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World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics

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

Championship recognition

As per International Boxing Hall Of Fame:

1884–2024

  • 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

  • WBA world championship WBA world championship
  • WBC world championship WBC world championship
  • IBF world championship IBF world championship
  • WBO world championship WBO world championship
  • The Ring world championship The Ring world championship

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

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

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

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

Most opponents beaten in title fights

Keys:

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

All championship reigns

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

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten
opponents 		Fights
1. Wladimir Klitschko 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		 1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		 23
2. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 22
3. Muhammad Ali 1. 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
4. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 20
5. Lennox Lewis 1. 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
5. Vitali Klitschko 1. 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
7. Mike Tyson 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		 1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC		 11
7. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 11
9. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 10
10. Evander Holyfield 1. 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
10. Anthony Joshua 1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 — September 25, 2021		 WBA, IBF, WBO 9
12. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 8
12. Deontay Wilder January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020 WBC 8
14. Floyd Patterson 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		 NYSAC, NBA 7
15. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal 6
15. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC 6
15. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 6

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

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

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1. Wladimir Klitschko 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		 1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		 23
2. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 22
3. Muhammad Ali 1. 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
4. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 20
5. Lennox Lewis 1. 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
5. Vitali Klitschko 1. 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
7. Mike Tyson 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		 1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC		 11
7. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 11
9. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 10
10. Evander Holyfield 1. 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
11. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 8
12. Floyd Patterson 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		 NYSAC, NBA 7
12. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal 7
14. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 6
14. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC 6

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

Diagram that represents top 26 world heavyweight champions by number of opponents beaten for the world heavyweight title (as of 19 May 2024)

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

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

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

As of December 19, 2024.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Additional recognition Beaten champions (recognition) Beaten opponents Fights
1. Wladimir Klitschko 1. 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
2. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 undisputed The Ring 22
3. Muhammad Ali 1. 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 Ring 21
4. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC-to-IBF The Ring Mike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)		 20
5. Lennox Lewis 1. 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
6. Mike Tyson 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		 1. undisputed
2. unified		 1. The Ring

 11
6. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal lineal 11
8. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 undisputed The Ring 10
9. Evander Holyfield 1. 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
9. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 undisputed The Ring 8
11. Floyd Patterson 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		 undisputed The Ring 7
12. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal lineal 6
12. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal lineal 6
12. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 undisputed The Ring 6
15. Rocky Marciano September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 undisputed The Ring 5
15. George Foreman 1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995		 1. undisputed
2. unified		 1. The Ring

 5
17. Tyson Fury 1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — May 18, 2024		 1. unified
2. WBC		 1. The Ring
2. The Ring		 4
18. Primo Carnera June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934 undisputed The Ring 3
18. Riddick Bowe November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993 undisputed 3
18. Oleksandr Usyk September 25, 2021 – present undisputed The Ring Daniel Dubois (IBF) 3
21. James J. Corbett September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897 lineal lineal 2
21. Jess Willard April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919 lineal lineal 2
21. Max Schmeling June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931 undisputed The Ring 2
21. Vitali Klitschko April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 WBC The Ring Corrie Sanders (WBO) 2
21. Gene Tunney September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928 undisputed The Ring 2
21. Michael Spinks September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987 IBF The Ring 2
27. John L. Sullivan August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892 lineal lineal 1
27. Bob Fitzsimmons March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899 lineal lineal 1
27. Marvin Hart July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906 lineal lineal 1
27. Max Baer June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935 undisputed The Ring 1
27. James J. Braddock June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937 undisputed The Ring 1
27. Jersey Joe Walcott July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952 undisputed The Ring 1
27. Ingemar Johansson June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960 undisputed The Ring 1
27. Sonny Liston September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964 undisputed The Ring 1
27. Leon Spinks February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978 undisputed The Ring 1
27. Buster Douglas February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990 undisputed 1

Most wins in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended

All championship reigns

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

  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.
Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title fight wins Fights
1. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 27
2. Wladimir Klitschko 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		 1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		 25
3. Muhammad Ali 1. 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
4. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 20
5. Lennox Lewis 1. 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
5. Vitali Klitschko 1. 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
7. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 13
8. Mike Tyson 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		 1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC		 12
9. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 10
9. Deontay Wilder January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020 WBC 10
9. Evander Holyfield 1. 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
12. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 9
12. Anthony Joshua 1. April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 – September 25, 2021		 WBA, IBF, WBO 9
14. Floyd Patterson 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		 NYSAC, NBA 8
14. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 8

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

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title fight wins Fights
1. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 27
2. Wladimir Klitschko 1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		 1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		 25
3. Muhammad Ali 1. 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
4. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 20
5. Lennox Lewis 1. 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
5. Vitali Klitschko 1. 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
7. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 13
8. Mike Tyson 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		 1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBC, WBA		 12
9. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 10
9. Evander Holyfield 1. 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
11. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 9
12. Floyd Patterson 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		 NYSAC, NBA 8
12. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 8
14. Rocky Marciano September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 NYSAC, NBA 7
15. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 NYSAC, NBA 6
15. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal 6

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

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

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

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

As of December 19, 2024.

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Additional recognition Beaten champions (recognition) Title fight wins Fights
1. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 undisputed The Ring 27
2. Wladimir Klitschko 1. 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
3. Muhammad Ali 1. 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
4. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC-to-IBF The Ring Mike Weaver (WBA),
Tim Witherspoon (WBC)		 20
5. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal lineal 13
6. Lennox Lewis 1. 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
6. Mike Tyson 1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		 1. undisputed
2. unified		 1. The Ring

 12
8. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 unified The Ring 10
9. Evander Holyfield 1. 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
9. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 undisputed The Ring 9
11. Floyd Patterson 1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		 undisputed The Ring 8
11. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal lineal 8
13. Rocky Marciano September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 undisputed The Ring 7
14. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 undisputed The Ring 6
14. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal lineal 6
16. George Foreman 1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995		 1. undisputed
2. unified		 1. The Ring

 5
16. Tyson Fury 1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — May 19, 2024		 1. unified
2. WBC		 1. The Ring
2. The Ring		 5
18. Oleksandr Usyk September 25, 2021 — present undisputed The Ring Daniel Dubois (IBF) 4
19. Primo Carnera June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934 undisputed The Ring 3
19. Riddick Bowe November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993 undisputed 3
19. Gene Tunney September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928 undisputed The Ring 3
19. Michael Spinks September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987 IBF The Ring 3
23. James J. Corbett September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897 lineal lineal 2
23. Jess Willard April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919 lineal lineal 2
23. Max Schmeling June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931 undisputed The Ring 2
23. Vitali Klitschko April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 WBC The Ring Corrie Sanders (WBO) 2
23. Jersey Joe Walcott July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952 undisputed The Ring 2
23. Sonny Liston September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964 undisputed The Ring 2
29. John L. Sullivan August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892 lineal lineal 1
29. Bob Fitzsimmons March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899 lineal lineal 1
29. Marvin Hart July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906 lineal lineal 1
29. Max Baer June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935 undisputed The Ring 1
29. James J. Braddock June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937 undisputed The Ring 1
29. Ingemar Johansson June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960 undisputed The Ring 1
29. Leon Spinks February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978 undisputed The Ring 1
29. Buster Douglas February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990 undisputed 1

Most opponents title was successfully defended against during one reign

Keys:

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

All championship reigns

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 21
2. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 19
3. Wladimir Klitschko April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 WBA, IBF, WBO 18
4. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 11
5. Muhammad Ali October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 WBA, WBC 10
6. Vitali Klitschko October 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012 WBC 9
6. Mike Tyson November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 WBA, WBC, IBF 9
6. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 9
6. Deontay Wilder January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020 WBC 9
10. Lennox Lewis February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 WBA, WBC, IBF 8
10. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 8
12. Anthony Joshua April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019 WBA, IBF, WBO 6
12. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 6
12. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal 6
15. Rocky Marciano September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 NYSAC, NBA 5
15. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC 5

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Beaten opponents Fights
1. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 21
2. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 19
3. Wladimir Klitschko April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 WBA, IBF, WBO 17
4. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 11
5. Muhammad Ali October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 WBA, WBC 10
6. Mike Tyson November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 WBA, WBC, IBF 9
6. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 9
8. Lennox Lewis February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 WBA, WBC, IBF 8
8. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 8
10. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 6
10. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal 6
12. Rocky Marciano September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 NYSAC, NBA 5
12. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC 5

Most consecutive title defenses

Keys:

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

All championship reigns

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title defenses Fights
1. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 26
2. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 19
3. Wladimir Klitschko April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 WBA, IBF, WBO 18
4. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 13
5. Muhammad Ali October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 WBA, WBC 10
5. Deontay Wilder January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020 WBC 10
7. Vitali Klitschko October 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012 WBC 9
7. Mike Tyson November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 WBA, WBC, IBF 9
7. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 9
7. Lennox Lewis February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 WBA, WBC, IBF 9
11. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 8
12. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 7
13. Rocky Marciano September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 NYSAC, NBA 6
13. Anthony Joshua April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019 WBA, IBF, WBO 6
13. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal 6

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

Pos. Name Reign began-ended Recognition Title defenses Fights
1. Joe Louis June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949 NYSAC, NBA 26
2. Larry Holmes June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985 WBC, IBF 19
3. Wladimir Klitschko April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015 WBA, IBF, WBO 18
4. Tommy Burns February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908 lineal 13
5. Muhammad Ali October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 WBA, WBC 10
6. Mike Tyson November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 WBA, WBC, IBF 9
6. Joe Frazier March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 9
6. Lennox Lewis February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 WBA, WBC, IBF 9
9. Ezzard Charles September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951 NBA, NYSAC 8
10. James J. Jeffries June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905 lineal 7
11. Rocky Marciano September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956 NYSAC, NBA 6
11. Jack Johnson December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915 lineal 6
13. Jack Dempsey July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926 lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC 5

Longest title reigns

Keys:

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

Combined reigns

All championship reigns

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

As of 26 May 2024.

Pos. Name Combined reign Days as
champion 		Number
of reigns 		Title recognition
1. Wladimir Klitschko 12 years, 0 months, 0 days 4 382 2 WBA, IBF, WBO
2. Joe Louis 11 years, 8 months, 8 days 4 270 1 NYSAC, NBA
3. Muhammad Ali 9 years, 5 months, 5 days 3 443 3 NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4. Lennox Lewis 8 years, 5 months, 13 days 3 086 3 WBA, WBC, IBF
5. Vitali Klitschko 7 years, 5 months, 28 days 2 735 3 WBC, WBO
6. Larry Holmes 7 years, 3 months, 12 days 2 661 1 WBC, IBF
7. Jack Dempsey 7 years, 2 months, 19 days 2 638 1 NYSAC, NBA
8. John L. Sullivan 7 years, 0 months, 9 days 2 566 1 lineal
9. Jack Johnson 6 years, 3 months, 11 days 2 292 1 lineal
10. Evander Holyfield 6 years, 1 month, 1 day 2 223 4 WBA, WBC, IBF
11. James J. Jeffries 5 years, 11 months, 4 days 2 156 1 lineal
12. Tyson Fury 5 years, 1 months, 12 days 1 866 2 WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
13. Deontay Wilder 5 years, 1 months, 5 days 1 859 1 WBC
14. Anthony Joshua 4 years, 11 months, 10 days 1 806 2 IBF, WBA, WBO
15. Joe Frazier 4 years, 10 months, 18 days 1 785 1 NYSAC, WBA, WBC

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

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

As of 26 May 2024.

Pos. Name Combined reign Days as champion Number of reigns Title recognition
1. Wladimir Klitschko 12 years, 0 months, 0 days 4 382 2 WBA, IBF, WBO
2. Joe Louis 11 years, 8 months, 8 days 4 270 1 NYSAC, NBA
3. Muhammad Ali 9 years, 5 months, 5 days 3 443 3 NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4. Lennox Lewis 8 years, 5 months, 13 days 3 086 3 WBA, WBC, IBF
5. Vitali Klitschko 7 years, 5 months, 28 days 2 735 3 WBC, WBO
6. Larry Holmes 7 years, 3 months, 12 days 2 661 1 WBC, IBF
7. Jack Dempsey 7 years, 2 months, 19 days 2 638 1 NYSAC, NBA
8. John L. Sullivan 7 years, 0 months, 10 days 2 566 1 lineal
9. Jack Johnson 6 years, 3 months, 11 days 2 292 1 lineal
10. Evander Holyfield 6 years, 1 month, 1 day 2 223 4 WBA, WBC, IBF
11. James J. Jeffries 5 years, 11 months, 4 days 2 156 1 lineal
12. Tyson Fury 5 years, 1 months, 12 days 1 866 2 WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
13. Joe Frazier 4 years, 10 months, 18 days 1 785 1 NYSAC, WBA, WBC
14. Floyd Patterson 4 years, 10 months, 0 days 1 765 2 NYSAC, NBA
15. James J. Corbett 4 years, 6 months, 10 days 1 652 1 lineal
Vitali Klitschko (right) retired as champion in 2005. Following his retirement, the WBC conferred "champion emeritus" status on Klitschko, and assured him he would become the mandatory challenger if and when he decided to return

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

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

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

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

As of 26 May 2024.

Pos. Name Combined reign Days as champion Number of reigns Title recognition
1. Wladimir Klitschko 12 years, 0 months, 0 days 4 382 2 WBA, IBF, WBO
2. Joe Louis 11 years, 8 months, 8 days 4 270 1 NYSAC, NBA
3. Muhammad Ali 9 years, 5 months, 5 days 3 443 3 NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4. Larry Holmes 7 years, 3 months, 12 days 2 661 1 WBC, IBF
5. Jack Dempsey 7 years, 2 months, 19 days 2 638 1 NYSAC, NBA
6. John L. Sullivan 7 years, 0 months, 10 days 2 566 1 lineal
7. Lennox Lewis 6 years, 8 months, 3 days 2 437 2 WBA, WBC, IBF
8. Jack Johnson 6 years, 3 months, 11 days 2 292 1 lineal
9. James J. Jeffries 5 years, 11 months, 4 days 2 156 1 lineal
10. Evander Holyfield 5 years, 6 months, 12 days 2 020 3 WBA, WBC, IBF
11. Tyson Fury 5 years, 1 months, 12 days 1 866 2 WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
12. Joe Frazier 4 years, 10 months, 18 days 1 785 1 NYSAC, WBA, WBC
13. Floyd Patterson 4 years, 10 months, 0 days 1 765 2 NYSAC, NBA
14. James J. Corbett 4 years, 6 months, 10 days 1 652 1 lineal
15. Jess Willard 4 years, 2 months, 29 days 1 551 1 lineal

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 Louis 11 years, 8 months, 8 days lineal
2. Wladimir Klitschko 9 years, 7 months and 6 days IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3. Larry Holmes 7 years, 3 months, 12 days WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4. Jack Dempsey 7 years, 2 months, 19 days lineal
5. John L. Sullivan 7 years, 0 months, 9 days lineal
6. Jack Johnson 6 years, 3 months, 10 days lineal
7. Muhammad Ali 5 years, 11 months, 9 days The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8. James J. Jeffries 5 years, 11 months, 4 days lineal
9. Vitali Klitschko 5 years, 2 months, 4 days WBC
10. Deontay Wilder 5 years, 1 month 5 days WBC
11. Joe Frazier 4 years, 10 months, 18 days NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
12. James J. Corbett 4 years, 6 months, 10 days lineal
13. Jess Willard 4 years, 2 months, 29 days lineal
14. Tyson Fury 4 years, 2 months, 26 days WBC (+The Ring/Lineal)
15. Lennox Lewis 4 years, 2 months, 15 days WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

Pos. Name Title Reign Title recognition
1. Joe Louis 11 years, 8 months, 8 days lineal
2. Wladimir Klitschko 9 years, 7 months and 6 days IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3. Larry Holmes 7 years, 3 months, 12 days WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4. Jack Dempsey 7 years, 2 months, 19 days lineal
5. John L. Sullivan 7 years, 0 months, 9 days lineal
6. Jack Johnson 6 years, 3 months, 10 days lineal
7. Muhammad Ali 5 years, 11 months, 9 days The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8. James J. Jeffries 5 years, 11 months, 4 days lineal
9. Joe Frazier 4 years, 10 months, 18 days NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
10. James J. Corbett 4 years, 6 months, 10 days lineal
11. Jess Willard 4 years, 2 months, 29 days lineal
12. Tyson Fury 4 years, 2 months, 26 days WBC (+The Ring/Lineal)
13. Lennox Lewis 4 years, 2 months, 15 days WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)
14. Rocky Marciano 3 years, 11 months, 29 days lineal
15. Mike Tyson 3 years, 2 months, 20 days WBC (+WBA, IBF, The Ring)

Title fight finishes

Fastest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages

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

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

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

Most opponents beaten in title fights by stoppage

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Name Finished opponents Fights
1. Joe Louis 20
2. Wladimir Klitschko 18
3. Larry Holmes 14
4. Muhammad Ali 13
5. Vitali Klitschko 12
6. Lennox Lewis 11
7. Mike Tyson 9
Tommy Burns
9. Deontay Wilder 8
9. Joe Frazier 8
11. Floyd Patterson 7
11. Anthony Joshua 7
13. Rocky Marciano 5
James J. Jeffries
Ezzard Charles
Jack Dempsey

Most title fight wins by stoppage

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Name Title fight finishes Fights
1. Joe Louis 23
2. Wladimir Klitschko 19
3. Muhammad Ali 14
3. Larry Holmes 14
5. Vitali Klitschko 12
6. Lennox Lewis 11
6. Tommy Burns 11
8. Mike Tyson 10
9. Deontay Wilder 9
10. Joe Frazier 8
10. Floyd Patterson 8
11. Anthony Joshua 7
12. Rocky Marciano 6
12. James J. Jeffries 6
12. Ezzard Charles 6

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

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Note 2: Only fighters who have defeated 5 or more opponents for the world heavyweight title are included
Name Opponents fought Opponents stopped Percentage Fights
1. Rocky Marciano 5 5 100%
2. Deontay Wilder 9 8 88.89%
3. Joe Louis 23 20 86.96%
4. Tommy Burns 12 9 75%
5. Joe Frazier 11 8 72.73%
6. Jack Dempsey 7 5 71.43%
6. James J. Jeffries 7 5 71.43%
8. Vitali Klitschko 17 12 70.59%
9. Floyd Patterson 10 7 70%
9. Anthony Joshua 10 7 70%
11. Wladimir Klitschko 26 18 69.23%
12. Lennox Lewis 17 11 64.71%
13. Mike Tyson 14 9 64.29%
14. Muhammad Ali 22 13 59.09%
15. Larry Holmes 24 14 58.33%

Highest knockout-to-win percentage in title fights

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
Note 2: Only fighters who have won 5 or more world heavyweight title fights are included
Name Title fights Title fight stoppages Percentage Fights
1. Rocky Marciano 7 6 85.71%
2. Joe Louis 28 23 82.14%
3. Tommy Burns 15 11 73.33%
4. Vitali Klitschko 17 12 70.59%
5. Deontay Wilder 13 9 69.23%
6. Joe Frazier 12 8 66.67%
6. James J. Jeffries 9 6 66.67%
8. Wladimir Klitschko 29 19 65.52%
9. Lennox Lewis 17 11 64.71%
10. Mike Tyson 16 10 62.5%
11. Jack Dempsey 8 5 62.5%
12. Floyd Patterson 13 8 61.54%
13. Anthony Joshua 12 7 58.33%
14. Jack Johnson 7 4 57.14%
14. George Foreman 7 4 57.14%

Champions by age

Keys:

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

Oldest champions

As of December 19, 2024.

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 Foreman Lineal November 22, 1997 48 years, 316 days
2 Vitali Klitschko WBC December 16, 2013 42 years, 2 months, 26 days
3 Wladimir Klitschko WBA, IBF, WBO November 28, 2015 39 years, 8 months, 3 days
4 Oleg Maskaev WBC March 8, 2008 39 years, 6 days
5 Jersey Joe Walcott NBA, NYSAC September 23, 1952 38 years, 7 months, 23 days
6 Lennox Lewis WBC February 6, 2004 38 years, 5 months, 4 days
7 Evander Holyfield WBA March 3, 2001 38 years, 4 months, 12 days
8 Corrie Sanders WBO February 1, 2004 38 years, 25 days
9 Muhammad Ali WBA October 18, 1979 37 years, 9 months, 1 day
10 Jess Willard Lineal July 4, 1919 37 years, 6 months, 5 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

Name Recognition Last day as champion Age Source(s)
1 Wladimir Klitschko WBA, IBF, WBO November 28, 2015 39 years, 8 months, 3 days
2 Jersey Joe Walcott NBA, NYSAC September 23, 1952 38 years, 7 months, 23 days
3 Lennox Lewis WBC February 6, 2004 38 years, 5 months, 4 days
4 Muhammad Ali WBA October 18, 1979 37 years, 9 months, 1 day
5 Jess Willard Lineal July 4, 1919 37 years, 6 months, 5 days
6 Oleksandr Usyk WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO Present 37 years, 11 months and 2 days
7 Jack Johnson Lineal April 5, 1915 37 years, 0 months, 5 days
8 Bob Fitzsimmons Lineal July 4, 1919 36 years, 0 months, 14 days
9 Larry Holmes IBF September 21, 1985 35 years, 10 months, 18 days
10 Tyson Fury WBC May 18, 2024 35 years, 9 months, 7 days

Youngest champions

As of December 19, 2024.

All championship reigns

Name Recognition Date Age Source(s)
1 Mike Tyson WBC November 22, 1986 20 years, 4 months, 23 days
2 Floyd Patterson NBA, NYSAC November 30, 1956 21 years, 10 months, 26 days
3 Muhammad Ali WBA, WBC February 25, 1964 22 years, 1 month, 8 days
4 Joe Louis NBA, NYSAC June 22, 1937 23 years, 1 month, 9 days
5 Jack Dempsey Lineal July 4, 1919 24 years, 0 months, 10 days
6 George Foreman WBA, WBC February 22, 1973 24 years, 0 months, 12 days
7 Joe Frazier NYSAC March 4, 1968 24 years, 1 month, 21 days
8 James J. Jeffries Lineal June 9, 1899 24 years, 1 month, 25 days
9 Michael Dokes WBA December 10, 1982 24 years, 4 months
10 Wladimir Klitschko WBO October 14, 2000 24 years, 6 months, 19 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

Name Recognition Date Age Source(s)
1 Mike Tyson WBC November 22, 1986 20 years, 4 months, 23 days
2 Floyd Patterson NBA, NYSAC November 30, 1956 21 years, 10 months, 26 days
3 Muhammad Ali WBA, WBC February 25, 1964 22 years, 8 days
4 Joe Louis NBA, NYSAC June 22, 1937 23 years, 1 month, 9 days
5 Jack Dempsey Lineal July 4, 1919 24 years, 0 months, 10 days
6 George Foreman WBA, WBC February 22, 1973 24 years, 0 months, 12 days
7 Joe Frazier NYSAC March 4, 1968 24 years, 1 month, 21 days
8 James J. Jeffries Lineal June 9, 1899 24 years, 1 month, 25 days
9 Leon Spinks WBA February 15, 1978 24 years, 7 months, 4 days
10 Tommy Burns Lineal January 16, 1902 24 years, 8 months, 6 days

Fastest world championship wins

By time elapsed from professional debut

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

All championship reigns

Name Professional debut World title win Time elapsed Fights
1 Leon Spinks January 15, 1977 February 15, 1978 1 year, 1 month
2 Mike Tyson March 6, 1985 November 22, 1986 1 year, 8 months, 16 days
3 John Tate May 7, 1977 October 20, 1979 2 years, 5 months, 13 days
4 Anthony Joshua October 5, 2013 April 9, 2016 2 years, 6 months, 4 days
5 Joe Frazier August 16, 1965 March 4, 1968 2 years, 6 months, 17 days
6 Vitali Klitschko November 16, 1996 June 26, 1999 2 years, 7 months, 10 days
7 Joe Louis July 7, 1934 June 22, 1937 2 years, 11 months, 15 days
8 Charles Martin October 27, 2012 January 16, 2016 3 years, 2 months, 20 days
9 Muhammad Ali October 29, 1960 January 25, 1964 3 years, 2 months, 27 days
10 George Foreman June 23, 1969 January 22, 1973 3 years, 6 months, 30 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

Name Professional debut World title win Time elapsed Fights
1 Leon Spinks January 15, 1977 February 15, 1978 1 year, 1 month
2 Mike Tyson March 6, 1985 November 22, 1986 1 year, 8 months, 16 days
3 Joe Frazier August 16, 1965 March 4, 1968 2 years, 6 months, 17 days
4 Joe Louis July 7, 1934 June 22, 1937 2 years, 11 months, 15 days
5 Muhammad Ali October 29, 1960 January 25, 1964 3 years, 2 months, 27 days
6 George Foreman June 23, 1969 January 22, 1973 3 years, 6 months, 30 days
7 James J. Jeffries October 29, 1895 June 9, 1899 3 years, 7 months, 11 days
8 Riddick Bowe March 6, 1989 November 13, 1992 3 years, 6 months, 30 days
9 Tommy Burns January 16, 1902 February 23, 1906 4 years, 1 month, 7 days
10 Jess Willard February 5, 1911 April 5, 1915 4 years, 2 months

By number of bouts fought to win world championship

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

All championship reigns

Name Professional debut World title win Fights Source(s)
1 Leon Spinks January 15, 1977 February 15, 1978 8
2 James J. Corbett March 6, 1885 November 22, 1886 11
3 James J. Jeffries October 29, 1895 June 9, 1899 13
4 Anthony Joshua October 5, 2013 April 9, 2016 16
5 Tim Witherspoon October 10, 1979 March 9, 1984 19
5 Oleksandr Usyk September 11, 2013 September 25, 2021 19
7 John Tate May 7, 1977 October 20, 1979 20
7 Joe Frazier August 16, 1965 March 4, 1968 20
7 Muhammad Ali October 29, 1960 January 25, 1964 20
10 Tony Tubbs June 14, 1980 April 29, 1985 21

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

Name Professional debut World title win Fights Source(s)
1 Leon Spinks January 15, 1977 February 15, 1978 8
2 James J. Corbett March 6, 1885 November 22, 1886 11
3 James J. Jeffries October 29, 1895 June 9, 1899 13
4 Joe Frazier August 16, 1965 March 4, 1968 20
4 Muhammad Ali October 29, 1960 January 25, 1964 20
6 Ingemar Johansson December 5, 1952 June 26, 1959 22
7 Evander Holyfield November 15, 1984 October 25, 1990 25
7 Tyson Fury December 6, 2008 November 28, 2015 25
9 Mike Tyson March 6, 1985 November 22, 1986 28
9 Larry Holmes March 21, 1973 June 9, 1978 28
9 Michael Spinks April 16, 1977 September 21, 1985 28
9 Jess Willard February 5, 1911 April 5, 1915 28

Statistics by non-US country

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

  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

Title fight wins & beaten opponents

All championship reigns

Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine 3 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk 44 40
United Kingdom 6 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Frank Bruno, Herbie Hide, David Haye, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua 37 33
Canada 4 Tommy Burns, Trevor Berbick*, Bermane Stiverne, Lennox Lewis* 30 28
Russia 3 Nikolai Valuev, Oleg Maskaev, Sultan Ibragimov 9 7
Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3
Uzbekistan 1 Ruslan Chagaev 3 3
New Zealand 1 Joseph Parker 3 3
South Africa 2 Gerrie Coetzee, Corrie Sanders 2 2
Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2
Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1
Belarus 1 Siarhei Liakhovich 1 1
Nigeria 1 Samuel Peter 1 1
Jamaica 1 Trevor Berbick* 1 1

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

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

Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine 3 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk 44 40
Canada 2 Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* 28 26
United Kingdom 3 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury 21 20
Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3
Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2
Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1

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

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

  • has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles simultaneously
  • defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active
Country No. of champions Boxers by Name Title wins Beaten opponents Fights
Ukraine 3 Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk 31 28
Canada 2 Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis* 25 23
United Kingdom 3 Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury 17 16
Italy 1 Primo Carnera 3 3
Germany 1 Max Schmeling 2 2
Sweden 1 Ingemar Johansson 1 1

Title streaks

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

All championship reigns

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

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

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

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

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

See also

Notes

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

References

  1. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1997 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  2. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1999 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  3. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2002 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  4. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2006 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  5. "The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2011 edition" (pdf). International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
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