5. Ray Leonard (36–3, 25 KOs)
The volume is lacking compared with many on this list, but it was how he performed against other greats — Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler — that impacts his placement. The bigger the stage, a sweeter “Sugar.”
4. Henry Armstrong (149-21-10, 99 KOs)
He holds a record that it can safely be declared will never be broken. “Homicide Hank” held titles in three different classes simultaneously when there were only eight — feather, light and welter.
3. Joe Louis (66-3, 52 KOs)
Greatness also includes what someone did for the sport — influence and understanding the times in which they competed — and that’s a big part of Louis’ allure. By today’s standards he’d be a cruiserweight. His right hand and the goodwill were equally powerful, and especially needed during this country’s war with Nazi Germany.
2. Muhammad Ali (56-5, 37 KOs)
In his prime, it’s difficult to find another heavyweight who was better. He had many flaws (hands low, vulnerable to left hooks) but had the reflexes and the toughness to overcome it. “The Greatest” shined when the lights were brightest during the golden heavyweight era.
1. Ray Robinson (174-19-6, 104 KOs)
As the late legendary boxing historian Bert Sugar mused about the welterweight and middleweight champion: “The most faultless fighter ever. Period. End of paragraph.” And he didn’t exaggerate. Proof that having a clean sheet isn’t required to be regarded as the best.
Just missed the cut (in order of votes): Michael Spinks, Oscar De La Hoya, Terence Crawford, James Toney, Mike Tyson, Bob Foster.
J. Michael is the executive editor of RingMagazine.com.