15 Best White Boxers Of All Time

15 Best White Boxers Of All Time

*Originally published by Ian. S in March 2023 and Updated by Ian. S in March 2024

If you thought boxing was only for people of colour you are in for a rude shock. Although the sport has mainly been predominantly associated with boxers of color, white boxers have also carved their name in the records. Boxing’s history is long and storied with the sport having its share of phenomenal fighters coming and going in the different weight divisions. White boxers have proven to be a force to reckon with as they have displayed their immense skill, and in-ring dexterity and left their heart and soul in the ring for their fans to marvel at.

Their spirit and determination for success have enabled them to reach greater heights that you might need two lives to achieve. These combatants have set records, broken barriers, and left an indelible mark on the sport. Their skill has come in handy in overcoming formidable opponents and cruising past adversity to attain success.

While showcasing their prowess, these white boxers have inspired generations of future boxers cutting across all races and ethnicities while also cementing their legacies forever. Here are 15 of the best white boxers of all time.

1. Rocky Marciano

Black & White postcard of World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Marciano photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Rocky Marciano, whose real name was Rocco Francis Marchegiano, was an American professional boxer who competed from 1947 to 1955. From 1952 to 1956, he was the heavyweight champion of the world.

Rocky Marciano is the only undefeated heavyweight champion in boxing history. He finished 49-0 with 43 knockouts. Marciano prevailed over Louis in what was to be his last bout. “The Rock” twice overcame Jersey Joe Wolcott, and in his final match in 1955, he triumphed against the illustrious Archie Moore. In 1959, Marciano considered making a comeback but never did.

Related: 15 Best Heavyweight Boxers Of All Time

2. Gene Tunney

Portrait of boxer Gene Tunney photo by Harris & Ewing Collection – Wikimedia Commons

 James Joseph Tunney famously known as Gene Tunney competed from 1915 to 1928. Between 1922 and 1923, he twice claimed the American light heavyweight championship. Tunney, a very skilled boxer, faced off against Harry Greb five times in the light heavyweight division, winning three times, losing one, and drawing once. In addition, Tunney defeated Jack Dempsey twice once in 1926 and again in 1927—and eliminated Georges Carpentier.

The Long Count Fight refers to Tunney’s successful championship defense against Dempsey, one of boxing’s most famous battles. He concluded his heavyweight career without losing a bout after defeating Tom Heeney in 1928. Tunney was a brilliant fighter, with a fantastic left and a penetrating right, as well as a reliable body puncher and skilled counterpuncher.

He defeated every light-heavyweight he ever faced, including Leo Houck, Battling Levinsky, Fay Kesier, Jimmy Delaney, and Georges Carpentier, using this method. He retired after 88 fights, winning 82, losing 4, drawing one, and one being a no-contest.

Read More: The Best light heavyweight boxers of all times

3. Jack Dempsey

Jack Dempsey photo by Bain News Service – Wikimedia Commons

One of the most thrilling boxers in history was American professional boxer, Jack Dempsey. Jack participated from 1914 to 1927, and from 1919 to 1926, he held the title of heavyweight world champion. He has 66 wins, 51 knockouts, and 6 losses to his credit. He had the first million fights in his career and many of his battles were financially successful because of his aggressive fighting style. He was a well-known fighter throughout history.

4. James J. Corbett

Boxer James J. Corbett photo by Elmer Chickering – Wikimedia Commons

James J. Corbett was an American professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion, best recognized as the only man to ever defeat John L. Sullivan. Although having only 20 fights in his career, Corbett faced the finest competition his period had to offer, going up against nine fighters who would later be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame alongside him.

Corbett pioneered a truly scientific approach to boxing, in which skill prevailed over mere power. He established the daily boxing training schedule and regimen, which was imitated by other boxers around the world and has nearly survived to the present day.

5. Floyd Patterson

Floyd Patterson and Cus D’Amato photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Floyd Patterson was a professional boxer from the United States who competed from 1952 to 1972 and twice held the world heavyweight title between 1956 and 1962. He became the youngest boxer in history to win the title at 21, and he was also the first heavyweight to reclaim the belt after losing it. He won a gold medal in the middleweight division as an amateur in the 1952 Summer Olympics. In 1991, Floyd was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

6. John L. Sullivan

John Lawrence Sullivan photo by José María Mora – Wikimedia Commons

American boxer John Lawrence Sullivan is regarded as the first heavyweight champion in gloved boxing. He held the title de facto from February 7, 1882, through September 7, 1892. In addition to being a cultural icon of late 19th-century America, he is often regarded as the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing under the London Prize Ring Rules.

He was also one of the highest-paid athletes of his time and probably the first boxing superstar. Newspapers’ coverage of his career, with the most recent accounts of his title battles, frequently appearing in headlines and as cover stories, gave rise to sports journalism in the United States and established the standard for photographing and covering boxing events around the world.

7. Max Baer

Max Baer – El Gráfico photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Max Baer was a professional boxer from the United States who held the world heavyweight title from June 14, 1934, until June 13, 1935. The Ring magazine named two of his fights, a 1933 victory over Max Schmeling and a 1935 defeat to James J. Braddock, Fights of the Year. Baer was also a boxing referee and appeared in films and television shows on occasion.

8. Max Schmeling

Max Schmeling photo by Wm. C. Greene – Wikimedia Commons

Maximilian Schmeling was a German boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1930 to 1932. Schmeling is the only boxer to win the world heavyweight title by foul. He began his professional career in 1924 and traveled to the United States in 1928, where he became a sensation with a ninth-round technical knockout of Johnny Risko. In 1930, he became the first heavyweight champion to win by disqualification after opponent Jack Sharkey knocked him out with a low shot in the fourth round. Schmeling went to work for The Coca-Cola Corporation after retiring from boxing.

9. Bob Fitzsimmons

Bob Fitzsimmons photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Robert Fitzsimmons was the boxing’s first three-division world champion. He was also famous for defeating Gentleman Jim Corbett, and he holds the Guinness World Record for being the lightest heavyweight champion, weighing only 165 pounds when he won the title. He took pride in his lack of scars and came in the ring wearing heavy woollen underwear to mask the gap between his trunk and leg growth, earning him the nicknames Ruby Robert and The Freckled Wonder.

10. Tommy Burns

Tommy Burns. Photo G. photo by Peter McIntyre – Wikimedia Commons

Tommy Burns was a professional boxer from Canada. He is Canada’s only World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Burns, the first boxer to traverse the world to defend his title, made 13 title defenses against 11 different boxers, despite frequently being the underdog owing to his height. As Heavyweight Champion, Burns faced all challengers, culminating in his memorable fight with African American Jack Johnson.

Burns’ biography quotes Burns saying: “I will protect my title against everyone and everyone. This includes white, black, Hispanic, Indian, and other nationalities. I intend to be the world champion, not the white, Canadian, or American. I don’t want the belt if I am not the best heavyweight in the world.”

11. Tommy Morrison

Tommy Morrison’s career was full of twists and turns. He fought 52 times in his professional career, winning 48 of them with 42 of them via knockout. Tommy competed from 1988 to 2009 in both boxing and MMA and held the WBO heavyweight title in 1993.  

Nonetheless, he is best known for his performance in Rocky V. In the film, he plays Tommy Gunn, an egotistical champ. This act made him renowned, but Tommy Morrison did not live a disciplined life and became engaged in drugs, ending himself in prison for more than a year. He purportedly resigned from boxing in 1996 after testing positive for HIV.

12. Ingemar Johansson

Ingemar Johansson photo by Jowil – Wikimedia Commons

Swedish professional boxer Ingemar Johansson participated from 1952 to 1963. He was the fifth heavyweight champion born outside of the United States and won the world heavyweight title from 1959 to 1960. After flooring Floyd Patterson seven times in the third round, Johansson ended the match to win the title.

Johansson received numerous awards for his accomplishments, including the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, and the Hickok Belt as the best professional athlete of the year and the only non-American in the Hickok Belt’s 27-year history. In addition, Johansson twice held the European heavyweight championship, from 1956 to 1958 and from 1962 to 1963.

13. Nikolai Valuev

Valuev vs Chagaev photo by illtronic – Wikimedia Commons

Nikolai Valuev is a politician from Russia and a former professional boxer. He boxed from 1993 to 2009, holding the WBA heavyweight title twice between 2005 and 2009. Valuev is well remembered for being the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history, standing 7 feet tall and weighing 149 kilos at his peak.

14. Wladimir Klitschko

Wladimir Klitschko at the 2018 Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai photo by Fuzheado – Wikimedia Commons

Wladimir Klitschko is a former Ukrainian professional boxer who competed from 1996 to 2017. He held the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring magazine world heavyweight titles twice. Klitschko, a cunning and skillful boxer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. He was recognized for his great knockout power, which he acquired by using a powerful jab, straight right and left hook, and fast hand speed, and he had excellent footwork and quickness for a fighter his height. During his reign as world heavyweight champion, his contests could generate a global broadcast audience of more than 400 million people.

With 23 opponents defeated, he holds the record for most opponents defeated to win the heavyweight title. He also has the most unified championship wins and title defenses in professional boxing history. When Wladimir and Vitali were both inducted into the Guinness World Records book in 2011, they had the most victories in world heavyweight title contests.

15. Vitali Klitschko

Vitali Klitschko. photo by Sven Teschke – Wikimedia Commons

Vitali Klitschko is a Ukrainian politician and former professional boxer who has served as Kyiv’s mayor and the head of the Kyiv City State Administration since June 2014. He participated in amateur boxing, kickboxing, and sport karate all at the same time, and had remarkable success in all combat sports during his early combat years. As a boxer, Klitschko won numerous world heavyweight titles.

He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) championship from 1999 to 2000, the Ring magazine title from 2004 to 2005, and the WBC title twice between 2004 and 2013. He defeated 15 opponents in world heavyweight title fights and successfully defended his belt 12 times in total. In 2011, Vitali Klitschko and his younger brother Wladimir Klitschko were admitted into the Guinness World Records as the brothers with the most world heavyweight title bout victories.

From 2006 through 2015, Vitali and Wladimir ruled heavyweight boxing, a period known as the “Klitschko Era” in the category. Klitschko had not fought since 2012, yet he was still the WBC heavyweight champion when he announced his retirement in December 2013.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Famous Undefeated Boxers

10 Lesser-Known White Boxers

In the world of boxing, a select few household names often dominate the spotlight, overshadowing many talented fighters deserving of wider recognition.

Though iconic black boxers have aptly earned global fame, the contribution of skilled white boxers must not be overlooked. A vast reservoir of gifted pugilists across divisions remain obscured from public consciousness, despite their comparable abilities.

In this article, we will spotlight ten underrated white fighters whose technical prowess and fighting spirit stand shoulder-to-shoulder with more famous champions.

By celebrating overlooked talents, we gain a fuller appreciation of boxing’s diverse history and the determination required to ascend from obscurity to excellence. Join us as we unpack the untold stories of these gritty prizefighters, whose journeys epitomize the sport’s compelling underdog ethos.

Though they lack mainstream renown, make no mistake – these ten lesser-known white boxers could bang with the best.

1. Lew Jenkins

Lew Jenkins was an American boxer who held the NYSAC and The Ring lightweight championship from 1940 to 1941. Born in Milburn, Texas, and raised during the Great Depression, Jenkins began fighting in carnivals before continuing his boxing career in the US Coast Guard.

Known for his exceptional punching power that resulted in 51 knockouts out of his 73 wins, Jenkins had various managers including Benny Woodhall, Frank Bachman, Hymie Kaplan, and Willie Ketchum, with Charley Rose as his trainer.

His punching prowess was legendary, matched only by his fondness for drinking, carousing, and high-speed motorcycles – which he jokingly referred to as his “two toughest opponents”.

Jenkins captured the World Lightweight Championship on May 10, 1940, defeating Lou Ambers by a third-round TKO at Madison Square Garden. He was later inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1977, the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1983, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.

2. Charles Kid McCoy

Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Norman Selby, better known by his boxing nickname “Kid” McCoy, was an American boxer and early Hollywood actor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Born in Indiana, McCoy stood 5’11” tall and weighed 160 pounds. He claimed the world middleweight boxing title in 1897 by scoring a surprise 15th-round knockout against Tommy Ryan.

McCoy had an impressive record of 81 wins (55 by knockout), along with just 6 losses and 9 no decisions. He was known for his “corkscrew punch,” a twisting blow that inflicted serious damage.

McCoy supposedly learned this punch by watching a cat strike at a ball of string. Whether true or not, he was a fast and scientific fighter who would wrap his hands in tape to cut his opponents’ faces. McCoy was ranked the #1 light heavyweight boxer of all time in 1958. He was also regarded as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history.

3. Tommy Ryan

Bain News Service, publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tommy Ryan was an American-Canadian boxer who competed from 1887 to 1907. He held world championship titles in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, a rare accomplishment.

Ryan’s record has been debated for decades, but he is estimated to have won between 82 and 90 bouts against only 2 to 6 losses, with 13 to 22 knockouts. He held knockout power unusual for lighter weight classes at the time.

Ryan simultaneously holding titles in two weight classes demonstrated his impressive versatility as a fighter. He fought during the bare-knuckle and early gloved eras of boxing.

Ryan was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991 in recognition of his outstanding career and championship reigns in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.

4. Tony Zale

Associated Press, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tony Zale was an American professional boxer nicknamed the “Man of Steel” who was born Anthony Florian Zaleski in Gary, Indiana.

The steel town of Gary gave rise to his nickname for his ability to withstand tremendous punishment before rallying to win. Zale held the world middleweight boxing title multiple times and was known for his crafty boxing skills and punishing body punches that wore down opponents before knocking them out.

Despite his rugged style, Zale displayed technical prowess as a boxer. He used his experience growing up in a gritty steel town to his advantage in the ring by wearing down opponents with body blows before finishing them off.

Zale’s remarkable career led him to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George H.W. Bush in 1990.

5. James J. Corbett

Elmer Chickering, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

James J. Corbett was an American heavyweight boxing champion best known for being the only fighter to ever defeat the legendary John L. Sullivan. Despite having just 20 professional bouts, Corbett faced 9 opponents who were later inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

He brought a scientific and technical approach to boxing that relied on skill rather than brute force. Corbett pioneered modern training routines and regimens that are still used today. He was one of the first big-money fighters and a master of showmanship, charming audiences both in and out of the ring with his boxing skill and charisma.

Corbett helped popularize boxing with female fans after his championship prizefight against Robert Fitzsimmons was aired worldwide. He accomplished this despite boxing being illegal in many places at the time.

Corbett was also one of the first sports sex symbols and pursued acting careers before and after his boxing days. He revolutionized boxing with his technical mastery and showmanship during a pivotal era for the sport.

6. Jimmy Wilde

Library of Congress http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/30500/30538v.jpg, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

William James Wilde was a legendary Welsh boxer who competed from 1911 to 1923. He was the first official world flyweight champion and held numerous British and European flyweight titles.

Wilde was often regarded as the greatest British fighter ever, earning nicknames like “The Mighty Atom” and “The Tylorstown Terror” for his vicious punching power. Though a flyweight, he knocked out larger bantamweights and featherweights.

Wilde had one of the longest unbeaten streaks in boxing history at 92-0-1. He participated in over 150 newspaper decision bouts, winning 7 and only losing 1, with the rest being no decisions.

Wilde was rated by experts like Nat Fleischer as the greatest flyweight ever due to his skills and power allowing him to defeat much larger opponents. He was a pioneering early flyweight who helped establish the division’s legitimacy in a sport dominated by heavier weight classes.

7. Jimmy McLarnin

Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

James McLarnin was an Irish boxer considered the greatest Irish fighter ever. He was a two-time welterweight world champion in the 1920s and 30s. Nicknamed the “Baby-faced Assassin” for his youthful looks and lethal punching power, McLarnin started his career in Canada but moved to the U.S. for bigger fights.

Despite his appearance, he possessed devastating power in both hands. McLarnin lost his first world title shot in 1928 but later won the welterweight crown in 1933 by knockout.

He then engaged in an epic three-fight series with Barney Ross, exchanging the title before ultimately losing it in their rubber match. McLarnin retired in 1936 while still on top, beating all-time greats like Tony Canzoneri and Lou Ambers in his final bouts.

With a record of 54-11-3, McLarnin was ranked by Ring Magazine as the 5th greatest welterweight ever. His combination of power and technical skills made him one of the most feared fighters of his era.

8. Tommy Loughran

El Gráfico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tom Loughran was an American professional boxer who was the World Light Heavyweight Champion in the 1920s and 30s. He is considered one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, ranking in the top 5-10 by multiple publications and boxing organizations.

Loughran was named Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year in 1929 and 1931 at the peak of his career. He possessed excellent technical skills and fast hands that allowed him to outbox opponents. Loughran was adept at both defensive and offensive fighting.

He utilized great footwork and counterpunching to wear down foes before going on the attack. Loughran dominated the light heavyweight division for years with his masterful boxing abilities.

His slick skills and ring craft earned him induction into the Ring Magazine and International Boxing Halls of Fame. Loughran’s defensive mastery and counterpunching made him one of the best technical boxers of his era.

9. Tom Sharkey

See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tom Sharkey, nicknamed “Sailor Tom,” was an Irish-American heavyweight boxer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Standing 5’8″ tall, Sharkey was an aggressive fighter who constantly pressured opponents despite his short stature.

He was easy to hit but had a granite chin and devastating punching power. Sharkey fought with an unconventional brawling style and was known for his toughness. He acquired a cauliflower ear and star/battleship tattoo that added to his rugged persona.

Sharkey fought two memorable matches against heavyweight champion James Jeffries. He also battled top fighters like Joe Choynski and Jim Corbett during his career spanning 1893 to 1904.

Sharkey compiled a record of 40 wins (37 KOs), 7 losses, and 5 draws. He was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame for his punching power and crowd-pleasing style.

Despite never winning a title, Sharkey’s relentless aggression and power made him a formidable opponent for the top heavyweights of his era.

10. James J. Jeffries

Not listed, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

James J. Jeffries was an American heavyweight champion boxer known for his enormous strength and stamina in the ring.

Standing 6’1.5″ tall and weighing 225 lbs in his prime, Jeffries possessed one-punch knockout power, especially in his left hook. He used an effective crouching, left arm extended style taught by his trainer Tommy Ryan to withstand damage and wear down opponents.

Jeffries could run 100 yards in just over 10 seconds and high jump over 6 feet, exemplifying his superb athleticism. Though a natural left-hander, he brawled his way to the heavyweight crown with relentless tenacity. Writer Jack London coined the term “Great White Hope” to describe Jeffries’ comeback against Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight champion, in 1910.

Despite tremendous public pressure, Jeffries lost to Johnson in a racially charged Fight of the Century. Though past his prime, Jeffries relied on his trademark toughness and power in an unsuccessful bid to reclaim the greatest prize in sports.

These overlooked boxers exemplify the underdog ethos that makes the sport so compelling. Though obscured by bigger names, their journeys from obscurity to excellence highlight the virtues of determination and resilience.

By celebrating lesser-known talents, we gain a fuller appreciation for boxing’s rich history. Their stories are a reminder that excellence takes many forms – often unheralded, but no less inspirational.

They pursued the art of boxing with as much skill and passion as any champion. For that, they have earned their place in the pantheon of prize-fighting greats.