Boxing has been there for decades as the platform upon which the best warriors establish their talent, toughness, and heart. Black boxers played a huge role in defining the sport, breaking the racial gates, and leaving behind legacies that will be known for life and times to come. Such warriors dominated their respective eras, inspiring further generations with durability and immense power.
In this article, we count down the ten greatest Black boxers of all time, taking into account their records, achievements, influence on the sport, and sheer dominance inside the ring.
10. Sam Langford (1902–1926)
Record: 178–30–40 (126 KOs)
Sam Langford was a legend who never won a world title, not because he wasn’t good enough, but because champions of his time refused to fight him. A Toronto-born boxer by the name of “The Boston Tar Baby,” Langford fought in all weight classes, from lightweight to heavyweight. He knocked out more than 100 opponents. Few can say that. Even Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champ, avoided him after winning the title. Langford’s skill, devastating power, and ability to fight bigger foes put him atop this list as one of the greatest never to have worn a belt.
9. Archie Moore (1935–1963)
Record: 186–23–10 (132 KOs)
Known as “The Old Mongoose,” Archie Moore holds the record for the most knockouts in boxing history with 132. A master strategist, Moore competed well into his late 40s, proving that skill could overcome youth. He reigned as the light heavyweight champion close to a decade and even dared to fight above his weight division against heavyweights like Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali. All these aspects-including longevity, power, and ring intelligence-elevate him to one of the greatest-ever boxers with gloves on their hands.
8. Joe Frazier (1965–1981)
Record: 32–4–1 (27 KOs)
Joe Frazier’s relentless attack and lethal left hook made him one of the most feared big men of the era. “Smokin’ Joe” was best known for his trilogy with Muhammad Ali, which included the legendary victory in the “Fight of the Century” in 1971. Former Olympic gold medalist and undisputed heavyweight champion Frazier won many a fight with heart and aggression. Battles with Muhammad Ali and George Foreman will go down as some of the most memorable battles in boxing history.
7. Jack Johnson (1897–1938)
Record: 54–11–8 (34 KOs)
Jack Johnson was the first Black heavyweight champion, a title he won in 1908 when he dominated Tommy Burns. His reign was controversial, as he openly defied racial norms of the early 20th century. Johnson’s defensive skills and counterpunching ability made him almost untouchable in the ring. His 1910 fight against James J. Jeffries, the “Fight of the Century,” proved that Black athletes could compete and win at the highest level. Johnson’s legacy paved the way for future Black boxers to chase greatness.
6. Evander Holyfield (1984–2011)
Record: 44–10–2 (29 KOs)
Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield is the first and only man to be crowned undisputed champion in two different weight classes, cruiserweight and heavyweight. Fearless, Holyfield took on all comers—Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, and Lennox Lewis. Those two fights against Tyson, the infamous ear-biting incident among them, place him in the history books forever. Holyfield’s heart, endurance, and ability to fight through adversity place him among the greatest heavyweights ever.
5. Sugar Ray Leonard (1977–1997)
Record: 36–3–1 (25 KOs)
Sugar Ray Leonard was an all-time great, a speedster, powerful and charismatic enough to capture fans in a single act. He has won the titles of world boxing in five classes and competed against some of the greatest boxers in the world, such as Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. Adaptation and a killer instinct during a big fight marked him as one of the complete fighters in boxing history. His legacy remains with skill, showmanship, and pure domination.
4. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (1996–2017)
Record: 50-0 (27 KOs)
Floyd “Money” Mayweather retired undefeated, a testament to his defensive genius. He was a master of the sport, able to hit without being hit. Mayweather won world titles in five weight classes and defeated some of the best fighters of his era, including Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Álvarez, and Oscar De La Hoya. While his defensive style is criticized by many, his technical brilliance and unblemished record place him among the greatest ever.
3. Mike Tyson (1985–2005)
Record: 50–6 (44 KOs)
Few have equaled Mike Tyson’s pure punching power and brutality. By age 20, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. His early knockouts were downright frightening; most fights were finished in mere seconds. For all the rest of his career, it was a tumultuous mix of lawsuits and some great losses. At his best, his peak years, Tyson was an unstoppable force, laying waste to one legend or two without breaking a sweat. His velocity, aggression, and knockout potency made him an electrifying athletic figure in sports history.
2. Joe Louis (1934–1951)
Record: 66–3 (52 KOs)
Joe Louis was known as the “Brown Bomber.” During his reign of over a decade, Joe Louis was simply the dominant heavyweight champion. Holding the title for nearly 12 years and defending it 25 times, Louis was the hope of strength for Black Americans at the time of intense racial segregation. His victory over Max Schmeling in their 1938 rematch is one of the most politically sensitive fights in history. Louis’s skill, power, and long reign make him one of the greatest heavyweights ever.
1. Muhammad Ali (1960–1981)
Record: 56–5 (37 KOs)
Muhammad Ali is not just the greatest Black boxer of all time—he is the greatest boxer, period. His combination of speed, power, and charisma made him a global icon. Ali’s victories over Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman are legendary. He revolutionized heavyweight boxing with his movement and poetic trash talk. Ali was more than a boxer; he fought for justice, protested the Vietnam War, and sought civil rights. There is no one else so impactful in sports and society.
Conclusion
The ten athletes have shaped the course of boxing history with their talent, strength, and influence beyond the sport. Each of them, stunted at races, fought the brightest of their era, and has brought us legacies that will continue to raise younger athletes today.
From Ali’s showmanship to Mayweather’s precision, from Tyson’s power to Louis’ dominance, each of these boxers contributed to making boxing what it is today—a sport of warriors, legends, and unforgettable moments.
