Introduction

A sport rich in history and characters, boxing has helped create a sea of legendary figures who have stamped themselves onto the history books of this sport. An athlete to be considered "GOATs" because they are out of their weight class breaks all boundaries and stands among the great histories of the sport. We go through all the top 10 all-time GOATs of boxing in good detail, analyzing their strengths and trying to celebrate their iconic moments.

1. Muhammad Ali

Stats:

• Record: 56-5 (37 KOs
• Reach: 79 in
• Height: 6 ft 3 in
• Weight Class: Heavyweight
• Notable Wins: Sonny Liston (twice), Joe Frazier (twice), George Foreman

Muhammad Ali is considered the "Greatest of All Time," a hero who has redefined the sport of boxing with his particular genius of charisma, lightning-fast reflexes, and devastating punch force. They said he could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee which literally made him almost unbeatable. Ali's outspoken nature and social activism made him an international icon and spearheaded a legacy which goes beyond the limitations within the ring.

2. Sugar Ray Robinson

Stats:

• Record: 173-19-6 (109 KOs)
• Reach: 73 in
• Height: 5 ft 11 in
• Weight Class: Welterweight, Middleweight
• Notable Wins: Jake LaMotta, Gene Fullmer, Carmen Basilio

Sugar Ray Robinson was one of those fighters known around the globe and so often associated with being the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the game's history. He had speed, power, and precision-all included in his repertoire. His defense was off the charts, and his offense only matched that. Robinson had long-reigning welterweight as well as middleweight titles, and the impact that he had on this sport says it all

3. Mike Tyson

Stats:

• Record: 50-6 (44 KOs)
• Reach: 71 in
• Height: 5 ft 10 in
• Weight Class: Heavyweight
• Notable Wins: Trevor Berbick, Michael Spinks, Frank Bruno (twice)

Mike Tyson, the "Iron Mike," terrorized the heavyweight division with his formidable punching power and intimidating presence. A line of successive devastating knockouts had characterized his career in the early years, and an undeniably short reign over the division as the undisputed heavyweight champion followed. Tyson's influence on the sport cannot be denied; his very name is a synonym for power and ferocity.

4. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Stats:

• Record: 50-0 (27 KOs)
• Reach: 72 in
• Height: 5 ft 8 in
• Weight Class: Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Super Lightweight, Welterweight, Light Middleweight
• Notable Wins: Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is famously known in boxing circles as the "Money Man." He is hailed for his mastery of defensive wizardry and counterpunching ability. Floyd Mayweather's undefeated record, coupled with utmost preparation, has already put him in the large books of the most successful pugilists in history. Mayweather outboxes the rest, outwits them, and clearly endorses himself as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

5. Manny Pacquiao

Stats:

• Record: 62-8-2 (39 KOs)
• Reach: 67 in
• Height: 5 ft 6 in
• Weight Class: Flyweight, Super Bantamweight, Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Light Welterweight, Welterweight, Light Middleweight
• Notable Wins: Erik Morales (three times), Marco Antonio Barrera (three times), Juan Manuel Marquez (twice)

Manny Pacquiao, also known as the "Pac-Man," is a boxing icon from the Philippines that easily won the hearts of many by his relentless pressure and explosive power. His fights in multiple weight classes were exciting to watch which made him one of the famous boxers in history. The impact that Pacquiao had on the sport of boxing in the Philippines is just immeasurable.

6. Roberto Duran

Stats:

• Record: 103-16 (70 KOs)
• Reach: 68 in
• Height: 5 ft 7 in
• Weight Class: Lightweight, Welterweight, Light Middleweight, Middleweight
• Notable Wins: Ken Buchanan, Esteban De Jesus, Sugar Ray Leonard (first fight)

The "Hands of Stone," Roberto Duran, was an aggressive puncher and an unstoppable worker. His rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard produced some of the most memorable fights in boxing history. With his changing ability to adapt his style to an opponent and, most importantly, being unstoppable, Duran certainly had his way with opponents.

7. Joe Louis

Stats:

• Record: 66-3 (54 KOs)
• Reach: 76 in
• Height: 6 ft 1 in
• Weight Class: Heavyweight
• Notable Wins: Max Schmeling (twice), Billy Conn, Jersey Joe Walcott

Known as the "Brown Bomber," Joe Louis would stand alone, shadowing the heavyweight division for over ten years. Powerful combinations and relentless pressure made Louis one of the most feared opponents in the ring. His reign as heavyweight champion also inspired and uplifted African Americans during this time of racial segregation.

8. Sugar Ray Leonard

Stats:

• Record: 36-3-1 (25 KOs)
• Reach: 70 in
• Height: 5 ft 10 in
• Weight Class: Welterweight, Light Middleweight, Middleweight
• Notable Wins: Roberto Duran (second fight), Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler

Sugar Ray Leonard was known as the "Sweet Hands." While he had numerous gifts, boxers would better describe him with exceptional speed, power, and ring IQ. His rivalry with Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler, known as the "Four Kings," produced some of the most memorable fights in boxing history. Leonard's ability to perform under pressure and his charismatic personality made him one of the most popular figures in the sport.

9. Rocky Marciano

Stats:

• Record: 49-0 (43 KOs)
• Reach: 73 in
• Height: 5 ft 10 in
• Weight Class: Heavyweight
• Notable Wins: Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles

The "Rock" was the only heavyweight champion who remained undefeated throughout his career. Marciano seemed unstoppable; he pressured his opponents mercilessly with powerful punches and an iron chin. His record will always stand out in history as perfect, as well as enshrined as the conqueror of adversity.

10. Willie Pep

Stats:

• Record: 229-11-1 (65 KOs)
• Reach: 68 in
• Height: 5 ft 6 in
• Weight Class: Featherweight
• Notable Wins: Sandy Saddler (twice)

Willie Pep, the "Will o' the Wisp," is perhaps the most improbable genius of all. He was a defensive master who could run faster and move his feet with greater agility than many of today's boxers. His inimitable ability to avoid punches and return with sharpest accuracy made him unbreakable. Pep's record of 229 wins stands for all time, but it was his originality that earns him a niche in the annals of all-time greats.

Conclusion

It was against these backgrounds that the top 10 all-time GOATs of the sport left their marking in the world of boxing. Their incredible skills, unwavering determination, and captivating personalities inspired generations of fans. In the continued celebration of this rich history of the sport of boxing, these legends will forever be etched in our memories as the greatest of all time.