3 Boxing Champions That Shook The World
In the world of boxing, there are a few fighters that have defied what fans thought was possible. They are the fighters that seemed to be unbeatable, standing apart as something more than just great boxers. Somehow they transcended, and became legends.
Yes, it is arguable that some of the greatest boxers were more myth than skill, turned into something more than what they really were by the media, and by hype. But be that as it may, there is no denying the impact that the fighter had on the sport, and the world.
Here are 3 boxers that managed to enter into the hall of fame as legends.
Muhammad Ali
You knew he was going to be on this list, and here is. What makes Muhammad Ali so interesting is that he wasn’t just an incredible boxer, which he certainly was. He happened to be as interesting out of the ring as he was in the ring. Of course, most of his quirky antics were for the benefit of the media, and for creating hype for fights. Either way, Muhammad Ali was an entertaining sports star, with many still arguing that none have come along since to match his all-round razzle dazzle.
By the time he retired, he had a stunning 56-5 record. Of his 56 wins, 37 were knockouts. You’ll know him most for the Thrilla in Manilla against Joe Frazier, and the Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman.
Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson isn’t as talked about as Ali, but he should be. In all fairness, he was active in the 1940s and 1950s, so didn’t benefit from the media frenzies of modern times. But next time you play bingo in Australia online, pause for a break and Google Sugar Ray Robinson’s fighting records. You may just find your jaw on the ground.
As an amateur, he held a record of 85-0. 69 were knockouts. He went professional in 1940, and by 1951 had a professional record of an utterly mind blowing 128-1-2. 84 were knockouts. If that wasn’t astounding enough, he retired in 1952, only to leave retirement two years later and reclaim the welterweight championship.
Rocky Marciano
Last we have another name you probably knew would be on the list. Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight champion ever to retire with a clean record. It was 49-0, with 43 knockouts. His fight history reads like a who’s who of the boxing world in 1950s. He defeated the once thought to be undefeatable Joe Louis, who retired after the defeat. He put Jersey Joe Wolcott down twice. He managed to destroy the legend that was Archie Moore. It doesn’t get more impressive than Rocky The Rock Marciano.
What’s more interesting is that rumours were floating around for years that he would be returning to the ring in 1959. But this never came to pass, leaving many fans deflated. Though many are also quick to point out that The Rock likely didn’t want to run the risk of soiling his undefeated legendary status.
