Below is a list of world heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics.
As per International Boxing Hall Of Fame: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
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:
There are also titles that are not considered major, but play a significant role in legitimizing the heavyweight champion:
Keys:
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] |
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] |
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:
As of August15, 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] |
Keys:
The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
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] |
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] |
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:
As of August15, 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] |
Keys:
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] |
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] |
Keys:
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] |
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] |
Keys:
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 |
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 |
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:
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 |
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.
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) |
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) |
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] |
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] |
Keys:
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] | ||
Keys:
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] |
Keys:
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] |
Keys:
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] |
Keys:
As of August15, 2024.
This is the list of the oldest heavyweight champions ordered by age at their last day as champion.
Name | Recognition | Last day as champion | Age | Source(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | George Foreman | IBF | June 29, 1995 | 46 years, 5 months, 18 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 |
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, 6 months and 29 days | [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] |
As of August15, 2024.
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] |
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] |
Ranked by the time elapsed between professional debut and world heavyweight title win.
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] |
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] |
Ranked by the number of bouts boxer fought at the professional level before winning world heavyweight title.
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] |
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] |
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).
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] |
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] |
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
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] |
Only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after July 2, 1921), are included.
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] |
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] |
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Johnny Davis, Ret-World-H