfield, WBA |
1. 9—9 2. 3—3 |
12 |
6. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. unified + lineal 2. unified |
1. 10—10 2. 2—1 |
11.5 | |
7. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11—9 | 10 | |
7. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | unified + The Ring, lineal | 10—10 | 10 | |
9. | Evander Holyfield | 1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 |
1. unified + lineal 2. unified + lineal 3. unified |
1. 4—4 2. 1—1 3. 4—3 |
8.5 | |
9. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC + The Ring, lineal | 9—8 | 8.5 | |
11. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 1. 5—5 2. 3—2 |
7.5 | |
12. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 7—7 | 7 | |
12. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 8—6 | 7 | |
14. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 6—6 | 6 | |
14. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 7—5 | 6 |
Most title fight wins against the most opponents — The Ring/lineal champions, "interim" champions
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion have won The Ring/lineal championship or was ranked by the magazine as the top contender for The Ring/lineal title by the end of the year:[11]
- ranked №1 with active The Ring/lineal champion,
- ranked №1/№2 if both titles are vacant
- ranked №2 if the lineal champion is already ranked №1 and The Ring title is vacant/deactivated
As of September 16, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Wins—BO | Avg. of wins & BO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO + №1 contender by The Ring 2. WBA, WBO, IBF + The Ring, lineal |
1. 6—6 2. 19—17 |
24 |
2. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 26—21 | 23.5 |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979 |
1. WBA, WBC + The Ring, lineal 2. WBA, WBC + The Ring, lineal 3. WBA + The Ring, lineal |
1. 10—9 2. 11—11 3. 1—1 |
21.5 |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF + The Ring, lineal | 20—20 | 20 |
5. | Lennox Lewis | 1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004 |
1. WBC + №1 contender by The Ring[a 1] 2. WBC, WBA, IBF + The Ring, lineal 3. WBC, IBF + The Ring, lineal |
1. 3—3 2. 9—9 3. 3—3 |
15 |
6. | Vitali Klitschko | 1. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 2. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013 |
1. WBC + The Ring 2. WBC + №1 contender by The Ring |
1. 2—2 2. 10—10 |
12 |
7. | Mike Tyson | November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 | WBC, WBA, IBF + lineal | 10—10 | 10 |
7. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11—9 | 10 |
7. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC + The Ring, lineal | 10—10 | 10 |
10. | Evander Holyfield | 1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 |
1. WBC, WBA, IBF + lineal 2. WBA, IBF + lineal 3. WBA, IBF + №1 contender by The Ring[a 2] |
1. 4—4 2. 1—1 3. 4—3 |
8.5 |
10. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC + The Ring, lineal | 9—8 | 8.5 |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 1. 5—5 2. 3—2 |
7.5 |
13. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 7—7 | 7 |
13. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 8—6 | 7 |
15. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 6—6 | 6 |
15. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA + The Ring, lineal | 7—5 | 6 |
- ^ №2 ranked heavyweight by The Ring. №1 ranked fighter Riddick Bowe was the lineal champion
- ^ №1 ranked heavyweight by The Ring. №2 ranked fighter Lennox Lewis was the lineal champion
Most opponents beaten in title fights
As of September 16, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Opponents beaten |
---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 23 |
2. | Joe Louis | 21 |
2. | Muhammad Ali | 21 |
4. | Larry Holmes | 20 |
5. | Lennox Lewis | 15 |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 15 |
7. | Mike Tyson | 11 |
8. | Joe Frazier | 10 |
9. | Tommy Burns | 9 |
9. | Evander Holyfield | 9 |
11. | Ezzard Charles | 8 |
12. | Jack Johnson | 7 |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 7 |
14. | Jack Dempsey | 6 |
14. | James J. Jeffries | 6 |
Most wins in title fights
As of September 16, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Title bout wins |
---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | 26 |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 25 |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 22 |
4. | Larry Holmes | 20 |
5. | Lennox Lewis | 15 |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 15 |
7. | Mike Tyson | 12 |
8. | Tommy Burns | 11 |
9. | Evander Holyfield | 10 |
9. | Joe Frazier | 10 |
11. | Ezzard Charles | 9 |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 8 |
12. | James J. Jeffries | 8 |
14. | Jack Johnson | 7 |
14. | Jack Dempsey | 7 |
14. | Rocky Marciano | 7 |
Consecutive title defenses & beaten opponents
These lists do not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although they only include title streaks during which the champion captured The Ring or lineal title.
Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
- Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
Most consecutive title defenses against the most opponents
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Defenses—BO | Avg. of defenses & BO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 25—20 | 22.5 |
2. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 19—19 | 19 |
3. | Wladimir Klitschko | April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 | IBF, WBO, WBA | 18—17 | 17.5 |
4. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11—9 | 10 |
4. | Muhammad Ali | October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 | WBA, WBC | 10—10 | 10 |
6. | Mike Tyson | November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 | WBC, WBA, IBF | 9—9 | 9 |
6. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 9—9 | 9 |
8. | Lennox Lewis | February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 | WBC, WBA, IBF | 9—8 | 8.5 |
9. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 8—8 | 8 |
9. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 8—8 | 8 |
11. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 7—6 | 6.5 |
12. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA | 6—5 | 5.5 |
13. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC | 5—5 | 5 |
13. | John L. Sullivan | August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892 | lineal | 5—5 | 5 |
Most opponents beaten during title reign
As of September 16, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Opponents beaten |
---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | 20 |
2. | Larry Holmes | 19 |
3. | Wladimir Klitschko | 17 |
4. | Muhammad Ali | 10 |
5. | Mike Tyson | 9 |
5. | Tommy Burns | 9 |
5. | Joe Frazier | 9 |
8. | Jack Johnson | 8 |
8. | Lennox Lewis | 8 |
8. | Ezzard Charles | 8 |
11. | James J. Jeffries | 6 |
12. | Rocky Marciano | 5 |
13. | Jack Dempsey | 5 |
13. | John L. Sullivan | 5 |
Most consecutive title defenses
As of September 16, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Title defenses |
---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | 25 |
2. | Larry Holmes | 19 |
3. | Wladimir Klitschko | 18 |
4. | Tommy Burns | 11 |
5. | Muhammad Ali | 10 |
6. | Joe Frazier | 9 |
6. | Mike Tyson | 9 |
6. | Lennox Lewis | 9 |
9. | Jack Johnson | 8 |
9. | Ezzard Charles | 8 |
11. | James J. Jeffries | 7 |
12. | Rocky Marciano | 6 |
13. | Jack Dempsey | 5 |
13. | John L. Sullivan | 5 |
Longest title reigns
Keys:
- Active Title Reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
- Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
- Note 3: The names in italics are champions that haven't won The Ring/lineal championship
Combined reigns
As of 5 May 2019. This list includes only major titles, and it does not include lineal championships after 1921.
Pos. | Name | Combined reign | Days as champion | Number of reigns | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 12 years, 0 months, 0 days | 4 382 | 2 | IBF, WBA, WBO |
2. | Joe Louis | 11 years, 8 months, 8 days | 4 270 | 1 | NYSAC, NBA |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 9 years, 5 months, 5 days | 3 443 | 3 | NYSAC, WBC, WBA |
4. | Lennox Lewis | 8 years, 5 months, 13 days | 3 086 | 3 | WBC, IBF, WBA |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 7 years, 5 months, 28 days | 2 735 | 3 | WBO, WBC |
6. | Larry Holmes | 7 years, 3 months, 12 days | 2 661 | 1 | WBC, IBF |
7. | Jack Dempsey | 7 years, 2 months, 19 days | 2 638 | 1 | NYSAC, NBA |
8. | John L. Sullivan | 7 years, 0 months, 10 days | 2 566 | 1 | lineal |
9. | Jack Johnson | 6 years, 3 months, 11 days | 2 292 | 1 | lineal |
10. | Evander Holyfield | 6 years, 1 month, 1 day | 2 223 | 4 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
11. | James J. Jeffries | 5 years, 11 months, 4 days | 2 156 | 1 | lineal |
12. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | 1 785 | 1 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC |
13. | Floyd Patterson | 4 years, 10 months, 0 days | 1 765 | 2 | NYSAC, NBA |
14. | James J. Corbett | 4 years, 6 months, 10 days | 1 652 | 1 | lineal |
15. | Deontay Wilder | 9 years, 7 months, 4 weeks and 2 days | 1 489 | 1 | WBC |
Unofficial long title reigns
Pos. | Name | Combined reign | Days as champion | Number of reigns | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | Vitali Klitschko | 10 years, 4 months, 29 days | 3 802 | 2 | WBO, Full WBC-to-WBC Emeritus-to-Full WBC (+The Ring vacated) |
N/A | Muhammad Ali | 10 years, 1 month, 16 days | 3 689 | 3 | The Ring/+lineal (+WBA, +WBC) |
Combined reigns — The Ring/lineal champions, unified champions, wins over champions
As of 24 September 2018. The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that have also captured The Ring or lineal title. The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
- has won The Ring/lineal championship
- unified[5][6][7] the titles
- defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would later become the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active
Pos. | Name | Combined reign | Days as champion | Number of reigns | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 12 years, 0 months, 0 days | 4 382 | 2 | IBF, WBA, WBO |
2. | Joe Louis | 11 years, 8 months, 8 days | 4 270 | 1 | NYSAC, NBA |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 9 years, 5 months, 5 days | 3 443 | 3 | NYSAC, WBC, WBA |
4. | Larry Holmes | 7 years, 3 months, 12 days | 2 661 | 1 | WBC, IBF |
5. | Jack Dempsey | 7 years, 2 months, 19 days | 2 638 | 1 | NYSAC, NBA |
6. | John L. Sullivan | 7 years, 0 months, 10 days | 2 566 | 1 | lineal |
7. | Lennox Lewis | 6 years, 8 months, 3 days | 2 437 | 2 | WBC, IBF, WBA |
8. | Jack Johnson | 6 years, 3 months, 11 days | 2 292 | 1 | lineal |
9. | James J. Jeffries | 5 years, 11 months, 4 days | 2 156 | 1 | lineal |
10. | Evander Holyfield | 5 years, 6 months, 12 days | 2 020 | 3 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
11. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | 1 785 | 1 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 4 years, 10 months, 0 days | 1 765 | 2 | NYSAC, NBA |
13. | James J. Corbett | 4 years, 6 months, 10 days | 1 652 | 1 | lineal |
14. | Jess Willard | 4 years, 2 months, 29 days | 1 551 | 1 | lineal |
15. | Mike Tyson | 3 years, 10 months, 16 days | 1 415 | 2 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
Combined reigns — The Ring/lineal champions, "interim" champions
As of 24 September 2018. The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that have also captured The Ring or lineal title. The list only includes title reigns during which the champion have won The Ring/lineal championship or was ranked by the magazine as the top contender for The Ring/lineal title by the end of the year:[12]
- ranked №1 with active The Ring/lineal champion,
- ranked №1/№2 if both titles are vacant
- ranked №2 if the lineal champion is already ranked №1 and The Ring title is vacant/deactivated
Pos. | Name | Combined reign | Days as champion | Number of reigns | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 12 years, 0 months, 0 days | 4 382 | 2 | IBF, WBA, WBO |
2. | Joe Louis | 11 years, 8 months, 8 days | 4 270 | 1 | NYSAC, NBA |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 9 years, 5 months, 5 days | 3 443 | 3 | NYSAC, WBC, WBA |
4. | Lennox Lewis | 8 years, 5 months, 13 days | 3 086 | 3 | WBC, IBF, WBA |
5. | Larry Holmes | 7 years, 3 months, 12 days | 2 661 | 1 | WBC, IBF |
6. | Jack Dempsey | 7 years, 2 months, 19 days | 2 638 | 1 | NYSAC, NBA |
7. | John L. Sullivan | 7 years, 0 months, 10 days | 2 566 | 1 | lineal |
8. | Vitali Klitschko | 6 years, 8 months, 21 days | 2 455 | 2 | WBO, WBC |
9. | Jack Johnson | 6 years, 3 months, 11 days | 2 292 | 1 | lineal |
10. | James J. Jeffries | 5 years, 11 months, 4 days | 2 156 | 1 | lineal |
11. | Evander Holyfield | 5 years, 6 months, 12 days | 2 020 | 3 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
12. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | 1 785 | 1 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC |
13. | Floyd Patterson | 4 years, 10 months, 0 days | 1 765 | 2 | NYSAC, NBA |
14. | James J. Corbett | 4 years, 6 months, 10 days | 1 652 | 1 | lineal |
15. | Jess Willard | 4 years, 2 months, 29 days | 1 551 | 1 | lineal |
Individual reigns
Below is a list of longest reigning heavyweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. The list includes both The Ring and lineal championships. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.
Pos. | Name | Title Reign | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | 11 years, 8 months, 8 days | lineal |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 9 years, 7 months and 6 days | IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring) |
3. | Larry Holmes | 7 years, 3 months, 12 days | WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal) |
4. | Jack Dempsey | 7 years, 2 months, 19 days | lineal |
5. | John L. Sullivan | 7 years, 0 months, 9 days | lineal |
6. | Jack Johnson | 6 years, 3 months, 10 days | lineal |
7. | Muhammad Ali | 5 years, 11 months, 9 days | The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped) |
8. | James J. Jeffries | 5 years, 11 months, 4 days | lineal |
9. | Vitali Klitschko | 5 years, 2 months, 4 days | WBC |
10. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | NYSAC (+WBA, WBC) |
11. | James J. Corbett | 4 years, 6 months, 10 days | lineal |
12. | Deontay Wilder | 9 years, 7 months, 4 weeks and 2 days | WBC |
13. | Jess Willard | 4 years, 2 months, 29 days | lineal |
14. | Lennox Lewis | 4 years, 2 months, 15 days | WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal) |
15. | Rocky Marciano | 3 years, 11 months, 29 days | lineal |
Unofficial long reigns
Pos. | Name | Title Reign | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|
N/A | Vitali Klitschko | 9 years, 7 months, 22 days | Full WBC-to-WBC Emeritus-to-Full WBC (+The Ring vacated) |
N/A | Muhammad Ali | 7 years, 0 months, 11 days | The Ring/+lineal (+WBA, +WBC) |
N/A | James Toney | 4 Years, 5 months, 14 days | IBA/IBU |
N/A | Brian Nielsen | 3 years, 7 months, 20 days | IBO |
Title fight wins and streaks by era
Before 1921
At the very beginnings, before the establishment of the sanctioning organizations, the title recognition passed through lineage in the fights under Marquess of Queensberry Rules. The champion was informally called "the man who beat the man". The fight between John L. Sullivan and Dominick McCaffrey is recognized by many boxing historians, including those at The Ring, to be for the inaugural World Heavyweight Championship under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules (however, some dispute that claim for various reasons, including the short distance of the bout, McCaffrey's small size and the fact that both fighters were Americans).[13] The lineage was the only universally recognized form of a world championship until July 2, 1921, when Jack Dempsey became the inaugural NBA Heavyweight Champion.
Name | Title recognition | Title bout wins | Beaten opponents | Avg. of wins & BO |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tommy Burns | lineal | 11 | 9 | 10 |
Jack Johnson | lineal | 7 | 7 | 7 |
James J. Jeffries | lineal | 8 | 6 | |
Jack Dempsey | lineal | 3 | 3 | 3 |
James J. Corbett | lineal | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Jess Willard |
National sanctioning bodies
The growing popularity of boxing led to a birth of various regional sanctioning organizations, with each recognizing their own champion. The major governing bodies were the National Boxing Association, formed in 1921, the New York State Athletic Commission, found after the Walker Law legalized prizefighting in New York in 1920, and the International Boxing Union, created in 1911 in Paris in an attempt create a unified international governing body for professional boxing. The NBA and NYSAC both made then-lineal champion Jack Dempsey their inaugural champion on July 2, 1921, and July 24, 1922, respectively.[14]
Name | Title recognition | Title bout wins | Beaten opponents | Avg. of wins & BO |
---|---|---|---|---|
Joe Louis | NYSAC, NBA | 26 | 21 | 23.5 |
Jack Dempsey | NYSAC, NBA | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Primo Carnera | NYSAC, NBA, IBU | |||
Gene Tunney | NYSAC, NBA | 2 | 2.5 | |
Max Schmeling | NYSAC, NBA, IBU | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Sonny Liston | NYSAC | 1 | 1.5 | |
Jersey Joe Walcott | NYSAC, NBA | |||
Jack Sharkey | NYSAC, NBA, IBU | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Max Baer | NYSAC, NBA, IBU | |||
James J. Braddock | NYSAC, NBA, IBU |
First international expansion
The growing popularity of boxing outside of the USA led to creation of various boxing organizations, each strengthening their influence (most notably BBBofC) and having their own champion. This resulted in a growing number of boxers claiming to be legitimate champions. The disruption in boxing was solved after the World War II when the World Championship Committee (WCC) was created with NBA as its unanimous authority. The committee, however, was disbanded in 1955 when NBA, along with its new members (which included the Orient, Mexican and South American federations and boxing commissions of the Philippines and Thailand) left WCC citing lack of control over the organisation. The NBA's voting scheme guaranteed one vote for each state commission as well as one vote for each foreign country.[15][16] On August 23, 1962, the NBA officially became the World Boxing Association and moved their headquarters to Panama City, Panama.
Name | Title recognition | Title bout wins | Beaten opponents | Avg. of wins & BO |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ezzard Charles | NBA, NYSAC | 9 | 8 | 8.5 |
Floyd Patterson | NBA, NYSAC | 8 | 7 | 7.5 |
Rocky Marciano | NBA, NYSAC | 7 | 5 | 6 |
Second international expansion
A year later NYSAC along with European Boxing Union and BBBofC supported creation of the World Boxing Council. WBC was officially established on February 14, 1963, in Mexico City, Mexico by 11 countries (the United States, Puerto Rico, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil) that were invited by the President of Mexico Adolfo López Mateos to form an international organization to unify all commissions of the world to control the expansion of boxing.[17] The reason for the move were concerns about WBA's alleged lack of desire to support professional boxing outside of the USA.[18] In April 1983, members of United States Boxing Association along with Robert W. Lee (a former WBA vice-president) voted to expand the organisation and form the USBA-International. The organization later changed the name to International Boxing Federation.[19] The inaugural IBF Heavyweight Champion was Larry Holmes, who relinquished the WBC title to accept IBF's recognition, thus helping the newly formed organization to establish its legitimacy. Another major sanctioning body, the World Boxing Organisation, was established in 1988 in San Juan, Puerto Rico by a group of local businessmen. At the beginnings, when most of the challengers for WBA, WBC and IBF titles were Americans, WBO had a wider variety of countries, mainly European, represented in title bouts. In the inaugural bout, Italian boxer Francesco Damiani defeated Johnny du Plooy from South Africa by KO in the 3rd round. Before the Klitschko Era, United Kingdom tied USA for most wins in WBO Heavyweight title fights with 8.[20] WBO struggled with receiving credibility at first, but by the beginning of the 2000s, the WBA was giving the same recognition to WBO champions as it did to WBC and IBF champions.
WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA are all recognized as major boxing organizations by each other and the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Riddick Bowe remains the only heavyweight boxer to win all four world titles (WBA, WBC and IBF in 1992–93 and WBO in 1995), while Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are the only brothers to hold them at the same time (from 2011 to 2013). Wladimir is the only unified champion to successfully defend the title against the same opponent twice (Tony Thompson in 2008 and 2012).
Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
- Note 2: The list of most consecutive defenses includes all title reigns of each boxer
- Note 3: The names in italics are champions that haven't won The Ring/lineal championship
- Note 4: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
Title fight wins, beaten opponents
|
Consecutive title defenses, beaten opponents
|
Most wins in unified title fights
|
Most consecutive unified title defenses
|
Title fight wins and streaks by non-US nationality
- Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
- Note 2: The names in italics are champions that haven't won The Ring/lineal championship
- Note 3: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
Title fight wins & beaten opponents
The list includes championship wins of heavyweight boxers from outside of the United States. It includes only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after 1921).
Country | No. of champions | Boxers by Name | Avg. of wins & BO | Title wins | Beaten opponents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | 2 | Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko | 38.5 | 40 | 37 |
United Kingdom | 6 | Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Frank Bruno, David Haye, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua | 27 | 28 | 26 |
Canada | 4 | Tommy Burns, Trevor Berbick, Bermane Stiverne, Lennox Lewis* | 27 | 28 | 26 |
Russia | 3 | Nikolai Valuev, Oleg Maskaev, Sultan Ibragimov | 8 | 9 | 7 |
Italy | 1 | Primo Carnera | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Uzbekistan | 1 | Ruslan Chagaev | 3 | 3 | 3 |
New Zealand | 1 | Joseph Parker | 3 | 3 | 3 |
South Africa | 2 | Gerrie Coetzee, Corrie Sanders | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Germany | 1 | Max Schmeling | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Sweden | 1 | Ingemar Johansson | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Belarus | 1 | Siarhei Liakhovich | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Nigeria | 1 | Samuel Peter | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Title fight wins & beaten opponents — The Ring/lineal champions, unified champions, wins over champions
The list includes championship wins of heavyweight boxers from outside of the United States. The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that have also captured The Ring or lineal title. The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
- has won The Ring/lineal championship
- unified[5][6][7] the titles
- defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would later become the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active
Country | No. of champions | Boxers by Name | Avg. of wins & BO | Title wins | Beaten opponents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | 2 | Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko | 26 | 27 | 25 |
Canada | 2 | Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* | 22 | 23 | 21 |
United Kingdom | 3 | Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Italy | 1 | Primo Carnera | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Germany | 1 | Max Schmeling | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Sweden | 1 | Ingemar Johansson | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Title fight wins & beaten opponents — The Ring/lineal champions, "interim" champions
The list includes championship wins of heavyweight boxers from outside of the United States. The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that have also captured The Ring or lineal title. The list only includes title reigns during which the champion have won The Ring/lineal championship or was ranked by the magazine as the top contender for The Ring/lineal title by the end of the year:[21]
- ranked №1 with active The Ring/lineal champion,
- ranked №1/№2 if both titles are vacant
- ranked №2 if the lineal champion is already ranked №1 and The Ring title is vacant/deactivated
Country | No. of champions | Boxers by Name | Avg. of wins & BO | Title wins | Beaten opponents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | 2 | Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko | 35.5 | 37 | 34 |
Canada | 2 | Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* | 25 | 26 | 24 |
United Kingdom | 3 | Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Italy | 1 | Primo Carnera | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Germany | 1 | Max Schmeling | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Sweden | 1 | Ingemar Johansson | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Title streaks
The list includes longest championship streaks of heavyweight boxers by each non-US country. It includes only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after 1921).
Country | Champion | Avg. of defenses & BO | Title defenses | Beaten opponents |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | Wladimir Klitschko | 17.5 | 18 | 17 |
Canada | Tommy Burns | 10 | 11 | 9 |
United Kingdom | Lennox Lewis | 8.5 | 9 | 8 |
Russia | Nikolai Valuev | 5.5 | 6 | 5 |
Italy | Primo Carnera | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Uzbekistan | Ruslan Chagaev | 2 | 2 | 2 |
New Zealand | Joseph Parker | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Germany | Max Schmeling | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Title fight finishes
Quickest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages
- Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
Date | Fight | Method | Round | Time | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 25, 2005
|
Lamon Brewster def. Andrew Golota | TKO | 1 | 0:52 | WBO |
December 10, 1982
|
Michael Dokes def. Mike Weaver | TKO | 1 | 1:03 | WBA |
March 17, 1908
|
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche | KO | 1 | 1:28 | Lineal |
June 27, 1988
|
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks | KO | 1 | 1:31 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
July 21, 1989
|
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams | TKO | 1 | 1:33 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
October 4, 1997
|
Lennox Lewis def. Andrew Golota | KO | 1 | 1:35 | WBC |
April 22, 1969
|
Joe Frazier def. Dave Zyglewicz | KO | 1 | 1:36 | NYSAC |
September 1, 1973
|
George Foreman def. José Roman | KO | 1 | 2:00 | WBA, WBC |
June 22, 1938
|
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling | KO | 1 | 2:04 | NBA, NYSAC |
September 25, 1962
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:06 | NYSAC, WBA |
September 18, 1946
|
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello | KO | 1 | 2:09 | NBA, NYSAC |
July 22, 1963
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:10 | WBA, WBC |
May 25, 1965
|
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston | KO | 1 | 2:12 | WBC |
December 12, 1986
|
James Smith def. Tim Witherspoon | KO | 1 | 2:12 | WBA |
February 6, 1993
|
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes | TKO | 1 | 2:19 | WBA, IBF |
April 17, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper | KO | 1 | 2:20 | NBA, NYSAC |
May 15, 1953
|
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott | KO | 1 | 2:25 | NBA, NYSAC |
April 17, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis | KO | 1 | 2:29 | NBA, NYSAC |
January 9, 1942
|
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer | KO | 1 | 2:56 | NBA, NYSAC |
November 4, 2017
|
Deontay Wilder def. Bermane Stiverne | KO | 1 | 2:59 | WBC |
March 19, 2011
|
Vitali Klitschko def. Odlanier Solís | KO | 1 | 2:59 | WBC |
Quickest stoppages in title fights — The Ring/lineal/unified title on the line
- Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
Date | Fight | Method | Round | Time | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
March 17, 1908
|
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche | KO | 1 | 1:28 | Lineal |
June 27, 1988
|
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks | KO | 1 | 1:31 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
July 21, 1989
|
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams | TKO | 1 | 1:33 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
September 1, 1973
|
George Foreman def. José Roman | KO | 1 | 2:00 | WBA, WBC |
June 22, 1938
|
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling | KO | 1 | 2:04 | NBA, NYSAC |
September 25, 1962
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:06 | NYSAC, WBA |
September 18, 1946
|
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello | KO | 1 | 2:09 | NBA, NYSAC |
July 22, 1963
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:10 | WBA, WBC |
May 25, 1965
|
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston | KO | 1 | 2:12 | WBC |
February 6, 1993
|
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes | TKO | 1 | 2:19 | WBA, IBF |
April 17, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper | KO | 1 | 2:20 | NBA, NYSAC |
May 15, 1953
|
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott | KO | 1 | 2:25 | NBA, NYSAC |
April 17, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis | KO | 1 | 2:29 | NBA, NYSAC |
January 9, 1942
|
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer | KO | 1 | 2:56 | NBA, NYSAC |
March 29, 1940
|
Joe Louis def. Johnny Paychek | TKO | 2 | 0:15 | NBA, NYSAC |
May 22, 1993
|
Riddick Bowe def. Jesse Ferguson | KO | 2 | 0:17 | WBA |
August 26, 1904
|
James J. Jeffries def. Jack Munroe | TKO | 2 | 0:45 | Lineal |
November 18, 1970
|
Joe Frazier def. Bob Foster | KO | 2 | 0:49 | WBA, WBC |
September 14, 1923
|
Jack Dempsey def. Luis Ángel Firpo | KO | 2 | 0:57 | NBA, NYSAC |
February 17, 1941
|
Joe Louis def. Gus Dorazio | KO | 2 | 1:30 | NBA, NYSAC |
March 26, 1974
|
George Foreman def. Ken Norton | TKO | 2 | 2:00 | WBA, WBC |
January 22, 1973
|
George Foreman def. Joe Frazier | TKO | 2 | 2:26 | WBA, WBC |
July 15, 2000
|
Lennox Lewis def. Francois Botha | TKO | 2 | 2:39 | WBC, IBF |
April 29, 2000
|
Lennox Lewis def. Michael Grant | KO | 2 | 2:53 | WBC, IBF |
March 21, 1988
|
Mike Tyson def. Tony Tubbs | TKO | 2 | 2:54 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
Most title fight stoppages
Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
- Note 2: The names in italics are champions that haven't won The Ring/lineal championship
Name | Title fight finishes | |
---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | 23 |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 19 |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 15 |
4. | Larry Holmes | 14 |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 12 |
6. | Lennox Lewis | 11 |
7. | Mike Tyson | 10 |
8. | Tommy Burns | 9 |
9. | Joe Frazier | 8 |
9. | Floyd Patterson | 8 |
11. | Deontay Wilder | 7 |
12. | Rocky Marciano | 6 |
12. | James J. Jeffries | 6 |
12. | Anthony Joshua | |
15. | Ezzard Charles | 5 |
15. | Jack Dempsey |
Champions by age
Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
- Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before June 1999 are not included[10]
Oldest champions
As of September 16, 2024.
This is the list of the oldest heavyweight champions ordered by the age at their last day as champion.
Name | Recognition | Last day as champion | Age | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | George Foreman | IBF | June 29, 1995 | 46 years, 170 days[22] |
2 | Vitali Klitschko | WBC | December 16, 2013 | 42 years, 150 days |
3 | Wladimir Klitschko | WBA, WBO, IBF | November 28, 2015 | 39 years, 248 days |
4 | Oleg Maskaev | WBC | March 8, 2008 | 39 years, 6 days |
5 | Jersey Joe Walcott | NBA, NYSAC | September 23, 1952 | 38 years, 236 days |
6 | Lennox Lewis | WBC | February 6, 2004 | 38 years, 157 days |
7 | Evander Holyfield | WBA | March 3, 2001 | 38 years, 135 days |
8 | Corrie Sanders | WBO | February 1, 2004 | 38 years, 25 days[23] |
9 | Larry Holmes | IBF | September 21, 1985 | 37 years, 322 days |
10 | Muhammad Ali | WBA | October 18, 1979 | 37 years, 274 days |
Youngest champions
As of September 16, 2024.
Name | Recognition | Date | Age | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mike Tyson | WBC | November 22, 1986 | 20 years, 145 days |
2 | Floyd Patterson | NBA, NYSAC | November 30, 1956 | 21 years, 331 days |
3 | Muhammad Ali | WBA, WBC | February 25, 1964 | 22 years, 39 days |
4 | Joe Louis | NBA, NYSAC | June 22, 1937 | 23 years, 40 days |
5 | John L. Sullivan | Lineal | February 7, 1882 | 23 years, 115 days |
6 | Jack Dempsey | Lineal | July 4, 1919 | 24 years, 10 days |
7 | George Foreman | WBA, WBC | February 22, 1973 | 24 years, 12 days |
8 | Joe Frazier | NYSAC | March 4, 1968 | 24 years, 52 days |
9 | James J. Jeffries | Lineal | June 9, 1899 | 24 years, 55 days |
10 | Michael Dokes | WBA | December 10, 1982 | 24 years, 122 days |
See also
- List of heavyweight boxing champions
- List of current world boxing champions
- List of WBA world champions
- List of WBC world champions
- List of IBF world champions
- List of WBO world champions
- List of lineal boxing world champions
- List of undefeated boxing world champions (retired only)
- List of undisputed boxing champions
- World boxing championship records and statistics
References
- ^ "4. Weight Classes". IBO and also the sumo board of control. But Championship Rules & Regulations. International Boxing Organization. Retrieved August 11, 2007.
Heavyweight Over 200 lbs.
- ^ "11. Weight Category" (PDF). World Bpxing Association World Championships Regulations. World Boxing Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 9, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2007.
Heavy More than 200 Lbs.
- ^ "Ratings Heavyweight (over 200–90.719)". World Boxing Council. Archived from the original on August 10, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2007.
- ^ "3. Weight Classes" (PDF). Regulations of World Championship Contests. World Boxing Organization. Archived from the original (pdf) on September 26, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2007.
Heavyweight Over 200lbs or 90.91 kg.
- ^ a b c d International Boxing Federation rules: governing championship contests
- ^ a b c d World Boxing Organization: regulation of world championship contests
- ^ a b c d World Boxing Association rules and regulations
- ^ Davies, Gareth A. (October 12, 2008). "David Haye confident he can take down both Klitschko brothers". The Daily Telegraph. London, UK. Retrieved November 1, 2009.
- ^ "The Ring updates championship policy". Ring TV. May 3, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i James B. Roberts, Alexander G. Skutt: The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall of Fame Official Record Book, p. 331–32. The record of Michael Carbajal indicates his opponent Jorge Arce as WBO "World Champion" on July 31, 1999, meanwhile his previous opponent Josue Camacho (fought on July 15, 1994) didn't receive the same recognition, thus suggesting that WBO title hadn't been viewed by IBHOF as a major title prior to (at least) July 1999, when Vitali Klitschko (won the title on June 26, 1999) was WBO heavyweight champion
- ^ The Ring Magazine's Annual Ratings
- ^ The Ring Magazine's Annual Ratings
- ^ "1885-08-29: John L. Sullivan vs. Dominick McCaffrey". BoxRec. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
- ^ "Jack Dempsey biography on BoxRec". BoxRec. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
- ^
"Reveille vol. 38, Nov. 4, 1964 (p. 23)". Reveille. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
{{cite web}}
:|archive-date=
/|archive-url=
timestamp mismatch; March 19, 2018 suggested (help) - ^ James B. Roberts,Alexander G. Skutt: The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall of Fame Official Record Book (p. 50)
- ^ "History of the WBC". World Boxing Council. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
- ^ John Sugden: Boxing and Society: An International Analysis (p. 49)
- ^ "History of IBF/USBA". International Boxing Federation. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
- ^ former champion Michael Bentt holds both British and American citizenship.
- ^ The Ring Magazine's Annual Ratings
- ^ Foreman Relinquishes IBF Title
- ^ WBO Heavyweight Championship