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]

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 most notable examples with respect to the heavyweight division have included:

  • 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, which was founded in 1989 by disgruntled members of the WBC.

There are also titles that aren't 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.[2]

Most opponents beaten in title fights


Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

Map of countries, number of beaten opponents in world heavyweight boxing championship fights reached by country citizen (as of February 2020). Note: interim titles, as well as WBA's secondary belts (Regular, Gold etc.) are not included

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 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[4]
2. Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA22[5][6]
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[7]
4. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[8]
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[9]
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[10]
7. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
11[11]
7. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[12]
9. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[13]
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[14]
10. Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 — present
WBA, IBF, WBO9[15]
12. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[16]
12. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC8[17]
14. Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
NYSAC, NBA7[18]
15. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[19]
15. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC6[20]
15. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[21]

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 (1922-), lineal champion (1885–1921), The Ring champion (1922-1989, 2002-) (as of May 2020). Note: interim titles, as well as WBA's secondary belts (Regular, Gold etc.) are not included

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

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[4]
2. Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA22[5][6]
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[7]
4. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[8]
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[9]
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[10]
7. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
11[11]
7. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[12]
9. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[13]
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[14]
11. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[16]
12. Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
NYSAC, NBA7[18]
12. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal7[19]
14. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[21]
14. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC6[20]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions

Diagram that represents top 25 world heavyweight champions by number of opponents beaten for the world heavyweight title (as of July 2020)

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–), lineal championship (1885–1921)
  • unified[22][23][24] the titles
  • 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 the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active

As of February 4, 2021.

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[4][25]
2. Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949undisputedThe Ring22[5][6]
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[7]
4. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)
20[8][26][27]
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[9][14]
6. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

11[11]
6. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineallineal11[12]
8. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973undisputedThe Ring10[13]
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[14]
9. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951undisputedThe Ring8[16]
11. Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
undisputedThe Ring7[18]
12. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineallineal6[19]
12. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineallineal6[21]
12. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926undisputedThe Ring6[20]
15. Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956undisputedThe Ring5[28]
15. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

5[29]
17. Primo CarneraJune 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934undisputedThe Ring3[30]
17. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3[31]
19. James J. CorbettSeptember 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897lineallineal2[32]
19. Jess WillardApril 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919lineallineal2[33]
19. Max SchmelingJune 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931undisputedThe Ring2[34]
19. Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders (WBO)2[10][35]
19. Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. unified
2. WBC
1. The Ring
2. The Ring
2[36]
19. Gene TunneySeptember 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928undisputedThe Ring2[37]
19. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring2[38]
26. John L. SullivanAugust 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892lineallineal1[39]
26. Bob FitzsimmonsMarch 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899lineallineal1[40]
26. Marvin HartJuly 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906lineallineal1[41]
26. Max BaerJune 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935undisputedThe Ring1[42]
26. James J. BraddockJune 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937undisputedThe Ring1[43]
26. Jersey Joe WalcottJuly 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952undisputedThe Ring1[44]
26. Ingemar JohanssonJune 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960undisputedThe Ring1[45]
26. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring1[46]
26. Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1[47]
26. Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1[48]

Most wins in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title fight wins Fights
1. Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA27[5][6]
2. Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO
25[4]
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[7]
4. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[8]
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[9]
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[10]
7. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13[12]
8. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
12[11]
9. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[13]
9. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC10[17]
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[14]
12. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC9[16]
12. Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 – present
WBA, IBF, WBO9[15]
14. Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
NYSAC, NBA8[18]
14. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal8[21]

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

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

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

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–), lineal championship (1885–1921)
  • unified[22][23][24] the titles
  • 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 the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active

As of February 4, 2021.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Additional recognition Beaten champions (recognition) Title fight wins Fights
1. Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949undisputedThe Ring27[5][6]
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[4][25]
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[7]
4. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)
20[8][26][27]
5. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineallineal13[12]
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[9][14]
6. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

12[11]
8. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973unifiedThe Ring10[13]
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[14]
9. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951undisputedThe Ring9[16]
11. Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962
undisputedThe Ring8[18]
11. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineallineal8[21]
13. Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956undisputedThe Ring7[28]
14. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926undisputedThe Ring6[20]
14. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineallineal6[19]
16. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

5[29]
17. Primo CarneraJune 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934undisputedThe Ring3[30]
17. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3[31]
17. Gene TunneySeptember 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928undisputedThe Ring3[37]
17. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring3[38]
21. James J. CorbettSeptember 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897lineallineal2[32]
21. Jess WillardApril 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919lineallineal2[33]
21. Max SchmelingJune 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931undisputedThe Ring2[34]
21. Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders (WBO)2[10][35]
21. Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. unified
2. WBC
1. The Ring
2. The Ring
2[36]
21. Jersey Joe WalcottJuly 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952undisputedThe Ring2[44]
21. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring2[46]
28. John L. SullivanAugust 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892lineallineal1[39]
28. Bob FitzsimmonsMarch 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899lineallineal1[40]
28. Marvin HartJuly 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906lineallineal1[41]
28. Max BaerJune 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935undisputedThe Ring1[42]
28. James J. BraddockJune 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937undisputedThe Ring1[43]
28. Ingemar JohanssonJune 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960undisputedThe Ring1[45]
28. Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1[47]
28. Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1[48]

Most opponents beaten during one title reign

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1. Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA21[5][6]
2. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[8]
3. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO17[4]
4. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[12]
5. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[7]
6. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
6. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[13]
6. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020WBC9[17]
9. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF8[9]
9. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[16]
11. Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019WBA, IBF, WBO6[15]
11. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[21]
11. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[19]
14. Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA5[28]
14. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[20]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–). For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1. Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA21[5][6]
2. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[8]
3. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO17[4]
4. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11[12]
5. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[7]
6. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
6. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[13]
8. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF8[9]
8. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[16]
10. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6[21]
10. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[19]
12. Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA5[28]
12. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[20]

Most consecutive title defenses

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 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[5][6]
2. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[8]
3. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO18[4][49]
4. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13[12]
5. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[7]
5. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020WBC10[17]
7. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
7. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[13]
7. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF9[9]
10. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[16]
11. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal7[21]
12. Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA6[28]
12. Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019WBA, IBF, WBO6[15]
12. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[19]
15. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[20]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–). 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[5][6]
2. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19[8]
3. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO18[4]
4. Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13[12]
5. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10[7]
6. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
6. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9[13]
6. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF9[13]
9. Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8[16]
10. James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal7[21]
11. Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA6[28]
11. Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6[19]
13. Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5[20]

Longest title reigns

Keys:

  Active Title Reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

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

As of 22 February 2020.

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. Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 days1 7851NYSAC, WBA, WBC
14. Floyd Patterson4 years, 10 months, 0 days1 7652NYSAC, NBA
15. 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 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

As of 20 February 2020.

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 champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–), lineal championship (1885–1921)
  • unified[22][23][24] the titles
  • 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 the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active

As of 20 February 2020.

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 of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

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

Quickest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]
Date Fight Method Round Time Title Source(s)
April 18, 1998
Herbie Hide def. Damon Reed TKO 1 0:52 WBO [50]
May 21, 2005
Lamon Brewster def. Andrew Golota TKO 1 0:52 WBO [51]
November 14, 1944
Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis KO 1 0:53 NYSAC [5][6]
April 6, 1900
James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan KO 1 0:55 Lineal [21]
December 10, 1982
Michael Dokes def. Mike Weaver TKO 1 1:03 WBA [26]
July 4, 1907
Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires KO 1 1:28 Lineal [12]
March 17, 1908
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche KO 1 1:28 Lineal [12]
June 27, 1988
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks KO 1 1:31 WBA, WBC, IBF [11]
July 21, 1989
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams TKO 1 1:33 WBA, WBC, IBF [11]
October 4, 1997
Lennox Lewis def. Andrew Golota KO 1 1:35 WBC [9]
April 22, 1969
Joe Frazier def. Dave Zyglewicz KO 1 1:36 NYSAC [13]
September 7, 1996
Mike Tyson def. Bruce Seldon TKO 1 1:49 WBA [11]
September 1, 1973
George Foreman def. José Roman KO 1 2:00 WBA, WBC [29]
June 22, 1938
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling KO 1 2:04 NBA, NYSAC [5]
September 25, 1962
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:06 NYSAC, WBA [18]
September 18, 1946
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello KO 1 2:09 NBA, NYSAC [5]
July 22, 1963
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:10 WBA, WBC [18]
May 25, 1965
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston KO 1 2:12 WBC [7]
December 12, 1986
James Smith def. Tim Witherspoon KO 1 2:12 WBA [52]
May 18, 2019
Deontay Wilder def. Dominic Breazeale
KO 1 2:17 WBC [17]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien KO 1 2:18 Lineal [12]
February 6, 1993
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes TKO 1 2:19 WBA, IBF [31]
April 17, 1939
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper KO 1 2:20 NBA, NYSAC [5]
May 15, 1953
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott KO 1 2:25 NBA, NYSAC [28]
January 25, 1939
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis KO 1 2:29 NBA, NYSAC [5]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker KO 1 2:55 Lineal [12]
January 9, 1942
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer KO 1 2:56 NBA, NYSAC [5]
November 4, 2017
Deontay Wilder def. Bermane Stiverne KO 1 2:59 WBC [17]
March 19, 2011
Vitali Klitschko def. Odlanier Solís KO 1 2:59 WBC [10]

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

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]
Date Fight Method Round Time Title Source(s)
November 14, 1944
Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis KO 1 0:53 NYSAC [5]
April 6, 1900
James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan KO 1 0:55 Lineal [21]
July 4, 1907
Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires KO 1 1:28 Lineal [12]
March 17, 1908
Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche KO 1 1:28 Lineal [12]
June 27, 1988
Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks KO 1 1:31 WBA, WBC, IBF [11]
July 21, 1989
Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams TKO 1 1:33 WBA, WBC, IBF [11]
September 1, 1973
George Foreman def. José Roman KO 1 2:00 WBA, WBC [29]
June 22, 1938
Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling KO 1 2:04 NBA, NYSAC [5]
September 25, 1962
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:06 NYSAC, WBA [18]
September 18, 1946
Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello KO 1 2:09 NBA, NYSAC [5]
July 22, 1963
Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson KO 1 2:10 WBA, WBC [18]
May 25, 1965
Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston KO 1 2:12 WBC [7]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien KO 1 2:18 Lineal [12]
February 6, 1993
Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes TKO 1 2:19 WBA, IBF [31]
April 17, 1939
Joe Louis def. Jack Roper KO 1 2:20 NBA, NYSAC [5]
May 15, 1953
Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott KO 1 2:25 NBA, NYSAC [28]
January 25, 1939
Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis KO 1 2:29 NBA, NYSAC [5]
March 28, 1906
Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker KO 1 2:55 Lineal [12]
January 9, 1942
Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer KO 1 2:56 NBA, NYSAC [5]
March 29, 1940
Joe Louis def. Johnny Paychek TKO 2 0:15 NBA, NYSAC [5]
May 22, 1993
Riddick Bowe def. Jesse Ferguson KO 2 0:17 WBA [31]
August 26, 1904
James J. Jeffries def. Jack Munroe TKO 2 0:45 Lineal [21]
November 18, 1970
Joe Frazier def. Bob Foster KO 2 0:49 WBA, WBC [13]
September 14, 1923
Jack Dempsey def. Luis Ángel Firpo KO 2 0:57 NBA, NYSAC [20]
February 17, 1941
Joe Louis def. Gus Dorazio KO 2 1:30 NBA, NYSAC [5]
March 26, 1974
George Foreman def. Ken Norton TKO 2 2:00 WBA, WBC [29]
January 22, 1973
George Foreman def. Joe Frazier TKO 2 2:26 WBA, WBC [29]
July 15, 2000
Lennox Lewis def. Francois Botha TKO 2 2:39 WBC, IBF [9]
April 29, 2000
Lennox Lewis def. Michael Grant KO 2 2:53 WBC, IBF [9]
March 21, 1988
Mike Tyson def. Tony Tubbs TKO 2 2:54 WBA, WBC, IBF [11]

Most opponents beaten in title fights by stoppage

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]
Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)
Name Finished opponents Fights
1. Joe Louis20[5][6]
2. Wladimir Klitschko18[4]
3. Larry Holmes14[8]
4. Muhammad Ali13[7]
5. Vitali Klitschko12[10]
6. Lennox Lewis11[9]
7. Mike Tyson9[11]
Tommy Burns[12]
9. Deontay Wilder8[17]
9. Joe Frazier8[13]
11. Floyd Patterson7[18]
11. Anthony Joshua7[15]
13. Rocky Marciano5[28]
James J. Jeffries[21]
Ezzard Charles[16]
Jack Dempsey[20]

Most title fight wins by stoppage

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]
Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)
Name Title fight finishes Fights
1. Joe Louis24[5][6]
2. Wladimir Klitschko19[4]
3. Muhammad Ali14[7]
3. Larry Holmes14[20]
5. Vitali Klitschko12[10]
6. Lennox Lewis11[9]
6. Tommy Burns11[12]
8. Mike Tyson10[11]
9. Deontay Wilder9[17]
10. Joe Frazier8[13]
10. Floyd Patterson8[18]
11. Anthony Joshua7[15]
12. Rocky Marciano6[28]
12. James J. Jeffries6[21]
12. Ezzard Charles6[16]

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

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]
Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)
Note 3: 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%[28]
2. Deontay Wilder9888.89%[17]
3. Joe Louis232086.96%[5][6]
4. Anthony Joshua8677.78%[15]
5. Tommy Burns12975%[12]
6. Joe Frazier11872.73%[13]
7. Jack Dempsey7571.43%[20]
7. James J. Jeffries7571.43%[21]
9. Vitali Klitschko171270.59%[10]
10. Floyd Patterson10770%[18]
11. Wladimir Klitschko261869.23%[4]
12. Lennox Lewis171164.71%[9]
13. Mike Tyson14964.29%[11]
14. Muhammad Ali221359.09%[7]
15. Larry Holmes241458.33%[20]

Highest knockout-to-win percentage in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]
Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)
Note 3: Only fighters who have won 5 or more world heavyweight title fights are included
Name Title fights Title fight stoppages Percentage Fights
1. Joe Louis282485.71%[5][6]
2. Rocky Marciano7685.71%[28]
3. Deontay Wilder12975%[17]
4. Tommy Burns151173.33%[12]
5. Vitali Klitschko171270.59%[10]
6. Anthony Joshua10770%[15]
7. Joe Frazier12866.67%[13]
7. James J. Jeffries9666.67%[21]
9. Wladimir Klitschko291965.52%[4]
10. Lennox Lewis171164.71%[9]
11. Mike Tyson161062.5%[11]
12. Jack Dempsey8562.5%[20]
13. Floyd Patterson13861.54%[18]
14. Jack Johnson7457.14%[19]
14. George Foreman7457.14%[29]

Champions by age

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

Oldest champions

As of February 4, 2021.

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)
1 George ForemanIBFJune 29, 199546 years, 5 months, 18 days[53]
2 Vitali KlitschkoWBCDecember 16, 201342 years, 2 months, 26 days[54]
3 Wladimir KlitschkoWBA, IBF, WBONovember 28, 201539 years, 8 months, 3 days[4]
4 Oleg MaskaevWBCMarch 8, 200839 years, 6 days[55]
5 Jersey Joe WalcottNBA, NYSACSeptember 23, 195238 years, 7 months, 23 days[44]
6 Lennox LewisWBCFebruary 6, 200438 years, 5 months, 4 days[56]
7 Evander HolyfieldWBAMarch 3, 200138 years, 4 months, 12 days[14]
8 Corrie SandersWBOFebruary 1, 200438 years, 25 days[57]
9 Muhammad AliWBAOctober 18, 197937 years, 9 months, 1 day
10 Jess WillardLinealJuly 4, 191937 years, 6 months, 5 days

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Name Recognition Last day as champion Age Source(s)
1 Wladimir KlitschkoWBA, IBF, WBONovember 28, 201539 years, 8 months, 3 days[4]
2 Jersey Joe WalcottNBA, NYSACSeptember 23, 195238 years, 7 months, 23 days[44]
3 Lennox LewisWBCFebruary 6, 200438 years, 5 months, 4 days[56]
4 Muhammad AliWBAOctober 18, 197937 years, 9 months, 1 day
5 Jess WillardLinealJuly 4, 191937 years, 6 months, 5 days[33]
6 Jack JohnsonLinealApril 5, 191537 years, 0 months, 5 days[19]
7 Bob FitzsimmonsLinealJuly 4, 191936 years, 0 months, 14 days[40]
8 Larry HolmesIBFSeptember 21, 198535 years, 10 months, 18 days[8]
9 Joe LouisNYSAC, NBAMarch 1, 194934 years, 9 months, 16 days[5]
10 Sonny ListonNYSAC, WBAJuly 22, 196334 years, 0 months, 24 days[46]

Youngest champions

As of February 4, 2021.

All championship reigns

Name Recognition Date Age Source(s)
1 Mike TysonWBCNovember 22, 198620 years, 4 months, 23 days[11]
2 Floyd PattersonNBA, NYSACNovember 30, 195621 years, 10 months, 26 days[18]
3 Muhammad AliWBA, WBCFebruary 25, 196422 years, 8 days[7]
4 Joe LouisNBA, NYSACJune 22, 193723 years, 1 month, 9 days[5]
5 Jack DempseyLinealJuly 4, 191924 years, 0 months, 10 days[20]
6 George ForemanWBA, WBCFebruary 22, 197324 years, 0 months, 12 days[29]
7 Joe FrazierNYSACMarch 4, 196824 years, 1 month, 21 days[13]
8 James J. JeffriesLinealJune 9, 189924 years, 1 month, 25 days[21]
9 Michael DokesWBADecember 10, 198224 years, 4 months[58]
10 Wladimir KlitschkoWBOOctober 14, 200024 years, 6 months, 19 days[4]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Name Recognition Date Age Source(s)
1 Mike TysonWBCNovember 22, 198620 years, 4 months, 23 days[11]
2 Floyd PattersonNBA, NYSACNovember 30, 195621 years, 10 months, 26 days[18]
3 Muhammad AliWBA, WBCFebruary 25, 196422 years, 8 days[7]
4 Joe LouisNBA, NYSACJune 22, 193723 years, 1 month, 9 days[5]
5 Jack DempseyLinealJuly 4, 191924 years, 0 months, 10 days[20]
6 George ForemanWBA, WBCFebruary 22, 197324 years, 0 months, 12 days[29]
7 Joe FrazierNYSACMarch 4, 196824 years, 1 month, 21 days[13]
8 James J. JeffriesLinealJune 9, 189924 years, 1 month, 25 days[21]
9 Leon SpinksWBAFebruary 15, 197824 years, 7 months, 4 days[47]
10 Tommy BurnsLinealJanuary 16, 190224 years, 8 months, 6 days[12]

Fastest world championship wins

By time elapsed from professional debut

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

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

Name Professional debut World title win Time elapsed Fights
1 Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19781 year, 1 month[47]
2 Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 19861 year, 8 months, 16 days[11]
3 John TateMay 7, 1977October 20, 19792 years, 5 months, 13 days[59]
4 Anthony JoshuaOctober 5, 2013April 9, 20162 years, 6 months, 4 days[15]
5 Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 19682 years, 6 months, 17 days[39]
6 Vitali KlitschkoNovember 16, 1996June 26, 19992 years, 7 months, 10 days[10]
7 Joe LouisJuly 7, 1934June 22, 19372 years, 11 months, 15 days[29]
8 Charles MartinOctober 27, 2012January 16, 20163 years, 2 months, 20 days[60]
9 Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 19643 years, 2 months, 27 days[7]
10 George ForemanJune 23, 1969January 22, 19733 years, 6 months, 30 days[29]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Name Professional debut World title win Time elapsed Fights
1 Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19781 year, 1 month[47]
2 Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 19861 year, 8 months, 16 days[11]
3 Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 19682 years, 6 months, 17 days[13]
4 Joe LouisJuly 7, 1934June 22, 19372 years, 11 months, 15 days[5]
5 Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 19643 years, 2 months, 27 days[7]
6 George ForemanJune 23, 1969January 22, 19733 years, 6 months, 30 days[29]
7 James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 18993 years, 7 months, 11 days[21]
8 Riddick BoweMarch 6, 1989November 13, 19923 years, 6 months, 30 days[31]
9 Tommy BurnsJanuary 16, 1902February 23, 19064 years, 1 month, 7 days[12]
10 Jess WillardFebruary 5, 1911April 5, 19154 years, 2 months[33]

By number of bouts fought to win the world championship

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

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

Name Professional debut World title win Fights Source(s)
1 Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19788[47]
2 James J. CorbettMarch 6, 1985November 22, 198611[32]
3 James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 189913[21]
4 Anthony JoshuaOctober 5, 2013April 9, 201616[15]
5 Tim WitherspoonAugust 16, 1965March 4, 196819[27]
6 John TateMay 7, 1977October 20, 197920[59]
6 Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 196820[13]
6 Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 196420[7]
8 Tony TubbsJune 14, 1980April 29, 198521[61]
9 Lennox LewisJanuary 27, 1989December 14, 199222[9]
9 Joseph ParkerJuly 5, 2012December 10, 201622[62]
9 Sultan IbragimovMay 25, 2002June 2, 200722[63]
9 Ingemar JohanssonDecember 5, 1952June 26, 195922[45]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Name Professional debut World title win Fights Source(s)
1 Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19788[47]
2 James J. CorbettMarch 6, 1985November 22, 198611[32]
3 James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 189913[21]
4 Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 196820[13]
4 Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 196420[7]
6 Ingemar JohanssonDecember 5, 1952June 26, 195922[45]
7 Evander HolyfieldNovember 15, 1984October 25, 199025[14]
7 Tyson FuryDecember 6, 2008November 28, 201525[36]
9 Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 198628[11]
9 Larry HolmesMarch 21, 1973June 9, 197828[8]
9 Michael SpinksApril 16, 1977September 21, 198528[38]
9 Jess WillardFebruary 5, 1911April 5, 191528[33]

Statistics by era

Before 1921

At the very beginnings, before the establishment of the sanctioning organizations, the title recognition passed through lineage in the fights under Marquess of Queensberry Rules. The champion was informally called "the man who beat the man". The fight between John L. Sullivan and Dominick McCaffrey is recognized by many boxing historians, including those at The Ring, to be for the inaugural World Heavyweight Championship under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules (however, some dispute that claim for various reasons, including the short distance of the bout, McCaffrey's small size and the fact that both fighters were Americans).[64] The lineage was the only universally recognized form of a world championship until July 2, 1921, when Jack Dempsey became the inaugural NBA Heavyweight Champion.

Name Reign began-ended Title recognition Title bout wins Beaten opponents Fights
Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 – December 26, 1908lineal1311[12]
James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 – May 13, 1905lineal86[21]
Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 – April 5, 1915lineal66[19]
Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 – July 2, 1921lineal33[20]
James J. CorbettSeptember 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897lineal22[32]
Jess WillardApril 5, 1915 – July 4, 1919[33]

National sanctioning bodies

The growing popularity of boxing led to a birth of various regional sanctioning organizations, with each recognizing their own champion. The major governing bodies were the National Boxing Association, formed in 1921, the New York State Athletic Commission, found after the Walker Law legalized prizefighting in New York in 1920, and the International Boxing Union, created in 1911 in Paris in an attempt create a unified international governing body for professional boxing. The NBA and NYSAC both made then-lineal champion Jack Dempsey their inaugural champion on July 2, 1921, and July 24, 1922, respectively.[65]

Name Reign began-ended Title recognition Title bout wins Beaten opponents Fights
Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 – March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA2722[5]
Jack DempseyJuly 2, 1921 – September 23, 1926NYSAC, NBA33[20]
Primo CarneraJune 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934NYSAC, NBA, IBU[30]
Gene TunneySeptember 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928NYSAC, NBA2[37]
Max SchmelingJune 12, 1930 – June 21, 1932NYSAC, NBA, IBU22[34]
Jack SharkeyJune 21, 1932 – June 29, 1933NYSAC, NBA, IBU11[66]
Max BaerJune 14, 1934 – June 13, 1935NYSAC, NBA, IBU[42]
James J. BraddockJune 13, 1935 – June 22, 1937NYSAC, NBA, IBU[43]

First international expansion

The growing popularity of boxing outside of the USA led to creation of various boxing organizations, each strengthening their influence (most notably the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC)) and having their own champion. This resulted in a growing number of boxers claiming to be legitimate champions. The disruption in boxing was solved after the World War II when the World Championship Committee (WCC) was created with NBA as its unanimous authority. The committee, however, was disbanded in 1955 when NBA, along with its new members (which included the Orient, Mexican and South American federations and boxing commissions of the Philippines and Thailand) left WCC citing lack of control over the organisation. The NBA's voting scheme guaranteed one vote for each state commission as well as one vote for each foreign country.[67][68] On August 23, 1962, the NBA officially became the WBA and moved their headquarters to Panama City, Panama.

Name Reign began-ended Title recognition Title bout wins Beaten opponents Fights
Ezzard CharlesJune 22, 1949 – July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC98[16]
Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 – June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 – September 25, 1962
NBA, NYSAC87[18]
Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 – April 27, 1956NBA, NYSAC75[28]
Jersey Joe WalcottJuly 18, 1951 – September 23, 1952NYSAC, NBA21[44]
Ingemar JohanssonJune 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960NBA, NYSAC11[45]
Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 – September 25, 1962NBA, NYSAC11[46]

Second international expansion

A year later NYSAC along with European Boxing Union (EBU) and BBBofC supported the creation of the World Boxing Council (WBC). WBC was officially established on February 14, 1963, in Mexico City, Mexico by 11 countries (United States, Puerto Rico, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil) that were invited by the President of Mexico Adolfo López Mateos to form an international organization to unify all commissions of the world to control the expansion of boxing.[69] The reason for the move were concerns about WBA's alleged lack of desire to support professional boxing outside of the USA.[70] In April 1983, members of United States Boxing Association (USBA) along with Robert W. Lee (a former WBA vice-president) voted to expand the organisation and form the USBA-International. The organization later changed the name to IBF.[71] The inaugural IBF heavyweight champion was Larry Holmes, who relinquished the WBC title to accept IBF's recognition, thus helping the newly formed organization to establish its legitimacy. Another major sanctioning body, the WBO, was established in 1988 in San Juan, Puerto Rico by a group of local businessmen. At the beginnings, when most of the challengers for WBA, WBC and IBF titles were Americans, WBO had a wider variety of countries, mainly European, represented in title bouts. In the inaugural bout, Italian boxer Francesco Damiani defeated Johnny du Plooy from South Africa by KO in the 3rd round. Before the Klitschko Era, United Kingdom tied USA for most wins in WBO heavyweight title fights with 8.[72] WBO struggled with receiving credibility at first, but by the beginning of the 2000s, the WBA was giving the same recognition to WBO champions as it did to WBC and IBF champions.

WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO are all recognized as major boxing organizations by each other and the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Riddick Bowe and Tyson Fury are the only heavyweight boxers to win all four world titles (though neither held all four simultaneously), while Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are the only brothers to hold them at the same time (from 2011 to 2013). Wladimir is the only unified champion to successfully defend the title against the same opponent twice (Tony Thompson in 2008 and 2012).

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: The list of most consecutive defenses includes all title reigns of each boxer
Note 3: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]
All championship reigns
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[4]
2. 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[7]
3. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[8]
4. 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[9]
4. 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[10]
6. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
11[11]
7. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[13]
8. 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[14]
8. Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 — present
WBA, IBF, WBO9[15]
10. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC8[17]
11. Nikolai Valuev1. December 17, 2005 – April 14, 2007
2. August 30, 2008 – November 7, 2009
WBA5[73]
11. Chris Byrd1. April 1, 2000 – October 14, 2000
2. December 14, 2002 – April 22, 2006
1. WBO
2. IBF
5[25]
11. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, IBF
5[29]
14. John Ruiz1. March 3, 2001 – March 1, 2003
2. February 20, 2004 – December 17, 2005
WBA4[74]
14. Michael Moorer1. April 22, 1994 – November 5, 1994
2. June 22, 1996 – November 8, 1997
1. WBA, IBF
2. IBF
[75]
14. Lamon BrewsterApril 10, 2004 – April 1, 2006WBO[51]
All championship reigns of undisputed champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring championship fights, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1962–present) or The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–).

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[4]
2. 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[7]
3. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[8]
4. 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[9]
4. 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[10]
6. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
11[11]
7. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[13]
8. 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[14]
10. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, IBF
5[29]
11. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993WBA, WBC, IBF3[31]
12. Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. WBA, WBO, IBF
2. WBC
2[36]
12. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBF2[38]
14. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964WBA, WBC1[46]
14. Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978WBA, WBC1[47]
14. Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF1[48]
Championship reigns of undisputed champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring championship fights, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1962–present) or The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (1962–present), The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–)
  • unified[22][23][24] the titles
  • 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 the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active

As of February 4, 2021.

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[4][25]
2. 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[7]
3. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)
20[8][26]
4. 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[9][14]
5. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

11[11]
6. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973undisputedThe Ring10[13]
7. 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[14]
8. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

5[29]
9. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3[31]
10. Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders (WBO)2[10][35]
10. Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. unified
2. WBC
1. The Ring
2. The Ring
2[36]
10. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring2[38]
13. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring1[46]
13. Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1[47]
13. Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1[48]
All championship reigns
Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title fight wins Fights
1. Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO
25[4]
2. 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[7]
3. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[8]
4. 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[9]
4. 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[10]
6. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC
12[11]
7. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[13]
7. 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[14]
7. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC10[17]
10. Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 — present
WBA, IBF, WBO9[15]
11. Nikolai Valuev1. December 17, 2005 – April 14, 2007
2. August 30, 2008 – November 7, 2009
WBA6[73]
12. Chris Byrd1. April 1, 2000 – October 14, 2000
2. December 14, 2002 – April 22, 2006
1. WBO
2. IBF
5[25]
12. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, IBF
5[29]
14. John Ruiz1. March 3, 2001 – March 1, 2003
2. February 20, 2004 – December 17, 2005
WBA4[74]
14. Michael Moorer1. April 22, 1994 – November 5, 1994
2. June 22, 1996 – November 8, 1997
1. WBA, IBF
2. IBF
[75]
14. Lamon BrewsterApril 10, 2004 – April 1, 2006WBO[51]
All championship reigns of undisputed champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring championship fights, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1962–present) or The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–).

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title fight wins Fights
1. Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015
1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO
25[4]
2. 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[7]
3. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20[8]
4. 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[9]
4. 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[10]
6. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBC, WBA
12[11]
7. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10[13]
7. 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[14]
9. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. WBA, WBC
2. WBA, IBF
5[29]
10. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993WBA, WBC, IBF3[31]
10. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBF3[38]
12. Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. WBA, WBO, IBF
2. WBC
2[36]
12. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964WBA, WBC2[46]
14. Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978WBA, WBC1[47]
14. Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF1[48]
Championship reigns of undisputed champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring championship fights, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1962–present) or The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (1962–present), The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–)
  • unified[22][23][24] the titles
  • 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 the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active

As of February 4, 2021.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Additional recognition Beaten champions (recognition) Title fight wins 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)

25[4][25]
2. 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[7]
3. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)
20[8][26][27]
4. 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[9][14]
4. Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

12[11]
6. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973unifiedThe Ring10[13]
7. 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[14]
8. George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995
1. undisputed
2. unified
1. The Ring

5[29]
9. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3[31]
9. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring3[38]
11. Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders (WBO)2[10][35]
11. Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — present
1. unified
2. WBC
1. The Ring
2. The Ring
2[36]
11. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring2[46]
14. Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1[47]
14. Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1[48]
All championship reigns
Pos. Name Reign began-ended Order of title reign Title recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 19851stWBC-to-IBF19[8]
2. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 20152ndWBA, WBO, IBF17[4]
3. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 19782ndWBA, WBC10[7]
4. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 19901stWBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
4. Muhammad AliFebruary 25, 1964 – March 11, 19691stWBA, WBC[7]
4. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 19731stNYSAC, WBA, WBC[13]
4. Vitali KlitschkoOctober 11, 2008 — December 15, 20133rdWBC[10]
4. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 20201stWBC[17]
9. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 20012ndWBA, WBC, IBF8[9]
10. Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 20191stWBA, WBO, IBF6[15]
11. Wladimir KlitschkoOctober 14, 2000 — March 8, 20031stWBO5[4]
12. Evander HolyfieldNovember 6, 1993 — April 22, 19942ndWBA, IBF4[14]
12. Chris ByrdDecember 14, 2002 – April 22, 20062ndIBF[25]
14. Evander HolyfieldOctober 25, 1990 — November 13, 19921stWBA, WBC, IBF3[14]
14. Nikolai ValuevDecember 17, 2005 – April 14, 20071stWBA[73]
14. John RuizFebruary 20, 2004 – December 17, 20052ndWBA[74]
14. Lennox LewisDecember 14, 1992 – September 24, 19941stWBC[9]
14. Lamon BrewsterApril 10, 2004 – April 1, 20061stWBO[51]
Championship reigns of undisputed champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring championship fights, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1962–present) or The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–). For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos. Name Order of title reign Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 19851stWBC-to-IBF19[8]
2. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 20152ndWBA, WBO, IBF17[4]
3. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 19782ndWBA, WBC10[7]
4. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 19901stWBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
4. Muhammad AliFebruary 25, 1964 – March 11, 19691stWBA, WBC[7]
4. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 19731stNYSAC, WBA, WBC[13]
7. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 20012ndWBA, WBC, IBF8[9]
8. Evander HolyfieldOctober 25, 1990 — November 13, 19921stWBA, WBC, IBF3[14]
9. George ForemanJanuary 22, 1973 — October 30, 19741stWBA, WBC2[29]
9. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 19931stWBA, WBC, IBF2[31]
9. Lennox LewisNovember 17, 2001 — February 6, 20043rdWBC, IBF2[9]
9. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 19871stIBF2[38]
13. Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 20052ndWBC1[10]
13. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 19641stWBA, WBC1[46]
All championship reigns
Pos. Name Reign began-ended Order of title reign Title recognition Title defenses Fights
1. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 19851stWBC-to-IBF19[8]
2. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 20152ndWBA, WBO, IBF18[4]
3. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 19782ndWBA, WBC10[7]
3. Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 20201stWBC[17]
5. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 19901stWBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
5. Muhammad AliFebruary 25, 1964 – March 11, 19691stWBA, WBC[7]
5. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 19731stNYSAC, WBA, WBC[13]
5. Vitali KlitschkoOctober 11, 2008 — December 15, 20133rdWBC[10]
5. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 20012ndWBA, WBC, IBF[9]
10. Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 20191stWBA, WBO, IBF6[15]
11. Wladimir KlitschkoOctober 14, 2000 — March 8, 20031stWBO5[4]
12. Evander HolyfieldNovember 6, 1993 — April 22, 19942ndWBA, IBF4[14]
12. Chris ByrdDecember 14, 2002 – April 22, 20062ndIBF[25]
14. Evander HolyfieldOctober 25, 1990 — November 13, 19921stWBA, WBC, IBF3[14]
14. Nikolai ValuevDecember 17, 2005 – April 14, 20071stWBA[73]
14. John RuizFebruary 20, 2004 – December 17, 20052ndWBA[74]
14. Lennox LewisDecember 14, 1992 – September 24, 19941stWBC[9]
14. Lamon BrewsterApril 10, 2004 – April 1, 20061stWBO[51]
Championship reigns of undisputed champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring championship fights, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1962–present) or The Ring championship (1962–1989, 2002–). For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Order of title reign Title recognition Title defenses Fights
1. Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 19851stWBC-to-IBF19[8]
2. Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 20152ndWBA, WBO, IBF18[4]
3. Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 19782ndWBA, WBC10[7]
4. Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 19901stWBA, WBC, IBF9[11]
4. Muhammad AliFebruary 25, 1964 – March 11, 19691stWBA, WBC[7]
4. Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 19731stNYSAC, WBA, WBC[13]
4. Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 20012ndWBA, WBC, IBF[9]
8. Evander HolyfieldOctober 25, 1990 — November 13, 19921stWBA, WBC, IBF3[14]
9. George ForemanJanuary 22, 1973 — October 30, 19741stWBA, WBC2[29]
9. Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 19931stWBA, WBC, IBF2[31]
9. Lennox LewisNovember 17, 2001 — February 6, 20043rdWBC, IBF2[9]
9. Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 19871stIBF2[38]
13. Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 20052ndWBC1[10]
13. Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 19641stWBA, WBC1[46]
Most wins in unified title fights
Name Title recognition Title fight wins
Wladimir KlitschkoWBA, WBO, IBF15
Muhammad AliWBA, WBC14
Mike TysonWBA, WBC, IBF9
Evander HolyfieldWBA, WBC, IBF7
Lennox LewisWBA, WBC, IBF6
Anthony JoshuaWBA, WBO, IBF6
Joe FrazierWBA, WBC5
George ForemanWBA, WBC, IBF4
Riddick BoweWBA, WBC, IBF2
Tyson FuryWBA, WBO, IBF1
Buster DouglasWBA, WBC, IBF
Andy Ruiz Jr.WBA, WBO, IBF
Michael MoorerWBA, IBF
Sonny ListonWBA, WBC
Leon SpinksWBA, WBC
Hasim RahmanWBC, IBF
Most consecutive unified title defenses
Name Order of title reign Title recognition Title defenses
Wladimir Klitschko1stWBA, WBO, IBF13
Muhammad Ali3rdWBA, WBC10
Mike Tyson1stWBA, WBC, IBF8
Joe Frazier1stWBA, WBC4
Evander Holyfield1stWBA, WBC, IBF3
Lennox Lewis1stWBA, WBC, IBF
Anthony Joshua1stWBA, WBO, IBF
Evander Holyfield3rdWBA, IBF2
George Foreman1stWBA, WBC
Riddick Bowe1stWBA, WBC, IBF1
Lennox Lewis2ndWBC, IBF
Muhammad Ali2ndWBA, WBC
Sonny Liston1stWBA, WBC

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 1921).

Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included[3]

All championship reigns

Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
 Ukraine 2 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko 40 37 [10][4]
 United Kingdom 6 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Frank Bruno, Herbie Hide, David Haye, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua 34 31 [40][9][76][50][77][36][15]
 Canada 4 Tommy Burns, Trevor Berbick*, Bermane Stiverne, Lennox Lewis* 30 28 [12][78][79][9]
 Russia 3 Nikolai Valuev, Oleg Maskaev, Sultan Ibragimov 9 7 [73][55][63]
 Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3 [30]
 Uzbekistan 1 Ruslan Chagaev 3 3 [80]
 New Zealand 1 Joseph Parker 3 3 [62]
 South Africa 2 Gerrie Coetzee, Corrie Sanders 2 2 [81][82]
 Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2 [34]
 Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1 [45]
 Belarus 1 Siarhei Liakhovich 1 1 [83]
 Nigeria 1 Samuel Peter 1 1 [84]
 Mexico 1 Andy Ruiz Jr. 1 1 [85]
 Jamaica 1 Trevor Berbick* 1 1 [78]

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

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
 Ukraine 2 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko 40 37 [10][4]
 Canada 2 Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* 28 26 [12][9]
 United Kingdom 3 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury 18 18 [40][9][36]
 Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3 [30]
 Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2 [34]
 Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1 [45]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–), lineal championship (1885–1921)
  • unified[22][23][24] the titles
  • 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 the world champion whilst the winner's reign was still active
Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
 Ukraine 2 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko 27 25 [10][4][25]
 Canada 2 Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* 25 23 [12][9][14]
 United Kingdom 3 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury 15 15 [40][9][14][36]
 Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3 [30]
 Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2 [34]
 Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1 [45]

Title streaks

Only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after 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 [4]
 Canada Tommy Burns 13 11 [12]
 United Kingdom Lennox Lewis 9 8 [9]
 Russia Nikolai Valuev 6 5 [73]
 Italy Primo Carnera 2 2 [30]
 Uzbekistan Ruslan Chagaev 2 2 [80]
 New Zealand Joseph Parker 2 2 [62]
 Germany Max Schmeling 1 1 [34]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–). 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 [4]
 Canada Tommy Burns 13 11 [12]
 United Kingdom Lennox Lewis 9 8 [9]
 Italy Primo Carnera 2 2 [30]
 Germany Max Schmeling 1 1 [34]

See also

References

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  2. "The Ring updates championship policy". Ring TV. May 3, 2012.
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  72. former champion Michael Bentt holds both British and American citizenship.
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  82. "Professional boxing record: Corrie Sanders". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
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