World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics

Below is a list of world heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics.

Championship recognition

As per International Boxing Hall Of Fame:[1][2][3][4][5]

1884–1921

  • Champions were recognized by public acclamation. A champion in that era was a fighter who had a notable win over another fighter and kept winning afterward. It was a lineal championship. The only way to win the championship was to beat the current champion. Retirements or disputed results could lead to a championship being split among several men for periods of time. With only minor exceptions, the heavyweight division remained free from dual title-holders until the 1960s. For an early example, see the 1896 World Heavyweight Championship.

Sanctioning organizations: 1921–present

Gradually, the role of recognizing champions in the division evolved into a more formal affair, with public acclamation being supplemented (or in some cases, contradicted) by recognition by one or more athletic commissions, sanctioning organizations, or a combination of them. The International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) recognizes these organizations as major in boxing:

  • The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). A governmental entity initially formed for the purpose of regulating boxing in the State of New York, thanks to New York's place as the epicenter of boxing from the 1930s through 1950s, the NYSAC expanded its reach to sanctioning championship bouts. This practice continued until, like the IBU, the NYSAC became a member of the WBC.
  • The National Boxing Association (NBA) was organized in 1921. In 1962, the organization was renamed the World Boxing Association (WBA).
  • The WBC was organized in 1963.
  • The IBF, which was founded in 1983 by the members of the United States Boxing Association after the USBA withdrew from membership in the WBA.
  • The WBO, founded in 1988. The IBHOF started recognizing WBO as a major organization no later than August 23, 1997.[nb 1]

There are also titles that are not considered major, but play a significant role in legitimizing the heavyweight champion:

  • The Ring began awarding championship belts in 1922, stopped giving belts to world champions in the 1990s, then reintroduced their title in 2002, and ignored the current ongoing world championship lineage. Under the original version of the policy, you could win the title by either defeating the reigning champion or winning a box-off between the magazine's No. 1 and No. 2 (occasionally No. 3) ranked contenders. A fighter could not be stripped of the title unless he lost or retired. Since May 2012, under the new policy, The Ring title can be awarded when the No. 1 and No. 2 contenders face each other or when either of them faces No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5 contender. In addition, the title can be taken away by losing the fight, not scheduling a fight for 18 months, not scheduling a fight with a top 5 contender for two years, or retiring.[6]

Most opponents beaten in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

Map of countries, number of beaten opponents in world heavyweight boxing championship fights reached by country citizen (as of December 2022). Note: secondary championships are not included

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten
opponents
Fights
1.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO
23[7]
2.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA22[8][9]
3.Muhammad Ali1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969
2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978
3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, WBC
3. WBA
21[10]
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[11]
5.Lennox Lewis1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994
2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004
1. WBC
2. WBA, WBC, IBF
3. WBC, IBF
15[12]
5.Vitali Klitschko1. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005
2. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013
1. WBC
2. WBC
12[13]
7.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
11[14]
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[15]
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[16]
10.Evander Holyfield1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992
2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994
3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999
4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, IBF
3. WBA, IBF
4. WBA
9[17]
10.Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 — September 25, 2021
WBA, IBF, WBO9[18]
12.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[19]
12.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC8[20]
14.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
NYSAC, NBA7[21]
15.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[22]
15.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC6[23]
15.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[24]

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

Map of countries, number of beaten opponents in world heavyweight boxing championship fights reached by country citizen - undisputed champion (July 2, 1921-present), lineal champion (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921), The Ring champion; as of December 2022. Note: secondary championships are not included

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO
23[7]
2.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA22[8][9]
3.Muhammad Ali1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969
2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978
3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, WBC
3. WBA
21[10]
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[11]
5.Lennox Lewis1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994
2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004
1. WBC
2. WBA, WBC, IBF
3. WBC, IBF
15[12]
5.Vitali Klitschko1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000
2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005
3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013
1. WBO
2. WBC
3. WBC
15[13]
7.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
11[14]
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[15]
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[16]
10.Evander Holyfield1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992
2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994
3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999
4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, IBF
3. WBA, IBF
4. WBA
9[17]
11.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[19]
12.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
NYSAC, NBA7[21]
12.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal7[22]
14.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[24]
14.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC6[23]

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

Diagram that represents top 26 world heavyweight champions by number of opponents beaten for the world heavyweight title (as of 27 August 2023)

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
  • defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of October 25, 2023.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Additional recognition Beaten champions (recognition) Beaten opponents Fights
1.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. unified

2. The Ring
1. Chris Byrd (IBF)

23[7][28]
2.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949undisputedThe Ring22[8][9]
3.Muhammad Ali1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969
2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978
3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979
1. undisputed
2. undisputed
3. WBA
The Ring21[10]
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)
20[11][29][30]
5.Lennox Lewis1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004
1. undisputed
2. unified

2. The Ring
1. Evander Holyfield (WBA)

12[12][17]
6.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

11[14]
6.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineallineal11[15]
8.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973undisputedThe Ring10[16]
9.Evander Holyfield1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992
2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994
3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999
1. undisputed
2. unified
3. unified
8[17]
9.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951undisputedThe Ring8[19]
11.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
undisputedThe Ring7[21]
12.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineallineal6[22]
12.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineallineal6[24]
12.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926undisputedThe Ring6[23]
15.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956undisputedThe Ring5[31]
15.George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

5[32]
17.Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. unified
2. WBC
1. The Ring
2. The Ring
4[33]
18.Primo CarneraJune 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934undisputedThe Ring3[34]
18.Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3[35]
20.James J. CorbettSeptember 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897lineallineal2[36]
20.Jess WillardApril 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919lineallineal2[37]
20.Max SchmelingJune 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931undisputedThe Ring2[38]
20.Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders (WBO)2[13][39]
20.Gene TunneySeptember 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928undisputedThe Ring2[40]
20.Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring2[41]
20.Oleksandr UsykSeptember 25, 2021 – presentunifiedThe Ring2[42]
27.John L. SullivanAugust 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892lineallineal1[43]
27.Bob FitzsimmonsMarch 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899lineallineal1[44]
27.Marvin HartJuly 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906lineallineal1[45]
27.Max BaerJune 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935undisputedThe Ring1[46]
27.James J. BraddockJune 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937undisputedThe Ring1[47]
27.Jersey Joe WalcottJuly 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952undisputedThe Ring1[48]
27.Ingemar JohanssonJune 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960undisputedThe Ring1[49]
27.Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring1[50]
27.Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1[51]
27.Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1[52]

Most wins in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.
Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title fight wins Fights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA27[8][9]
2.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO
25[7]
3.Muhammad Ali1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969
2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978
3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, WBC
3. WBA
22[10]
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[11]
5.Lennox Lewis1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994
2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004
1. WBC
2. WBA, WBC, IBF
3. WBC, IBF
15[12]
5.Vitali Klitschko1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000
2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005
3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013
1. WBO
2. WBC
3. WBC
15[13]
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13[15]
8.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
12[14]
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[16]
9.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC10[20]
9.Evander Holyfield1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992
2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994
3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999
4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, IBF
3. WBA, IBF
4. WBA
10[17]
12.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC9[19]
12.Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 – September 25, 2021
WBA, IBF, WBO9[18]
14.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
NYSAC, NBA8[21]
14.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal8[24]

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title fight wins Fights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA27[8][9]
2.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO
25[7]
3.Muhammad Ali1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969
2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978
3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, WBC
3. WBA
22[10]
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[11]
5.Lennox Lewis1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994
2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004
1. WBC
2. WBA, WBC, IBF
3. WBC, IBF
15[12]
5.Vitali Klitschko1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000
2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005
3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013
1. WBO
2. WBC
3. WBC
15[13]
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13[15]
8.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBC, WBA
12[14]
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[16]
9.Evander Holyfield1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992
2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994
3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999
4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, IBF
3. WBA, IBF
4. WBA
10[17]
11.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC9[19]
12.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
NYSAC, NBA8[21]
12.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal8[24]
14.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA7[31]
15.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926NYSAC, NBA6[23]
15.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[22]

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
  • defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of October 25, 2023.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Additional recognition Beaten champions (recognition) Title fight wins Fights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949undisputedThe Ring27[8][9]
2.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. unified

2. The Ring
1. Chris Byrd (IBF)

25[7][28]
3.Muhammad Ali1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969
2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978
3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979
1. undisputed
2. undisputed
3. WBA
1. The Ring
2. The Ring
3. The Ring
22[10]
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)
20[11][29][30]
5.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineallineal13[15]
6.Lennox Lewis1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004
1. undisputed
2. unified

2. The Ring
1. Evander Holyfield (WBA)

12[12][17]
6.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

12[14]
8.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973unifiedThe Ring10[16]
9.Evander Holyfield1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992
2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994
3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999
1. undisputed
2. unified
3. unified
9[17]
9.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951undisputedThe Ring9[19]
11.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
undisputedThe Ring8[21]
11.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineallineal8[24]
13.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956undisputedThe Ring7[31]
14.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926undisputedThe Ring6[23]
14.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineallineal6[22]
16.George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

5[32]
16.Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. unified
2. WBC
1. The Ring
2. The Ring
5[33]
18.Primo CarneraJune 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934undisputedThe Ring3[34]
18.Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3[35]
18.Gene TunneySeptember 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928undisputedThe Ring3[40]
18.Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring3[41]
18.Oleksandr UsykSeptember 25, 2021 — presentunifiedThe Ring3[42]
23.James J. CorbettSeptember 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897lineallineal2[36]
23.Jess WillardApril 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919lineallineal2[37]
23.Max SchmelingJune 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931undisputedThe Ring2[38]
23.Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders (WBO)2[13][39]
23.Jersey Joe WalcottJuly 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952undisputedThe Ring2[48]
23.Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring2[50]
29.John L. SullivanAugust 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892lineallineal1[43]
29.Bob FitzsimmonsMarch 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899lineallineal1[44]
29.Marvin HartJuly 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906lineallineal1[45]
29.Max BaerJune 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935undisputedThe Ring1[46]
29.James J. BraddockJune 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937undisputedThe Ring1[47]
29.Ingemar JohanssonJune 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960undisputedThe Ring1[49]
29.Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1[51]
29.Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1[52]

Most opponents title was successfully defended against during one reign

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA21[8][9]
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[11]
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO18[7]
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[15]
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[10]
3.Vitali KlitschkoOctober 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012WBC9
6.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[14]
6.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[16]
6.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020WBC9[20]
9.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF8[12]
9.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[19]
11.Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019WBA, IBF, WBO6[18]
11.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[24]
11.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[22]
14.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA5[31]
14.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[23]

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA21[8][9]
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[11]
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO17[7]
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[15]
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[10]
6.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[14]
6.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[16]
8.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF8[12]
8.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[19]
10.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[24]
10.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[22]
12.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA5[31]
12.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[23]

Most consecutive title defenses

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title defenses Fights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA26[8][9]
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[11]
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO18[7][53]
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13[15]
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[10]
5.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020WBC10[20]
7. Vitali Klitschko October 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012 WBC 9
7.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[14]
7.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[16]
7.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF9[12]
10.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[19]
11.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal7[24]
12.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA6[31]
12.Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019WBA, IBF, WBO6[18]
12.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[22]
15.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[23]

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title defenses Fights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA26[8][9]
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[11]
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO18[7]
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13[15]
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[10]
6.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[14]
6.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[16]
6.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF9[16]
9.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[19]
10.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal7[24]
11.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA6[31]
11.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[22]
13.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[23]

Longest title reigns

Keys:

  Active Title Reign
  Reign has ended
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

As of 17 September 2022.

Pos. Name Combined reign Days as
champion
Number
of reigns
Title recognition
1.Wladimir Klitschko12 years, 0 months, 0 days4 3822WBA, IBF, WBO
2.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 days4 2701NYSAC, NBA
3.Muhammad Ali9 years, 5 months, 5 days3 4433NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.Lennox Lewis8 years, 5 months, 13 days3 0863WBA, WBC, IBF
5.Vitali Klitschko7 years, 5 months, 28 days2 7353WBC, WBO
6.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 days2 6611WBC, IBF
7.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 days2 6381NYSAC, NBA
8.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 10 days2 5661lineal
9.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 11 days2 2921lineal
10.Evander Holyfield6 years, 1 month, 1 day2 2234WBA, WBC, IBF
11.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 days2 1561lineal
12.Deontay Wilder5 years, 1 months, 5 days1 8591WBC
13.Anthony Joshua4 years, 11 months, 10 days1 8062IBF, WBA, WBO
14.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 days1 7851NYSAC, WBA, WBC
15.Floyd Patterson4 years, 10 months, 0 days1 7652NYSAC, NBA
16.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 days1 6521lineal

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

As of 17 September 2022.

Pos. Name Combined reign Days as champion Number of reigns Title recognition
1.Wladimir Klitschko12 years, 0 months, 0 days4 3822WBA, IBF, WBO
2.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 days4 2701NYSAC, NBA
3.Muhammad Ali9 years, 5 months, 5 days3 4433NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.Lennox Lewis8 years, 5 months, 13 days3 0863WBA, WBC, IBF
5.Vitali Klitschko7 years, 5 months, 28 days2 7353WBC, WBO
6.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 days2 6611WBC, IBF
7.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 days2 6381NYSAC, NBA
8.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 10 days2 5661lineal
9.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 11 days2 2921lineal
10.Evander Holyfield6 years, 1 month, 1 day2 2234WBA, WBC, IBF
11.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 days2 1561lineal
12.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 days1 7851NYSAC, WBA, WBC
13.Floyd Patterson4 years, 10 months, 0 days1 7652NYSAC, NBA
14.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 days1 6521lineal
15.Jess Willard4 years, 2 months, 29 days1 5511lineal
Vitali Klitschko (right) retired as champion in 2005. Following his retirement, the WBC conferred "champion emeritus" status on Klitschko, and assured him he would become the mandatory challenger if and when he decided to return

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
  • defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would later become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of 17 September 2022.

Pos. Name Combined reign Days as champion Number of reigns Title recognition
1.Wladimir Klitschko12 years, 0 months, 0 days4 3822WBA, IBF, WBO
2.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 days4 2701NYSAC, NBA
3.Muhammad Ali9 years, 5 months, 5 days3 4433NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 days2 6611WBC, IBF
5.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 days2 6381NYSAC, NBA
6.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 10 days2 5661lineal
7.Lennox Lewis6 years, 8 months, 3 days2 4372WBA, WBC, IBF
8.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 11 days2 2921lineal
9.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 days2 1561lineal
10.Evander Holyfield5 years, 6 months, 12 days2 0203WBA, WBC, IBF
11.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 days1 7851NYSAC, WBA, WBC
12.Floyd Patterson4 years, 10 months, 0 days1 7652NYSAC, NBA
13.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 days1 6521lineal
14.Jess Willard4 years, 2 months, 29 days1 5511lineal
15.Mike Tyson3 years, 10 months, 16 days1 4152WBA, WBC, IBF

Individual reigns

Below is a list of longest reigning heavyweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. Both The Ring and lineal championships are included. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.

All championship reigns

Pos. Name Title Reign Title recognition
1.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 dayslineal
2.Wladimir Klitschko9 years, 7 months and 6 daysIBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 daysWBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 dayslineal
5.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 9 dayslineal
6.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 10 dayslineal
7.Muhammad Ali5 years, 11 months, 9 daysThe Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 dayslineal
9.Vitali Klitschko5 years, 2 months, 4 daysWBC
10.Deontay Wilder5 years, 1 month 5 daysWBC
11.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 daysNYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
12.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 dayslineal
13.Jess Willard4 years, 2 months, 29 dayslineal
14.Lennox Lewis4 years, 2 months, 15 daysWBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)
15.Rocky Marciano3 years, 11 months, 29 dayslineal

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos. Name Title Reign Title recognition
1.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 dayslineal
2.Wladimir Klitschko9 years, 7 months and 6 daysIBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 daysWBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 dayslineal
5.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 9 dayslineal
6.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 10 dayslineal
7.Muhammad Ali5 years, 11 months, 9 daysThe Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 dayslineal
9.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 daysNYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
10.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 dayslineal
11.Jess Willard4 years, 2 months, 29 dayslineal
12.Lennox Lewis4 years, 2 months, 15 daysWBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)
13.Rocky Marciano3 years, 11 months, 29 dayslineal
14.Mike Tyson3 years, 2 months, 20 daysWBC (+WBA, IBF, The Ring)
15.George Foreman3 years, 0 months, 17 days(+WBA, IBF stripped)

Title fight finishes

Fastest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages

Date Fight Method Round Time Title Source(s)
April 18, 1998
Herbie Hide def. Damon Reed TKO 1 0:52 WBO [54]
May 21, 2005
Lamon Brewster def. Andrew Golota TKO 1 0:52 WBO [55]
November 14, 1944
Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis KO 1 0:53 NYSAC [8][9]
April 6, 1900
James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan KO 1 0:55 Lineal [24]
December 10, 1982
Michael Dokes def. Mike Weaver TKO 1 1:03 WBA [29]
July 4, 1907
Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires KO 1 1:28 Lineal [15]
March 17, 1908
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche KO 1 1:28 Lineal [15]
June 27, 1988
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks KO 1 1:31 WBA, WBC, IBF [14]
July 21, 1989
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams TKO 1 1:33 WBA, WBC, IBF [14]
October 4, 1997
Lennox Lewis def. Andrew Golota KO 1 1:35 WBC [12]
April 22, 1969
Joe Frazier def. Dave Zyglewicz KO 1 1:36 NYSAC [16]
September 7, 1996
Mike Tyson def. Bruce Seldon TKO 1 1:49 WBA [14]
September 1, 1973
George Foreman def. José Roman KO 1 2:00 WBA, WBC [32]
June 22, 1938
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling KO 1 2:04 NBA, NYSAC [8]
September 25, 1962
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:06 NYSAC, WBA [21]
September 18, 1946
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello KO 1 2:09 NBA, NYSAC [8]
July 22, 1963
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:10 WBA, WBC [21]
May 25, 1965
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston KO 1 2:12 WBC [10]
December 12, 1986
James Smith def. Tim Witherspoon KO 1 2:12 WBA [56]
May 18, 2019
Deontay Wilder def. Dominic Breazeale
KO 1 2:17 WBC [20]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien KO 1 2:18 Lineal [15]
February 6, 1993
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes TKO 1 2:19 WBA, IBF [35]
April 17, 1939
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper KO 1 2:20 NBA, NYSAC [8]
May 15, 1953
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott KO 1 2:25 NBA, NYSAC [31]
January 25, 1939
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis KO 1 2:29 NBA, NYSAC [8]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker KO 1 2:55 Lineal [15]
January 9, 1942
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer KO 1 2:56 NBA, NYSAC [8]
November 4, 2017
Deontay Wilder def. Bermane Stiverne KO 1 2:59 WBC [20]
March 19, 2011
Vitali Klitschko def. Odlanier Solís KO 1 2:59 WBC [13]

Fastest stoppages in title fights — undisputed/The Ring/lineal/unified championship on the line

Date Fight Method Round Time Title Source(s)
November 14, 1944
Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis KO 1 0:53 NYSAC [8]
April 6, 1900
James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan KO 1 0:55 Lineal [24]
July 4, 1907
Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires KO 1 1:28 Lineal [15]
March 17, 1908
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche KO 1 1:28 Lineal [15]
June 27, 1988
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks KO 1 1:31 WBA, WBC, IBF [14]
July 21, 1989
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams TKO 1 1:33 WBA, WBC, IBF [14]
September 1, 1973
George Foreman def. José Roman KO 1 2:00 WBA, WBC [32]
June 22, 1938
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling KO 1 2:04 NBA, NYSAC [8]
September 25, 1962
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:06 NYSAC, WBA [21]
September 18, 1946
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello KO 1 2:09 NBA, NYSAC [8]
July 22, 1963
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:10 WBA, WBC [21]
May 25, 1965
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston KO 1 2:12 WBC [10]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien KO 1 2:18 Lineal [15]
February 6, 1993
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes TKO 1 2:19 WBA, IBF [35]
April 17, 1939
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper KO 1 2:20 NBA, NYSAC [8]
May 15, 1953
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott KO 1 2:25 NBA, NYSAC [31]
January 25, 1939
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis KO 1 2:29 NBA, NYSAC [8]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker KO 1 2:55 Lineal [15]
January 9, 1942
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer KO 1 2:56 NBA, NYSAC [8]
March 29, 1940
Joe Louis def. Johnny Paychek TKO 2 0:15 NBA, NYSAC [8]
May 22, 1993
Riddick Bowe def. Jesse Ferguson KO 2 0:17 WBA [35]
August 26, 1904
James J. Jeffries def. Jack Munroe TKO 2 0:45 Lineal [24]
November 18, 1970
Joe Frazier def. Bob Foster KO 2 0:49 WBA, WBC [16]
September 14, 1923
Jack Dempsey def. Luis Ángel Firpo KO 2 0:57 NBA, NYSAC [23]
February 17, 1941
Joe Louis def. Gus Dorazio KO 2 1:30 NBA, NYSAC [8]
March 26, 1974
George Foreman def. Ken Norton TKO 2 2:00 WBA, WBC [32]
January 22, 1973
George Foreman def. Joe Frazier TKO 2 2:26 WBA, WBC [32]
July 15, 2000
Lennox Lewis def. Francois Botha TKO 2 2:39 WBC, IBF [12]
April 29, 2000
Lennox Lewis def. Michael Grant KO 2 2:53 WBC, IBF [12]
March 21, 1988
Mike Tyson def. Tony Tubbs TKO 2 2:54 WBA, WBC, IBF [14]

Most opponents beaten in title fights by stoppage

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Name Finished opponents Fights
1.Joe Louis20[8][9]
2.Wladimir Klitschko18[7]
3.Larry Holmes14[11]
4.Muhammad Ali13[10]
5.Vitali Klitschko12[13]
6.Lennox Lewis11[12]
7.Mike Tyson9[14]
Tommy Burns[15]
9.Deontay Wilder8[20]
9.Joe Frazier8[16]
11.Floyd Patterson7[21]
11.Anthony Joshua7[18]
13.Rocky Marciano5[31]
James J. Jeffries[24]
Ezzard Charles[19]
Jack Dempsey[23]

Most title fight wins by stoppage

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Name Title fight finishes Fights
1.Joe Louis23[8][9]
2.Wladimir Klitschko19[7]
3.Muhammad Ali14[10]
3.Larry Holmes14[23]
5.Vitali Klitschko12[13]
6.Lennox Lewis11[12]
6.Tommy Burns11[15]
8.Mike Tyson10[14]
9.Deontay Wilder9[20]
10.Joe Frazier8[16]
10.Floyd Patterson8[21]
11.Anthony Joshua7[18]
12.Rocky Marciano6[31]
12.James J. Jeffries6[24]
12.Ezzard Charles6[19]

Highest knockout-to-beat-opponent percentage in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Note 2: Only fighters who have defeated 5 or more opponents for the world heavyweight title are included
Name Opponents fought Opponents stopped Percentage Fights
1.Rocky Marciano55100%[31]
2.Deontay Wilder9888.89%[20]
3.Joe Louis232086.96%[8][9]
4.Tommy Burns12975%[15]
5.Joe Frazier11872.73%[16]
6.Jack Dempsey7571.43%[23]
6.James J. Jeffries7571.43%[24]
8.Vitali Klitschko171270.59%[13]
9.Floyd Patterson10770%[21]
9.Anthony Joshua10770%[18]
11.Wladimir Klitschko261869.23%[7]
12.Lennox Lewis171164.71%[12]
13.Mike Tyson14964.29%[14]
14.Muhammad Ali221359.09%[10]
15.Larry Holmes241458.33%[23]

Highest knockout-to-win percentage in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Note 2: Only fighters who have won 5 or more world heavyweight title fights are included
Name Title fights Title fight stoppages Percentage Fights
1.Rocky Marciano7685.71%[31]
2.Joe Louis282382.14%[8][9]
3.Tommy Burns151173.33%[15]
4.Vitali Klitschko171270.59%[13]
5.Deontay Wilder13969.23%[20]
6.Joe Frazier12866.67%[16]
6.James J. Jeffries9666.67%[24]
8.Wladimir Klitschko291965.52%[7]
9.Lennox Lewis171164.71%[12]
10.Mike Tyson161062.5%[14]
11.Jack Dempsey8562.5%[23]
12.Floyd Patterson13861.54%[21]
13.Anthony Joshua12758.33%[18]
14.Jack Johnson7457.14%[22]
14.George Foreman7457.14%[32]

Champions by age

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

Oldest champions

As of October 25, 2023.

This is the list of the oldest heavyweight champions ordered by age at their last day as champion.

All championship reigns

Name Recognition Last day as champion Age Source(s)
1George ForemanIBFJune 29, 199546 years, 5 months, 18 days[57]
2Vitali KlitschkoWBCDecember 16, 201342 years, 2 months, 26 days[58]
3Wladimir KlitschkoWBA, IBF, WBONovember 28, 201539 years, 8 months, 3 days[7]
4Oleg MaskaevWBCMarch 8, 200839 years, 6 days[59]
5Jersey Joe WalcottNBA, NYSACSeptember 23, 195238 years, 7 months, 23 days[48]
6Lennox LewisWBCFebruary 6, 200438 years, 5 months, 4 days[60]
7Evander HolyfieldWBAMarch 3, 200138 years, 4 months, 12 days[17]
8Corrie SandersWBOFebruary 1, 200438 years, 25 days[61]
9Muhammad AliWBAOctober 18, 197937 years, 9 months, 1 day
10Jess WillardLinealJuly 4, 191937 years, 6 months, 5 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Name Recognition Last day as champion Age Source(s)
1Wladimir KlitschkoWBA, IBF, WBONovember 28, 201539 years, 8 months, 3 days[7]
2Jersey Joe WalcottNBA, NYSACSeptember 23, 195238 years, 7 months, 23 days[48]
3Lennox LewisWBCFebruary 6, 200438 years, 5 months, 4 days[60]
4Muhammad AliWBAOctober 18, 197937 years, 9 months, 1 day
5Jess WillardLinealJuly 4, 191937 years, 6 months, 5 days[37]
6Jack JohnsonLinealApril 5, 191537 years, 0 months, 5 days[22]
7Oleksandr UsykWBA, IBF, WBOPresent36 years, 9 months and 8 days[42]
8Bob FitzsimmonsLinealJuly 4, 191936 years, 0 months, 14 days[44]
9Larry HolmesIBFSeptember 21, 198535 years, 10 months, 18 days[11]
10Joe LouisNYSAC, NBAMarch 1, 194934 years, 9 months, 16 days[8]

Youngest champions

As of October 25, 2023.

All championship reigns

Name Recognition Date Age Source(s)
1Mike TysonWBCNovember 22, 198620 years, 4 months, 23 days[14]
2Floyd PattersonNBA, NYSACNovember 30, 195621 years, 10 months, 26 days[21]
3Muhammad AliWBA, WBCFebruary 25, 196422 years, 1 month, 8 days[10]
4Joe LouisNBA, NYSACJune 22, 193723 years, 1 month, 9 days[8]
5Jack DempseyLinealJuly 4, 191924 years, 0 months, 10 days[23]
6George ForemanWBA, WBCFebruary 22, 197324 years, 0 months, 12 days[32]
7Joe FrazierNYSACMarch 4, 196824 years, 1 month, 21 days[16]
8James J. JeffriesLinealJune 9, 189924 years, 1 month, 25 days[24]
9Michael DokesWBADecember 10, 198224 years, 4 months[62]
10Wladimir KlitschkoWBOOctober 14, 200024 years, 6 months, 19 days[7]

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Name Recognition Date Age Source(s)
1Mike TysonWBCNovember 22, 198620 years, 4 months, 23 days[14]
2Floyd PattersonNBA, NYSACNovember 30, 195621 years, 10 months, 26 days[21]
3Muhammad AliWBA, WBCFebruary 25, 196422 years, 8 days[10]
4Joe LouisNBA, NYSACJune 22, 193723 years, 1 month, 9 days[8]
5Jack DempseyLinealJuly 4, 191924 years, 0 months, 10 days[23]
6George ForemanWBA, WBCFebruary 22, 197324 years, 0 months, 12 days[32]
7Joe FrazierNYSACMarch 4, 196824 years, 1 month, 21 days[16]
8James J. JeffriesLinealJune 9, 189924 years, 1 month, 25 days[24]
9Leon SpinksWBAFebruary 15, 197824 years, 7 months, 4 days[51]
10Tommy BurnsLinealJanuary 16, 190224 years, 8 months, 6 days[15]

Fastest world championship wins

By time elapsed from professional debut

Ranked by the time elapsed between professional debut and world heavyweight title win.

All championship reigns

Name Professional debut World title win Time elapsed Fights
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19781 year, 1 month[51]
2Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 19861 year, 8 months, 16 days[14]
3John TateMay 7, 1977October 20, 19792 years, 5 months, 13 days[63]
4Anthony JoshuaOctober 5, 2013April 9, 20162 years, 6 months, 4 days[18]
5Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 19682 years, 6 months, 17 days[43]
6Vitali KlitschkoNovember 16, 1996June 26, 19992 years, 7 months, 10 days[13]
7Joe LouisJuly 7, 1934June 22, 19372 years, 11 months, 15 days[32]
8Charles MartinOctober 27, 2012January 16, 20163 years, 2 months, 20 days[64]
9Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 19643 years, 2 months, 27 days[10]
10George ForemanJune 23, 1969January 22, 19733 years, 6 months, 30 days[32]

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Name Professional debut World title win Time elapsed Fights
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19781 year, 1 month[51]
2Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 19861 year, 8 months, 16 days[14]
3Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 19682 years, 6 months, 17 days[16]
4Joe LouisJuly 7, 1934June 22, 19372 years, 11 months, 15 days[8]
5Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 19643 years, 2 months, 27 days[10]
6George ForemanJune 23, 1969January 22, 19733 years, 6 months, 30 days[32]
7James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 18993 years, 7 months, 11 days[24]
8Riddick BoweMarch 6, 1989November 13, 19923 years, 6 months, 30 days[35]
9Tommy BurnsJanuary 16, 1902February 23, 19064 years, 1 month, 7 days[15]
10Jess WillardFebruary 5, 1911April 5, 19154 years, 2 months[37]

By number of bouts fought to win world championship

Ranked by the number of bouts boxer fought at the professional level before winning world heavyweight title.

All championship reigns

Name Professional debut World title win Fights Source(s)
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19788[51]
2James J. CorbettMarch 6, 1985November 22, 198611[36]
3James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 189913[24]
4Anthony JoshuaOctober 5, 2013April 9, 201616[18]
5Tim WitherspoonOctober 10, 1979March 9, 198419[30]
5Oleksandr UsykSeptember 11, 2013September 25, 202119[42]
7John TateMay 7, 1977October 20, 197920[63]
7Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 196820[16]
7Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 196420[10]
10Tony TubbsJune 14, 1980April 29, 198521[65]

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Name Professional debut World title win Fights Source(s)
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19788[51]
2James J. CorbettMarch 6, 1985November 22, 198611[36]
3James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 189913[24]
4Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 196820[16]
4Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 196420[10]
6Ingemar JohanssonDecember 5, 1952June 26, 195922[49]
7Evander HolyfieldNovember 15, 1984October 25, 199025[17]
7Tyson FuryDecember 6, 2008November 28, 201525[33]
9Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 198628[14]
9Larry HolmesMarch 21, 1973June 9, 197828[11]
9Michael SpinksApril 16, 1977September 21, 198528[41]
9Jess WillardFebruary 5, 1911April 5, 191528[37]

Statistics by non-US country

The list includes world heavyweight boxing champions from outside of the United States. It includes only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after July 2, 1921).

  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine 3 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk 43 39 [13][7][42]
United Kingdom 6 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Frank Bruno, Herbie Hide, David Haye, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua 37 33 [44][12][66][54][67][33][18]
Canada 4 Tommy Burns, Trevor Berbick*, Bermane Stiverne, Lennox Lewis* 30 28 [15][68][69][12]
Russia 3 Nikolai Valuev, Oleg Maskaev, Sultan Ibragimov 9 7 [70][59][71]
Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3 [34]
Uzbekistan 1 Ruslan Chagaev 3 3 [72]
New Zealand 1 Joseph Parker 3 3 [73]
South Africa 2 Gerrie Coetzee, Corrie Sanders 2 2 [74][75]
Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2 [38]
Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1 [49]
Belarus 1 Siarhei Liakhovich 1 1 [76]
Nigeria 1 Samuel Peter 1 1 [77]
Jamaica 1 Trevor Berbick* 1 1 [68]

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine 3 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk 43 39 [13][7][42]
Canada 2 Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* 28 26 [15][12]
United Kingdom 3 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury 21 20 [44][12][33]
Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3 [34]
Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2 [38]
Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1 [49]

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles[25][26][27] simultaneously
  • defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active
Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine 3 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk 30 27 [13][7][42]
Canada 2 Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* 25 23 [15][12][17]
United Kingdom 3 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury 17 16 [44][12][17][33]
Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3 [34]
Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2 [38]
Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1 [49]

Title streaks

Only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after July 2, 1921), are included.

All championship reigns

For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Country Champion Title defenses Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko 18 17 [7]
Canada Tommy Burns 13 11 [15]
United Kingdom Lennox Lewis 9 8 [12]
Russia Nikolai Valuev 6 5 [70]
Italy Primo Carnera 2 2 [34]
Uzbekistan Ruslan Chagaev 2 2 [72]
New Zealand Joseph Parker 2 2 [73]
Germany Max Schmeling 1 1 [38]

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Country Champion Title defenses Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko 18 17 [7]
Canada Tommy Burns 13 11 [15]
United Kingdom Lennox Lewis 9 8 [12]
Italy Primo Carnera 2 2 [34]
Germany Max Schmeling 1 1 [38]

See also

Notes

  1. Several IBHOF inductees’ professional boxing records printed in the organization's official record books indicate that IBHOF did not recognize WBO as a major organization until at least August 23, 1997:
    • IBHOF official record book, 1997 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 1999 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 2002 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 2006 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal's opponent Josue Camacho, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal’s opponent Jorge Arce, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 2011 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal's opponent Josue Camacho, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
      • Ricardo Lopez's opponent Alex Sanchez, who was defending the WBO minimumweight title against him on 23 August 1997, is marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal’s opponent Jorge Arce, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion

References

  1. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1997 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  2. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1999 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  3. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2002 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  4. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2006 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  5. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2011 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  6. "The Ring updates championship policy". Ring TV. May 3, 2012.
  7. "Professional boxing record: Wladimir Klitschko". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  8. "Professional boxing record: Joe Louis". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  9. "Joe Louis, p. 575" (pdf). The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved May 26, 2019. Johnny Davis, Ret-World-H
  10. "Professional boxing record: Muhammad Ali". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  11. "Professional boxing record: Larry Holmes". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  12. "Professional boxing record: Lennox Lewis". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
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  14. "Professional boxing record: Mike Tyson". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
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  16. "Professional boxing record: Joe Frazier". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  17. "Professional boxing record: Evander Holyfield". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  18. "Professional boxing record: Anthony Joshua". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  19. "Professional boxing record: Ezzard Charles". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  20. "Professional boxing record: Deontay Wilder". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
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  24. "Professional boxing record: James J. Jeffries". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  25. Rules governing championship contests, International Boxing Federation
  26. Regulation of world championship contests, World Boxing Organization
  27. Rules and regulations, World Boxing Association
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  29. "Professional boxing record: Mike Weaver". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  30. "Professional boxing record: Tim Witherspoon". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  31. "Professional boxing record: Rocky Marciano". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  32. "Professional boxing record: George Foreman". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  33. "Professional boxing record: Tyson Fury". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  34. "Professional boxing record: Primo Carnera". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  35. "Professional boxing record: Riddick Bowe". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  36. "Professional boxing record: James J. Corbett". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  37. "Professional boxing record: Jess Willard". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  38. "Professional boxing record: Max Schmeling". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
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  41. "Professional boxing record: Michael Spinks". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  42. "Professional boxing record: Oleksandr Usyk". Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  43. "Professional boxing record: John L. Sullivan". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  44. "Professional boxing record: Bob Fitzsimmons". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  45. "Professional boxing record: Marvin Hart". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
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  47. "Professional boxing record: Jim Braddock". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  48. "Professional boxing record: Jersey Joe Walcott". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
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  51. "Professional boxing record: Leon Spinks". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  52. "Professional boxing record: James Douglas". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  53. Fischer, Doug (May 1, 2020). "Dougie's Friday mailbag (rating Wladimir Klitschko, Calzaghe vs. Conn, Parker vs. Fa)". The Ring. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  54. "Professional boxing record: Herbie Hide". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  55. "Professional boxing record: Lamon Brewster". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  56. "Professional boxing record: James Smith". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  57. "Foreman Relinquishes IBF Title". Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  58. "Vitali Klitschko vacates title". Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  59. "Professional boxing record: Oleg Maskaev". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  60. "Lewis bows out as champion". Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  61. "WBO world heavyweight championship". Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  62. "Professional boxing record: Michael Dokes". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  63. "Professional boxing record: John Tate". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  64. "Professional boxing record: Charles Martin". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  65. "Professional boxing record: Tony Tubbs". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  66. "Professional boxing record: Frank Bruno". Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  67. "Professional boxing record: David Haye". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  68. "Professional boxing record: Trevor Berbick". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  69. "Professional boxing record: Bermane Stiverne". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  70. "Professional boxing record: Nikolai Valuev". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  71. "Professional boxing record: Sultan Ibragimov". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  72. "Professional boxing record: Ruslan Chagaev". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  73. "Professional boxing record: Joseph Parker". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  74. "Professional boxing record: Gerrie Coetzee". Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  75. "Professional boxing record: Corrie Sanders". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  76. "Professional boxing record: Siarhei Liakhovich". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  77. "Professional boxing record: Samuel Peter". Retrieved March 21, 2020.
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