introduction
Boxing has been a popular sport for centuries, and it's no secret that one of the most exciting moments during a fight is when a boxer lands a knockout punch. Some boxers have become famous for their ability to land a devastating blow that leaves their opponent on the ground. These boxers are known as "knockout kings," and in this article, we'll list the top 10 hardest punchers in boxing history.
Determining the hardest puncher in boxing history is a subjective task, but we will consider several factors to make our rankings as objective as possible. We will consider factors such as the highlights of the boxer's career, notable fights, and the impact his punches had on his opponents. Now let's move on to ranking the 10 hardest punchers in boxing history.
Criteria for determining the toughest boxer
As mentioned, determining the hardest puncher is a subjective task, but we will consider several factors to make our rankings as objective as possible. We will look at the boxer's knockout percentage, the number of knockouts in his career, and the level of competition he faced. We will also consider how the opponent fared after being hit by his punches. Did they recover quickly or was the damage long-lasting? These factors will help us determine the hardest puncher in boxing history.
Honorable Mentions - notable boxers who did not make it into the top 10
Before we dive into the rankings, we should mention some notable boxers who did not make the top 10. These boxers were impressive fighters in their own way and deserve recognition. Some of the notable boxers who did not make the top 10 include George Chuvalo, Vitali Klitschko, and Wladimir Klitschko.
#10 | Julian Jackson
Julian Jackson is a former professional boxer from the Virgin Islands who competed from 1981 to 1998. Known for his striking power, he was nicknamed "The Hawk". Jackson had a knockout rate of 86.2% and scored 49 knockouts in his career. During his career, he won the WBA light middleweight title and the WBC middleweight title.
One of Jackson's notable fights was against Herol Graham in 1990. Graham was known for his defensive style, but Jackson managed to land a devastating right hand that knocked Graham out. This fight is considered one of the best knockouts in boxing history.
#9 | Sonny Liston
Sonny Liston was an American professional boxer who competed from 1953 to 1970. He was known for his punching power and was nicknamed "The Bear". Liston had a knockout rate of 76.5% and scored 39 knockouts in his career.
One of Liston's notable fights was against Floyd Patterson in 1962. Liston was able to knock Patterson down in the first round and eventually won the fight by knockout in the first round. Liston also had two famous fights against Muhammad Ali, both of which he lost.
#8 | Tommy Hearns
Tommy Hearns is a former professional boxer from the United States who competed from 1977 to 2006. He was known for his striking power and was nicknamed "The Hitman". Hearns had a knockout rate of 80.6% and scored 48 knockouts in his career.
One of Hearns' notable fights was against Roberto Duran in 1984. Hearns knocked Duran down twice in this fight and eventually won the fight by knockout in the second round.
#7 | Alexis Arguello
Alexis Arguello was a former professional boxer from Nicaragua who competed from 1968 to 1995. He was known for his striking power and was nicknamed "El Flaco Explosivo". Arguello had a knockout rate of 72.3% and recorded 49 knockouts in his career. During his career he won titles in three weight classes.
One of Arguello's notable fights was against Aaron Pryor in 1982. The fight was considered one of the greatest fights in boxing history, and Arguello was able to knock Pryor down in that fight. However, Pryor was able to recover and eventually won the fight by knockout in the 14th round.
#6 | Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis is a former professional boxer from the United Kingdom who competed from 1989 to 2003. He was known for his striking power and was nicknamed "The Lion". Lewis had a 76.2% knockout rate and recorded 41 knockouts in his career. During his career he won titles in three weight classes.
One of Lewis' notable fights was against Mike Tyson in 2002. Lewis was able to knock Tyson down in this fight and eventually won the fight by knockout in the eighth round.
#5 | Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano was a former professional boxer from the United States who competed from 1947 to 1955. He was known for his striking power and was nicknamed "The Brockton Blockbuster". Marciano had a knockout rate of 87.8% and scored 43 knockouts in his career. He retired undefeated with a record of 49-0.
One of Marciano's notable fights was against Jersey Joe Walcott in 1952. Marciano knocked out Walcott in the 13th round to win the heavyweight title. This fight is considered one of the greatest knockouts in boxing history.
#4 | Earnie Shavers
Earnie Shavers is a former professional boxer from the United States who competed from 1969 to 1995. He was known for his striking power and was nicknamed "The Black Destroyer". Shavers had a knockout rate of 88.6% and scored 68 knockouts in his career.
One of Shavers' notable fights was against Muhammad Ali in 1977. Shavers was able to knock Ali down in that fight and had him in trouble throughout the fight. However, Ali was able to survive and eventually won the fight by unanimous decision.
#3 | Joe Louis
Joe Louis was a former professional boxer from the United States who competed from 1934 to 1951. He was known for his punching power and was nicknamed "The Brown Bomber". Louis had a knockout rate of 79.4% and recorded 66 knockouts in his career. He held the heavyweight title for over 11 years during his career.
One of Louis' notable fights was against Max Schmeling in 1938. The fight was considered a revenge for their 1936 fight, which Schmeling had won. However, Louis managed to knock Schmeling out in the first round of the fight.
#2 | George Foreman
George Foreman is a former professional boxer from the United States who competed from 1969 to 1997. He was known for his striking power and was nicknamed "Big George". Foreman had a knockout rate of 84.4% and recorded 76 knockouts in his career. During his career he won titles in two weight classes.
One of Foreman's notable fights was against Michael Moorer in 1994. Foreman knocked out Moorer in the 10th round, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
#1 | Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is a former professional boxer from the United States who competed from 1985 to 2005. He was known for his striking power and was nicknamed "Iron Mike". Tyson had a knockout rate of 88.0% and scored 44 knockouts in his career. During his career, he won titles in three weight classes.
One of Tyson's notable fights was against Trevor Berbick in 1986. Tyson knocked out Berbick in the second round to become the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history. Tyson was known for his ferocious punching power and was able to intimidate his opponents with his aggressive style.
Comparison of the 3 best punchers
It is worth comparing the top 3 hardest punchers in boxing history. Mike Tyson, George Foreman and Joe Louis are considered the top 3 hardest punchers in boxing history. Tyson had a knockout rate of 88.0%, Foreman a knockout rate of 84.4% and Louis a knockout rate of 79.4%.
Tyson is considered the hardest hitter of the three and could intimidate his opponents with his aggressive style. Foreman was known for his power and could knock out his opponents with ease. Louis was known for his accuracy and could deliver devastating blows to his opponents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ranking the 10 hardest boxers in boxing history is a subjective task, but we have taken into account various factors to make our rankings as objective as possible. Mike Tyson is considered the hardest puncher in boxing history, but there are other notable boxers who deserve recognition for their punching power. Boxing fans will continue to debate who is the hardest puncher in boxing history, but one thing is for sure: knockout punches will always be an important part of the sport.
