Ok, now that I’ve listed the top 10 controversial omissions, and managed to survive, it's time to reveal the first 10 fighters who did make my list. All of these men are either current or certain future boxing hall of famers. They’ve have enjoyed stellar careers and left an indelible mark on the sport in one way or another. The difficult process of ranking and differentiating between the best of the best starts now.
#100) Wladimir Klitschko
1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Klitschko was a hot prospect early in his career. However, he was derailed by TKO losses to Ross Purity (TKO by 11), Corrie Sanders (TKO by 2), and Lamon Brewster (TKO by 5). “Dr. Steelhammer” rebounded from these defeats to become the dominant Heavyweight of the past decade. Since defeating Chris Byrd for the IBF title on April 22nd, 2006, Klitschko has been a Heavyweight champion for the past 9 years. He’s defended successfully 18 times and, at age, 39 shows no signs of slowing down.
That said, the Heavyweight division is a shamble of its once glorious self and Klitschko’s opposition is a reflection of this. Guys like Jean-Marc Mormeck, Chris Byrd, Samuel Peter, David Haye, and Alexander Povetkin would be hard pressed to crack the top 100 of all time Heavyweights. However, Klitschko’s dominance and longevity have to be taken into account, outweighing, albeit barely, the limited quality of his opposition. Unlike Mike Tyson, he rebounded and learned from the adversity he experienced early in his career to become the fighter he is today. In the end, I believe he belongs on this list but no higher than #100.
#99) Fighting Harada
Fighting Harada was a World Champion in two weight classes. At age 19, he captured the WBC Flyweight championship with an 11th round KO over Pone Kingpetch in October 1962. Unfortunately for him, he lost the title less than three months later, dropping a majority decision to Kingpetch in a rematch. In May of 1965, he captured the World Bantamweight championship, winning by majority decision over Eder Jofre. He reigned for nearly 3 years, defending successfully on four occasions, including a rematch victory over Jofre, before losing the title to Lionel Rose by decision in February 1968.
Overall, Harada amassed a record of 55-7 (22 Kos) over a 10 year career, including a record of 6-4 (1 KO) in world championship fights. These stats alone aren’t particularly impressive. However, he was a multiple division champion at a time when that actually meant something. Harada was also the only man ever to defeat the legendary Jofre. In my mind, this is enough to push him over the top, earning him a place on this list.
#98) Harold Johnson
Over a 25 year career, Harold Johnson amassed a record of 76-11 (32 Kos) and is regarded by many as one of the top 10 Light Heavyweights of all-time. In his career, Johnson faced many outstanding fighters, including some Heavyweights. His resume includes victories over fighters such as Jimmy Bivins, Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles, Arturo Godoy, Bert Lytell, Bob Satterfield, Eddie Cotton, Doug Jones, and Marty Marshall.
Johnson’s reign as World Light Heavyweight championship was relatively brief, just over 2 years. He made 4 successful titles defenses, losing the title in June 1963 to fellow boxing hall of famer Willie Pastrano. Johnson had the misfortunate of toiling in the same era as Archie Moore, perhaps the greatest Light Heavyweight who ever lived. Johnson faced Moore 5 times losing four times. He may be underrated or overlooked by some because he was in Moore’s shadow. However, his overall resume exemplifies greatness. It’s better to have faced the best of the best and lost honorably than to not have faced them at all. In the end, Johnson belongs on this list.
#97) Mike McCallum
McCallum was an outstanding amateur boxer who turned professional in 1981 at the age of 24. He was one of the better champions ever at 154 and also won world titles at 160 and 175. McCallum never had a chance at the big payday against the one of the fab four (Leonard, Hearns, Duran, and Hagler). Compared to these superstars, he toiled in relative obscurity, building his career and reputation in workman like fashion. McCallum’s finest moment may have occurred when he upset highly touted, former Welterweight champion Donald Curry, winning by 5th round knockout.
Among the fighters he defeated were Curry, Milton McCrory, Julian Jackson, Herol Graham, Steve Collins, Michael Watson, and Jeff Harding. Overall, his record in world championship fighters was 12-3-1 (7 Kos). He never defeated another member of the boxing hall of fame and was never regarded as the best fighter in the world at any point in time. However, for most of his 16 year career, he was considered to be among the top 10 best pound for pound in the sport. McCallum is a legitimate hall of famer, who’s earned the right to be listed among boxing’s top 100 ever.
#96) James Toney
James “Lights Out” Toney started his career at Middleweight in 1988, eventually competing as high as Heavyweight over a 25 year boxing career. In May of 1991, Toney captured his first world title with an 11th round TKO victory over Michael Nunn. Later that year he fought to a draw with Mike McCallum in the first of a three fight series. James would go on to win the other two. Toney defended the IBF Middleweight title six times before moving up to Super Middleweight, capturing the IBF crown with a 9th round TKO victory over Iran Barkley.
He suffered a convincing loss in a showdown with emerging boxing superstar Roy Jones Jr in November 1994. More than eight years later, in April 2003, he upset Vassiliy Jirov, winning by unanimous decision to capture IBF Cruiserweight championship. He scored a 9th round knockout victory over former Heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield later that year. Overall, Toney’s record was 76-9-3 (46 KOS) with 2 no contests. He was never stopped during his career. Toney was 11-1-2 with 1 no contest in World championship fights. James Toney’s fine career warrants a place on this list.
#95) Luis Rodriguez
Over a stellar 16 year career, Rodriguez faced the iron of the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions, compiling a record of 107-13 (49 Kos). Rodriguez defeated men like Virgil Akins, Joey Giambra, Denny Moyer, Holly Mims, Benny “Kid” Paret, George Benton, Bennie Briscoe, and Vicente Rondon. Unfortunately, for him he fought in the same era as the great Emile Griffith, losing three of four hotly contested contests. Nonetheless, some regard “El Feo” as one of the 10 greatest Welterweights of all-time.
Among the factors that prevent Rodriguez from appearing higher on the list are: 1) His reign as Welterweight champion was less than three months. 2) His record was only 1-3 in world title fights. 3) He was only 2-6 against fellow hall of famers, including Griffith (1-3), Curtis Cokes (1-2), and x Nino Benvenuti (0-1). In fairness, the loss to Benvenuti occurred when he was past his prime. He also gave Emile Griffith fits. That all said, “El Feo” faced the iron of two divisions in his career, more than holding his own. He even defeated a future Light Heavyweight champion, Rondon. Overall, he belongs on the list of the top 100 pound for pound boxers ever.
#94) Eusebio Pedroza
Pedroza was an outstanding champion who held the WBA Featherweight championship for over 7 years, between 1978 and 1985. He defended the title 19 times, including victories over former or future champions such as Ruben Olivares, Rocky Lockridge, Juan LaPorte, and Jorge Lujan. At 5’9’’ Pedroza was very tall for a Featherweight but excelled at infighting and possessed tremendous stamina, simply outlasting many of his opponents. During his reign, Pedroza was generally regarded as one of the top 10 pound for pound fighters in the world.
Unfortunately, the politics of the time prevented a unification match between Pedroza and Salvador Sanchez prior to the untimely death of the latter. These same politics prevented matchups with the likes Wilfredo Gomez and Azumah Nelson, who also held the WBC Featherweight title during the course of his reign. In the end, Pedroza enjoyed an excellent career but one that lacks a single, legacy defining moment against an opponent of equal character and ability. Nonetheless, the length of his title reign, along with his consistency and staying power warrant a place on this list.
#93) Antonio Cervantes
In the 1970’s, Cervantes was a two time world champion at 140. He captured the WBA Super Lightweight title in October 1972 with a 10th round knockout victory over Alfonso “Peppermint Frazer. Cervantes defended 10 times over a 3 ½ year period before running into teenaged sensation Wilfred Benitez, who dethroned him in March of 1976. He recaptured the title in June 1977 with a 5th round TKO over Carlos Maria Gimenez. Cervantes then defended 6 times over a three year period before facing Aaron Pryor in August 1980. By then, he was nearly 35 years old and well past his prime and got destroyed in 4 rounds.
Overall, Cervantes was an impressive 18-3 in world championship fights. Among the fighters he defeated during the course of his career were Nicolino Locche, Esteban De Jesus, Saoul Mamby, Miguel Montilla, Rodolfo Gonzalez, and Frazer. Some postulate that the he was avoided by the great Roberto Duran. Over a 19 year career, he fought 106 times, winning 91 (45 by KO), losing 12 (only 2 by stoppage) and drawing in 3. Cervantes was an outstanding champion who deserves a place on this list.
#92) Juan Manuel Marquez
Over a 20+ year career, Marquez has won titles in four weight classes, including Featherweight, Jr. Featherweight, Lightweight, and Jr. Welterweight. He’s never been stopped and has a record of 56-7-1 (40 Kos).
The defining rivalry of his career is his incredible 4 fight series with Manny Pacquiao, one of the two signature fighters of the past decade. After fighting to a controversial draw in their first meeting in May 2004, Pacquiao won two their next two meetings, in March 2008 and November 2011, respectively. The third fight of series, in particular, was very controversial, with many believing Marquez had been robbed. All three matchups went the distance and very were close. Marquez gained revenge in the fourth meeting in December 2012, scoring a one punch knockout victory in the 6th round, the only stoppage of the series.
In addition to his victory over Pacquiao, Marquez holds wins over Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barerra, Joel Casamayor, and Juan Diaz. Aside from Pacquiao, his other significant defeats include losses against Timothy Bradley, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Chris John, and Freddie Norwood. In the end, Juan Manuel Marquez earns a place on this list based on his longevity and performance against quality opposition, especially Pacquiao.
#91) Panama Al Brown
At 5’11’’ Brown was ridiculously tall for a Bantamweight. Over a 20 year career, lasting from 1922 to 1942, he amassed a career record of 131-20-14 (59 Kos). In 165 bouts, Brown demonstrated an iron chin and was never stopped. He was a two time Bantamweight champion and had an impressive record of 12-1 in championship fights. Some regard Panama Al Brown as one of the greatest Bantamweights in history.
He warrants a place on this list based on his longevity and status as one of the all-time great Bantamweights. Among the fighters he defeated were Emile Pladner, Dave Crowley, Teddy Baldock, Pete Sanstol, Baltazar Sangchilli and Eugene Criqui. Working against him in this evaluation is the fact that he never defeated another boxing hall of famer. His resume includes losses to Battling Battalino and Newsboy Brown. This prevents him from appearing higher on the list. Overall, though, he certainly belongs.
This concludes Part 2 of this series. Next, we’ll move on to Part 3 of this series where boxers 90-81 will be revealed.
#100) Wladimir Klitschko
1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Klitschko was a hot prospect early in his career. However, he was derailed by TKO losses to Ross Purity (TKO by 11), Corrie Sanders (TKO by 2), and Lamon Brewster (TKO by 5). “Dr. Steelhammer” rebounded from these defeats to become the dominant Heavyweight of the past decade. Since defeating Chris Byrd for the IBF title on April 22nd, 2006, Klitschko has been a Heavyweight champion for the past 9 years. He’s defended successfully 18 times and, at age, 39 shows no signs of slowing down.
That said, the Heavyweight division is a shamble of its once glorious self and Klitschko’s opposition is a reflection of this. Guys like Jean-Marc Mormeck, Chris Byrd, Samuel Peter, David Haye, and Alexander Povetkin would be hard pressed to crack the top 100 of all time Heavyweights. However, Klitschko’s dominance and longevity have to be taken into account, outweighing, albeit barely, the limited quality of his opposition. Unlike Mike Tyson, he rebounded and learned from the adversity he experienced early in his career to become the fighter he is today. In the end, I believe he belongs on this list but no higher than #100.
#99) Fighting Harada
Fighting Harada was a World Champion in two weight classes. At age 19, he captured the WBC Flyweight championship with an 11th round KO over Pone Kingpetch in October 1962. Unfortunately for him, he lost the title less than three months later, dropping a majority decision to Kingpetch in a rematch. In May of 1965, he captured the World Bantamweight championship, winning by majority decision over Eder Jofre. He reigned for nearly 3 years, defending successfully on four occasions, including a rematch victory over Jofre, before losing the title to Lionel Rose by decision in February 1968.
Overall, Harada amassed a record of 55-7 (22 Kos) over a 10 year career, including a record of 6-4 (1 KO) in world championship fights. These stats alone aren’t particularly impressive. However, he was a multiple division champion at a time when that actually meant something. Harada was also the only man ever to defeat the legendary Jofre. In my mind, this is enough to push him over the top, earning him a place on this list.
#98) Harold Johnson
Over a 25 year career, Harold Johnson amassed a record of 76-11 (32 Kos) and is regarded by many as one of the top 10 Light Heavyweights of all-time. In his career, Johnson faced many outstanding fighters, including some Heavyweights. His resume includes victories over fighters such as Jimmy Bivins, Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles, Arturo Godoy, Bert Lytell, Bob Satterfield, Eddie Cotton, Doug Jones, and Marty Marshall.
Johnson’s reign as World Light Heavyweight championship was relatively brief, just over 2 years. He made 4 successful titles defenses, losing the title in June 1963 to fellow boxing hall of famer Willie Pastrano. Johnson had the misfortunate of toiling in the same era as Archie Moore, perhaps the greatest Light Heavyweight who ever lived. Johnson faced Moore 5 times losing four times. He may be underrated or overlooked by some because he was in Moore’s shadow. However, his overall resume exemplifies greatness. It’s better to have faced the best of the best and lost honorably than to not have faced them at all. In the end, Johnson belongs on this list.
#97) Mike McCallum
McCallum was an outstanding amateur boxer who turned professional in 1981 at the age of 24. He was one of the better champions ever at 154 and also won world titles at 160 and 175. McCallum never had a chance at the big payday against the one of the fab four (Leonard, Hearns, Duran, and Hagler). Compared to these superstars, he toiled in relative obscurity, building his career and reputation in workman like fashion. McCallum’s finest moment may have occurred when he upset highly touted, former Welterweight champion Donald Curry, winning by 5th round knockout.
Among the fighters he defeated were Curry, Milton McCrory, Julian Jackson, Herol Graham, Steve Collins, Michael Watson, and Jeff Harding. Overall, his record in world championship fighters was 12-3-1 (7 Kos). He never defeated another member of the boxing hall of fame and was never regarded as the best fighter in the world at any point in time. However, for most of his 16 year career, he was considered to be among the top 10 best pound for pound in the sport. McCallum is a legitimate hall of famer, who’s earned the right to be listed among boxing’s top 100 ever.
#96) James Toney
James “Lights Out” Toney started his career at Middleweight in 1988, eventually competing as high as Heavyweight over a 25 year boxing career. In May of 1991, Toney captured his first world title with an 11th round TKO victory over Michael Nunn. Later that year he fought to a draw with Mike McCallum in the first of a three fight series. James would go on to win the other two. Toney defended the IBF Middleweight title six times before moving up to Super Middleweight, capturing the IBF crown with a 9th round TKO victory over Iran Barkley.
He suffered a convincing loss in a showdown with emerging boxing superstar Roy Jones Jr in November 1994. More than eight years later, in April 2003, he upset Vassiliy Jirov, winning by unanimous decision to capture IBF Cruiserweight championship. He scored a 9th round knockout victory over former Heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield later that year. Overall, Toney’s record was 76-9-3 (46 KOS) with 2 no contests. He was never stopped during his career. Toney was 11-1-2 with 1 no contest in World championship fights. James Toney’s fine career warrants a place on this list.
#95) Luis Rodriguez
Over a stellar 16 year career, Rodriguez faced the iron of the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions, compiling a record of 107-13 (49 Kos). Rodriguez defeated men like Virgil Akins, Joey Giambra, Denny Moyer, Holly Mims, Benny “Kid” Paret, George Benton, Bennie Briscoe, and Vicente Rondon. Unfortunately, for him he fought in the same era as the great Emile Griffith, losing three of four hotly contested contests. Nonetheless, some regard “El Feo” as one of the 10 greatest Welterweights of all-time.
Among the factors that prevent Rodriguez from appearing higher on the list are: 1) His reign as Welterweight champion was less than three months. 2) His record was only 1-3 in world title fights. 3) He was only 2-6 against fellow hall of famers, including Griffith (1-3), Curtis Cokes (1-2), and x Nino Benvenuti (0-1). In fairness, the loss to Benvenuti occurred when he was past his prime. He also gave Emile Griffith fits. That all said, “El Feo” faced the iron of two divisions in his career, more than holding his own. He even defeated a future Light Heavyweight champion, Rondon. Overall, he belongs on the list of the top 100 pound for pound boxers ever.
#94) Eusebio Pedroza
Pedroza was an outstanding champion who held the WBA Featherweight championship for over 7 years, between 1978 and 1985. He defended the title 19 times, including victories over former or future champions such as Ruben Olivares, Rocky Lockridge, Juan LaPorte, and Jorge Lujan. At 5’9’’ Pedroza was very tall for a Featherweight but excelled at infighting and possessed tremendous stamina, simply outlasting many of his opponents. During his reign, Pedroza was generally regarded as one of the top 10 pound for pound fighters in the world.
Unfortunately, the politics of the time prevented a unification match between Pedroza and Salvador Sanchez prior to the untimely death of the latter. These same politics prevented matchups with the likes Wilfredo Gomez and Azumah Nelson, who also held the WBC Featherweight title during the course of his reign. In the end, Pedroza enjoyed an excellent career but one that lacks a single, legacy defining moment against an opponent of equal character and ability. Nonetheless, the length of his title reign, along with his consistency and staying power warrant a place on this list.
#93) Antonio Cervantes
In the 1970’s, Cervantes was a two time world champion at 140. He captured the WBA Super Lightweight title in October 1972 with a 10th round knockout victory over Alfonso “Peppermint Frazer. Cervantes defended 10 times over a 3 ½ year period before running into teenaged sensation Wilfred Benitez, who dethroned him in March of 1976. He recaptured the title in June 1977 with a 5th round TKO over Carlos Maria Gimenez. Cervantes then defended 6 times over a three year period before facing Aaron Pryor in August 1980. By then, he was nearly 35 years old and well past his prime and got destroyed in 4 rounds.
Overall, Cervantes was an impressive 18-3 in world championship fights. Among the fighters he defeated during the course of his career were Nicolino Locche, Esteban De Jesus, Saoul Mamby, Miguel Montilla, Rodolfo Gonzalez, and Frazer. Some postulate that the he was avoided by the great Roberto Duran. Over a 19 year career, he fought 106 times, winning 91 (45 by KO), losing 12 (only 2 by stoppage) and drawing in 3. Cervantes was an outstanding champion who deserves a place on this list.
#92) Juan Manuel Marquez
Over a 20+ year career, Marquez has won titles in four weight classes, including Featherweight, Jr. Featherweight, Lightweight, and Jr. Welterweight. He’s never been stopped and has a record of 56-7-1 (40 Kos).
The defining rivalry of his career is his incredible 4 fight series with Manny Pacquiao, one of the two signature fighters of the past decade. After fighting to a controversial draw in their first meeting in May 2004, Pacquiao won two their next two meetings, in March 2008 and November 2011, respectively. The third fight of series, in particular, was very controversial, with many believing Marquez had been robbed. All three matchups went the distance and very were close. Marquez gained revenge in the fourth meeting in December 2012, scoring a one punch knockout victory in the 6th round, the only stoppage of the series.
In addition to his victory over Pacquiao, Marquez holds wins over Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barerra, Joel Casamayor, and Juan Diaz. Aside from Pacquiao, his other significant defeats include losses against Timothy Bradley, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Chris John, and Freddie Norwood. In the end, Juan Manuel Marquez earns a place on this list based on his longevity and performance against quality opposition, especially Pacquiao.
#91) Panama Al Brown
At 5’11’’ Brown was ridiculously tall for a Bantamweight. Over a 20 year career, lasting from 1922 to 1942, he amassed a career record of 131-20-14 (59 Kos). In 165 bouts, Brown demonstrated an iron chin and was never stopped. He was a two time Bantamweight champion and had an impressive record of 12-1 in championship fights. Some regard Panama Al Brown as one of the greatest Bantamweights in history.
He warrants a place on this list based on his longevity and status as one of the all-time great Bantamweights. Among the fighters he defeated were Emile Pladner, Dave Crowley, Teddy Baldock, Pete Sanstol, Baltazar Sangchilli and Eugene Criqui. Working against him in this evaluation is the fact that he never defeated another boxing hall of famer. His resume includes losses to Battling Battalino and Newsboy Brown. This prevents him from appearing higher on the list. Overall, though, he certainly belongs.
This concludes Part 2 of this series. Next, we’ll move on to Part 3 of this series where boxers 90-81 will be revealed.