Ok, to channel my inner Bill Belichick, we’re on to Part III of my top 100 pound for pound all-time greatest boxers of all-time series. Today, #90-81 will be revealed. I appreciate all of the feedback I received from Part 2 of the series, even from those of you who thought I was completely nuts and should take my pen and go home. Without further ado, here is Part 3. At the great suggestion of one of the members of my “Mythical Boxing” group on Facebook, Carlos Ortenblad, I’ve included links to previous installments of the series below. Thank you Carlos! Great suggestion!
#90) Shane Mosley
“Sugar” Shane Mosley is another recent fighter who is destined for the boxing hall of fame. He was standout amateur boxer prior to turning professional in February 1993. Over an eight year period, Mosley won his first 38 fights. He finished his 20 year boxing career with a record of 47-9-1 (39 Kos). During that time, he captured titles in 3 weight classes: Lightweight, Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight.
Mosley’s record in World Championship fights was an impressive 15-7 (12 Kos). The fighters he defeated include: Philip Holiday, John John Molina, Jessie James Leija, Oscar De la Hoya (twice), Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga and Antonio Margarito. His most significant losses were to Vernon Forrest (twice), Winky Wright (twice), Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. Mosley certainly didn’t win all of his significant bouts. However, for more than a decade he was considered among the top pound for pound fighters in the world and remained a viable threat in the Welterweight division until his late 30’s. His ring accomplishments warrant top 100 status.
#89) Joe Calzaghe
Joe Calzaghe was arguably the finest champion in the Super Middleweight division’s short history. Over a 15 year career, he was undefeated with a record of 46-0 (32 Kos). Calzaghe won the WBO Super Middleweight championship in July 1997 with a unanimous decision victory over Chris Eubank and, over the next decade, would go on to defend it 21 times (11 by stoppage).
Among his victims were: Eubank, Robin Reid, Jeff Lacy, Mario Veit, Charles Brewer, and Mikkel Kessler. In April 2008, Calzaghe moved up in weight to challenge the legendary Bernard Hopkins, overcoming a rough start to win a close decision. He followed up in November with a unanimous decision over aging Roy Jones and retired shortly after this fight.
Some might question the quality of Calzaghe’s opposition. However, he did defeat 10 former or future World Champions during the course of his career. In particular, the legendary Hopkins, although 43 years old when he faced Calzaghe, was still very much a viable world class fighter and would remain a factor in the Light Heavyweight division for several years to come. In my opinion, Calzaghe accomplished enough over the course of career to earn a place on this list.
#88) Kid Chocolate
Kid Chocolate is considered one of the finest professional Cuban fighters of all time. Chocolate turned pro at age 17 in December 1927. He started his career with a record of 55-0-1 before suffering his first loss to Jack “Kid” Berg in August 1930. Over an 11 year career, he amassed an outstanding record of 136-10-6 (51 Kos), capturing titles in the Featherweight and Jr. Lightweight divisions.
Among the fighters he defeated were Fidel LaBarba (won 2 of 3), Benny Bass, Al Singer, Tommy Paul, and Bushy Graham. Some regard him as one of the top 10 Featherweights of all time. His significant losses include: Berg (twice), Battling Battalino, Tony Canzoneri (twice) and Frankie Klick. Chocolate’s record against fellow hall of famers is only 3-6, which one reason why he does not rank higher on this list. That said, there is certainly no dishonor in losing to men such as Tony Canzoneri and Jack Kid Berg. Chocolate’s outstanding record, overall accomplishments, tremendous talent and versatility do warrant inclusion on this very exclusive list.
#87) Marco Antonio Barrera
Barrera turned professional tender age of 15 in November 1989. Over a 22 year career, he was 67-7 (44 Kos and 1 no contest), winning World championships in three weight classes, Jr. Featherweight, Featherweight and Jr. Lightweight. Overall, he won more than 20 world title fights. Among his triumphs, Barrera holds victories over Kennedy McKinney, Naseem Hamed, Erik Morales (won 2 of 3 matchups), Johnny Tapia, Kevin Kelley, and Paulie Ayala. His significant losses include: Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao (twice), Junior Jones (twice), and Amir Khan.
Barrera appears on many top pound for pound all time lists, ranking as high as #43 on an ESPN.com list published in 2007. Although, I personally think that particular ranking is a bit high, he was a great fighter with an outstanding career and definitely belongs on the list. Like Mosley, Barrera lost a number of his significant fights. However, he only lost to the best. All 7 of his defeats occurred against men who held World Championships themselves. Barrera is one of the better fighters of recent times. He is a future boxing hall of famer who has earned a place among the top 100 ever.
#86) Jimmy Bivins
Jimmy Bivins was part of a group of outstanding African American boxers in the 1940’s who were unjustly denied of the chance to compete for a world title. Over a 15 year career, his record was 86-25-1 (31 Kos). A natural Light Heavyweight he also held his own against the Heavyweights of his era as well. At one point, he was the #1 contender in both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. Among fighters he defeated during the course of his hall of fame career were Joey Maxim, Melio Bettina, Charley Burley, Anton Christoforidis, Teddy Yarosz, Oakland Billy Smith, Billy Soose, Lloyd Marshall, Gus Lesnevich, Bob Pastor, Lee Savold, Tami Mauriello,
Bivins lost more than he won against hall of fame competition, which is one reason why he doesn’t appear higher on this list. His record against them was 7-12 with 4 losses by knockout. However, one must also consider that 8 of these losses were against Archie Moore and Ezzard Charles. He lost 4 of 5 fights against each. Losing to two of the greatest Light Heavyweights ever is certainly no sin. In the end, Bivins certainly belongs on the list.
#85) Carlos Zarate
Zarate is generally considered as of the greatest Bantamweights of all-time, with some experts actually appointing him as #1 on that list. He started his career with 52 consecutive wins (51 by Knockout). Zarate ended his career with an incredible record of 66-4 (63 Kos). He held the WBC bantamweight championship for slightly over 3 years, defending the title 9 times, all by KO. Among his victims were WBA champion and fellow destroyer Alfonso Zamora (in what should have been a unification matchup), Alberto Davila, and Rodolfo Martinez. Zarate lost the title in June 1979 by controversial decision to fellow stable mate, Lupe Pintor.
Zarate retired in disgust after the Pintor fight, only to come back several years later, enjoying a respectable run. He does not rank higher on this list because, in spite of his many accomplishment, he never defeated another boxing hall of famer, faring 0-3 in such contests. Two of these losses, against Daniel Zaragoza and Jeff Fenech, occurred during his comeback run. However, the other loss, a 5th round TKO loss to Wilfredo Gomez, occurred during the prime of his career. Overall, I think #85 is about right for Zarate’s placement among the greatest pugilists ever.
#84) Young Corbett III
If you told me at the start of this process that I’d be including Corbett in my top 100, I would have said you are crazy. Yeah, the only reason he’s in the hall of fame is he’s another ancient guy the old-timers continue to glorify.
Then, because I had to do it as part of this project, I took a look at his ring record: 121-12-22 (32 Kos); so what? He held the title for less than 4 months, who cares? Then, I looked a little closer: victories over Billy Conn, Gus Lesnevich, Mickey Walker, Fred Apostoli, Ceferino Garcia, Jackie Fields, and Young Jack Thompson, a series of World Champions ranging from Welterweight all the way up to Light Heavyweight. Now that’s impressive!
Overall, Young Corbett III had a winning record of 5-4 (2 Kos) against fellow boxing hall of famers. Do I think Corbett would beat modern great Welterweights such as: Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Jose Napoles, or even Floyd Mayweather Jr? No, I would not go that quite that far. However, his performance against quality opposition demands inclusion on this list.
#83) Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis was arguably the best of a Heavyweight class in the 1990’s that included the likes of Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, George Foreman, and Mike Tyson. After capturing Olympic Gold in 1988, Lewis turned professional in June 1989. Over a 14 year career, he was 41-2-1 (32 Kos). Lewis faced Holyfield twice, dominating both meetings with one ending in a controversial draw. He destroyed Tyson by 8th round knockout in 2000. Among other fighters he defeated include: David Tua, Tommy Morrison, Vitali Klitschko, Ray Mercer, Tony Tucker, Frank Bruno and Razor Ruddock.
Lewis was a two time champion with an excellent record of 16-2-1 (11 Kos) in World Championship fights. His otherwise stellar career was marred by upset knockout losses to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman. However, he avenged both losses. Ultimately, Lewis holds victories over every fighter he ever faced. In the end, he may not rank with the very top Heavyweights of all-time such as Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali. However, one could easily make a case that he belongs in the top 10. Thus, he belongs on this list.
#82) Harry Wills
Wills was among a group of great African-American Heavyweight boxers from the late-19th and early 20th century that were denied a chance at the Heavyweight championship. This group included men such as Sam Mcvea, Joe Jeannette, Peter Jackson and Sam Langford, among many others. The fact that none of these men received a title shot is utterly criminal.
Some may be surprised to see Wills appear on this list. However, in reviewing his career, I believe he is deserving. Over a 21 year career, he compiled a record of 87-10-6 (54 Kos). Including newspaper decisions, his record against fellow boxing hall of famers was 18-5-4 with 1 no contest. Most of these victories were against Langford, against whom he had a 13-2-2 record. Admittedly, Langford was past his prime for some of their contests. However, this is still Sam Langford we’re talking about here, a man who is regarded by some as the greatest pound for pound boxer of all-time. In addition to victories over Langford, he also holds wins over Mcvea, Fred Fulton, Denver Ed Martin, Kid Norfolk, and Luis Angel Firpo among others. In the end, I believe Harry Wills’ incredible resume against quality opposition demands his inclusion on this list.
#81) Manuel Ortiz
Manuel Ortiz is considered by many to be among the top Bantamweights of all-time. He was a two time division champion. His first reign started in August 1942 when defeated Lou Salica. Ortiz defended 15 times over a more than four year period before losing the title to Harold Dade in January 1947. He regained the title with a rematch victory over Dade in March 1947 and reigned again for more than 3 years, defending 5 times, before losing to Vic Toweel in May 1950.
Overall, he competed in 23 world championship fights, winning 21 times. Over a 17 year career, starting in 1938 and ending in 1955, he fought 131 times, retiring with a record of 100-28-3 (54 Kos). Among the fighters he holds wins against are: Dade, Salica, Lauro Salas, Jackie Paterson, Jackie Jurich, and Dado Marino. In spite of his outstanding accomplishments, he never defeated another member of the boxing hall of fame. That said, his longevity, impressive championship reign, and status as one of the all-time great Bantamweights earn him a place on this list.
So, #90-81 are now in the bank. Next, Part 4 of the series where boxers #80-71 will be revealed. I look forward to your comments and feedback. As promised, here are the links to previous installments of my series.
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-2-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-100-91
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-1-top-10-controversial-omissions
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/introduction
#90) Shane Mosley
“Sugar” Shane Mosley is another recent fighter who is destined for the boxing hall of fame. He was standout amateur boxer prior to turning professional in February 1993. Over an eight year period, Mosley won his first 38 fights. He finished his 20 year boxing career with a record of 47-9-1 (39 Kos). During that time, he captured titles in 3 weight classes: Lightweight, Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight.
Mosley’s record in World Championship fights was an impressive 15-7 (12 Kos). The fighters he defeated include: Philip Holiday, John John Molina, Jessie James Leija, Oscar De la Hoya (twice), Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga and Antonio Margarito. His most significant losses were to Vernon Forrest (twice), Winky Wright (twice), Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. Mosley certainly didn’t win all of his significant bouts. However, for more than a decade he was considered among the top pound for pound fighters in the world and remained a viable threat in the Welterweight division until his late 30’s. His ring accomplishments warrant top 100 status.
#89) Joe Calzaghe
Joe Calzaghe was arguably the finest champion in the Super Middleweight division’s short history. Over a 15 year career, he was undefeated with a record of 46-0 (32 Kos). Calzaghe won the WBO Super Middleweight championship in July 1997 with a unanimous decision victory over Chris Eubank and, over the next decade, would go on to defend it 21 times (11 by stoppage).
Among his victims were: Eubank, Robin Reid, Jeff Lacy, Mario Veit, Charles Brewer, and Mikkel Kessler. In April 2008, Calzaghe moved up in weight to challenge the legendary Bernard Hopkins, overcoming a rough start to win a close decision. He followed up in November with a unanimous decision over aging Roy Jones and retired shortly after this fight.
Some might question the quality of Calzaghe’s opposition. However, he did defeat 10 former or future World Champions during the course of his career. In particular, the legendary Hopkins, although 43 years old when he faced Calzaghe, was still very much a viable world class fighter and would remain a factor in the Light Heavyweight division for several years to come. In my opinion, Calzaghe accomplished enough over the course of career to earn a place on this list.
#88) Kid Chocolate
Kid Chocolate is considered one of the finest professional Cuban fighters of all time. Chocolate turned pro at age 17 in December 1927. He started his career with a record of 55-0-1 before suffering his first loss to Jack “Kid” Berg in August 1930. Over an 11 year career, he amassed an outstanding record of 136-10-6 (51 Kos), capturing titles in the Featherweight and Jr. Lightweight divisions.
Among the fighters he defeated were Fidel LaBarba (won 2 of 3), Benny Bass, Al Singer, Tommy Paul, and Bushy Graham. Some regard him as one of the top 10 Featherweights of all time. His significant losses include: Berg (twice), Battling Battalino, Tony Canzoneri (twice) and Frankie Klick. Chocolate’s record against fellow hall of famers is only 3-6, which one reason why he does not rank higher on this list. That said, there is certainly no dishonor in losing to men such as Tony Canzoneri and Jack Kid Berg. Chocolate’s outstanding record, overall accomplishments, tremendous talent and versatility do warrant inclusion on this very exclusive list.
#87) Marco Antonio Barrera
Barrera turned professional tender age of 15 in November 1989. Over a 22 year career, he was 67-7 (44 Kos and 1 no contest), winning World championships in three weight classes, Jr. Featherweight, Featherweight and Jr. Lightweight. Overall, he won more than 20 world title fights. Among his triumphs, Barrera holds victories over Kennedy McKinney, Naseem Hamed, Erik Morales (won 2 of 3 matchups), Johnny Tapia, Kevin Kelley, and Paulie Ayala. His significant losses include: Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao (twice), Junior Jones (twice), and Amir Khan.
Barrera appears on many top pound for pound all time lists, ranking as high as #43 on an ESPN.com list published in 2007. Although, I personally think that particular ranking is a bit high, he was a great fighter with an outstanding career and definitely belongs on the list. Like Mosley, Barrera lost a number of his significant fights. However, he only lost to the best. All 7 of his defeats occurred against men who held World Championships themselves. Barrera is one of the better fighters of recent times. He is a future boxing hall of famer who has earned a place among the top 100 ever.
#86) Jimmy Bivins
Jimmy Bivins was part of a group of outstanding African American boxers in the 1940’s who were unjustly denied of the chance to compete for a world title. Over a 15 year career, his record was 86-25-1 (31 Kos). A natural Light Heavyweight he also held his own against the Heavyweights of his era as well. At one point, he was the #1 contender in both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. Among fighters he defeated during the course of his hall of fame career were Joey Maxim, Melio Bettina, Charley Burley, Anton Christoforidis, Teddy Yarosz, Oakland Billy Smith, Billy Soose, Lloyd Marshall, Gus Lesnevich, Bob Pastor, Lee Savold, Tami Mauriello,
Bivins lost more than he won against hall of fame competition, which is one reason why he doesn’t appear higher on this list. His record against them was 7-12 with 4 losses by knockout. However, one must also consider that 8 of these losses were against Archie Moore and Ezzard Charles. He lost 4 of 5 fights against each. Losing to two of the greatest Light Heavyweights ever is certainly no sin. In the end, Bivins certainly belongs on the list.
#85) Carlos Zarate
Zarate is generally considered as of the greatest Bantamweights of all-time, with some experts actually appointing him as #1 on that list. He started his career with 52 consecutive wins (51 by Knockout). Zarate ended his career with an incredible record of 66-4 (63 Kos). He held the WBC bantamweight championship for slightly over 3 years, defending the title 9 times, all by KO. Among his victims were WBA champion and fellow destroyer Alfonso Zamora (in what should have been a unification matchup), Alberto Davila, and Rodolfo Martinez. Zarate lost the title in June 1979 by controversial decision to fellow stable mate, Lupe Pintor.
Zarate retired in disgust after the Pintor fight, only to come back several years later, enjoying a respectable run. He does not rank higher on this list because, in spite of his many accomplishment, he never defeated another boxing hall of famer, faring 0-3 in such contests. Two of these losses, against Daniel Zaragoza and Jeff Fenech, occurred during his comeback run. However, the other loss, a 5th round TKO loss to Wilfredo Gomez, occurred during the prime of his career. Overall, I think #85 is about right for Zarate’s placement among the greatest pugilists ever.
#84) Young Corbett III
If you told me at the start of this process that I’d be including Corbett in my top 100, I would have said you are crazy. Yeah, the only reason he’s in the hall of fame is he’s another ancient guy the old-timers continue to glorify.
Then, because I had to do it as part of this project, I took a look at his ring record: 121-12-22 (32 Kos); so what? He held the title for less than 4 months, who cares? Then, I looked a little closer: victories over Billy Conn, Gus Lesnevich, Mickey Walker, Fred Apostoli, Ceferino Garcia, Jackie Fields, and Young Jack Thompson, a series of World Champions ranging from Welterweight all the way up to Light Heavyweight. Now that’s impressive!
Overall, Young Corbett III had a winning record of 5-4 (2 Kos) against fellow boxing hall of famers. Do I think Corbett would beat modern great Welterweights such as: Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Jose Napoles, or even Floyd Mayweather Jr? No, I would not go that quite that far. However, his performance against quality opposition demands inclusion on this list.
#83) Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis was arguably the best of a Heavyweight class in the 1990’s that included the likes of Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, George Foreman, and Mike Tyson. After capturing Olympic Gold in 1988, Lewis turned professional in June 1989. Over a 14 year career, he was 41-2-1 (32 Kos). Lewis faced Holyfield twice, dominating both meetings with one ending in a controversial draw. He destroyed Tyson by 8th round knockout in 2000. Among other fighters he defeated include: David Tua, Tommy Morrison, Vitali Klitschko, Ray Mercer, Tony Tucker, Frank Bruno and Razor Ruddock.
Lewis was a two time champion with an excellent record of 16-2-1 (11 Kos) in World Championship fights. His otherwise stellar career was marred by upset knockout losses to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman. However, he avenged both losses. Ultimately, Lewis holds victories over every fighter he ever faced. In the end, he may not rank with the very top Heavyweights of all-time such as Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali. However, one could easily make a case that he belongs in the top 10. Thus, he belongs on this list.
#82) Harry Wills
Wills was among a group of great African-American Heavyweight boxers from the late-19th and early 20th century that were denied a chance at the Heavyweight championship. This group included men such as Sam Mcvea, Joe Jeannette, Peter Jackson and Sam Langford, among many others. The fact that none of these men received a title shot is utterly criminal.
Some may be surprised to see Wills appear on this list. However, in reviewing his career, I believe he is deserving. Over a 21 year career, he compiled a record of 87-10-6 (54 Kos). Including newspaper decisions, his record against fellow boxing hall of famers was 18-5-4 with 1 no contest. Most of these victories were against Langford, against whom he had a 13-2-2 record. Admittedly, Langford was past his prime for some of their contests. However, this is still Sam Langford we’re talking about here, a man who is regarded by some as the greatest pound for pound boxer of all-time. In addition to victories over Langford, he also holds wins over Mcvea, Fred Fulton, Denver Ed Martin, Kid Norfolk, and Luis Angel Firpo among others. In the end, I believe Harry Wills’ incredible resume against quality opposition demands his inclusion on this list.
#81) Manuel Ortiz
Manuel Ortiz is considered by many to be among the top Bantamweights of all-time. He was a two time division champion. His first reign started in August 1942 when defeated Lou Salica. Ortiz defended 15 times over a more than four year period before losing the title to Harold Dade in January 1947. He regained the title with a rematch victory over Dade in March 1947 and reigned again for more than 3 years, defending 5 times, before losing to Vic Toweel in May 1950.
Overall, he competed in 23 world championship fights, winning 21 times. Over a 17 year career, starting in 1938 and ending in 1955, he fought 131 times, retiring with a record of 100-28-3 (54 Kos). Among the fighters he holds wins against are: Dade, Salica, Lauro Salas, Jackie Paterson, Jackie Jurich, and Dado Marino. In spite of his outstanding accomplishments, he never defeated another member of the boxing hall of fame. That said, his longevity, impressive championship reign, and status as one of the all-time great Bantamweights earn him a place on this list.
So, #90-81 are now in the bank. Next, Part 4 of the series where boxers #80-71 will be revealed. I look forward to your comments and feedback. As promised, here are the links to previous installments of my series.
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-2-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-100-91
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-1-top-10-controversial-omissions
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/introduction