The History of Heavyweight Boxing

The heavyweight class in boxing has historically boasted the most prestigious champion's title, although interest has waned in 2009 due to a lack of talented fighters. The heavyweight championship has made many men famous throughout its history.

  1. The First Modern Champ

    • James L. Sullivan is considered the first true heavyweight champion. He was the last bare knuckled champion, and he was defeated by James J. Corbett in 1892 to begin the modern heavyweight title lineage.

    Never Beaten

    • Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight champion to end his career unbeaten, compiling a perfect 49-0 record before retiring in 1956.

    Longest Title Reign

    • Joe Louis has the longest reign of any heavyweight champion, holding the title for 140 consecutive months before retiring with the title in 1949.

    Ali: The Greatest

    • As the self-proclaimed "Greatest," Muhammad Ali might be the greatest heavyweight champion ever. He would become the first person ever to win the heavyweight title three times. Ali was known as much for his personality as his fights, bringing a showman's flair to the heavyweight division. His three-fight series with Joe Frazier is considered one of the greatest in boxing history.

    The Rise and Fall of Mike Tyson

    • One of the most ferocious and feared heavyweight champions ever was Mike Tyson, who became the youngest-ever champ after defeating Trevor Berbeck for the WBC title in 1986 at 20. Tyson's crowning moment might have been his 91-second destruction of Michael Spinks, who some claimed had a linear claim to the heavyweight title.

    The Last Undisputed Champ

    • The last person to be the undisputed heavyweight champion as of 2009 (holding all three major titles) was Lennox Lewis, who gave up the WBA title to fight Michael Grant in 2000.