World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics
Below is a list of world heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics.
Championship recognition
[edit]As per International Boxing Hall Of Fame:[1][2][3][4][5]
1884–2024
[edit]- 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. It was a lineal championship. The only way to win the championship was to beat the current champion. 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: 1921–present
[edit]-
WBA world championship
-
WBC world championship
-
IBF world championship
-
WBO world championship
-
The Ring world championship
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 International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) recognizes these organizations as major in boxing:
- 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 WBC.
- The National Boxing Association (NBA) was organized in 1921. In 1962, the organization was renamed the World Boxing Association (WBA).
- The WBC was organized in 1963.
- The 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 WBO, founded in 1988. The IBHOF started recognizing WBO as a major organization no later than August 23, 1997.[nb 1]
There are also titles that are not considered major, but play a significant role in legitimizing the heavyweight champion:
- 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.[6]
Most opponents beaten in title fights
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note: Secondary championships are not included.
All championship reigns
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Beaten opponents |
Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO |
23 | [7] |
2. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 22 | [8][9] |
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 |
21 | [10] |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 20 | [11] |
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. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF |
15 | [12] |
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 |
15 | [13] |
7. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC |
11 | [14] |
7. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11 | [15] |
9. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 10 | [16] |
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. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA |
9 | [17] |
10. | Anthony Joshua | 1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019 2. December 7, 2019 — September 25, 2021 |
WBA, IBF, WBO | 9 | [18] |
12. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 8 | [19] |
12. | Deontay Wilder | January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020 | WBC | 8 | [20] |
14. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
NYSAC, NBA | 7 | [21] |
15. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 6 | [22] |
15. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC | 6 | [23] |
15. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 6 | [24] |
All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO |
23 | [7] |
2. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 22 | [8][9] |
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 |
21 | [10] |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 20 | [11] |
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. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF |
15 | [12] |
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 |
15 | [13] |
7. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC |
11 | [14] |
7. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11 | [15] |
9. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 10 | [16] |
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. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA |
9 | [17] |
11. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 8 | [19] |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
NYSAC, NBA | 7 | [21] |
12. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 7 | [22] |
14. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 6 | [24] |
14. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC | 6 | [23] |
Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
- has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
- held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
- defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active
As of December 18, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Additional recognition | Beaten champions (recognition) | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. unified |
2. The Ring |
1. Chris Byrd (IBF) |
23 | [7][28] |
2. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | undisputed | The Ring | 22 | [8][9] | |
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. undisputed 2. undisputed 3. WBA |
The Ring | 21 | [10] | |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC-to-IBF | The Ring | Mike Weaver (WBA), Tim Witherspoon (WBC) |
20 | [11][29][30] |
5. | Lennox Lewis | 1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004 |
1. undisputed 2. unified |
2. The Ring |
1. Evander Holyfield (WBA) |
12 | [12][17] |
6. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. undisputed 2. unified |
1. The Ring |
11 | [14] | |
6. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | lineal | 11 | [15] | |
8. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | undisputed | The Ring | 10 | [16] | |
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. undisputed 2. unified 3. unified |
8 | [17] | ||
9. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | undisputed | The Ring | 8 | [19] | |
11. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
undisputed | The Ring | 7 | [21] | |
12. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | lineal | 6 | [22] | |
12. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | lineal | 6 | [24] | |
12. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | undisputed | The Ring | 6 | [23] | |
15. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | undisputed | The Ring | 5 | [31] | |
15. | George Foreman | 1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974 2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995 |
1. undisputed 2. unified |
1. The Ring |
5 | [32] | |
17. | Tyson Fury | 1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016 2. February 22, 2020 — May 18, 2024 |
1. unified 2. WBC |
1. The Ring 2. The Ring |
4 | [33] | |
18. | Primo Carnera | June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934 | undisputed | The Ring | 3 | [34] | |
18. | Riddick Bowe | November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993 | undisputed | 3 | [35] | ||
18. | Oleksandr Usyk | September 25, 2021 – present | undisputed | The Ring | Daniel Dubois (IBF) | 3 | [36] |
21. | James J. Corbett | September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897 | lineal | lineal | 2 | [37] | |
21. | Jess Willard | April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919 | lineal | lineal | 2 | [38] | |
21. | Max Schmeling | June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931 | undisputed | The Ring | 2 | [39] | |
21. | Vitali Klitschko | April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 | WBC | The Ring | Corrie Sanders (WBO) | 2 | [13][40] |
21. | Gene Tunney | September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928 | undisputed | The Ring | 2 | [41] | |
21. | Michael Spinks | September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987 | IBF | The Ring | 2 | [42] | |
27. | John L. Sullivan | August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892 | lineal | lineal | 1 | [43] | |
27. | Bob Fitzsimmons | March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899 | lineal | lineal | 1 | [44] | |
27. | Marvin Hart | July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906 | lineal | lineal | 1 | [45] | |
27. | Max Baer | June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [46] | |
27. | James J. Braddock | June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [47] | |
27. | Jersey Joe Walcott | July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [48] | |
27. | Ingemar Johansson | June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [49] | |
27. | Sonny Liston | September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [50] | |
27. | Leon Spinks | February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [51] | |
27. | Buster Douglas | February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990 | undisputed | 1 | [52] |
Most wins in title fights
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
All championship reigns
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
- Note: Secondary championships are not included.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Title fight wins | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 27 | [8][9] |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO |
25 | [7] |
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 |
22 | [10] |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 20 | [11] |
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. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF |
15 | [12] |
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 |
15 | [13] |
7. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 13 | [15] |
8. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC |
12 | [14] |
9. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 10 | [16] |
9. | Deontay Wilder | January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020 | WBC | 10 | [20] |
9. | 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. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA |
10 | [17] |
12. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 9 | [19] |
12. | Anthony Joshua | 1. April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019 2. December 7, 2019 – September 25, 2021 |
WBA, IBF, WBO | 9 | [18] |
14. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
NYSAC, NBA | 8 | [21] |
14. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 8 | [24] |
All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Title fight wins | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 27 | [8][9] |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO |
25 | [7] |
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 |
22 | [10] |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 20 | [11] |
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. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF |
15 | [12] |
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 |
15 | [13] |
7. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 13 | [15] |
8. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBC, WBA |
12 | [14] |
9. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 10 | [16] |
9. | 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. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA |
10 | [17] |
11. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 9 | [19] |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
NYSAC, NBA | 8 | [21] |
12. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 8 | [24] |
14. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA | 7 | [31] |
15. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | NYSAC, NBA | 6 | [23] |
15. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 6 | [22] |
Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
- has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
- held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
- defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active
As of December 18, 2024.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Additional recognition | Beaten champions (recognition) | Title fight wins | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | undisputed | The Ring | 27 | [8][9] | |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 |
1. WBO 2. unified |
2. The Ring |
1. Chris Byrd (IBF) |
25 | [7][28] |
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. undisputed 2. undisputed 3. WBA |
1. The Ring 2. The Ring 3. The Ring |
22 | [10] | |
4. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC-to-IBF | The Ring | Mike Weaver (WBA), Tim Witherspoon (WBC) |
20 | [11][29][30] |
5. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | lineal | 13 | [15] | |
6. | Lennox Lewis | 1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004 |
1. undisputed 2. unified |
2. The Ring |
1. Evander Holyfield (WBA) |
12 | [12][17] |
6. | Mike Tyson | 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996 |
1. undisputed 2. unified |
1. The Ring |
12 | [14] | |
8. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | unified | The Ring | 10 | [16] | |
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. undisputed 2. unified 3. unified |
9 | [17] | ||
9. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | undisputed | The Ring | 9 | [19] | |
11. | Floyd Patterson | 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962 |
undisputed | The Ring | 8 | [21] | |
11. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | lineal | 8 | [24] | |
13. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | undisputed | The Ring | 7 | [31] | |
14. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | undisputed | The Ring | 6 | [23] | |
14. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | lineal | 6 | [22] | |
16. | George Foreman | 1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974 2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995 |
1. undisputed 2. unified |
1. The Ring |
5 | [32] | |
16. | Tyson Fury | 1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016 2. February 22, 2020 — May 19, 2024 |
1. unified 2. WBC |
1. The Ring 2. The Ring |
5 | [33] | |
18. | Oleksandr Usyk | September 25, 2021 — present | undisputed | The Ring | Daniel Dubois (IBF) | 4 | [36] |
19. | Primo Carnera | June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934 | undisputed | The Ring | 3 | [34] | |
19. | Riddick Bowe | November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993 | undisputed | 3 | [35] | ||
19. | Gene Tunney | September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928 | undisputed | The Ring | 3 | [41] | |
19. | Michael Spinks | September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987 | IBF | The Ring | 3 | [42] | |
23. | James J. Corbett | September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897 | lineal | lineal | 2 | [37] | |
23. | Jess Willard | April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919 | lineal | lineal | 2 | [38] | |
23. | Max Schmeling | June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931 | undisputed | The Ring | 2 | [39] | |
23. | Vitali Klitschko | April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 | WBC | The Ring | Corrie Sanders (WBO) | 2 | [13][40] |
23. | Jersey Joe Walcott | July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952 | undisputed | The Ring | 2 | [48] | |
23. | Sonny Liston | September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964 | undisputed | The Ring | 2 | [50] | |
29. | John L. Sullivan | August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892 | lineal | lineal | 1 | [43] | |
29. | Bob Fitzsimmons | March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899 | lineal | lineal | 1 | [44] | |
29. | Marvin Hart | July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906 | lineal | lineal | 1 | [45] | |
29. | Max Baer | June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [46] | |
29. | James J. Braddock | June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [47] | |
29. | Ingemar Johansson | June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [49] | |
29. | Leon Spinks | February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978 | undisputed | The Ring | 1 | [51] | |
29. | Buster Douglas | February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990 | undisputed | 1 | [52] |
Most opponents title was successfully defended against during one reign
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note: Secondary championships are not included.
All championship reigns
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 21 | [8][9] |
2. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 19 | [11] |
3. | Wladimir Klitschko | April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 | WBA, IBF, WBO | 18 | [7] |
4. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11 | [15] |
5. | Muhammad Ali | October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 | WBA, WBC | 10 | [10] |
6. | Vitali Klitschko | October 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012 | WBC | 9 | [13] |
6. | Mike Tyson | November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 9 | [14] |
6. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 9 | [16] |
6. | Deontay Wilder | January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020 | WBC | 9 | [20] |
10. | Lennox Lewis | February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 8 | [12] |
10. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 8 | [19] |
12. | Anthony Joshua | April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019 | WBA, IBF, WBO | 6 | [18] |
12. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 6 | [24] |
12. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 6 | [22] |
15. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA | 5 | [31] |
15. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC | 5 | [23] |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 21 | [8][9] |
2. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 19 | [11] |
3. | Wladimir Klitschko | April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 | WBA, IBF, WBO | 17 | [7] |
4. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 11 | [15] |
5. | Muhammad Ali | October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 | WBA, WBC | 10 | [10] |
6. | Mike Tyson | November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 9 | [14] |
6. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 9 | [16] |
8. | Lennox Lewis | February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 8 | [12] |
8. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 8 | [19] |
10. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 6 | [24] |
10. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 6 | [22] |
12. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA | 5 | [31] |
12. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC | 5 | [23] |
Most consecutive title defenses
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note: Secondary championships are not included.
All championship reigns
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Title defenses | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 26 | [8][9] |
2. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 19 | [11] |
3. | Wladimir Klitschko | April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 | WBA, IBF, WBO | 18 | [7][53] |
4. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 13 | [15] |
5. | Muhammad Ali | October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 | WBA, WBC | 10 | [10] |
5. | Deontay Wilder | January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020 | WBC | 10 | [20] |
7. | Vitali Klitschko | October 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012 | WBC | 9 | [13] |
7. | Mike Tyson | November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 9 | [14] |
7. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 9 | [16] |
7. | Lennox Lewis | February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 9 | [12] |
11. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 8 | [19] |
12. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 7 | [24] |
13. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA | 6 | [31] |
13. | Anthony Joshua | April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019 | WBA, IBF, WBO | 6 | [18] |
13. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 6 | [22] |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
Pos. | Name | Reign began-ended | Recognition | Title defenses | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 | NYSAC, NBA | 26 | [8][9] |
2. | Larry Holmes | June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 | WBC, IBF | 19 | [11] |
3. | Wladimir Klitschko | April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 | WBA, IBF, WBO | 18 | [7] |
4. | Tommy Burns | February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 | lineal | 13 | [15] |
5. | Muhammad Ali | October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 | WBA, WBC | 10 | [10] |
6. | Mike Tyson | November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 9 | [14] |
6. | Joe Frazier | March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC | 9 | [16] |
6. | Lennox Lewis | February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 | WBA, WBC, IBF | 9 | [16] |
9. | Ezzard Charles | September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 | NBA, NYSAC | 8 | [19] |
10. | James J. Jeffries | June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 | lineal | 7 | [24] |
11. | Rocky Marciano | September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 | NYSAC, NBA | 6 | [31] |
11. | Jack Johnson | December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 | lineal | 6 | [22] |
13. | Jack Dempsey | July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 | lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC | 5 | [23] |
Longest title reigns
[edit]Keys:
- Active Title Reign
- Reign has ended
- Note: Secondary championships are not included.
Combined reigns
[edit]All championship reigns
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
As of 26 May 2024.
Pos. | Name | Combined reign | Days as champion |
Number of reigns |
Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 12 years, 0 months, 0 days | 4 382 | 2 | WBA, IBF, 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, WBA, WBC |
4. | Lennox Lewis | 8 years, 5 months, 13 days | 3 086 | 3 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 7 years, 5 months, 28 days | 2 735 | 3 | WBC, WBO |
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, 9 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. | Tyson Fury | 5 years, 1 months, 12 days | 1 866 | 2 | WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO |
13. | Deontay Wilder | 5 years, 1 months, 5 days | 1 859 | 1 | WBC |
14. | Anthony Joshua | 4 years, 11 months, 10 days | 1 806 | 2 | IBF, WBA, WBO |
15. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | 1 785 | 1 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC |
All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
As of 26 May 2024.
Pos. | Name | Combined reign | Days as champion | Number of reigns | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 12 years, 0 months, 0 days | 4 382 | 2 | WBA, IBF, 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, WBA, WBC |
4. | Lennox Lewis | 8 years, 5 months, 13 days | 3 086 | 3 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 7 years, 5 months, 28 days | 2 735 | 3 | WBC, WBO |
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. | Tyson Fury | 5 years, 1 months, 12 days | 1 866 | 2 | WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO |
13. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | 1 785 | 1 | NYSAC, WBA, WBC |
14. | Floyd Patterson | 4 years, 10 months, 0 days | 1 765 | 2 | NYSAC, NBA |
15. | James J. Corbett | 4 years, 6 months, 10 days | 1 652 | 1 | lineal |
Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
- has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
- held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
- 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 world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active
As of 26 May 2024.
Pos. | Name | Combined reign | Days as champion | Number of reigns | Title recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Wladimir Klitschko | 12 years, 0 months, 0 days | 4 382 | 2 | WBA, IBF, 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, WBA, WBC |
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 | WBA, WBC, IBF |
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. | Tyson Fury | 5 years, 1 months, 12 days | 1 866 | 2 | WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO |
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
[edit]Below is a list of longest reigning heavyweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. Both The Ring and lineal championships are included. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.
All championship reigns
[edit]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/Lineal) |
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. | Deontay Wilder | 5 years, 1 month 5 days | WBC |
11. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | NYSAC (+WBA, WBC) |
12. | James J. Corbett | 4 years, 6 months, 10 days | lineal |
13. | Jess Willard | 4 years, 2 months, 29 days | lineal |
14. | Tyson Fury | 4 years, 2 months, 26 days | WBC (+The Ring/Lineal) |
15. | Lennox Lewis | 4 years, 2 months, 15 days | WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal) |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
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/Lineal) |
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. | Joe Frazier | 4 years, 10 months, 18 days | NYSAC (+WBA, WBC) |
10. | James J. Corbett | 4 years, 6 months, 10 days | lineal |
11. | Jess Willard | 4 years, 2 months, 29 days | lineal |
12. | Tyson Fury | 4 years, 2 months, 26 days | WBC (+The Ring/Lineal) |
13. | Lennox Lewis | 4 years, 2 months, 15 days | WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal) |
14. | Rocky Marciano | 3 years, 11 months, 29 days | lineal |
15. | Mike Tyson | 3 years, 2 months, 20 days | WBC (+WBA, IBF, The Ring) |
Title fight finishes
[edit]Fastest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages
[edit]Date | Fight | Method | Round | Time | Title | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 18, 1998
|
Herbie Hide def. Damon Reed | TKO | 1 | 0:52 | WBO | [54] |
May 21, 2005
|
Lamon Brewster def. Andrew Golota | TKO | 1 | 0:52 | WBO | [55] |
November 14, 1944
|
Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis | KO | 1 | 0:53 | NYSAC | [8][9] |
April 6, 1900
|
James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan | KO | 1 | 0:55 | Lineal | [24] |
December 10, 1982
|
Michael Dokes def. Mike Weaver | TKO | 1 | 1:03 | WBA | [29] |
July 4, 1907
|
Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires | KO | 1 | 1:28 | Lineal | [15] |
March 17, 1908
|
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche | KO | 1 | 1:28 | Lineal | [15] |
June 27, 1988
|
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks | KO | 1 | 1:31 | WBA, WBC, IBF | [14] |
July 21, 1989
|
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams | TKO | 1 | 1:33 | WBA, WBC, IBF | [14] |
October 4, 1997
|
Lennox Lewis def. Andrew Golota | KO | 1 | 1:35 | WBC | [12] |
April 22, 1969
|
Joe Frazier def. Dave Zyglewicz | KO | 1 | 1:36 | NYSAC | [16] |
September 7, 1996
|
Mike Tyson def. Bruce Seldon | TKO | 1 | 1:49 | WBA | [14] |
September 1, 1973
|
George Foreman def. José Roman | KO | 1 | 2:00 | WBA, WBC | [32] |
June 22, 1938
|
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling | KO | 1 | 2:04 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
September 25, 1962
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:06 | NYSAC, WBA | [21] |
September 18, 1946
|
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello | KO | 1 | 2:09 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
July 22, 1963
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:10 | WBA, WBC | [21] |
May 25, 1965
|
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston | KO | 1 | 2:12 | WBC | [10] |
December 12, 1986
|
James Smith def. Tim Witherspoon | KO | 1 | 2:12 | WBA | [56] |
May 18, 2019
|
Deontay Wilder def. Dominic Breazeale |
KO | 1 | 2:17 | WBC | [20] |
March 28, 1906
|
Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien | KO | 1 | 2:18 | Lineal | [15] |
February 6, 1993
|
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes | TKO | 1 | 2:19 | WBA, IBF | [35] |
April 17, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper | KO | 1 | 2:20 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
May 15, 1953
|
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott | KO | 1 | 2:25 | NBA, NYSAC | [31] |
January 25, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis | KO | 1 | 2:29 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
March 28, 1906
|
Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker | KO | 1 | 2:55 | Lineal | [15] |
January 9, 1942
|
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer | KO | 1 | 2:56 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
November 4, 2017
|
Deontay Wilder def. Bermane Stiverne | KO | 1 | 2:59 | WBC | [20] |
March 19, 2011
|
Vitali Klitschko def. Odlanier Solís | KO | 1 | 2:59 | WBC | [13] |
Fastest stoppages in title fights — undisputed/The Ring/lineal/unified championship on the line
[edit]Date | Fight | Method | Round | Time | Title | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
November 14, 1944
|
Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis | KO | 1 | 0:53 | NYSAC | [8] |
April 6, 1900
|
James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan | KO | 1 | 0:55 | Lineal | [24] |
July 4, 1907
|
Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires | KO | 1 | 1:28 | Lineal | [15] |
March 17, 1908
|
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche | KO | 1 | 1:28 | Lineal | [15] |
June 27, 1988
|
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks | KO | 1 | 1:31 | WBA, WBC, IBF | [14] |
July 21, 1989
|
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams | TKO | 1 | 1:33 | WBA, WBC, IBF | [14] |
September 1, 1973
|
George Foreman def. José Roman | KO | 1 | 2:00 | WBA, WBC | [32] |
June 22, 1938
|
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling | KO | 1 | 2:04 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
September 25, 1962
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:06 | NYSAC, WBA | [21] |
September 18, 1946
|
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello | KO | 1 | 2:09 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
July 22, 1963
|
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson | KO | 1 | 2:10 | WBA, WBC | [21] |
May 25, 1965
|
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston | KO | 1 | 2:12 | WBC | [10] |
March 28, 1906
|
Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien | KO | 1 | 2:18 | Lineal | [15] |
February 6, 1993
|
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes | TKO | 1 | 2:19 | WBA, IBF | [35] |
April 17, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper | KO | 1 | 2:20 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
May 15, 1953
|
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott | KO | 1 | 2:25 | NBA, NYSAC | [31] |
January 25, 1939
|
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis | KO | 1 | 2:29 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
March 28, 1906
|
Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker | KO | 1 | 2:55 | Lineal | [15] |
January 9, 1942
|
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer | KO | 1 | 2:56 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
March 29, 1940
|
Joe Louis def. Johnny Paychek | TKO | 2 | 0:15 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
May 22, 1993
|
Riddick Bowe def. Jesse Ferguson | KO | 2 | 0:17 | WBA | [35] |
August 26, 1904
|
James J. Jeffries def. Jack Munroe | TKO | 2 | 0:45 | Lineal | [24] |
November 18, 1970
|
Joe Frazier def. Bob Foster | KO | 2 | 0:49 | WBA, WBC | [16] |
September 14, 1923
|
Jack Dempsey def. Luis Ángel Firpo | KO | 2 | 0:57 | NBA, NYSAC | [23] |
February 17, 1941
|
Joe Louis def. Gus Dorazio | KO | 2 | 1:30 | NBA, NYSAC | [8] |
March 26, 1974
|
George Foreman def. Ken Norton | TKO | 2 | 2:00 | WBA, WBC | [32] |
January 22, 1973
|
George Foreman def. Joe Frazier | TKO | 2 | 2:26 | WBA, WBC | [32] |
July 15, 2000
|
Lennox Lewis def. Francois Botha | TKO | 2 | 2:39 | WBC, IBF | [12] |
April 29, 2000
|
Lennox Lewis def. Michael Grant | KO | 2 | 2:53 | WBC, IBF | [12] |
March 21, 1988
|
Mike Tyson def. Tony Tubbs | TKO | 2 | 2:54 | WBA, WBC, IBF | [14] |
Most opponents beaten in title fights by stoppage
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Name | Finished opponents | Fights | |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | 20 | [8][9] |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 18 | [7] |
3. | Larry Holmes | 14 | [11] |
4. | Muhammad Ali | 13 | [10] |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 12 | [13] |
6. | Lennox Lewis | 11 | [12] |
7. | Mike Tyson | 9 | [14] |
Tommy Burns | [15] | ||
9. | Deontay Wilder | 8 | [20] |
9. | Joe Frazier | 8 | [16] |
11. | Floyd Patterson | 7 | [21] |
11. | Anthony Joshua | 7 | [18] |
13. | Rocky Marciano | 5 | [31] |
James J. Jeffries | [24] | ||
Ezzard Charles | [19] | ||
Jack Dempsey | [23] |
Most title fight wins by stoppage
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Name | Title fight finishes | Fights | |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Joe Louis | 23 | [8][9] |
2. | Wladimir Klitschko | 19 | [7] |
3. | Muhammad Ali | 14 | [10] |
3. | Larry Holmes | 14 | [23] |
5. | Vitali Klitschko | 12 | [13] |
6. | Lennox Lewis | 11 | [12] |
6. | Tommy Burns | 11 | [15] |
8. | Mike Tyson | 10 | [14] |
9. | Deontay Wilder | 9 | [20] |
10. | Joe Frazier | 8 | [16] |
10. | Floyd Patterson | 8 | [21] |
11. | Anthony Joshua | 7 | [18] |
12. | Rocky Marciano | 6 | [31] |
12. | James J. Jeffries | 6 | [24] |
12. | Ezzard Charles | 6 | [19] |
Highest knockout-to-beat-opponent percentage in title fights
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
- Note 2: Only fighters who have defeated 5 or more opponents for the world heavyweight title are included
Name | Opponents fought | Opponents stopped | Percentage | Fights | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Rocky Marciano | 5 | 5 | 100% | [31] |
2. | Deontay Wilder | 9 | 8 | 88.89% | [20] |
3. | Joe Louis | 23 | 20 | 86.96% | [8][9] |
4. | Tommy Burns | 12 | 9 | 75% | [15] |
5. | Joe Frazier | 11 | 8 | 72.73% | [16] |
6. | Jack Dempsey | 7 | 5 | 71.43% | [23] |
6. | James J. Jeffries | 7 | 5 | 71.43% | [24] |
8. | Vitali Klitschko | 17 | 12 | 70.59% | [13] |
9. | Floyd Patterson | 10 | 7 | 70% | [21] |
9. | Anthony Joshua | 10 | 7 | 70% | [18] |
11. | Wladimir Klitschko | 26 | 18 | 69.23% | [7] |
12. | Lennox Lewis | 17 | 11 | 64.71% | [12] |
13. | Mike Tyson | 14 | 9 | 64.29% | [14] |
14. | Muhammad Ali | 22 | 13 | 59.09% | [10] |
15. | Larry Holmes | 24 | 14 | 58.33% | [23] |
Highest knockout-to-win percentage in title fights
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
- Note 2: Only fighters who have won 5 or more world heavyweight title fights are included
Name | Title fights | Title fight stoppages | Percentage | Fights | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Rocky Marciano | 7 | 6 | 85.71% | [31] |
2. | Joe Louis | 28 | 23 | 82.14% | [8][9] |
3. | Tommy Burns | 15 | 11 | 73.33% | [15] |
4. | Vitali Klitschko | 17 | 12 | 70.59% | [13] |
5. | Deontay Wilder | 13 | 9 | 69.23% | [20] |
6. | Joe Frazier | 12 | 8 | 66.67% | [16] |
6. | James J. Jeffries | 9 | 6 | 66.67% | [24] |
8. | Wladimir Klitschko | 29 | 19 | 65.52% | [7] |
9. | Lennox Lewis | 17 | 11 | 64.71% | [12] |
10. | Mike Tyson | 16 | 10 | 62.5% | [14] |
11. | Jack Dempsey | 8 | 5 | 62.5% | [23] |
12. | Floyd Patterson | 13 | 8 | 61.54% | [21] |
13. | Anthony Joshua | 12 | 7 | 58.33% | [18] |
14. | Jack Johnson | 7 | 4 | 57.14% | [22] |
14. | George Foreman | 7 | 4 | 57.14% | [32] |
Champions by age
[edit]Keys:
- Active title reign
- Reign has ended
- Note: Secondary championships are not included.
Oldest champions
[edit]As of December 18, 2024.
This is the list of the oldest heavyweight champions ordered by age at their last day as champion.
All championship reigns
[edit]Name | Recognition | Last day as champion | Age | Source(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | George Foreman | Lineal | November 22, 1997 | 48 years, 316 days | [57] |
2 | Vitali Klitschko | WBC | December 16, 2013 | 42 years, 2 months, 26 days | [58] |
3 | Wladimir Klitschko | WBA, IBF, WBO | November 28, 2015 | 39 years, 8 months, 3 days | [7] |
4 | Oleg Maskaev | WBC | March 8, 2008 | 39 years, 6 days | [59] |
5 | Jersey Joe Walcott | NBA, NYSAC | September 23, 1952 | 38 years, 7 months, 23 days | [48] |
6 | Lennox Lewis | WBC | February 6, 2004 | 38 years, 5 months, 4 days | [60] |
7 | Evander Holyfield | WBA | March 3, 2001 | 38 years, 4 months, 12 days | [17] |
8 | Corrie Sanders | WBO | February 1, 2004 | 38 years, 25 days | [61] |
9 | Muhammad Ali | WBA | October 18, 1979 | 37 years, 9 months, 1 day | |
10 | Jess Willard | Lineal | July 4, 1919 | 37 years, 6 months, 5 days |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Name | Recognition | Last day as champion | Age | Source(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wladimir Klitschko | WBA, IBF, WBO | November 28, 2015 | 39 years, 8 months, 3 days | [7] |
2 | Jersey Joe Walcott | NBA, NYSAC | September 23, 1952 | 38 years, 7 months, 23 days | [48] |
3 | Lennox Lewis | WBC | February 6, 2004 | 38 years, 5 months, 4 days | [60] |
4 | Muhammad Ali | WBA | October 18, 1979 | 37 years, 9 months, 1 day | |
5 | Jess Willard | Lineal | July 4, 1919 | 37 years, 6 months, 5 days | [38] |
6 | Oleksandr Usyk | WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO | Present | 37 years, 11 months and 1 day | [36] |
7 | Jack Johnson | Lineal | April 5, 1915 | 37 years, 0 months, 5 days | [22] |
8 | Bob Fitzsimmons | Lineal | July 4, 1919 | 36 years, 0 months, 14 days | [44] |
9 | Larry Holmes | IBF | September 21, 1985 | 35 years, 10 months, 18 days | [11] |
10 | Tyson Fury | WBC | May 18, 2024 | 35 years, 9 months, 7 days | [33] |
Youngest champions
[edit]As of December 18, 2024.
All championship reigns
[edit]Name | Recognition | Date | Age | Source(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mike Tyson | WBC | November 22, 1986 | 20 years, 4 months, 23 days | [14] |
2 | Floyd Patterson | NBA, NYSAC | November 30, 1956 | 21 years, 10 months, 26 days | [21] |
3 | Muhammad Ali | WBA, WBC | February 25, 1964 | 22 years, 1 month, 8 days | [10] |
4 | Joe Louis | NBA, NYSAC | June 22, 1937 | 23 years, 1 month, 9 days | [8] |
5 | Jack Dempsey | Lineal | July 4, 1919 | 24 years, 0 months, 10 days | [23] |
6 | George Foreman | WBA, WBC | February 22, 1973 | 24 years, 0 months, 12 days | [32] |
7 | Joe Frazier | NYSAC | March 4, 1968 | 24 years, 1 month, 21 days | [16] |
8 | James J. Jeffries | Lineal | June 9, 1899 | 24 years, 1 month, 25 days | [24] |
9 | Michael Dokes | WBA | December 10, 1982 | 24 years, 4 months | [62] |
10 | Wladimir Klitschko | WBO | October 14, 2000 | 24 years, 6 months, 19 days | [7] |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Name | Recognition | Date | Age | Source(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mike Tyson | WBC | November 22, 1986 | 20 years, 4 months, 23 days | [14] |
2 | Floyd Patterson | NBA, NYSAC | November 30, 1956 | 21 years, 10 months, 26 days | [21] |
3 | Muhammad Ali | WBA, WBC | February 25, 1964 | 22 years, 8 days | [10] |
4 | Joe Louis | NBA, NYSAC | June 22, 1937 | 23 years, 1 month, 9 days | [8] |
5 | Jack Dempsey | Lineal | July 4, 1919 | 24 years, 0 months, 10 days | [23] |
6 | George Foreman | WBA, WBC | February 22, 1973 | 24 years, 0 months, 12 days | [32] |
7 | Joe Frazier | NYSAC | March 4, 1968 | 24 years, 1 month, 21 days | [16] |
8 | James J. Jeffries | Lineal | June 9, 1899 | 24 years, 1 month, 25 days | [24] |
9 | Leon Spinks | WBA | February 15, 1978 | 24 years, 7 months, 4 days | [51] |
10 | Tommy Burns | Lineal | January 16, 1902 | 24 years, 8 months, 6 days | [15] |
Fastest world championship wins
[edit]By time elapsed from professional debut
[edit]Ranked by the time elapsed between professional debut and world heavyweight title win.
All championship reigns
[edit]Name | Professional debut | World title win | Time elapsed | Fights | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Leon Spinks | January 15, 1977 | February 15, 1978 | 1 year, 1 month | [51] |
2 | Mike Tyson | March 6, 1985 | November 22, 1986 | 1 year, 8 months, 16 days | [14] |
3 | John Tate | May 7, 1977 | October 20, 1979 | 2 years, 5 months, 13 days | [63] |
4 | Anthony Joshua | October 5, 2013 | April 9, 2016 | 2 years, 6 months, 4 days | [18] |
5 | Joe Frazier | August 16, 1965 | March 4, 1968 | 2 years, 6 months, 17 days | [43] |
6 | Vitali Klitschko | November 16, 1996 | June 26, 1999 | 2 years, 7 months, 10 days | [13] |
7 | Joe Louis | July 7, 1934 | June 22, 1937 | 2 years, 11 months, 15 days | [32] |
8 | Charles Martin | October 27, 2012 | January 16, 2016 | 3 years, 2 months, 20 days | [64] |
9 | Muhammad Ali | October 29, 1960 | January 25, 1964 | 3 years, 2 months, 27 days | [10] |
10 | George Foreman | June 23, 1969 | January 22, 1973 | 3 years, 6 months, 30 days | [32] |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Name | Professional debut | World title win | Time elapsed | Fights | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Leon Spinks | January 15, 1977 | February 15, 1978 | 1 year, 1 month | [51] |
2 | Mike Tyson | March 6, 1985 | November 22, 1986 | 1 year, 8 months, 16 days | [14] |
3 | Joe Frazier | August 16, 1965 | March 4, 1968 | 2 years, 6 months, 17 days | [16] |
4 | Joe Louis | July 7, 1934 | June 22, 1937 | 2 years, 11 months, 15 days | [8] |
5 | Muhammad Ali | October 29, 1960 | January 25, 1964 | 3 years, 2 months, 27 days | [10] |
6 | George Foreman | June 23, 1969 | January 22, 1973 | 3 years, 6 months, 30 days | [32] |
7 | James J. Jeffries | October 29, 1895 | June 9, 1899 | 3 years, 7 months, 11 days | [24] |
8 | Riddick Bowe | March 6, 1989 | November 13, 1992 | 3 years, 6 months, 30 days | [35] |
9 | Tommy Burns | January 16, 1902 | February 23, 1906 | 4 years, 1 month, 7 days | [15] |
10 | Jess Willard | February 5, 1911 | April 5, 1915 | 4 years, 2 months | [38] |
By number of bouts fought to win world championship
[edit]Ranked by the number of bouts boxer fought at the professional level before winning world heavyweight title.
All championship reigns
[edit]Name | Professional debut | World title win | Fights | Source(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Leon Spinks | January 15, 1977 | February 15, 1978 | 8 | [51] |
2 | James J. Corbett | March 6, 1885 | November 22, 1886 | 11 | [37] |
3 | James J. Jeffries | October 29, 1895 | June 9, 1899 | 13 | [24] |
4 | Anthony Joshua | October 5, 2013 | April 9, 2016 | 16 | [18] |
5 | Tim Witherspoon | October 10, 1979 | March 9, 1984 | 19 | [30] |
5 | Oleksandr Usyk | September 11, 2013 | September 25, 2021 | 19 | [36] |
7 | John Tate | May 7, 1977 | October 20, 1979 | 20 | [63] |
7 | Joe Frazier | August 16, 1965 | March 4, 1968 | 20 | [16] |
7 | Muhammad Ali | October 29, 1960 | January 25, 1964 | 20 | [10] |
10 | Tony Tubbs | June 14, 1980 | April 29, 1985 | 21 | [65] |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Name | Professional debut | World title win | Fights | Source(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Leon Spinks | January 15, 1977 | February 15, 1978 | 8 | [51] |
2 | James J. Corbett | March 6, 1885 | November 22, 1886 | 11 | [37] |
3 | James J. Jeffries | October 29, 1895 | June 9, 1899 | 13 | [24] |
4 | Joe Frazier | August 16, 1965 | March 4, 1968 | 20 | [16] |
4 | Muhammad Ali | October 29, 1960 | January 25, 1964 | 20 | [10] |
6 | Ingemar Johansson | December 5, 1952 | June 26, 1959 | 22 | [49] |
7 | Evander Holyfield | November 15, 1984 | October 25, 1990 | 25 | [17] |
7 | Tyson Fury | December 6, 2008 | November 28, 2015 | 25 | [33] |
9 | Mike Tyson | March 6, 1985 | November 22, 1986 | 28 | [14] |
9 | Larry Holmes | March 21, 1973 | June 9, 1978 | 28 | [11] |
9 | Michael Spinks | April 16, 1977 | September 21, 1985 | 28 | [42] |
9 | Jess Willard | February 5, 1911 | April 5, 1915 | 28 | [38] |
Statistics by non-US country
[edit]The list includes world heavyweight boxing champions from outside of the United States. It includes only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after July 2, 1921).
- Note: Secondary championships are not included.
Title fight wins & beaten opponents
[edit]All championship reigns
[edit]Country | No. of champions | Boxers by Name | Title wins | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | 3 | Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk | 44 | 40 | [13][7][36] |
United Kingdom | 6 | Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Frank Bruno, Herbie Hide, David Haye, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua | 37 | 33 | [44][12][66][54][67][33][18] |
Canada | 4 | Tommy Burns, Trevor Berbick*, Bermane Stiverne, Lennox Lewis* | 30 | 28 | [15][68][69][12] |
Russia | 3 | Nikolai Valuev, Oleg Maskaev, Sultan Ibragimov | 9 | 7 | [70][59][71] |
Italy | 1 | Primo Carnera | 3 | 3 | [34] |
Uzbekistan | 1 | Ruslan Chagaev | 3 | 3 | [72] |
New Zealand | 1 | Joseph Parker | 3 | 3 | [73] |
South Africa | 2 | Gerrie Coetzee, Corrie Sanders | 2 | 2 | [74][75] |
Germany | 1 | Max Schmeling | 2 | 2 | [39] |
Sweden | 1 | Ingemar Johansson | 1 | 1 | [49] |
Belarus | 1 | Siarhei Liakhovich | 1 | 1 | [76] |
Nigeria | 1 | Samuel Peter | 1 | 1 | [77] |
Jamaica | 1 | Trevor Berbick* | 1 | 1 | [68] |
All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.
Country | No. of champions | Boxers by Name | Title wins | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | 3 | Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk | 44 | 40 | [13][7][36] |
Canada | 2 | Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* | 28 | 26 | [15][12] |
United Kingdom | 3 | Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury | 21 | 20 | [44][12][33] |
Italy | 1 | Primo Carnera | 3 | 3 | [34] |
Germany | 1 | Max Schmeling | 2 | 2 | [39] |
Sweden | 1 | Ingemar Johansson | 1 | 1 | [49] |
Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions
[edit]The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
- has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
- held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
- defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active
Country | No. of champions | Boxers by Name | Title wins | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | 3 | Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk | 31 | 28 | [13][7][36] |
Canada | 2 | Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* | 25 | 23 | [15][12][17] |
United Kingdom | 3 | Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury | 17 | 16 | [44][12][17][33] |
Italy | 1 | Primo Carnera | 3 | 3 | [34] |
Germany | 1 | Max Schmeling | 2 | 2 | [39] |
Sweden | 1 | Ingemar Johansson | 1 | 1 | [49] |
Title streaks
[edit]Only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after July 2, 1921), are included.
All championship reigns
[edit]For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
Country | Champion | Title defenses | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | Wladimir Klitschko | 18 | 17 | [7] |
Canada | Tommy Burns | 13 | 11 | [15] |
United Kingdom | Lennox Lewis | 9 | 8 | [12] |
Russia | Nikolai Valuev | 6 | 5 | [70] |
Italy | Primo Carnera | 2 | 2 | [34] |
Uzbekistan | Ruslan Chagaev | 2 | 2 | [72] |
New Zealand | Joseph Parker | 2 | 2 | [73] |
Germany | Max Schmeling | 1 | 1 | [39] |
Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships
[edit]The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
Country | Champion | Title defenses | Beaten opponents | Fights |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ukraine | Wladimir Klitschko | 18 | 17 | [7] |
Canada | Tommy Burns | 13 | 11 | [15] |
United Kingdom | Lennox Lewis | 9 | 8 | [12] |
Italy | Primo Carnera | 2 | 2 | [34] |
Germany | Max Schmeling | 1 | 1 | [39] |
See also
[edit]- List of world 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 The Ring world champions
- List of undefeated boxing world champions (retired only)
- List of undisputed world boxing champions
Notes
[edit]- ^ Several IBHOF inductees’ professional boxing records printed in the organization's official record books indicate that IBHOF did not recognize WBO as a major organization until at least August 23, 1997:
- IBHOF official record book, 1997 edition
- Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
- IBHOF official record book, 1999 edition
- Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
- IBHOF official record book, 2002 edition
- Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
- IBHOF official record book, 2006 edition
- Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
- Michael Carbajal's opponent Josue Camacho, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
- Michael Carbajal’s opponent Jorge Arce, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion
- IBHOF official record book, 2011 edition
- Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
- Michael Carbajal's opponent Josue Camacho, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
- Ricardo Lopez's opponent Alex Sanchez, who was defending the WBO minimumweight title against him on 23 August 1997, is marked as World Champion
- Michael Carbajal’s opponent Jorge Arce, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion
- IBHOF official record book, 1997 edition
References
[edit]- ^ "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1997 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
- ^ "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1999 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
- ^ "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2002 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
- ^ "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2006 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
- ^ "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2011 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
- ^ "The Ring updates championship policy". Ring TV. May 3, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Professional boxing record: Wladimir Klitschko". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae "Professional boxing record: Joe Louis". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Joe Louis, p. 575" (pdf). The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
Johnny Davis, Ret-World-H
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- ^ a b c d Rules governing championship contests Archived February 5, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, International Boxing Federation
- ^ a b c d Regulation of world championship contests, World Boxing Organization
- ^ a b c d Rules and regulations, World Boxing Association
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- ^ a b c d e f "Professional boxing record: Riddick Bowe". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Professional boxing record: Oleksandr Usyk". Retrieved September 17, 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Professional boxing record: James J. Corbett". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Professional boxing record: Jess Willard". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Professional boxing record: Max Schmeling". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b Villadsen, Rene (April 5, 2015). History of the Heavyweight Championship of the World. ISBN 9788798939078. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Gene Tunney". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Professional boxing record: Michael Spinks". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Professional boxing record: John L. Sullivan". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Professional boxing record: Bob Fitzsimmons". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Marvin Hart". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Max Baer". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Jim Braddock". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Professional boxing record: Jersey Joe Walcott". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Professional boxing record: Ingemar Johansson". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Sonny Liston". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Professional boxing record: Leon Spinks". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: James Douglas". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ Fischer, Doug (May 1, 2020). "Dougie's Friday mailbag (rating Wladimir Klitschko, Calzaghe vs. Conn, Parker vs. Fa)". The Ring. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Herbie Hide". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ "Professional boxing record: Lamon Brewster". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ "Professional boxing record: James Smith". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ "Foreman Relinquishes IBF Title". Retrieved March 30, 2020.
- ^ "Vitali Klitschko vacates title". Retrieved March 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Oleg Maskaev". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ a b "Lewis bows out as champion". Retrieved March 30, 2020.
- ^ "WBO world heavyweight championship". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ "Professional boxing record: Michael Dokes". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: John Tate". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "Professional boxing record: Charles Martin". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "Professional boxing record: Tony Tubbs". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "Professional boxing record: Frank Bruno". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ "Professional boxing record: David Haye". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ a b "Professional boxing record: Trevor Berbick". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
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