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Jack Johnson -

Not only was Jack Johnson the first African American to become a world heavyweight champion, this in 1908, but he was also a very charismatic man.

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Jack Johnson -

The "Galveston Giant" developed a style of boxing that was not common at the time. Johnson was known for taking a more defensive approach and tiring out his opponents, after which he would unleash his fury and demolish them.

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Jake LaMotta -

Jake LaMotta, aka the "Raging Bull," was vicious, and could deliver (and take) a beating like no other. He was a bully in the ring and had arguably one of the best chins in the history of boxing. Director Martin Scorsese went on to make 'Raging Bull' (1980) about him, with Robert De Niro as LaMotta.

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Joe Louis -

Joe Louis, aka the "Brown Bomber," made history by becoming world heavyweight champion in 1937, holding the title until 1949—the longest reign in the history of any weight division. Louis was heavyweight champion for 140 consecutive months and defended his title 25 times.

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Joe Louis -

Joe Louis became widely famous after defeating Max Schmeling from Nazi Germany in 1938. The German boxer went down in the first round.

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Émile Griffith -

From the early 1960s to the mid-1970s, Émile Griffith amassed five world champion belts. The boxer from the U.S. Virgin Islands also made history in the sport by coming out as bisexual (after retiring from the sport). Tragically, he's also remembered for his knockout bout with Benny Paret, which resulted in Paret's death 10 days later.

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Manny Pacquiao -

Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao was born in the Philippines in 1978 and went on to become the only boxer to win world champion belts in eight different weight classes. Pacquiao is also one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the history of the sport.

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Manny Pacquiao -

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's double jab was one of his signature moves, just like his powerful left hand on a southpaw stance.

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Rocky Marciano -

Born Rocco Francis Marchegiano in 1923, Rocky Marciano went on to become a pro boxer in 1947 and then a heavyweight world champion in 1952.

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Rocky Marciano -

Rocky "The Brockton Blockbuster" Mariano was a pressure fighter with tremendous power. Arguably, his best punch was his thunderous overhand right, which he nicknamed "Suzie Q." Marciano ended his career in 1956 undefeated, with a perfect 49-0 record.

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Jack Dempsey -

The “Manassa Mauler” knocked out 43 of his 53 opponents and only lost six fights in his career. Dempsey set unprecedented attendance records with his fights and was the first boxer to bring a million-dollar gate (ticket sales), this in 1921.

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Sugar Ray Robinson -

Walker Smith Jr., aka Sugar Ray Robinson, turned pro in 1940 and went on to win world titles in multiple divisions. Sugar Ray Robinson is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in boxing history.

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Sugar Ray Robinson -

Among his many weapons, Robinson had devastating uppercuts, which helped him win 91 fights in a row! The 14-time world champion finished his career in 1965 with the impressive record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and six draws.

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. -

Floyd Joy Sinclair was born in 1977 and became a professional boxer in 1996. One of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won world titles in five divisions.

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. -

Mayweather's reflexes and technique—particularly his defense (i.e. his shoulder roll defense)—set him apart from the competition.

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. -

Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. was elusive and also great at countering. He retired from professional boxing with a pristine record of 50-0.

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Mike Tyson -

Michael Gerard Tyson was born in 1966 and grew up in the mean streets of Brownsville in Brooklyn. Mike Tyson went on to make boxing history under the mentorship of his iconic coach Cus D'Amato (though sadly he didn't live to see Tyson's biggest achievement).

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Mike Tyson -

With his distinctive peek-a-boo boxing style and devastating punches, in 1986, aged 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

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Mike Tyson -

"Iron Mike" was an intimidating force inside and outside the ring. He was fast, aggressive, and a boxing fan favorite for many years (and still is). In spite of his tumultuous career and personal life, Tyson is one of the most iconic boxers of all time.

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Muhammad Ali -

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali is considered by many the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Ali turned professional after winning gold at the 1960 Olympics.

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Muhammad Ali -

In 1964, he became heavyweight champion of the world after defeating Sonny Liston. Ali said he'd "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," and he certainly did.

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Muhammad Ali -

Ali's game outside the ring was second to none. He was good with words, often playing a strong psychological game with his opponents. Inside the ring he was gracious with his hands and had some of the most dazzling footwork in the history of boxing.

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Pernell Whitaker -

Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker's career spanned from 1984 to 2001. Known for his superior defensive style, Whitaker evaded punches effortlessly.

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Pernell Whitaker -

The fluidity of his reflexes were astonishing, as his opponents missed blow after blow. Whitaker finished his career with 40 wins (17 by knockouts), four losses, and one draw.

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Tony Canzoneri -

Tony Canzoneri won five world titles in three divisions. He went on to beat 40 top 10 fighters at the time, finishing his career with a record of 137 wins, 24 losses, and 10 draws.

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Roberto Durán -

It's safe to say that Roberto Durán is Panama's greatest contribution to boxing, with four titles in four different weight classes. Durán won 103 fights and only lost 16 throughout his boxing career.

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Willie Pep -

Guglielmo Papaleo, aka Willie Pep, had an undefeated streak of 73 fights and was world featherweight champion twice. Pep was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. His record is 229 wins, 11 losses, and one draw.

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Roy Jones Jr. -

Roy Jones Jr. won world championships in four weight classes. His demolishing left hooks earned him the nickname "Captain Hook."

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Henry Armstrong -

Henry Armstrong is yet another multi-division champion on this list. In 1938, "Homicide Hank" became the first boxer to hold three different world titles simultaneously (featherweight, welterweight, and lightweight). Armstrong ended his career with 149 wins, 21 losses, and 10 draws.

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Juan Manuel Márquez -

Known for being an excellent counterpuncher, Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez reached legendary status under the mentorship of iconic Mexican coach Ignacio "Nacho" Beristáin. Márquez won world champion belts in four weight classes.

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Ezzard Charles -

The "Cincinnati Cobra" was among the top boxers in the middleweight to heavyweight classes. Charles became a heavyweight world champion in 1949. He finished his career with 95 wins, 25 losses, and one draw.

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Archie Moore -

Archie Moore had a long 28-year boxing career, and it actually took him 17 years to win the world title, but he did it in the end! Not only that, but "The Mongoose" also became the longest reigning world light heavyweight champion of all time, from December 1952 to May 1962.

Sources: (World Boxing News) (NBC Sports) (Marca) (BetMGM) (Grunge)

See also: The most inspirational movies about sport ever made

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