Introduction
Welcome to Part 7 of my top 100 pound for pound boxers of all-time series. Today, boxers #50-41 will be revealed. We’re now on the downhill stretch as we explore the top half of the 100 greatest fighters who ever lived. And no, we haven’t gotten to Floyd just yet.
#50) Bob Foster
Some regard Bob Foster as the greatest Light Heavyweight champion ever. Over the first seven years of his career, he compiled a record of 29-4, with three of these losses occurring against top Heavyweights. He won the title with a devastating 4th round knockout victory over Dick Tiger in May 1968.
A devastating puncher, Foster went on to defend the title 14 times over the 6 years, cleaning out the division, before relinquishing the title in September 1974. He was unbeatable at Light Heavyweight but had much less success when he ventured up to Heavyweight, losing to contenders Doug Jones, Zora Folley, and Ernie Terrell. Foster challenged Joe Frazier for the Heavyweight title in November 1970 and was destroyed in two rounds. Two years later, in November 1972, Muhammad Ali dropped him 7 times en route to an 8th round knockout.
Foster ended his career with a record of 56-8-1 (46 KOS) over a 17 year career. His only victory over a fellow hall of famer was against a past prime Tiger, which is why he does not rank higher. However, Foster’s dominance over the Light Heavyweight division earns him a place as one of boxing’s top 50 ever.
#49) Evander Holyfield
Holyfield is remembered most for his accomplishments at Heavyweight. However, he was also likely the greatest Cruiserweight champion ever, winning the title with a 15 round split decision over Dwight Qawi in July 1986 and defending five times afterwards.
Holyfield was also a four time Heavyweight championship, winning the title for the first time with a 3rd round knockout over Buster Douglas In September 1990. He engaged in a thrilling trilogy with Riddick Bowe dropping two of the three contests. Having lost two of his previous four fights, the 34 year old Holyfield was a heavy underdog when he signed to face Mike Tyson in November 1996.
However, he turned back the clock, bullying Tyson en route to an 11th round stoppage. In the June 1997 rematch, Tyson resorted to ear-biting and was disqualified in the 3rd. Holyfield went on to face Lennox Lewis twice, the first matchup, in March 1999, ending in a controversial draw and the second a decision loss that November. He would fight on for several years but his best years were behind him.
Holyfield ended his career, at least for now, with a record of 44-10-2 (29 KOs) and 1 no contest. His success in the Heavyweight division, Cruiserweight reign, and longevity warrant a place among boxing’s top 50 of all-time.
#48) Abe Attell
Attell was one of the early greats of the Featherweight division. Over a 16+ year career, he compiled a record of 111-18-22 (39 KOs). Attell won the Featherweight title in September 1903 with a 20 round decision victory over Johnny Reagan and then lost it in October 1904 with a controversial 5th round knockout loss to Tommy Sullivan. Attell regained the title in February 1906 with a 15 round decision victory over Jimmy Walsh. He defended successfully 17 times over the next 6 years before losing to Johnny Kilbane in February 1912 by a 20 round decision.
Among his significant opponents were: Frankie Neil (won four), Johnny Reagan (won twice), Charley White (won twice), Frankie Burns (won), George “KO” Chaney (won), Matty Baldwin (won), Jimmy Walsh (won four, drew once), Harry Forbes (won three, lost one, drew twice), Owen Moran (won two, drew three), Battling Nelson (won and drew), George Dixon (won and drew twice), Tommy Sullivan (won, lost and drew), Harlem Tommy Murphy (won twice, lost twice, drew), Johnny Kilbane (won and lost), Ad Wolgast (drew), Freddie Welsh (lost) and Jim Driscoll (lost). Overall, Attell was 6-3-7 over fellow boxing hall of famers. Attell’s outstanding career earns him a place on boxing’s top 50 ever.
#47) Kid Gavilan
Kid Gavilan was one of the greatest fighters ever to come out of Cuba. Over a 15 year career, between 1943 and 1958, he fought 143 times and was never stopped. Gavilan had a career record of 108-30-5 (28 KOs) and is often mentioned among the top 10 Welterweights of all-time.
After a number of years spent in the shadow of Sugar Ray Robinson, Gavilan won the NBA Welterweight title with a decision victory over Johnny Bratton in May 1951. He defended successfully 7 times before losing to Johnny Saxton by unanimous decision in October 1954. Gavilan faced a plethora of all-time greats ranging from Lightweight to Middleweight during the course of his career.
His opponents included: Tony Janiro (won twice), Gil Turner (won), Chuck Davey (won), Tommy Bell (won), Rocky Castellani (won), Beau Jack (won), Laurent Dauthuille (won), Carmen Basilio (won), Billy Graham (won three, lost one), Johnny Bratton (won twice and drew), Ike Williams (won twice, lost once), Ralph Jones (won twice and lost once), Gaspar Ortega (won and lost), Bobo Olson (lost), Johnny Saxton (lost), Tony Demarco (lost), Del Flanagan (lost), and Sugar Ray Robinson (lost twice). Overall, Gavilan was 7-5 vs fellow boxing hall of famers. His brilliance warrants top 50 status among boxing’s greatest ever.
#46) Billy Conn
Billy Conn is among the greatest Light Heavyweights ever. He captured the title in July 1939 with a decision victory over Melio Bettina and defended three times before vacating. Over a 14 year career, lasting between 1934 and 1948, his professional record was 64-11-1 (15 KOs).
Conn is probably best known for his challenge of legendary Heavyweight champion Joe Louis in June 1941. The fleeted-footed Conn out boxed Louis over the first 12 rounds before suffering a knocking in the 13th. World War II forced a four year hiatus to his career between 1942 and 1946. By the time he came back Conn was not the same. He lost in a return engagement to Joe Louis by 8th round knockout in June 1946 and would box only two more times after this.
Conn’s significant opponents included: Fred Apostoli (won twice), Melio Bettina (won twice), Gus Lesnevich (won twice), Fritzie Zivic (won), Tony Zale (won) Babe Risko (won), Vince Dundee (won), Bob Pastor (won), Lee Savold (won), Teddy Yarosz (won twice, lost once), Solly Krieger (won twice, lost once) Young Corbett III (won, lost), and Joe Louis (lost twice). In the end, Conn faced outstanding competition ranging from Middleweight to Heavyweight, earning a place among boxing’s top 50 pound for pound fighters of all-time.
#45) Tommy Gibbons
Tommy Gibbons was a boxing pioneer who campaigned in the Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. Over a close to 14 year career, lasting from 1911 to 1925, Gibbons compiled an incredible record of 96-5-4 (48 KOs), in over 100 bouts. Although, he never captured a world title, he faced the iron of his era.
Gibbons possessed speed and excellent defensive skills, along with good punching power. He was at his best at Light Heavyweight but never actually challenged for that title. Gibbons only title challenge was against the great Heavyweight champion, Jack Dempsey, in July 1923. Although at a significant size disadvantage, he gave Dempsey one of his stiffest tests, forcing him to go the full 15 rounds. Tommy was only stopped once in his career, against Gene Tunney in June 1925, the final fight of his career.
Gibbons significant opponents included: George Chip (won five), Battling Levinsky (won), Georges Carpentier (won), Kid Norfolk (won), Billy Miske (won three, lost once, drew once), Harry Greb (won twice, lost twice), Dempsey (lost), and Tunney (lost)
A guy who battled Harry Greb on even terms and gave Jack Dempsey fits, among others, has to be included on this list. Gibbons unique and outstanding career warrants a place among boxing’s top 50 pound for pound fighters ever.
#44) Larry Holmes
Holmes turned professional in March 1973, compiling a record of 27-0 before challenging for the WBC Heavyweight championship against Ken Norton in June 1978. He defeated Norton by 15 round split decision and went on to defend the WBC/IBF version of the Heavyweight title 20 times over a 7 year period, including victories over: Mike Weaver, Earnie Shavers, Trevor Berbick, Gerry Cooney, Tim Witherspoon and James “Bonecrusher” Smith.
In September 1985, Light Heavyweight champion Michael Spinks upset the 36 year old Holmes by decision win and defeated him again, in April 1986, by split decision. Nearly two years later, he was starched in four rounds by a young Mike Tyson, seemingly ending his career.
However, Larry came back three years later in 1991. After five consecutive victories, he decisioned unbeaten Heavyweight contender Ray Mercer, in February 1992. Holmes then challenged Evander Holyfield for the Heavyweight title, losing by decision but performing respectably. At age 45, Holmes challenged Oliver McCall for the WBC Heavyweight title in April 1995, again losing by decision.
Holmes finished his nearly 30 year career with a record of 69-6 (44 KOs). He was not only one of the greatest Heavyweight champions of all-time but also one of its most underappreciated as well. Holmes is more than deserving of a spot in boxing’s top 50 pound for pound fighters of all-time.
#43) Ike Williams
Ike Williams was probably the best of an outstanding class of Lightweights who campaigned in the 1940’s and 50’s. Over a 15 year career, lasting from 1940 to 1955, Williams compiled a record of 128-24-5 (61 KOs).
Ike captured the Lightweight title in April 1946 with an 8th round stoppage of Enrique Bolanos. He defended successfully 6 times over the next five years before losing the title to Jimmy Carter by 14th round TKO in May 1951.
Williams opponents included: Johnny Bratton (won three), Enrique Bolanos (won three), Ralph Zannelli (won twice), Lulu Costantino (won), Dave Castilloux (won), Juan Zurita (won), Tippy Larkin (won), Freddie Dawson (won three, drew), Beau Jack (won three and drew), Sammy Angott (won twice, lost once), Bob Montgomery (won and lost), Wesley Mouzon (drew), Kid Gavilan (won once, lost twice), Joe Miceli (won and lost twice), Willie Joyce (won once, lost three), Jimmy Carter (lost), Gil Turner (lost), Chuck Davey (lost), Carmen Basilio (lost).
Williams resume is littered with all-time greats from both the Lightweight and Welterweight division. This combined with his extended championship run earns him a place in boxing’s top 50 of all-time.
#42) Joe Frazier
Smokin’ Joe Frazier captured Olympic gold in Tokyo in 1964. After Muhammad Ali was stripped of the Heavyweight championship and exiled from boxing, Frazier won the New York State Athletic Commission version of title with an 11th round TKO victory over Buster Mathis in March 1968. In February 1970, He captured the WBA version of the title as well with a 5th round TKO victory over Jimmy Ellis.
By 1970, Muhammad Ali had gotten his ring license back, setting up an iconic Ali-Frazier matchup on March 8th 1971 at Madison Square Garden. In a classic, Frazier got the better of Ali, dropping him in the 15th, en route to a unanimous decision win. Close to two years later, he squared off George Foreman in January 1973, who was just too big and powerful for Frazier, stopping him in two.
Frazier went on to face Ali two more times, first losing a 12 round decision in a January 1974 rematch and then by 14th round stoppage, in the “Thrilla in Manilla” in October 1975, one of the most brutal contests in modern boxing history. Frazier would go on to lose to Foreman again in June 1976. Overall, Smokin’ Joe had a record of 32-4-1. His epic trilogy with Ali along with his status as a top 10 all-time Heavyweight earns him a prominent place among boxing’s top 100 ever.
#41) Stanley Ketchel
Stanley Ketchel was an all-time great at Middleweight and ranks in the top 20 to 25 on most of the top pound for pound lists I’ve seen. He was aptly named the “Michigan Assassin”, a fearsome and devastating puncher. Over a 7 year career that was shortened by his untimely death at the age of 24, Ketchel was 53-5-5 (48 KOs). Similar to Salvador Sanchez, we ultimately don’t know how great he might have become.
Ketchel won the Middleweight title in September 1907 with a 20 round decision victory over Joe Thomas. He defended the title 4 times before being stopped by Billy Papke in 12 rounds in December 1908. He regained the title with an 11th round knockout over Papke holding the title until his untimely death on October 15, 1910.
Ketchel’s significant opponents included: Joe Thomas (won three and drew), Mike “Twin” Sullivan (won) Jack “Twin” Sullivan (won), Billy Papke (won twice and lost), Philadelphia Jack O’Brien (won twice), Jack Johnson (lost), Frank Klaus (drew), Sam Langford (lost). Ketchel was a two time Middleweight champion. I disagree with the boxing historians who think he belongs in the top 20. However, Ketchel accomplished more than enough in his brief career to earn a place among boxing’s top 50 all-time greats.
This concludes Part 7 of my top 100 pound for pound boxers of all-time series. We’re now down to the top 40 with some very iconic names to come. I look forward to your comments and feedback. Links to the previous installments of this series are attached for your convenience.
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-6-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-5-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-70-61
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-4-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-80-71
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-3-top-100-boxers-of-all-time-90-81
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
Welcome to Part 7 of my top 100 pound for pound boxers of all-time series. Today, boxers #50-41 will be revealed. We’re now on the downhill stretch as we explore the top half of the 100 greatest fighters who ever lived. And no, we haven’t gotten to Floyd just yet.
#50) Bob Foster
Some regard Bob Foster as the greatest Light Heavyweight champion ever. Over the first seven years of his career, he compiled a record of 29-4, with three of these losses occurring against top Heavyweights. He won the title with a devastating 4th round knockout victory over Dick Tiger in May 1968.
A devastating puncher, Foster went on to defend the title 14 times over the 6 years, cleaning out the division, before relinquishing the title in September 1974. He was unbeatable at Light Heavyweight but had much less success when he ventured up to Heavyweight, losing to contenders Doug Jones, Zora Folley, and Ernie Terrell. Foster challenged Joe Frazier for the Heavyweight title in November 1970 and was destroyed in two rounds. Two years later, in November 1972, Muhammad Ali dropped him 7 times en route to an 8th round knockout.
Foster ended his career with a record of 56-8-1 (46 KOS) over a 17 year career. His only victory over a fellow hall of famer was against a past prime Tiger, which is why he does not rank higher. However, Foster’s dominance over the Light Heavyweight division earns him a place as one of boxing’s top 50 ever.
#49) Evander Holyfield
Holyfield is remembered most for his accomplishments at Heavyweight. However, he was also likely the greatest Cruiserweight champion ever, winning the title with a 15 round split decision over Dwight Qawi in July 1986 and defending five times afterwards.
Holyfield was also a four time Heavyweight championship, winning the title for the first time with a 3rd round knockout over Buster Douglas In September 1990. He engaged in a thrilling trilogy with Riddick Bowe dropping two of the three contests. Having lost two of his previous four fights, the 34 year old Holyfield was a heavy underdog when he signed to face Mike Tyson in November 1996.
However, he turned back the clock, bullying Tyson en route to an 11th round stoppage. In the June 1997 rematch, Tyson resorted to ear-biting and was disqualified in the 3rd. Holyfield went on to face Lennox Lewis twice, the first matchup, in March 1999, ending in a controversial draw and the second a decision loss that November. He would fight on for several years but his best years were behind him.
Holyfield ended his career, at least for now, with a record of 44-10-2 (29 KOs) and 1 no contest. His success in the Heavyweight division, Cruiserweight reign, and longevity warrant a place among boxing’s top 50 of all-time.
#48) Abe Attell
Attell was one of the early greats of the Featherweight division. Over a 16+ year career, he compiled a record of 111-18-22 (39 KOs). Attell won the Featherweight title in September 1903 with a 20 round decision victory over Johnny Reagan and then lost it in October 1904 with a controversial 5th round knockout loss to Tommy Sullivan. Attell regained the title in February 1906 with a 15 round decision victory over Jimmy Walsh. He defended successfully 17 times over the next 6 years before losing to Johnny Kilbane in February 1912 by a 20 round decision.
Among his significant opponents were: Frankie Neil (won four), Johnny Reagan (won twice), Charley White (won twice), Frankie Burns (won), George “KO” Chaney (won), Matty Baldwin (won), Jimmy Walsh (won four, drew once), Harry Forbes (won three, lost one, drew twice), Owen Moran (won two, drew three), Battling Nelson (won and drew), George Dixon (won and drew twice), Tommy Sullivan (won, lost and drew), Harlem Tommy Murphy (won twice, lost twice, drew), Johnny Kilbane (won and lost), Ad Wolgast (drew), Freddie Welsh (lost) and Jim Driscoll (lost). Overall, Attell was 6-3-7 over fellow boxing hall of famers. Attell’s outstanding career earns him a place on boxing’s top 50 ever.
#47) Kid Gavilan
Kid Gavilan was one of the greatest fighters ever to come out of Cuba. Over a 15 year career, between 1943 and 1958, he fought 143 times and was never stopped. Gavilan had a career record of 108-30-5 (28 KOs) and is often mentioned among the top 10 Welterweights of all-time.
After a number of years spent in the shadow of Sugar Ray Robinson, Gavilan won the NBA Welterweight title with a decision victory over Johnny Bratton in May 1951. He defended successfully 7 times before losing to Johnny Saxton by unanimous decision in October 1954. Gavilan faced a plethora of all-time greats ranging from Lightweight to Middleweight during the course of his career.
His opponents included: Tony Janiro (won twice), Gil Turner (won), Chuck Davey (won), Tommy Bell (won), Rocky Castellani (won), Beau Jack (won), Laurent Dauthuille (won), Carmen Basilio (won), Billy Graham (won three, lost one), Johnny Bratton (won twice and drew), Ike Williams (won twice, lost once), Ralph Jones (won twice and lost once), Gaspar Ortega (won and lost), Bobo Olson (lost), Johnny Saxton (lost), Tony Demarco (lost), Del Flanagan (lost), and Sugar Ray Robinson (lost twice). Overall, Gavilan was 7-5 vs fellow boxing hall of famers. His brilliance warrants top 50 status among boxing’s greatest ever.
#46) Billy Conn
Billy Conn is among the greatest Light Heavyweights ever. He captured the title in July 1939 with a decision victory over Melio Bettina and defended three times before vacating. Over a 14 year career, lasting between 1934 and 1948, his professional record was 64-11-1 (15 KOs).
Conn is probably best known for his challenge of legendary Heavyweight champion Joe Louis in June 1941. The fleeted-footed Conn out boxed Louis over the first 12 rounds before suffering a knocking in the 13th. World War II forced a four year hiatus to his career between 1942 and 1946. By the time he came back Conn was not the same. He lost in a return engagement to Joe Louis by 8th round knockout in June 1946 and would box only two more times after this.
Conn’s significant opponents included: Fred Apostoli (won twice), Melio Bettina (won twice), Gus Lesnevich (won twice), Fritzie Zivic (won), Tony Zale (won) Babe Risko (won), Vince Dundee (won), Bob Pastor (won), Lee Savold (won), Teddy Yarosz (won twice, lost once), Solly Krieger (won twice, lost once) Young Corbett III (won, lost), and Joe Louis (lost twice). In the end, Conn faced outstanding competition ranging from Middleweight to Heavyweight, earning a place among boxing’s top 50 pound for pound fighters of all-time.
#45) Tommy Gibbons
Tommy Gibbons was a boxing pioneer who campaigned in the Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. Over a close to 14 year career, lasting from 1911 to 1925, Gibbons compiled an incredible record of 96-5-4 (48 KOs), in over 100 bouts. Although, he never captured a world title, he faced the iron of his era.
Gibbons possessed speed and excellent defensive skills, along with good punching power. He was at his best at Light Heavyweight but never actually challenged for that title. Gibbons only title challenge was against the great Heavyweight champion, Jack Dempsey, in July 1923. Although at a significant size disadvantage, he gave Dempsey one of his stiffest tests, forcing him to go the full 15 rounds. Tommy was only stopped once in his career, against Gene Tunney in June 1925, the final fight of his career.
Gibbons significant opponents included: George Chip (won five), Battling Levinsky (won), Georges Carpentier (won), Kid Norfolk (won), Billy Miske (won three, lost once, drew once), Harry Greb (won twice, lost twice), Dempsey (lost), and Tunney (lost)
A guy who battled Harry Greb on even terms and gave Jack Dempsey fits, among others, has to be included on this list. Gibbons unique and outstanding career warrants a place among boxing’s top 50 pound for pound fighters ever.
#44) Larry Holmes
Holmes turned professional in March 1973, compiling a record of 27-0 before challenging for the WBC Heavyweight championship against Ken Norton in June 1978. He defeated Norton by 15 round split decision and went on to defend the WBC/IBF version of the Heavyweight title 20 times over a 7 year period, including victories over: Mike Weaver, Earnie Shavers, Trevor Berbick, Gerry Cooney, Tim Witherspoon and James “Bonecrusher” Smith.
In September 1985, Light Heavyweight champion Michael Spinks upset the 36 year old Holmes by decision win and defeated him again, in April 1986, by split decision. Nearly two years later, he was starched in four rounds by a young Mike Tyson, seemingly ending his career.
However, Larry came back three years later in 1991. After five consecutive victories, he decisioned unbeaten Heavyweight contender Ray Mercer, in February 1992. Holmes then challenged Evander Holyfield for the Heavyweight title, losing by decision but performing respectably. At age 45, Holmes challenged Oliver McCall for the WBC Heavyweight title in April 1995, again losing by decision.
Holmes finished his nearly 30 year career with a record of 69-6 (44 KOs). He was not only one of the greatest Heavyweight champions of all-time but also one of its most underappreciated as well. Holmes is more than deserving of a spot in boxing’s top 50 pound for pound fighters of all-time.
#43) Ike Williams
Ike Williams was probably the best of an outstanding class of Lightweights who campaigned in the 1940’s and 50’s. Over a 15 year career, lasting from 1940 to 1955, Williams compiled a record of 128-24-5 (61 KOs).
Ike captured the Lightweight title in April 1946 with an 8th round stoppage of Enrique Bolanos. He defended successfully 6 times over the next five years before losing the title to Jimmy Carter by 14th round TKO in May 1951.
Williams opponents included: Johnny Bratton (won three), Enrique Bolanos (won three), Ralph Zannelli (won twice), Lulu Costantino (won), Dave Castilloux (won), Juan Zurita (won), Tippy Larkin (won), Freddie Dawson (won three, drew), Beau Jack (won three and drew), Sammy Angott (won twice, lost once), Bob Montgomery (won and lost), Wesley Mouzon (drew), Kid Gavilan (won once, lost twice), Joe Miceli (won and lost twice), Willie Joyce (won once, lost three), Jimmy Carter (lost), Gil Turner (lost), Chuck Davey (lost), Carmen Basilio (lost).
Williams resume is littered with all-time greats from both the Lightweight and Welterweight division. This combined with his extended championship run earns him a place in boxing’s top 50 of all-time.
#42) Joe Frazier
Smokin’ Joe Frazier captured Olympic gold in Tokyo in 1964. After Muhammad Ali was stripped of the Heavyweight championship and exiled from boxing, Frazier won the New York State Athletic Commission version of title with an 11th round TKO victory over Buster Mathis in March 1968. In February 1970, He captured the WBA version of the title as well with a 5th round TKO victory over Jimmy Ellis.
By 1970, Muhammad Ali had gotten his ring license back, setting up an iconic Ali-Frazier matchup on March 8th 1971 at Madison Square Garden. In a classic, Frazier got the better of Ali, dropping him in the 15th, en route to a unanimous decision win. Close to two years later, he squared off George Foreman in January 1973, who was just too big and powerful for Frazier, stopping him in two.
Frazier went on to face Ali two more times, first losing a 12 round decision in a January 1974 rematch and then by 14th round stoppage, in the “Thrilla in Manilla” in October 1975, one of the most brutal contests in modern boxing history. Frazier would go on to lose to Foreman again in June 1976. Overall, Smokin’ Joe had a record of 32-4-1. His epic trilogy with Ali along with his status as a top 10 all-time Heavyweight earns him a prominent place among boxing’s top 100 ever.
#41) Stanley Ketchel
Stanley Ketchel was an all-time great at Middleweight and ranks in the top 20 to 25 on most of the top pound for pound lists I’ve seen. He was aptly named the “Michigan Assassin”, a fearsome and devastating puncher. Over a 7 year career that was shortened by his untimely death at the age of 24, Ketchel was 53-5-5 (48 KOs). Similar to Salvador Sanchez, we ultimately don’t know how great he might have become.
Ketchel won the Middleweight title in September 1907 with a 20 round decision victory over Joe Thomas. He defended the title 4 times before being stopped by Billy Papke in 12 rounds in December 1908. He regained the title with an 11th round knockout over Papke holding the title until his untimely death on October 15, 1910.
Ketchel’s significant opponents included: Joe Thomas (won three and drew), Mike “Twin” Sullivan (won) Jack “Twin” Sullivan (won), Billy Papke (won twice and lost), Philadelphia Jack O’Brien (won twice), Jack Johnson (lost), Frank Klaus (drew), Sam Langford (lost). Ketchel was a two time Middleweight champion. I disagree with the boxing historians who think he belongs in the top 20. However, Ketchel accomplished more than enough in his brief career to earn a place among boxing’s top 50 all-time greats.
This concludes Part 7 of my top 100 pound for pound boxers of all-time series. We’re now down to the top 40 with some very iconic names to come. I look forward to your comments and feedback. Links to the previous installments of this series are attached for your convenience.
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-6-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-5-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-70-61
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-4-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-80-71
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-3-top-100-boxers-of-all-time-90-81
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