The 50 Greatest African American Boxers of All Time

(Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis)

The 50 Greatest African American Boxers of All Time
By Matthew Brown

The African American contribution to the sport of boxing has been significant. From the indomitable warrior spirit of Muhammad Ali to flash and flair of Roy Jones Jr., African American fighters have brought so much joy and entertainment to those that love the brutally beautiful sport of boxing. Whether these fights and moments made you laugh or cry, they kept us all on the edge of our seats.

To honor the best and brightest of the African American community, we decided to bring to you the 50 greatest African American boxers of all time. This list was compiled by some of the best boxing minds from all across the globe.

Before we get to the Top 50, let’s highlight some pioneers that paved the way for African American fighters with the most honorable of honorable mentions.

Bill Richmond

Bill Richmond, born on August 5, 1763, in Staten Island, New York, was an African American who rose from slavery to become a celebrated boxer in England. During the American Revolutionary War, he was taken to England by a British officer, Hugh Percy, who recognized his potential and arranged for his education and apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker.

Richmond began his boxing career in his 40s, which was unusually late for the sport. Despite his age, he quickly made a name for himself with his skill, agility, and strategic fighting style. His first notable victory was against George Maddox in 1804. Richmond’s success continued, and he went on to fight some of the era’s prominent boxers, including Tom Cribb, though he lost to Cribb in 1805.

In addition to his career as a fighter, Richmond also made significant contributions as a trainer. He operated a boxing academy and trained other fighters, thus influencing the development of boxing techniques. Richmond’s legacy in the boxing world is notable not only for his personal achievements but also for breaking racial barriers and setting a precedent for future African American athletes.

Bill Richmond passed away on December 28, 1829, in London, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in the history of boxing.

Tom Molineaux

Tom Molineaux was an African American bare-knuckle boxer who rose to fame in the early 19th century. Born into slavery in Virginia around 1784, Molineaux earned his freedom through boxing. In 1809, he traveled to England to pursue his boxing career, where he trained under the famous boxer Bill Richmond. Molineaux's most notable fight was against the British champion Tom Cribb in 1810. Despite a controversial loss in this brutal and grueling match, he earned respect for his skill and tenacity. Molineaux's career declined due to injuries and personal struggles, and he died in poverty in Ireland in 1818. His legacy is significant as a pioneering African American athlete who challenged racial barriers in the sport of boxing.

Sam Langford

Sam Langford, known as the “Boston Tar Baby,” was a Canadian-born boxer who became one of the greatest fighters of the early 20th century despite never winning a world title. Born on March 4, 1886, in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, Langford began his professional boxing career in 1902. While not technically African American, Langford’s lineage can be traced directly to American slavery, as he is the son of a former American slave. He fought in multiple weight classes, from lightweight to heavyweight, and was renowned for his exceptional power, defensive skills, and versatility in the ring.

Langford’s career was marked by notable victories over prominent fighters such as Joe Gans, Stanley Ketchel, and Harry Wills. Despite his talent and numerous achievements, he was denied title shots largely due to racial discrimination. Langford’s fighting style and prowess earned him the respect of his peers and later recognition as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history.

Unfortunately, Langford’s later years were marred by financial difficulties and blindness. He retired in 1926 with an estimated 200 fights and was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Langford’s legacy endures as a symbol of both extraordinary skill and the racial challenges faced by black athletes in his era. He passed away on January 12, 1956.

Without further ado, the 50 Greatest African American Boxers of All Time:

50. Mark Johnson

Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson is a former professional boxer who made history as one of the best flyweights and super flyweights of his time. Johnson became the first African-American to win a world title in the flyweight division when he captured the IBF flyweight title in 1996. He later won the IBF and WBO super flyweight titles. Known for his speed, skill, and ring intelligence, Johnson was a dominant force in the lower weight classes during the 1990s and early 2000s. His achievements were recognized with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

49. Shane Mosley

“Sugar” Shane Mosley is a celebrated former professional boxer who competed in multiple weight classes, including lightweight, welterweight, and light middleweight. Known for his speed, power, and tenacity, Mosley held world titles in three weight divisions, including the IBF lightweight title and the WBC welterweight title. He gained fame with victories over Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, and Antonio Margarito. Mosley was known for taking on all comers and delivering exciting fights throughout his career, which spanned from 1993 to 2016.

48. Antonio Tarver

Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver is a former professional boxer who achieved prominence in the light heavyweight division. Known for his powerful left hand and charismatic personality, Tarver won multiple world titles, including the WBA, WBC, and IBF light heavyweight titles. He is best known for his trilogy with Roy Jones Jr., particularly his stunning second-round knockout victory in their second fight. Tarver also had a brief career in film, notably portraying Mason “The Line” Dixon in “Rocky Balboa.”

47. Winky Wright

Ronald “Winky” Wright is recognized as one of the best defensive fighters of his era, excelling particularly in the light middleweight division. Known for his effective jab and defensive prowess, Wright held the undisputed light middleweight championship and later competed successfully at middleweight. Some of his most notable victories include wins over Félix Trinidad and Shane Mosley. Wright’s career spanned from the early 1990s to the late 2000s, earning him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.

46. Bob Montgomery

Bob Montgomery, known as the “Philadelphia Bobcat,” was a prominent lightweight boxer in the 1940s. Renowned for his aggressive style and resilience, Montgomery held the NYSAC lightweight title and the Ring magazine lightweight title. He engaged in a notable series of fights with Beau Jack, another top lightweight of the era, creating a legendary rivalry. Montgomery’s contributions to boxing during his career were significant, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.

45. Chalky Wright

Chalky Wright, known for his punching power and resilience, fought from 1928 to 1948. He held the world featherweight title from 1941 to 1942. Wright’s career record includes 160 wins, 45 losses, 19 draws, and 1 no contest, with 81 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Joey Archibald and Richie Lemos.

44. Timothy Bradley

Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley is a former professional boxer known for his toughness, determination, and versatility in the ring. Competing primarily in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions, Bradley held multiple world championships, including the WBC and WBO light welterweight titles and the WBO welterweight title. He is best remembered for his controversial win over Manny Pacquiao in 2012 and his subsequent fights with Pacquiao and Ruslan Provodnikov. Bradley retired in 2016 with an impressive record, leaving a legacy of memorable bouts and commendable sportsmanship.

43. Joe Brown

Joe “Old Bones” Brown, known for his cleverness and longevity, fought from 1941 to 1970. He held the world lightweight title from 1956 to 1962. Brown’s career record includes 104 wins, 44 losses, 13 draws, and 1 no contest, with 47 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Wallace “Bud” Smith and Ralph Dupas.

42. Jack Blackburn

Jack Blackburn, a skilled lightweight and welterweight, fought from 1901 to 1923. Despite never winning a world title, he was highly respected for his technical skill. Blackburn’s career record includes 99 wins, 26 losses, and 19 draws, with 39 knockouts. He later became a renowned trainer, most famously training Joe Louis.

41. Harry Wills

Harry Wills, known as the “Black Panther,” fought from 1911 to 1932. He was a top heavyweight contender and faced many of the best fighters of his era, but never received a title shot due to racial barriers. Wills’s career record includes 70 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws, and 30 no contests, with 54 knockouts. He had notable rivalries with Sam Langford and Joe Jeanette.

40. Joe Jeanette

Joe Jeanette, known for his toughness and endurance, fought from 1904 to 1919. He was a top heavyweight contender and fought many of the best fighters of his time. Jeanette’s career record includes 106 wins, 20 losses, 12 draws, and 2 no contests, with 68 knockouts. Notable fights include his legendary bout with Sam McVey in 1909, which lasted 49 rounds.

39. Holman Williams

Holman Williams, a master technician, fought from 1932 to 1948. He was a top contender in the welterweight and middleweight divisions but never won a world title. Williams’s career record includes 146 wins, 31 losses, and 11 draws, with 36 knockouts. He faced many top fighters of his era, including Charley Burley and Cocoa Kid.

38. Terry Norris

Terry Norris, also known as “Terrible” Terry Norris, was a dominant force in the light middleweight division during the late 1980s and 1990s. Known for his exceptional hand speed and power, Norris won multiple world titles, most notably holding the WBC light middleweight title multiple times. He scored significant victories over notable fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard, Donald Curry, and John Mugabi. His career, marked by explosive knockouts and exciting fights, earned him induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.

37. Harold Johnson

Harold Johnson, known for his technical skill and resilience, fought from 1946 to 1971. He held the world light heavyweight title from 1962 to 1963. Johnson’s career record includes 76 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, with 32 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Doug Jones, Eddie Machen, and his rivalry with Archie Moore.

36. Jimmy Bivins

Jimmy Bivins, known for his durability and skill, fought from 1940 to 1955. He was a top contender in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions but never won a world title. Bivins’s career record includes 86 wins, 25 losses, and 1 draw, with 31 knockouts. He faced many top fighters, including Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, and Joe Louis.

35. Beau Jack

Beau Jack, known for his relentless fighting style and popularity, fought from 1940 to 1955. He was a two-time world lightweight champion. Jack’s career record includes 83 wins, 24 losses, and 5 draws, with 40 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Bob Montgomery and Henry Armstrong.

34. Floyd Patterson

Floyd Patterson, known for his speed and agility, fought from 1952 to 1972. He became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history at age 21 in 1956, a record later broken by Mike Tyson. Patterson’s career record includes 55 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, with 40 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Archie Moore and Ingemar Johansson.

33. Riddick Bowe

Riddick Bowe, known for his size, strength, and versatility, fought from 1989 to 2008. He held the world heavyweight title from 1992 to 1993 and again in 1995. Bowe’s career record includes 43 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest, with 33 knockouts. His most notable victories include wins over Evander Holyfield in their trilogy, particularly their first bout in 1992.

32. James Toney

James Toney, known for his defensive skills and durability, fought from 1988 to 2017. He won world titles in multiple weight classes, including middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight. Toney’s career record includes 77 wins, 10 losses, 3 draws, and 2 no contests, with 47 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Michael Nunn, Mike McCallum, and Evander Holyfield.

31. Andre Ward

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward, known for his exceptional skill and ring intelligence, fought from 2004 to 2017. He held world titles in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions and retired undefeated. Ward’s career record includes 32 wins, 0 losses, and 16 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Carl Froch, Sergey Kovalev, and Mikkel Kessler.

30. Ike Williams

Ike Williams, known for his powerful punching and aggressive style, fought from 1940 to 1955. He held the world lightweight title from 1945 to 1951. Williams’s career record includes 127 wins, 24 losses, and 5 draws, with 61 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Bob Montgomery, Beau Jack, and Kid Gavilan.

29. Tiger Flowers

Tiger Flowers, known as the “Georgia Deacon,” was the first African American middleweight champion, fighting from 1918 to 1927. He held the world middleweight title from 1926 until his death in 1927. Flowers’s career record includes 119 wins, 15 losses, and 8 draws, with 55 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Harry Greb and Mickey Walker.

28. Michael Spinks

Michael Spinks, known for his technical skill and unorthodox style, fought from 1977 to 1988. He held world titles in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Spinks’s career record includes 31 wins, 1 loss, and 21 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney, and his sole defeat came against Mike Tyson.

27. Sonny Liston

Sonny Liston, known for his formidable power and intimidating presence, fought from 1953 to 1970. He held the world heavyweight title from 1962 to 1964. Liston’s career record includes 50 wins, 4 losses, and 39 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Floyd Patterson, whom he defeated twice to win and defend the title, and his controversial bouts with Muhammad Ali.

26. Joe Gans

Joe Gans, known as the “Old Master,” was one of the greatest lightweight fighters in history, competing from 1891 to 1909. He held the world lightweight title from 1902 to 1908. Gans’s career record includes approximately 145 wins, 10 losses, and 16 draws, with 100 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Battling Nelson and Kid Herman.

25. Charley Burley

Charley Burley, considered one of the greatest fighters never to win a world title, fought from 1936 to 1950. Known for his technical skill and versatility, Burley competed in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His career record includes 83 wins, 12 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no contest, with 50 knockouts. He faced many top fighters of his era, often being avoided by champions.

24. Terence Crawford

Terence “Bud” Crawford, known for his technical prowess and versatility, has been active since 2008. He has held world titles in three weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, and welterweight. Crawford’s career record as of 2024 includes 40 wins, 0 losses, and 31 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Yuriorkis Gamboa, Viktor Postol, and Errol Spence Jr.

23. Bob Foster

Bob Foster, one of the greatest light heavyweights, fought from 1961 to 1978. He held the world light heavyweight title from 1968 to 1974, making 14 successful defenses. Foster’s career record includes 56 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, with 46 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Dick Tiger and Chris Finnegan, and he also competed as a heavyweight, facing fighters like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.

22. Larry Holmes

Larry Holmes, “The Easton Assassin,” was a dominant heavyweight champion who fought from 1973 to 2002. He held the WBC heavyweight title from 1978 to 1983 and the IBF title from 1983 to 1985. Holmes’s career record includes 69 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts. He is known for his technical skill and his notable victories over Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, and Gerry Cooney.

21. Joe Frazier

Joe Frazier, nicknamed “Smokin’ Joe,” was a fearsome heavyweight who fought from 1965 to 1981. He held the world heavyweight title from 1970 to 1973. Frazier’s career record includes 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with 27 knockouts. He is best known for his trilogy of fights with Muhammad Ali, including the “Fight of the Century” in 1971 and the “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975.

20. Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson, known for his ferocious power and intimidating presence, competed from 1985 to 2005. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20 in 1986. Tyson’s career record includes 50 wins, 6 losses, and 2 no contests, with 44 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Trevor Berbick and Michael Spinks, and his career was marked by his knockout victories and controversial moments.

19. Evander Holyfield

Evander Holyfield, known for his heart and resilience, competed from 1984 to 2011. He held the undisputed cruiserweight title before moving to heavyweight, where he won the world title multiple times. Holyfield’s career record includes 44 wins, 10 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no contest, with 29 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, and George Foreman.

18. Aaron Pryor

Aaron Pryor, known for his relentless aggression and stamina, fought from 1976 to 1990. He held the WBA and IBF light welterweight titles during his career. Pryor’s career record includes 39 wins, 1 loss, and 35 knockouts. His most notable fights were his two victories over Alexis Argüello, particularly their first bout in 1982, which is considered one of the greatest fights of all time.

17. Emile Griffith

Emile Griffith, known for his skill and versatility, fought from 1958 to 1977. He held world titles in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Griffith’s career record includes 85 wins, 24 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no contest, with 23 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Benny Paret, whom he fought in a tragic trilogy, and Dick Tiger.

16. Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight champion, fought from 1897 to 1938. He held the title from 1908 to 1915, breaking racial barriers and facing immense prejudice. Johnson’s career record includes 73 wins, 13 losses, 10 draws, and 11 no contests, with 40 knockouts. His most famous fight was the “Fight of the Century” against James J. Jeffries in 1910.

15. Marvin Hagler

Marvelous Marvin Hagler, a dominant middleweight champion, fought from 1973 to 1987. He held the world middleweight title from 1980 to 1987, making 12 successful defenses. Hagler’s career record includes 62 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, with 52 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Thomas Hearns, Roberto Durán, and Alan Minter, and his controversial loss to Sugar Ray Leonard remains one of boxing’s most debated decisions.

14. Bernard Hopkins

Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, known for his longevity and technical skill, competed from 1988 to 2016. He held the middleweight title for a record 20 defenses and later won light heavyweight titles. Hopkins’s career record includes 55 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws, and 2 no contests, with 32 knockouts. Notable victories include wins over Félix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya, and Kelly Pavlik.

13. Sandy Saddler

Sandy Saddler, a relentless and powerful featherweight, competed from 1944 to 1956. He held the world featherweight title multiple times and is best known for his rivalry with Willie Pep, against whom he had four memorable fights. Saddler’s career record includes 144 wins, 16 losses, and 2 draws, with 103 knockouts. He was known for his aggressive style and knockout power.

12. George Foreman

George Foreman, known for his incredible punching power, had two distinct phases in his career, first from 1969 to 1977 and then from 1987 to 1997. He won the world heavyweight title twice, first in 1973 by defeating Joe Frazier and again in 1994 at age 45 by defeating Michael Moorer. Foreman’s career record includes 76 wins, 5 losses, and 68 knockouts. His legendary bouts include fights with Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

11. Tommy Hearns

Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, known for his devastating punching power, competed from 1977 to 2006. He won world titles in five weight classes: welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. Hearns’s career record includes 61 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, with 48 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Roberto Durán and Pipino Cuevas, and memorable fights with Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler.

10. Pernell Whitaker

Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, known for his exceptional defensive skills and slick southpaw style, competed from 1984 to 2001. He won world titles in four weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight. Whitaker’s career record includes 40 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest, with 17 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Greg Haugen, José Luis Ramírez, and a draw against Julio César Chávez.

9. Sugar Ray Leonard

Sugar Ray Leonard, a charismatic and highly skilled boxer, competed from 1977 to 1997. He won world titles in five weight classes: welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. Leonard’s career record includes 36 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 25 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler.

8. Roy Jones Jr.

Roy Jones Jr., renowned for his incredible athleticism and unorthodox style, had a professional career from 1989 to 2018. He won world titles in four weight classes, including middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. Jones’s career record includes 66 wins, 9 losses, and 47 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, and John Ruiz.

7. Archie Moore

Archie Moore, “The Old Mongoose,” had one of the longest and most successful careers in boxing, spanning from 1935 to 1963. He is best known for his reign as the world light heavyweight champion from 1952 to 1962. Moore’s career record includes 186 wins, 23 losses, and 10 draws, with a remarkable 132 knockouts. His notable victories include wins over Joey Maxim and Harold Johnson.

6. Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather, often regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers, had an illustrious career from 1996 to 2017. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, speed, and ring IQ, Mayweather remained undefeated, boasting a 50-0 record with 27 knockouts. He won world titles in five weight divisions, and his notable victories include wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, and Canelo Alvarez.

5. Ezzard Charles

Ezzard Charles, known as the “Cincinnati Cobra,” was a versatile and skilled boxer who competed from 1940 to 1959. Charles began his career as a middleweight and light heavyweight before moving up to the heavyweight division. He is best known for winning the world heavyweight title in 1949 by defeating Jersey Joe Walcott and successfully defending it until 1951. Charles’s career record includes 95 wins, 25 losses, and 1 draw, with 52 wins by knockout. His notable fights include bouts against Joe Louis, whom he defeated in 1950, and Rocky Marciano. Renowned for his technical prowess and adaptability, Charles is often regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time across multiple weight classes.

4. Henry Armstrong

Henry Armstrong, nicknamed “Homicide Hank,” was one of the most formidable and versatile boxers in history. His professional career spanned from 1931 to 1945. Armstrong achieved the remarkable feat of holding world titles in three weight divisions simultaneously: featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. Known for his relentless aggression and stamina, Armstrong’s career record includes 151 wins, 21 losses, and 9 draws, with 101 wins by knockout. His most notable victories include wins over Barney Ross and Lou Ambers. Armstrong’s ability to compete and excel across multiple weight classes and his indomitable fighting style have left an enduring legacy in the sport of boxing.

3. Joe Louis

Joe Louis, known as the “Brown Bomber,” was one of the most dominant heavyweight boxers in history. His professional career spanned from 1934 to 1951. Louis held the world heavyweight title from 1937 to 1949, making 25 successful defenses, a record that still stands. Known for his powerful punches and methodical style, Louis’s notable victories include his knockout of Max Schmeling in 1938 in front of a packed Yankee Stadium crowd that included Adolf Hitler, avenging an earlier loss and symbolizing a stand against Nazi ideology. Louis retired with a record of 66 wins, 3 losses, and 52 knockouts. Beyond his boxing prowess, Louis’s dignified demeanor and his role as a symbol of hope during challenging times for African Americans cemented his status as a cultural icon.

2. Sugar Ray Robinson

Sugar Ray Robinson, born Walker Smith Jr., is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history. His professional career spanned from 1940 to 1965, during which he held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951 and the world middleweight title five times between 1951 and 1960. Renowned for his exceptional speed, power, and technical skill, Robinson had an impressive record of 173 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, and 2 no contests, with 109 wins by knockout. His legendary fights include rivalries with Jake LaMotta, known as the “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,” and bouts with other prominent fighters of his era. Robinson’s style and prowess set a standard in boxing, influencing countless fighters and earning him a lasting legacy in the sport.

1. Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, was one of the greatest boxers of all time. His career began in 1960 when he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Rome Olympics. Known for his lightning-fast footwork and powerful jab, Ali captured the world heavyweight title three times, first in 1964 by defeating Sonny Liston. Ali’s career was marked by high-profile bouts, including fights against Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton. His fight against Foreman in 1974, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle,” is particularly legendary. Ali’s charisma, eloquence, and outspoken nature, along with his contributions to civil rights, cemented his legacy beyond the ring. He retired in 1981 with a professional record of 56 wins, 5 losses, and 37 knockouts.