Welcome to Part 9 of my top 100 pound for pound boxers of all-time series. Today, boxers #30-21 will be revealed. We’re really getting down to the home stretch here, as we count down among the most hallowed legends of boxing history.
30) Julio Cesar Chavez
Julio Cesar Chavez started his career with 87 consecutive victories and his overall record was 107-6-2 (86 KOs). He captured the WBC version of the 130 lbs title with an 8th round TKO victory over Mario Martinez in September 1984, defending 9 times before moving up to Lightweight.
He won the WBA Lightweight championship in November 1987 with an 11th round TKO over Edwin Rosario. Chavez defended twice before moving up to Jr. Welterweight, capturing the WBC version of that title with a 10th round stoppage over Roger Mayweather in May 1989. In March 1990, Chavez faced IBF champion Meldrick Taylor in a unification match. He overcame an early Taylor lead, gradually wearing him down, en route to a controversial 12th round stoppage.
In September 1993, Chavez moved up in weight to challenge Pernell Whitaker for the WBC Welterweight championship. He was convincingly out boxed but still came away with a controversial draw. In January 1994, he lost for the first time in his career, dropping a split decision to Frankie Randall. Chavez regained the title four months later with an 8 round technical decision over Randall. He defended four times before losing the title by a 4th round stoppage to young phenom Oscar De La Hoya in June 1996. Chavez would fight on for another nine years, but was no longer among the elite.
In the end, Chavez set an all-time record for title fight victories with 31. His long and distinguished career earns him a place among boxing’s top 30 of all-time.
29) Manny Pacquiao
With his recent convincing loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May, Manny stands as the second best fighter of his generation. That’s still pretty damned good! Pacquiao turned professional in January 1995 at the tender age of 16, compiling a record of 57-6-2 (38 KOs) over the past 20 years.
He won the WBC Flyweight Championship, with an 8th round knockout over Chatchai Sasakul in December 1998 and lost it nine months later by 3rd round stoppage to Medgoen Singsurat. He captured the WBC Super Bantamweight championship in June 2001 with a 6th round TKO victory over Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Over the next several years, Pacquiao engaged in a series of fights with: Marco Antonio Barerra (won twice), Erik Morales (won twice, lost), and Juan Manuel Marquez (won and drew). Along the way, capturing portions of the Featherweight, Jr. Lightweight and Lightweight titles.
Between December 2008 and November 2011, Pacquiao defeated Oscar De La Hoya (KO 8), Ricky Hatton (TKO 2), Miguel Cotto (TKO 12), Joshua Clottey (UD 12), Antonio Margarito (UD 12), and Shane Mosley (UD 12), capturing titles at Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight. He came back to earth over his next three fights, winning a controversial decision over Marquez in November 2011, losing a controversial decision to Timothy Bradley in June 2012, and finally suffering a 6th round knockout loss to Marquez in their 4th meeting in December 2012.
Pacquiao won his next three bouts before his disappointing showing against Mayweather. In spite of this, Manny’s world titles in 8 weight classes and many victories over outstanding earn him a place among boxing’s top 30 of all-time.
28) Bob Fitzsimmons
Bob Fitzsimmons was a pioneer and the first 3 division champion in boxing history capturing titles at Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight. Over a nearly 30 year career, lasting from 1885 to 1914, Fitzsimmons amassed a record of 69-12-13 (59 KOs) and 7 no decisions.
Fitzsimmons captured the Middleweight title with a 13th round KO over Jack “The Nonpareil” Dempsey in January 1891. In March 1897, he challenged “Gentleman” Jim Corbett for the Heavyweight title. Despite weighing only 167 pounds, he knocked Corbett out in the 14th round to win the championship. He lost the title in his first defense, over two years later, by an 11th round KO to James J. Jeffries in June 1899, a fight in which he was outweighed by nearly 40 pounds. He would go on lose again to Jeffries by an 8th round KO in July 1902.
In November 1903, the now 40 year old Fitzsimmons, captured the Light Heavyweight championship with a 20 round decision over George Gardiner. Two years later, in December 1905, he lost the title to Philadelphia Jack O’Brien by 13th round TKO. Over the course of his career, Fitzsimmons significant opponents included: Peter Maher (won twice), Dempsey (won), Joe Choynski (won), Dan Creedon (won), Corbett (won), Jeffries (lost twice), Gus Ruhlin (won), Gardner (won), Tom Sharkey (won and lost), Philadelphia Jack O’Brien (won and lost), Jack Johnson (lost). Fitzsimmons was a devastating puncher and competed successfully against bigger men, even well past his peak years. He definitely belongs in the top 30.
27) Packey McFarland
Packey McFarland is a name that may not be readily recognizable to modern boxing fans. Over an 11 year career, lasting from 1904 to 1915, Packey complied an incredible record of 106-1-6 (50 KOs), going unbeaten over his final 105 fights. He started his career at the age of 15 and his last fight occurred at the age of 26. McFarland is one of the best fighters ever not to win a world title. He possessed quick hands, excellent boxing skills, as well as solid punching power.
Packey competed against the iron of his era in the Lightweight and Welterweight division. McFarland’s significant opponents included: Harlem Tommy Murphy (won four), Young Erne (won twice), Leach Cross (won twice), Jack Britton (won twice and drew), Benny Yanger (won), Kid Herman (won), Jimmy Britt (won), Owen Moran (won), Mike Gibbons (won), Matt Wells (won), Lockport Jimmy Duffy (won), Ray Bronson (won and drew), and Freddie Welsh (won and drew twice).
It’s true that McFarland was never a world champion but he only lost once in 113 bouts and his resume includes victories over a number of fellow IBHOF hall of famers, including Britton and Welsh who are included on this list. With one of the most impressive records in boxing history, McFarland warrants a prominent place among boxing’s top 30 fighters ever.
26) Jimmy Wilde
Jimmy Wilde was the first Flyweight Champion in Boxing History and, arguably the best that division has ever seen. Wilde turned professional on New Year’s Day in 1911 and went unbeaten over his first 98 fights. Over a 12 year career, his record was an incredible of 139-4-1 (99 KOs) and 6 no decisions.
He won the Flyweight championship with a 12th round stoppage victory over Joe Symonds in February 1916. He would go on to defend 9 times over the next 7 years before losing to Pancho Villa in June 1923. Wilde’s significant opponents included: Joe Symonds (won twice), Sid Smith (won twice), Joe Lynch (win), Memphis Pal Moore (won), Young Zulu Kid (won), George Clark (won), Frankie Mason (won), Tancy Lee (won and lost), Pete Herman (lost), Pancho Villa (lost).
His 96.2% winning percentage is incredible, especially given that he engaged in 151 bouts. Two of his four losses occurred at the very end of his career. At one point, “The Mighty Atom” only weighed 90 pounds, yet competed more than effectively against the top Flyweights and Bantamweights of his day. Over 70% of his wins came by way of stoppage in spite of his small size. Yes, Jimmy Wilde was a special fighter and very deserving of a place among boxing’s top 30 of all-time.
25) Tony Canzoneri
Over a 14 year career Canzoneri amassed a record of 141-24-10 (44 KOs), winning titles in three separate weight classes including at: Featherweight, Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight. After failing in two chances at the Bantamweight title, he moved up to Featherweight capturing that title in February 1928 with a split decision win over Benny Bass. He lost the title in his first defense by decision to Andre Routis in that September.
In November 1930 he won the Lightweight championship with first round KO victory over Al Singer. Canzoneri then won the Jr. Welterweight championship with a 3rd round KO over Jack “Kid” Berg. He lost the Jr. Welterweight championship by a 10 round decision to Johnny Jadick in July 1932. Canzoneri lost the Lightweight title by decision to Barney Ross in June 1933. He regained the Lightweight championship winning a decision over Lou Ambers in May 1935. He lost the title in a rematch with Ambers by decision in September 1936.
Canzoneri’s significant opponents include: Frankie Klick (won four), Benny Bass (won twice), Kid Chocolate (won twice), Bushy Graham (won), Johnny Dundee (won), Baby Arizmendi (won), Battling Shaw (won), Andre Routis (won twice and lost), Jack “Kid” Berg (won twice and lost), Al Singer (won and drew), Bud Taylor (won, lost and drew), Jimmy McLarnin (won and lost), Sammy Mandell (lost), Billy Petrolle (lost), Johnny Jadick (won and lost twice), Wesley Ramey (lost), Barney Ross (lost twice), Lou Ambers (won and lost three). As a guy who fought so many legendary opponents and won multiple world titles, Canzoneri belongs among boxing’s top 25 of all time.
24) Barney Ross
Barney Ross was an all-time great at Lightweight and Welterweight. Over a nine year period, between 1929 and 1938, he compiled an outstanding record of 74-4-3 (22 KOs). Ross had an iron chin and was never stopped in 81 bouts. He won the Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight championships with a decision victory over Tony Canzoneri in June 1933. In May 1934, he captured the Welterweight championship with a 15 round decision over Jimmy McLarnin. However, Ross lost the title in a rematch with McLarnin that September. Both fights were very close.
He regained the Welterweight title in a rubber match with McLarnin by decision in May 1935 and defended twice times before losing the crown to Henry Armstrong by a convincing decision in May 1938. Ross was an impressive 13-2-1 (1 KO) in world championship fights. His significant opponents included: Ceferino Garcia (won three), Billy Petrolle (won twice), Tony Canzoneri (won twice), Jimmy McLarnin (won twice and lost), Battling Battalino (won), Joe Ghnouly (won), Sammy Fuller (won), Baby Joe Gans (won), Izzy Jannazzo (won),Frankie Klick (won and drew), and Henry Armstrong (lost).
Ross’ record against IBHOF hall of famers was an excellent 7-2. Ross retired at the relatively young age of 29 and went on to become war hero in World War II, earning the “Silver Star”. Ross definitely belongs among the top 25 boxers who ever lived.
23) Sandy Saddler
Sandy Saddler is among the greatest Featherweights who ever lived. Over a 12 year career, lasting from 1944 to 1956, Saddler had a professional record of 144-16-2 (103 KOs). He was tall for a Featherweight at 5’8’’ as possessed devastating punching power.
Saddler won the Featherweight title in October 1948 with a shocking 4th round knockout victory over fellow legend Willie Pep, who entered the fight with an amazing 134-1-1 record. This was the first of 4 classic matchups between the two men. Saddler lost the rematch to Pep by decision in February 1949. In the third match between the two men, in September 1950, Saddler won by an 8th round TKO as Pep was forced to retire due to a separated shoulder. In the 4th and final matchup in September 1951, Saddler won by a 9th round TKO. Overall, Sandy won 3 of 4 of the bouts between the two men. Saddler held the Featherweight title for the next 5 years before retiring.
Saddler’s significant opponents included: Pep (won three and lost one), Orlando Zulueta (won twice), Lauro Salas (won twice), Joe Brown (won), Harold Dade (won), Flash Elorde (won and lost), Jimmy Carter (drew), Paddy DeMarco (won, lost twice), Phil Terranova (lost) and Del Flanagan (lost). Saddler’s unique success against one of the greatest pound for pound fighters of all-time, distinguished Featherweight reign, and performance against the best Featherweight and Lightweight fighters of his era earn him a place in boxing’s top 25 of all-time.
22) Eder Jofre
Eder Jofre may have been the best Bantamweight who ever lived and captured a world title at Featherweight as well. Over a 19 year career, Jofre compiled an incredible professional record of 72-2-4 (50 KOs). Jofre captured the NBA version of the Bantamweight title with a 6th round KO over Eloy Sanchez in November 1960.
He defended 6 times, unifying the title along the way, before losing to Fighting Harada by a split decision in May 1965. Jofre lost again to Harada in a rematch this time by unanimous decision in May 1966. The 30 year old Jofre took a three year hiatus from the ring after his second loss to Harada. After 14 straight victories on the comeback trail, the, now, 37 year old Jofre challenged Joe Legra in May 1973 for the WBC Featherweight title, winning by majority decision. Five months later, in October 1973, Jofre destroyed all-time great Vicente Saldivar in four rounds in his first title defense. This would be his only title defense as he was stripped of the title shortly thereafter. He would go on to win another 7 non-title fights before retiring for good in 1976.
Included among the significant fighters Jofre defeated were: Sanchez, Sadao Yaoita, Johnny Caldwell, Bernardo Caraballo, Johnny Jamito, Legra, Saldivar, Juan Antonio Lopez, and Octavio Gomez. Hurting his case is the fact that he only defeated one boxing hall of famer, Saldivar, and lost twice to the other one he faced, Harada. Nonetheless, Jofre’s incredible record, longevity, and status as a two division champ warrants a place among boxing’s top 25 ever.
21) Roy Jones Jr.
Yes, RJJ at #21, I’m not kidding! Roy turned professional in May 1989. In his 22nd fight, he defeated Bernard Hopkins by a 12 round decision, capturing the IBF Middleweight championship in a battle of future legends. After outgrowing the Middleweight division he whipped James Toney capturing the IBF Super Middleweight championship in November 1994, and would go on to defend five times, all by stoppage, before moving up to Light Heavyweight.
After a controversial disqualification loss to Montell Griffin in March 1997, he starched him by first round stoppage in the rematch five months later to win the WBC Light Heavyweight title. Jones held that title for several years also capturing the WBA and IBF versions of the title along the way. In March 2003 he captured the WBA Heavyweight championship with a decision victory over John Ruiz, marking both the apex of his career as well as the beginning of his decline.
Jones dropped back to Light Heavyweight and won a tough decision over Antonio Tarver in November 2003. He was stopped in two by Tarver in the rematch in May 2004. This was the end of his run as an elite fighter, although he continues to fight on today at the age of 46. After starting his career at 49-1, his record now stands at 61-8 (44 KOs).
RJJ was one of the two signature fighters of his generation, along with Pernell Whitaker. He was the fastest man in the ring since the days of Sugar Ray Leonard and also possessed outstanding power. Roy’s unique skills along with his outstanding resume earn him a place among boxing’s top 25 ever.
This concludes Part 9 of my top 100 pound for pound boxers of all-time series. Only 20 names now remain on this list as we count down to number 1! This is really getting tough now! Thank you to all of you who’ve been following this series. 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-8-top-100-boxers-of-all-time-40-31
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-7-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-50-41
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
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/introduction
30) Julio Cesar Chavez
Julio Cesar Chavez started his career with 87 consecutive victories and his overall record was 107-6-2 (86 KOs). He captured the WBC version of the 130 lbs title with an 8th round TKO victory over Mario Martinez in September 1984, defending 9 times before moving up to Lightweight.
He won the WBA Lightweight championship in November 1987 with an 11th round TKO over Edwin Rosario. Chavez defended twice before moving up to Jr. Welterweight, capturing the WBC version of that title with a 10th round stoppage over Roger Mayweather in May 1989. In March 1990, Chavez faced IBF champion Meldrick Taylor in a unification match. He overcame an early Taylor lead, gradually wearing him down, en route to a controversial 12th round stoppage.
In September 1993, Chavez moved up in weight to challenge Pernell Whitaker for the WBC Welterweight championship. He was convincingly out boxed but still came away with a controversial draw. In January 1994, he lost for the first time in his career, dropping a split decision to Frankie Randall. Chavez regained the title four months later with an 8 round technical decision over Randall. He defended four times before losing the title by a 4th round stoppage to young phenom Oscar De La Hoya in June 1996. Chavez would fight on for another nine years, but was no longer among the elite.
In the end, Chavez set an all-time record for title fight victories with 31. His long and distinguished career earns him a place among boxing’s top 30 of all-time.
29) Manny Pacquiao
With his recent convincing loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May, Manny stands as the second best fighter of his generation. That’s still pretty damned good! Pacquiao turned professional in January 1995 at the tender age of 16, compiling a record of 57-6-2 (38 KOs) over the past 20 years.
He won the WBC Flyweight Championship, with an 8th round knockout over Chatchai Sasakul in December 1998 and lost it nine months later by 3rd round stoppage to Medgoen Singsurat. He captured the WBC Super Bantamweight championship in June 2001 with a 6th round TKO victory over Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Over the next several years, Pacquiao engaged in a series of fights with: Marco Antonio Barerra (won twice), Erik Morales (won twice, lost), and Juan Manuel Marquez (won and drew). Along the way, capturing portions of the Featherweight, Jr. Lightweight and Lightweight titles.
Between December 2008 and November 2011, Pacquiao defeated Oscar De La Hoya (KO 8), Ricky Hatton (TKO 2), Miguel Cotto (TKO 12), Joshua Clottey (UD 12), Antonio Margarito (UD 12), and Shane Mosley (UD 12), capturing titles at Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight. He came back to earth over his next three fights, winning a controversial decision over Marquez in November 2011, losing a controversial decision to Timothy Bradley in June 2012, and finally suffering a 6th round knockout loss to Marquez in their 4th meeting in December 2012.
Pacquiao won his next three bouts before his disappointing showing against Mayweather. In spite of this, Manny’s world titles in 8 weight classes and many victories over outstanding earn him a place among boxing’s top 30 of all-time.
28) Bob Fitzsimmons
Bob Fitzsimmons was a pioneer and the first 3 division champion in boxing history capturing titles at Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight. Over a nearly 30 year career, lasting from 1885 to 1914, Fitzsimmons amassed a record of 69-12-13 (59 KOs) and 7 no decisions.
Fitzsimmons captured the Middleweight title with a 13th round KO over Jack “The Nonpareil” Dempsey in January 1891. In March 1897, he challenged “Gentleman” Jim Corbett for the Heavyweight title. Despite weighing only 167 pounds, he knocked Corbett out in the 14th round to win the championship. He lost the title in his first defense, over two years later, by an 11th round KO to James J. Jeffries in June 1899, a fight in which he was outweighed by nearly 40 pounds. He would go on lose again to Jeffries by an 8th round KO in July 1902.
In November 1903, the now 40 year old Fitzsimmons, captured the Light Heavyweight championship with a 20 round decision over George Gardiner. Two years later, in December 1905, he lost the title to Philadelphia Jack O’Brien by 13th round TKO. Over the course of his career, Fitzsimmons significant opponents included: Peter Maher (won twice), Dempsey (won), Joe Choynski (won), Dan Creedon (won), Corbett (won), Jeffries (lost twice), Gus Ruhlin (won), Gardner (won), Tom Sharkey (won and lost), Philadelphia Jack O’Brien (won and lost), Jack Johnson (lost). Fitzsimmons was a devastating puncher and competed successfully against bigger men, even well past his peak years. He definitely belongs in the top 30.
27) Packey McFarland
Packey McFarland is a name that may not be readily recognizable to modern boxing fans. Over an 11 year career, lasting from 1904 to 1915, Packey complied an incredible record of 106-1-6 (50 KOs), going unbeaten over his final 105 fights. He started his career at the age of 15 and his last fight occurred at the age of 26. McFarland is one of the best fighters ever not to win a world title. He possessed quick hands, excellent boxing skills, as well as solid punching power.
Packey competed against the iron of his era in the Lightweight and Welterweight division. McFarland’s significant opponents included: Harlem Tommy Murphy (won four), Young Erne (won twice), Leach Cross (won twice), Jack Britton (won twice and drew), Benny Yanger (won), Kid Herman (won), Jimmy Britt (won), Owen Moran (won), Mike Gibbons (won), Matt Wells (won), Lockport Jimmy Duffy (won), Ray Bronson (won and drew), and Freddie Welsh (won and drew twice).
It’s true that McFarland was never a world champion but he only lost once in 113 bouts and his resume includes victories over a number of fellow IBHOF hall of famers, including Britton and Welsh who are included on this list. With one of the most impressive records in boxing history, McFarland warrants a prominent place among boxing’s top 30 fighters ever.
26) Jimmy Wilde
Jimmy Wilde was the first Flyweight Champion in Boxing History and, arguably the best that division has ever seen. Wilde turned professional on New Year’s Day in 1911 and went unbeaten over his first 98 fights. Over a 12 year career, his record was an incredible of 139-4-1 (99 KOs) and 6 no decisions.
He won the Flyweight championship with a 12th round stoppage victory over Joe Symonds in February 1916. He would go on to defend 9 times over the next 7 years before losing to Pancho Villa in June 1923. Wilde’s significant opponents included: Joe Symonds (won twice), Sid Smith (won twice), Joe Lynch (win), Memphis Pal Moore (won), Young Zulu Kid (won), George Clark (won), Frankie Mason (won), Tancy Lee (won and lost), Pete Herman (lost), Pancho Villa (lost).
His 96.2% winning percentage is incredible, especially given that he engaged in 151 bouts. Two of his four losses occurred at the very end of his career. At one point, “The Mighty Atom” only weighed 90 pounds, yet competed more than effectively against the top Flyweights and Bantamweights of his day. Over 70% of his wins came by way of stoppage in spite of his small size. Yes, Jimmy Wilde was a special fighter and very deserving of a place among boxing’s top 30 of all-time.
25) Tony Canzoneri
Over a 14 year career Canzoneri amassed a record of 141-24-10 (44 KOs), winning titles in three separate weight classes including at: Featherweight, Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight. After failing in two chances at the Bantamweight title, he moved up to Featherweight capturing that title in February 1928 with a split decision win over Benny Bass. He lost the title in his first defense by decision to Andre Routis in that September.
In November 1930 he won the Lightweight championship with first round KO victory over Al Singer. Canzoneri then won the Jr. Welterweight championship with a 3rd round KO over Jack “Kid” Berg. He lost the Jr. Welterweight championship by a 10 round decision to Johnny Jadick in July 1932. Canzoneri lost the Lightweight title by decision to Barney Ross in June 1933. He regained the Lightweight championship winning a decision over Lou Ambers in May 1935. He lost the title in a rematch with Ambers by decision in September 1936.
Canzoneri’s significant opponents include: Frankie Klick (won four), Benny Bass (won twice), Kid Chocolate (won twice), Bushy Graham (won), Johnny Dundee (won), Baby Arizmendi (won), Battling Shaw (won), Andre Routis (won twice and lost), Jack “Kid” Berg (won twice and lost), Al Singer (won and drew), Bud Taylor (won, lost and drew), Jimmy McLarnin (won and lost), Sammy Mandell (lost), Billy Petrolle (lost), Johnny Jadick (won and lost twice), Wesley Ramey (lost), Barney Ross (lost twice), Lou Ambers (won and lost three). As a guy who fought so many legendary opponents and won multiple world titles, Canzoneri belongs among boxing’s top 25 of all time.
24) Barney Ross
Barney Ross was an all-time great at Lightweight and Welterweight. Over a nine year period, between 1929 and 1938, he compiled an outstanding record of 74-4-3 (22 KOs). Ross had an iron chin and was never stopped in 81 bouts. He won the Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight championships with a decision victory over Tony Canzoneri in June 1933. In May 1934, he captured the Welterweight championship with a 15 round decision over Jimmy McLarnin. However, Ross lost the title in a rematch with McLarnin that September. Both fights were very close.
He regained the Welterweight title in a rubber match with McLarnin by decision in May 1935 and defended twice times before losing the crown to Henry Armstrong by a convincing decision in May 1938. Ross was an impressive 13-2-1 (1 KO) in world championship fights. His significant opponents included: Ceferino Garcia (won three), Billy Petrolle (won twice), Tony Canzoneri (won twice), Jimmy McLarnin (won twice and lost), Battling Battalino (won), Joe Ghnouly (won), Sammy Fuller (won), Baby Joe Gans (won), Izzy Jannazzo (won),Frankie Klick (won and drew), and Henry Armstrong (lost).
Ross’ record against IBHOF hall of famers was an excellent 7-2. Ross retired at the relatively young age of 29 and went on to become war hero in World War II, earning the “Silver Star”. Ross definitely belongs among the top 25 boxers who ever lived.
23) Sandy Saddler
Sandy Saddler is among the greatest Featherweights who ever lived. Over a 12 year career, lasting from 1944 to 1956, Saddler had a professional record of 144-16-2 (103 KOs). He was tall for a Featherweight at 5’8’’ as possessed devastating punching power.
Saddler won the Featherweight title in October 1948 with a shocking 4th round knockout victory over fellow legend Willie Pep, who entered the fight with an amazing 134-1-1 record. This was the first of 4 classic matchups between the two men. Saddler lost the rematch to Pep by decision in February 1949. In the third match between the two men, in September 1950, Saddler won by an 8th round TKO as Pep was forced to retire due to a separated shoulder. In the 4th and final matchup in September 1951, Saddler won by a 9th round TKO. Overall, Sandy won 3 of 4 of the bouts between the two men. Saddler held the Featherweight title for the next 5 years before retiring.
Saddler’s significant opponents included: Pep (won three and lost one), Orlando Zulueta (won twice), Lauro Salas (won twice), Joe Brown (won), Harold Dade (won), Flash Elorde (won and lost), Jimmy Carter (drew), Paddy DeMarco (won, lost twice), Phil Terranova (lost) and Del Flanagan (lost). Saddler’s unique success against one of the greatest pound for pound fighters of all-time, distinguished Featherweight reign, and performance against the best Featherweight and Lightweight fighters of his era earn him a place in boxing’s top 25 of all-time.
22) Eder Jofre
Eder Jofre may have been the best Bantamweight who ever lived and captured a world title at Featherweight as well. Over a 19 year career, Jofre compiled an incredible professional record of 72-2-4 (50 KOs). Jofre captured the NBA version of the Bantamweight title with a 6th round KO over Eloy Sanchez in November 1960.
He defended 6 times, unifying the title along the way, before losing to Fighting Harada by a split decision in May 1965. Jofre lost again to Harada in a rematch this time by unanimous decision in May 1966. The 30 year old Jofre took a three year hiatus from the ring after his second loss to Harada. After 14 straight victories on the comeback trail, the, now, 37 year old Jofre challenged Joe Legra in May 1973 for the WBC Featherweight title, winning by majority decision. Five months later, in October 1973, Jofre destroyed all-time great Vicente Saldivar in four rounds in his first title defense. This would be his only title defense as he was stripped of the title shortly thereafter. He would go on to win another 7 non-title fights before retiring for good in 1976.
Included among the significant fighters Jofre defeated were: Sanchez, Sadao Yaoita, Johnny Caldwell, Bernardo Caraballo, Johnny Jamito, Legra, Saldivar, Juan Antonio Lopez, and Octavio Gomez. Hurting his case is the fact that he only defeated one boxing hall of famer, Saldivar, and lost twice to the other one he faced, Harada. Nonetheless, Jofre’s incredible record, longevity, and status as a two division champ warrants a place among boxing’s top 25 ever.
21) Roy Jones Jr.
Yes, RJJ at #21, I’m not kidding! Roy turned professional in May 1989. In his 22nd fight, he defeated Bernard Hopkins by a 12 round decision, capturing the IBF Middleweight championship in a battle of future legends. After outgrowing the Middleweight division he whipped James Toney capturing the IBF Super Middleweight championship in November 1994, and would go on to defend five times, all by stoppage, before moving up to Light Heavyweight.
After a controversial disqualification loss to Montell Griffin in March 1997, he starched him by first round stoppage in the rematch five months later to win the WBC Light Heavyweight title. Jones held that title for several years also capturing the WBA and IBF versions of the title along the way. In March 2003 he captured the WBA Heavyweight championship with a decision victory over John Ruiz, marking both the apex of his career as well as the beginning of his decline.
Jones dropped back to Light Heavyweight and won a tough decision over Antonio Tarver in November 2003. He was stopped in two by Tarver in the rematch in May 2004. This was the end of his run as an elite fighter, although he continues to fight on today at the age of 46. After starting his career at 49-1, his record now stands at 61-8 (44 KOs).
RJJ was one of the two signature fighters of his generation, along with Pernell Whitaker. He was the fastest man in the ring since the days of Sugar Ray Leonard and also possessed outstanding power. Roy’s unique skills along with his outstanding resume earn him a place among boxing’s top 25 ever.
This concludes Part 9 of my top 100 pound for pound boxers of all-time series. Only 20 names now remain on this list as we count down to number 1! This is really getting tough now! Thank you to all of you who’ve been following this series. 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-8-top-100-boxers-of-all-time-40-31
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/part-7-top-100-pound-for-pound-boxers-of-all-time-50-41
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
http://mythicalboxing.weebly.com/introduction