Home Discussion Topics Dictionary Almanac

Signup Login

List of heavyweight boxing champions

Overview

This is a chronological list of world heavyweight boxing champions since the introduction of the Marquess of Queensberry rules

Marquess of Queensberry rules

The Marquess of Queensberry rules is a code of generally accepted rules in the sport of boxing. They were named so because John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry publicly endorsed the code, although they were written by a sportsman named John Graham Chambers. The code of rules on which modern...

: Bare knuckle champions who fought under London Prize Ring rules are not listed here, as they were predominantly British.

Discussion

Ask a question about 'List of heavyweight boxing champions'

Start a new discussion about 'List of heavyweight boxing champions'

Answer questions from other users

Full Discussion Forum

Unanswered Questions

Who is parviz baadpa

Encyclopedia

This is a chronological list of world heavyweight boxing champions since the introduction of the Marquess of Queensberry rules

Marquess of Queensberry rules

: Bare knuckle champions who fought under London Prize Ring rules are not listed here, as they were predominantly British.

1885–1910

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. 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.

Championship awarding organizations

The International Boxing Union (IBU), formed in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...

in 1910. Changed name to European Boxing Union
European Boxing Union
The European Boxing Union is an organization that oversees competition in that sport over the continent of Europe.-History:The EBU started life as the International Boxing Union in Paris in 1910...

in 1946. It organised world title fights from 1913 to 1963 after which it was incorporated into the World Boxing Council
World Boxing Council
The World Boxing Council was initially established by 11 countries: the United States, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil plus Puerto Rico, met in Mexico City on February 14, 1963, upon invitation of the then President of Mexico, Adolfo...

(WBC).
The New York State Athletic Commission
New York State Athletic Commission
The New York State Athletic Commission or NYSAC, also known as the New York Athletic Commission, regulates all contests and exhibitions of unarmed combat within the state of New York, including licensure and supervision of promoters, boxers, professional wrestlers, seconds, ring officials,...

(NYSAC), formed in 1920. It organised world title bouts until the early 1970s when it became a member of World Boxing Council
World Boxing Council
The World Boxing Council was initially established by 11 countries: the United States, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil plus Puerto Rico, met in Mexico City on February 14, 1963, upon invitation of the then President of Mexico, Adolfo...

(WBC).
The National Boxing Association (NBA) formed in the USA in 1921.
Other bodies including the National Sporting Club
National Sporting Club
The National Sporting Club was a club founded in London in 1891, which did more to establish the sport of boxing in Great Britain than any other organisation.-Origins:...

in Great Britain and the California State Athletic Commission
California State Athletic Commission
The California State Athletic Commission regulates professional boxing, professional and amateur kickboxing and professional mixed martial arts throughout the State by licensing all participants and supervising the events....

awarded world titles but this did not affect the heavyweight division.

Championship awarding organizations

The World Boxing Association
World Boxing Association
The World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962...

(WBA), founded in 1921 as the National Boxing Association (NBA); it changed its name in 1961 and allowed membership from outside the USA.
The World Boxing Council
World Boxing Council
The World Boxing Council was initially established by 11 countries: the United States, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil plus Puerto Rico, met in Mexico City on February 14, 1963, upon invitation of the then President of Mexico, Adolfo...

(WBC), founded in 1963.
The International Boxing Federation
International Boxing Federation
The International Boxing Federation or IBF is one of four major organizations recognized by IBHOF which sanction world championship boxing bouts, alongside the WBA, WBC and WBO.- History :...

(IBF), founded in 1983.
The World Boxing Organization
World Boxing Organization
The World Boxing Organization is a sanctioning organization currently recognizing professional boxing world champions. The organization is recognized as one of the four major world championship groups by the IBHOF alongside the International Boxing Federation, the World Boxing Council and the...

(WBO), founded in 1988.

Reign began	Reign ended	Champion	Recognition	Nationality
August 29, 1882	September 7, 1892	John L. Sullivan John L. Sullivan John Lawrence Sullivan , also known as the Boston Strong Boy, was recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing from February 7, 1881 to 1892, and is generally recognized as the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing under the London Prize Ring rules...	Universal	American
Sullivan defeated Paddy Ryan Paddy Ryan Paddy Ryan was an Irish American boxer, and became his sport's world's heavyweight champion from May 30, 1880 when he won the title from Joe Goss until losing his title to John L. Sullivan on February 7, 1882.... in 1882 for the bare knuckle championship of America. With the lack of legitimate challengers from outside America Sullivan gradually gained recognition as champion of the world. On August 29, 1885, he outpointed Dominick McCaffrey Dominick McCaffrey Dominick McCaffrey was an Irish-American boxer.McCaffrey was a popular boxer during his time, often noted for fighting much larger heavyweights. In 1885 he lost the Heavyweight Championship to John L. Sullivan... in Chester Park, Cincinnati, in a bout described as being "to decide the Marquess of Queensberry glove contest for the championship of the world"
September 7, 1892	March 17, 1897	James J. Corbett James J. Corbett James John "Gentleman Jim" Corbett was an Irish-American heavyweight boxing champion, best known as the man who defeated the great John L. Sullivan. He also coached boxing at the Olympic Club in San Francisco...	Universal	American
James J. Corbett announced his retirement from boxing in 1895 and nominated his protege Steve O'Donnell as his successor. Tradition demanded that O'Donnell win the world title in the ring so he was matched against the erratic Irish boxer Peter Maher Peter Maher (boxer) Peter Maher was an Irish-American boxer known for his powerful punch. Early in his career Maher won the 1888 Middleweight Championship of Ireland, and the 1890 Heavyweight Championship of Ireland... . The bout took place at the Empire Athletic club, Maspeth, New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... on 11 November 1895, Maher surprisingly defeated O'Donnell via first round knockout. The general public had little acceptance of the new champion and even Maher himself expressed a wish to fight Corbett for the "real" title. Maher defended his "world title" against the British-born Bob Fitzsimmons Bob Fitzsimmons Robert James "Bob" Fitzsimmons , was a British boxer who made boxing history as the sport's first three-division world champion. He also achieved fame for beating Gentleman Jim Corbett, the man who beat John L. Sullivan, and is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the Lightest heavyweight... in Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico Mexico The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of... on February 21, 1896, and was himself the victim of a first round knockout. Fitzsimmons then fought another Irish fighter, Tom Sharkey Tom Sharkey Tom 'Sailor Tom' Sharkey was a boxer who fought two fights with heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries. Sharkey's recorded ring career spanned from 1893 to 1904. He is credited with having won 40 fights , 7 losses, and 5 draws... of Dundalk Dundalk Dundalk is the county town of County Louth in Ireland. It is situated where the Castletown River flows into Dundalk Bay. The town is close to the border with Northern Ireland and equi-distant from Dublin and Belfast. The town's name, which was historically written as Dundalgan, has associations... on December 2, 1896, in San Francisco, the bout being billed for the heavyweight title. Sharkey was awarded victory by disqualification in round 8 by the referee, Wyatt Earp Wyatt Earp Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was an American gambler, investor, and law enforcement officer who served in several Western frontier towns. He was also at different times a farmer, teamster, bouncer, saloon-keeper, miner and boxing referee. However, he was never a drover or cowboy. He is most well known... . Corbett announced his return to the ring late in 1896 and the claims of Maher, Fitzsimmons (until 1897) and Sharkey to be champion are usually ignored.
March 17, 1897	June 9, 1899	Bob Fitzsimmons Bob Fitzsimmons Robert James "Bob" Fitzsimmons , was a British boxer who made boxing history as the sport's first three-division world champion. He also achieved fame for beating Gentleman Jim Corbett, the man who beat John L. Sullivan, and is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the Lightest heavyweight...	Universal	British
Fitzsimmons became an American citizen in 1898.
June 9, 1899	May 13, 1905¹	James J. Jeffries James J. Jeffries James Jackson Jeffries was a world heavyweight boxing champion.His greatest assets were his enormous strength and stamina. Using a technique taught to him by his trainer, former welterweight and middleweight champion Tommy Ryan, Jeffries fought out of a crouch with his left arm extended forward...	Universal	American
Jeffries was the first modern champion to relinquish the title, announcing his retirement and declaring that the winner of a match between Marvin Hart Marvin Hart Marvin Hart was the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion from July 3, 1905 to February 23, 1906.- Career :... and Jack Root Jack Root Jack Root was a light heavyweight champion and also fought for the world heavyweight title. He fought out of Chicago, Illinois.-Light heavyweight championship claim:... would be the next legitimate champion. Jeffries would return to the ring to face Jack Johnson Jack Johnson (boxer) John Arthur Johnson , nicknamed the “Galveston Giant,” was an American boxer. At the height of the Jim Crow era, Johnson became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion... .
July 3, 1905	February 23, 1906	Marvin Hart Marvin Hart Marvin Hart was the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion from July 3, 1905 to February 23, 1906.- Career :...	Universal	American
February 23, 1906	December 26, 1908	Tommy Burns Tommy Burns (boxer) Tommy Burns , born Noah Brusso, is the only Canadian born world heavyweight champion boxer. The first to travel the globe in defending his title, Tommy made 11 title defenses despite often being the underdog due to his size. Burns famously challenged all comers as Heavyweight Champion, leading to...	Universal	Canadian
December 26, 1908	April 5, 1915	Jack Johnson Jack Johnson (boxer) John Arthur Johnson , nicknamed the “Galveston Giant,” was an American boxer. At the height of the Jim Crow era, Johnson became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion...	Universal	American
Jack Johnson's refusal to honor an agreement made by his manager to defend against the British champion led the National Sporting Club National Sporting Club The National Sporting Club was a club founded in London in 1891, which did more to establish the sport of boxing in Great Britain than any other organisation.-Origins:... in London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... , the most powerful body in boxing outside the USA, to withdraw recognition of Johnson as champion. They matched Canadian Sam Langford Sam Langford Sam Langford was a Black Canadian boxing standout of the early part of the 20th century. Called the "Greatest Fighter Nobody Knows," by ESPN. He was rated #2 by The Ring on their list of "100 greatest punchers of all time". Langford was originally from Weymouth Falls, a small community in Nova... and the British champion William "Iron" Hague for their version of the title. Langford beat Hague on a fourth round knockout in London on May 24, 1909. Langford returned home to America and never pressed his claim to the title.
April 5, 1915	July 4, 1919	Jess Willard Jess Willard Jess Willard was a world heavyweight boxing champion. He won the heavyweight title from Jack Johnson in April 1915 and lost it to Jack Dempsey in July 1919....	Universal	American
July 4, 1919	September 23, 1926	Jack Dempsey Jack Dempsey William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first...	Universal	American
September 23, 1926	July 31, 1928²	Gene Tunney Gene Tunney James Joseph "Gene" Tunney was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1926-1928 who defeated Jack Dempsey twice, first in 1926 and then in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey is one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight...	Universal	American
Tunney announced his retirement from professional boxing on July 31, 1928, relinquishing the championship.
June 12, 1930	January 7, 1931	Max Schmeling Max Schmeling Maximillian Adolph Otto Siegfried Schmeling was a German boxer who was heavyweight champion of the world between 1930 and 1932. His two fights with Joe Louis in the late 1930s transcended boxing, and became worldwide social events because of their national associations...	Universal	German
Schmeling defeated Jack Sharkey to earn universal recognition as champion but was stripped of the NYSAC version of the title in 1931 for refusing a rematch with Sharkey. The NYSAC title remained vacant until the two men eventually did fight in 1932.
January 7, 1931	June 21, 1932	Max Schmeling Max Schmeling Maximillian Adolph Otto Siegfried Schmeling was a German boxer who was heavyweight champion of the world between 1930 and 1932. His two fights with Joe Louis in the late 1930s transcended boxing, and became worldwide social events because of their national associations...	NBA & IBU	German
June 21, 1932	June 29, 1933	Jack Sharkey Jack Sharkey Jack Sharkey was an American heavyweight boxing champion. He was born Joseph Paul Zukauskas , the son of Lithuanian immigrants, in Binghamton, New York but moved to Boston, Massachusetts as a young man...	Universal	American
June 29, 1933	June 14, 1934	Primo Carnera Primo Carnera Primo Carnera was an Italian boxer, nicknamed the Ambling Alp, who became the world heavyweight champion.-Biography:...	Universal	Italian
June 14, 1934	June 13, 1935	Max Baer	Universal	American
In late 1934 the International Boxing Union European Boxing Union The European Boxing Union is an organization that oversees competition in that sport over the continent of Europe.-History:The EBU started life as the International Boxing Union in Paris in 1910... ordered world champion Max Baer to defend his title against the reigning European champion, Pierre Charles Pierre Charles Pierre Charles was Prime Minister of Dominica from 2000 to 2004 as well as Member of Parliament for Grand Bay, Dominica from 1985 until his death. He was born in Grand Bay in Saint Patrick parish. He began his high school education at the Dominica Grammar School and completed it at the St... of Belgium. When Baer instead opted to fight James J. Braddock James J. Braddock James Walter "The Cinderella Man" Braddock was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937.... they withdrew recognition of him as champion. The IBU matched Charles with the American heavyweight George Godfrey for their version of the title with the fight taking place in Brussels Brussels Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union... , Belgium Belgium Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many... on 2 October 1935. Godfrey won a fifteen round points decision but did not press any claim to the championship and was inactive for the next two years. The IBU then recognized Baer's successor, James J. Braddock James J. Braddock James Walter "The Cinderella Man" Braddock was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937.... , as champion.
June 13, 1935	June 22, 1937	James J. Braddock James J. Braddock James Walter "The Cinderella Man" Braddock was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937....	Universal	American
June 22, 1937	March 1, 1949²	Joe Louis Joe Louis Joseph Louis Barrow , better known as Joe Louis, was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 to 1949. He is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time...	Universal	American
As of 2009, Louis still holds the record for holding the title longer than any man (11 years, 8 months and 8 days.)
June 22, 1949	September 27, 1950	Ezzard Charles Ezzard Charles Ezzard Mack Charles was an African-American professional boxer and former world heavyweight champion. He holds wins over numerous Hall of Fame fighters in three different weight classes. Charles retired with a record of 93 wins, 25 losses and 1 draw.-Career:He was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia,...	NBA	American
Charles won the vacant National Boxing Association World Boxing Association The World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962... championship in June 1949, but was not universally recognized as champion until June 1951.
June 6, 1950	June 16, 1951	Lee Savold Lee Savold Lee Savold was a heavyweight boxer who held the British and European version of the World Heavyweight championship between 1950 and 1951 and was a leading contender in the forties and early fifties....	EBU	American
On the retirement of Joe Louis in March 1949, the European Boxing Union European Boxing Union The European Boxing Union is an organization that oversees competition in that sport over the continent of Europe.-History:The EBU started life as the International Boxing Union in Paris in 1910... announced that a fight in May 1949 between Lee Savold Lee Savold Lee Savold was a heavyweight boxer who held the British and European version of the World Heavyweight championship between 1950 and 1951 and was a leading contender in the forties and early fifties.... of the USA and British champion Bruce Woodcock Bruce Woodcock (boxer) Bruce Woodcock was an English boxer. He was the British and Empire heavyweight champion 1945-1950, and European heavyweight champion 1946-1949. He had a large fanbase, and his participation in a competition often resulted in sellout crowds... would determine their version of the world heavyweight title. The NYSAC and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) also decided to recognize the winner of the fight as their champion but it was postponed for over a year due to injuries Woodcock had suffered in a car crash. The NYSAC decided instead to recognize the winner of the upcoming bout in September 1950 between Ezzard Charles and Joe Louis as their champion. Louis was returning to the ring after an absence of 27 months. When the fight for the EBU and BBBofC world heavyweight titles eventually took place in June 1950, Savold defeated Woodcock in four rounds.
September 27, 1950	June 16, 1951	Ezzard Charles Ezzard Charles Ezzard Mack Charles was an African-American professional boxer and former world heavyweight champion. He holds wins over numerous Hall of Fame fighters in three different weight classes. Charles retired with a record of 93 wins, 25 losses and 1 draw.-Career:He was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia,...	NBA & NYSAC	American
June 16, 1951	July 18, 1951	Ezzard Charles Ezzard Charles Ezzard Mack Charles was an African-American professional boxer and former world heavyweight champion. He holds wins over numerous Hall of Fame fighters in three different weight classes. Charles retired with a record of 93 wins, 25 losses and 1 draw.-Career:He was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia,...	Universal	American
Following his defeat to Joe Louis in a non-title fight in June 1951, Lee Savold was no longer recognized as the world heavyweight champion by the EBU and the BBBofC, who both immediately transferred their recognition to Ezzard Charles. Charles therefore became universally recognized as world heavyweight champion.
July 18, 1951	September 23, 1952	Jersey Joe Walcott Jersey Joe Walcott Arnold Raymond Cream , better known as Jersey Joe Walcott, was a world heavyweight boxing champion. He broke the world's record for the oldest man to win the world's Heavyweight title when he earned it at the age of , a record that would be broken on November 5, 1994, by George Foreman, who...	Universal	American
September 23, 1952	April 27, 1956²	Rocky Marciano Rocky Marciano Rocky Marciano , born Rocco Francis Marchegiano, was an American boxer and the heavyweight champion of the world from September 23, 1952, to April 27, 1956. Marciano is the only champion to hold the heavyweight title and go undefeated throughout his career. Marciano defended his title six times...	Universal	American
Marciano announced his retirement from professional boxing, relinquishing the championship.
November 30, 1956	June 26, 1959	Floyd Patterson Floyd Patterson Floyd Patterson was an American heavyweight boxer and former undisputed heavyweight champion. At 21, Patterson became the youngest man to win the world heavyweight title. He was also the first heavyweight boxer to regain the title. He had a record of 55 wins 8 losses and 1 draw, with 40 wins by...	Universal	American
June 26, 1959	June 20, 1960	Ingemar Johansson Ingemar Johansson Jens Ingemar Johansson was a Swedish boxer and former heavyweight champion of the world. Johansson was the fifth heavyweight champion born outside the United States. In 1959 he defeated Floyd Patterson by TKO in the third round, after flooring Patterson seven times in that round, to win the World...	Universal	Swedish
June 20, 1960	September 25, 1962	Floyd Patterson Floyd Patterson Floyd Patterson was an American heavyweight boxer and former undisputed heavyweight champion. At 21, Patterson became the youngest man to win the world heavyweight title. He was also the first heavyweight boxer to regain the title. He had a record of 55 wins 8 losses and 1 draw, with 40 wins by...	Universal	American
September 25, 1962	February 25, 1964	Sonny Liston Sonny Liston Charles L. "Sonny" Liston was a professional boxer and ex-convict known for his toughness, punching power, and intimidating appearance who became world heavyweight champion in 1962 by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round...	Universal	American
February 25, 1964	June 19, 1964	Cassius Clay Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist... (Muhammad Ali)	Universal	American
The WBA World Boxing Association The World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962... and the NYSAC withdrew their recognition of Clay (now known as Muhammad Ali) as champion for agreeing to an immediate rematch against Liston, a violation of the organization's rules at the time. The WBC World Boxing Council The World Boxing Council was initially established by 11 countries: the United States, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil plus Puerto Rico, met in Mexico City on February 14, 1963, upon invitation of the then President of Mexico, Adolfo... and other organizations continued to recognize him. (See Ali versus Liston Ali versus Liston The two Ali versus Liston fights for boxing's world heavyweight championship were among the most anticipated, watched and controversial fights in the sport's history.-Background:... .)
June 19, 1964	February 6, 1967	Cassius Clay Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist... (Muhammad Ali)	WBC	American
March 5, 1965	February 6, 1967	Ernie Terrell Ernie Terrell Ernie Terrell is an American singer, record producer, and former World Boxing Association heavyweight boxing champion. At , he was very tall, by the standards of the day....	WBA & NYSAC	American
February 6, 1967	April 29, 1967	Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...	Universal	American
The WBA, the NYSAC and several other US state boxing commissions withdrew recognition of Ali as champion for his refusal to be inducted into the United States Army United States Army The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services... subsequent to being drafted Conscription Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of people in some sort of national service, most often military service. Conscription dates back to antiquity and continues in some countries to the present day under various names... in early 1967.
April 29, 1967	March, 1969	Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...	WBC	American
The WBC eventually followed the lead of the WBA and the NYSAC and stripped Ali of their title in March 1969.
March 4, 1968	February 16, 1970	Joe Frazier Joe Frazier Joseph William "Joe" Frazier , also known as Smokin' Joe, was an Olympic and Undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a one-fight comeback in 1981....	NYSAC	American
April 28, 1968	February 16, 1970	Jimmy Ellis Jimmy Ellis James Albert "Jimmy" Ellis is a retired boxer from Louisville, Kentucky. He fought in what some consider to be the greatest heavyweight era of all-time, which included Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Jerry Quarry, Floyd Patterson, Oscar Bonavena, Earnie Shavers and George Chuvalo among...	WBA	American
February 16, 1970	January 22, 1973	Joe Frazier Joe Frazier Joseph William "Joe" Frazier , also known as Smokin' Joe, was an Olympic and Undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a one-fight comeback in 1981....	Universal	American
Frazier and Ellis fought on February 16, 1970, at Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the... , New York New York City New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and... . Frazier entered the ring as the holder of NYSAC version of the world title and Ellis held the WBA heavyweight title. The fight was also for the WBC title vacated by Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist... . Frazier defeated Ellis and was universally recognized as champion. He cemented his reputation upon defeating Muhammad Ali on March 8, 1971. (See Fight of the Century Fight of the Century Fight of the Century was the promotional nickname given to the first boxing match between champion Joe Frazier and challenger Muhammad Ali , held on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.... )
January 22, 1973	October 30, 1974	George Foreman George Foreman George Edward Foreman is an American two-time former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained Baptist minister, author and successful entrepreneur...	Universal	American
October 30, 1974	February 15, 1978	Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...	Universal	American
February 15, 1978	March 18, 1978³	Leon Spinks Leon Spinks Leon Spinks is a former American boxer. He had an overall record of 26 wins, 17 losses and 3 draws as a professional, with 14 knockout wins, and was the former World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association heavyweight champion of the world...	Universal	American
March 18, 1978	September 15, 1978	Leon Spinks Leon Spinks Leon Spinks is a former American boxer. He had an overall record of 26 wins, 17 losses and 3 draws as a professional, with 14 knockout wins, and was the former World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association heavyweight champion of the world...	WBA	American
March 18, 1978	June 9, 1978	Ken Norton Ken Norton Kenneth Howard Norton Sr. is a former heavyweight boxer. He is best known for his 12-round victory over a peak Muhammad Ali where he famously broke Ali's jaw, on March 31, 1973, becoming only the second man to defeat Ali as a professional .He and Ali...	WBC	American
Spinks was stripped of his world title by the WBC for refusing to defend his title against their #1 ranked contender, Ken Norton. Spinks instead agreed to fight a return bout against Ali for the WBA crown. The WBC awarded Norton the title and, since he lost to Larry Holmes in his next defense, he is sometimes omitted from a list of heavyweight champions because he never won a world title fight.
June 9, 1978	December 11, 1983¹	Larry Holmes Larry Holmes Larry Holmes is a former professional boxer. He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, which gave birth to his boxing nickname, The Easton Assassin....	WBC	American
Holmes relinquished his WBC title to assume the championship of the newly formed International Boxing Federation International Boxing Federation The International Boxing Federation or IBF is one of four major organizations recognized by IBHOF which sanction world championship boxing bouts, alongside the WBA, WBC and WBO.- History :... .
September 15, 1978	April 27, 1979¹	Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...	WBA	American
Believing his career over, Ali relinquished his WBA title in exchange for a payment from promoter Don King, who was trying to stage a bout between then-WBC champ Larry Holmes Larry Holmes Larry Holmes is a former professional boxer. He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, which gave birth to his boxing nickname, The Easton Assassin.... and John Tate John Tate (boxer) John Tate was an American prizefighter and Olympic boxer, who briefly held the World Boxing Association heavyweight title from 1979 to 1980.-Amateur career:... for the undisputed title. The bout never materialized, and Ali would return to the ring in 1980.
October 20, 1979	March 31, 1980	John Tate John Tate (boxer) John Tate was an American prizefighter and Olympic boxer, who briefly held the World Boxing Association heavyweight title from 1979 to 1980.-Amateur career:...	WBA	American
March 31, 1980	December 10, 1982	Mike Weaver	WBA	American
December 10, 1982	September 23, 1983	Michael Dokes Michael Dokes Michael Marshall Dokes is a former American boxer in the heavyweight division, nicknamed "Dynamite."-Amateur career:...	WBA	American
September 23, 1983	December 1, 1984	Gerrie Coetzee Gerrie Coetzee Gerhardus Christian Coetzee , better known as Gerrie Coetzee, is a South African former boxer. He made history twice: he was the first boxer from the African continent ever to fight for the World Heavyweight Title, and the first to win the World Heavyweight Title...	WBA	South African
December 11, 1983	September 21, 1985	Larry Holmes Larry Holmes Larry Holmes is a former professional boxer. He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, which gave birth to his boxing nickname, The Easton Assassin....	IBF	American
March 9, 1984	August 31, 1984	Tim Witherspoon Tim Witherspoon "Terrible" Tim Witherspoon is an American boxer who was twice world heavyweight champion.-Early career:Witherspoon had eight and a half amateur bouts, losing one to Marvis Frazier on decision after getting knocked down....	WBC	American
August 31, 1984	March 22, 1986	Pinklon Thomas Pinklon Thomas Pinklon Thomas is a retired heavyweight boxer and former WBC heavyweight champion whose trademark pink boxing trunks and a left jab were key distinguishing characteristics....	WBC	American
December 1, 1984	April 29, 1985	Greg Page Greg Page (boxer) Greg Page was a boxer from Louisville, Kentucky. He was the World Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion from 1984 to 1985...	WBA	American
April 29, 1985	January 17, 1986	Tony Tubbs Tony Tubbs Tony Tubbs is a retired professional heavyweight boxer who was the WBA Heavyweight Champion of the world from 1985 to 1986.-Amateur career:...	WBA	American
September 21, 1985	February 19, 1987³	Michael Spinks Michael Spinks Michael Spinks is a retired American boxer who was a world champion in the light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions...	IBF	American
January 17, 1986	December 12, 1986	Tim Witherspoon Tim Witherspoon "Terrible" Tim Witherspoon is an American boxer who was twice world heavyweight champion.-Early career:Witherspoon had eight and a half amateur bouts, losing one to Marvis Frazier on decision after getting knocked down....	WBA	American
March 22, 1986	November 22, 1986	Trevor Berbick Trevor Berbick Trevor Berbick was a Jamaican-Canadian heavyweight boxer who fought as a professional from 1976 until 2000. Berbick briefly held the WBC heavyweight championship in 1986 , before losing it to 20-year old Mike Tyson, via 2nd-round TKO...	WBC	Canadian
Jamaican born Berbick was a naturalized Canadian citizen and former Canadian heavyweight champion.
November 22, 1986	March 7, 1987	Mike Tyson Mike Tyson Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...	WBC	American
December 12, 1986	March 7, 1987	James 'Bonecrusher' Smith	WBA	American
March 7, 1987	August 1, 1987	Mike Tyson Mike Tyson Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...	WBA & WBC	American
May 30, 1987	August 1, 1987	Tony Tucker Tony Tucker Tony Craig Tucker is a retired professional heavyweight boxer. Tucker fought professionally from 1980 to 1998. Nicknamed "TNT," he won a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games, and was briefly a world heavyweight champion as a professional.-Amateur career:Tucker had a notable amateur career,...	IBF	American
August 1, 1987	May 6, 1989	Mike Tyson Mike Tyson Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...	Universal	American
May 6, 1989	January 11, 1991	Francesco Damiani Francesco Damiani Francesco Damiani is an Italian former boxer who won the silver medal at the 1982 World Championships and at the 1984 Summer Olympics. As a professional, he was the first WBO heavyweight champion.-Amateur:...	WBO	Italian
Though Damiani defeated Johnny DuPlooy to become the WBO's first Heavyweight champion, Tyson's reign in the division during this period is virtually undisputed. Additionally, during this period Tyson also knocked out Michael Spinks Michael Spinks Michael Spinks is a retired American boxer who was a world champion in the light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions... who some regarded as the 'lineal champion.'
May 6, 1989	February 11, 1990	Mike Tyson Mike Tyson Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...	IBF, WBA & WBC	American
February 11, 1990	October 25, 1990	James "Buster" Douglas	IBF, WBA & WBC	American
October 25, 1990	November 13, 1992	Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...	IBF, WBA & WBC	American
January 11, 1991	December 24, 1991³	Ray Mercer Ray Mercer "Merciless" Ray Mercer is an American professional boxer, former Olympic Gold Medalist and WBO heavyweight title holder who resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina...	WBO	American
May 15, 1992	February 3, 1993³	Michael Moorer Michael Moorer Michael Lee Moorer is a retired American boxer who is a former light heavyweight and heavyweight World Champion.-Biography:Moorer is a native of Monessen, Pennsylvania, which is in Southwestern Pennsylvania.-Professional career:...	WBO	American
November 13, 1992	December 14, 1992³	Riddick Bowe Riddick Bowe Riddick Lamont Bowe is a retired American boxer. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and a former undisputed heavyweight champion...	IBF, WBA & WBC	American
Bowe was stripped of his WBC championship for refusing to fight Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship... .
December 14, 1992	November 6, 1993	Riddick Bowe Riddick Bowe Riddick Lamont Bowe is a retired American boxer. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and a former undisputed heavyweight champion...	IBF & WBA	American
December 14, 1992	September 24, 1994	Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...	WBC	British
Lewis was born in England but moved to Ontario Ontario Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa.... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... at the age of 12, later winning an Olympic gold medal for Canada. Lewis defeated Razor Ruddock Donovan Ruddock Donovan Ruddock , also known as Razor Ruddock, is a retired Canadian heavyweight boxer. He was a promising Heavyweight of the late 1980s and early 1990s... on October 31, 1992, in a WBC 'eliminator' fight. When Riddick Bowe Riddick Bowe Riddick Lamont Bowe is a retired American boxer. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and a former undisputed heavyweight champion... 's championship recognition was withdrawn by the organization, the WBC immediately awarded Lewis the title.
June 7, 1993	October 29, 1993	Tommy Morrison Tommy Morrison Tommy David Morrison is an American heavyweight boxer and a former World Boxing Organization champion. He lost only three out of a total of 52 professional fights. Morrison's nickname, "The Duke," is based on disputed claims that he is a grandnephew of Hollywood star John Wayne...	WBO	American
October 29, 1993	March 19, 1994	Michael Bentt Michael Bentt Michael A. Bentt is a film and television actor and retired heavyweight boxer. Of Jamaican lineage, he was born in East Dulwich, London, but raised in the Cambria Heights section of Queens in New York City...	WBO	American
November 6, 1993	April 22, 1994	Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...	IBF & WBA	American
March 19, 1994	March 11, 1995	Herbie Hide Herbie Hide Herbie Hide is a British boxer of Nigerian heritage from Norwich currently fighting in the cruiserweight class...	WBO	British
April 22, 1994	November 5, 1994	Michael Moorer Michael Moorer Michael Lee Moorer is a retired American boxer who is a former light heavyweight and heavyweight World Champion.-Biography:Moorer is a native of Monessen, Pennsylvania, which is in Southwestern Pennsylvania.-Professional career:...	IBF & WBA	American
September 24, 1994	September 2, 1995	Oliver McCall Oliver McCall Oliver "The Atomic Bull" McCall is an American professional Heavyweight boxer best known for winning the WBC Heavyweight Championship in 1994 after scoring an upset knock out victory over Lennox Lewis, in Lewis' home town of London, England, followed by his infamous in-ring meltdown in the rematch...	WBC	American
November 5, 1994	March 4, 1995³	George Foreman George Foreman George Edward Foreman is an American two-time former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained Baptist minister, author and successful entrepreneur...	IBF & WBA	American
The World Boxing Association World Boxing Association The World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962... withdrew its recognition of Foreman, but Foreman retained IBF championship recognition until it too was withdrawn.
March 4, 1995	June 28, 1995³	George Foreman George Foreman George Edward Foreman is an American two-time former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained Baptist minister, author and successful entrepreneur...	IBF	American
The IBF withdrew its recognition of Foreman when he declined a rematch with Axel Schulz Axel Schulz Axel Schulz is a retired German heavyweight boxer.-Amateur career:From 1982 Schulz boxed for the army sports club Vorwärts in Frankfurt , later becoming the East German youth champion... of Germany. Schultz was matched with Francois Botha Francois Botha Francois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany... of South Africa for the vacant title. The bout took place on December 9, 1995 in Stuttgart Stuttgart Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany. The sixth-largest city in Germany, Stuttgart has a population of 600,038 while the metropolitan area has a population of 5.3 million .... and resulted in a split decision points victory for Botha. Botha however tested positive for illegal anabolic steroids in a post-fight drugs test and the result was changed to a no-contest. Although some record books continue to list Botha as a world champion, the IBF state that they do not regard that he was ever champion.
March 11, 1995	May 1, 1996¹	Riddick Bowe Riddick Bowe Riddick Lamont Bowe is a retired American boxer. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and a former undisputed heavyweight champion...	WBO	American
April 8, 1995	September 7, 1996	Bruce Seldon Bruce Seldon Bruce Samuel Seldon is a retired American boxer and former world champion, having won the World Boxing Association heavyweight title in 1995.-Amateur career:...	WBA	American
September 2, 1995	March 16, 1996	Frank Bruno Frank Bruno Franklin Roy Bruno MBE is an English former boxer whose career highlight was winning the WBC Heavyweight championship in 1995. Altogether, he won 40 of his 45 contests...	WBC	British
March 16, 1996	September 7, 1996	Mike Tyson Mike Tyson Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...	WBC	American
June 22, 1996	November 8, 1997	Michael Moorer Michael Moorer Michael Lee Moorer is a retired American boxer who is a former light heavyweight and heavyweight World Champion.-Biography:Moorer is a native of Monessen, Pennsylvania, which is in Southwestern Pennsylvania.-Professional career:...	IBF	American
June 29, 1996	February 17, 1997¹	Henry Akinwande Henry Akinwande Henry Akinwande is a British former professional heavyweight boxer and former WBO world heavyweight champion.-Background:...	WBO	British
Akinwande had been ranked the WBC's #2 contender when he won the WBO title. The WBC, which has feuded with the WBO since the latter's founding in 1988, dropped Akinwande from its rankings altogether. Akinwande subsequently relinquished his WBO title in exchange for the opportunity to meet Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship... in a bout for the WBC championship.
September 7, 1996	September 24, 1996¹	Mike Tyson Mike Tyson Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...	WBA & WBC	American
September 24, 1996	November 9, 1996	Mike Tyson Mike Tyson Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...	WBA	American
November 9, 1996	November 8, 1997	Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...	WBA	American
February 7, 1997	November 13, 1999	Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...	WBC	British
June 28, 1997	June 26, 1999	Herbie Hide Herbie Hide Herbie Hide is a British boxer of Nigerian heritage from Norwich currently fighting in the cruiserweight class...	WBO	British
November 8, 1997	November 13, 1999	Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...	IBF & WBA	American
June 26, 1999	April 1, 2000	Vitali Klitschko Vitali Klitschko Vitaliy Volodymyrovych Klychko is a Ukrainian professional heavyweight boxer and the current WBC heavyweight champion. He is a leader of the political party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Congress of the Council of Europe. He previously...	WBO	Ukrainian
November 13, 1999	April 29, 2000³	Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...	IBF, WBA & WBC	British
In early 2000 the World Boxing Association World Boxing Association The World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962... and Lewis were sued by representatives of John Ruiz John Ruiz John "The Quietman" Ruiz , is a former American professional boxer. Ruiz is the first Latino heavyweight champion and former two-time WBA heavyweight champion. After a professional career spanning over 18 years, Ruiz officially announced his retirement from the sport at a press conference on April... claiming that they had reneged on an agreement by which Ruiz would have fought Lewis for the WBA title. A New Jersey court ruled in favor of Ruiz, and ordered Lewis to either have his next bout against Ruiz or relinquish the title. Lewis elected instead to fight contender Michael Grant Michael Grant (boxer) Michael Anthony Grant is a professional heavyweight boxer. He is 6' 7" tall, with an 86' reach. A natural born athlete before boxing he blossomed into a three-sport star at Chicago's Harper High School... , relinquishing his WBA title on the day of the match.
April 1, 2000	October 14, 2000	Chris Byrd Chris Byrd Chris Cornelius Byrd is a retired and former professional boxer. He is the former WBO and IBF heavyweight champion. His nickname is "Rapid Fire".- Early life :...	WBO	American
April 29, 2000	April 22, 2001	Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...	IBF & WBC	British
August 12, 2000	March 3, 2001	Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...	WBA	American
October 14, 2000	March 8, 2003	Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian heavyweight boxer. Klitschko is the WBA , IBF, WBO Super, IBO & Ring Magazine Champion. His older brother Vitali Klitschko is the current WBC champion...	WBO	Ukrainian
March 3, 2001	March 1, 2003	John Ruiz John Ruiz John "The Quietman" Ruiz , is a former American professional boxer. Ruiz is the first Latino heavyweight champion and former two-time WBA heavyweight champion. After a professional career spanning over 18 years, Ruiz officially announced his retirement from the sport at a press conference on April...	WBA	American
By beating Evander Holyfield, Ruiz became the first person in history of Hispanic ancestry to become Heavyweight champion as recognized by one of the major governing boxing bodies.
April 22, 2001	November 17, 2001	Hasim Rahman Hasim Rahman Hasim Sharif Rahman is an American professional boxer. Rahman is the former Lineal, WBC, IBO, & IBF heavyweight champion...	IBF & WBC	American
November 17, 2001	September 5, 2002¹	Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...	IBF & WBC	British
Lewis relinquished the IBF title upon receiving payment of $1 million (US) by promoter Don King, who wished to stage a bout between Chris Byrd Chris Byrd Chris Cornelius Byrd is a retired and former professional boxer. He is the former WBO and IBF heavyweight champion. His nickname is "Rapid Fire".- Early life :... and Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"... for the vacant title.
September 5, 2002	February 6, 2004²	Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...	WBC	British
December 14, 2002	April 22, 2006	Chris Byrd Chris Byrd Chris Cornelius Byrd is a retired and former professional boxer. He is the former WBO and IBF heavyweight champion. His nickname is "Rapid Fire".- Early life :...	IBF	American
March 1, 2003	February 20, 2004¹	Roy Jones Jr. Roy Jones Jr. Roy Jones, Jr. is an American boxer. As a professional he has captured numerous world titles in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions...	WBA	American
March 8, 2003	October 9, 2003¹	Corrie Sanders Corrie Sanders Cornelius "Corrie" Johannes Sanders is a South African former professional boxer. In 2003 he became the WBO heavyweight champion by defeating Wladimir Klitschko via a second-round knock out that is considered one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history and won Ring Magazine upset of...	WBO	South African
February 20, 2004	December 17, 2005	John Ruiz John Ruiz John "The Quietman" Ruiz , is a former American professional boxer. Ruiz is the first Latino heavyweight champion and former two-time WBA heavyweight champion. After a professional career spanning over 18 years, Ruiz officially announced his retirement from the sport at a press conference on April...	WBA	American
Ruiz beat Hasim Rahman Hasim Rahman Hasim Sharif Rahman is an American professional boxer. Rahman is the former Lineal, WBC, IBO, & IBF heavyweight champion... on December 13, 2003, to become the WBA's "interim" champion. He was awarded the championship following Roy Jones, Jr.'s announcement that he was relinquishing it to concentrate on lower weight divisions. Ruiz's title reign ended on April 30, 2005, following a loss to James Toney James Toney James Nathanial Toney is an American professional boxer who has held world titles in the middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight divisions. Toney currently fights in the heavyweight division in boxing and also now competes in mixed martial arts.-Boxing career:Toney's amateur boxing... but ten days later, a drug test on Toney detected he had used products containing nandrolone Nandrolone Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid that may be present naturally in the human body, albeit in minute quantities of less than 0.4 ng/ml. Nandrolone is most commonly sold commercially as its decanoate ester and less commonly as a phenylpropionate ester... , an anabolic steroid Anabolic steroid Anabolic steroids, technically known as anabolic-androgen steroids or colloquially simply as "steroids", are drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the body. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue ,... . Thus, Toney's victory was changed to a 'no contest' by New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... state athletic commission, and as a result, the WBA World Boxing Association The World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962... declared Ruiz was keeping the title.
April 10, 2004	April 1, 2006	Lamon Brewster Lamon Brewster "Relentless" Lamon Tajuan Brewster is a retired American professional heavyweight boxer, and former WBO heavyweight champion. He won the silver medal as an amateur at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata....	WBO	American
April 24, 2004	November 9, 2005²	Vitali Klitschko Vitali Klitschko Vitaliy Volodymyrovych Klychko is a Ukrainian professional heavyweight boxer and the current WBC heavyweight champion. He is a leader of the political party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Congress of the Council of Europe. He previously...	WBC	Ukrainian
November 9, 2005	August 13, 2006	Hasim Rahman Hasim Rahman Hasim Sharif Rahman is an American professional boxer. Rahman is the former Lineal, WBC, IBO, & IBF heavyweight champion...	WBC	American
Rahman defeated Monte Barrett Monte Barrett Monte Barrett is an American professional heavyweight boxer. He was regarded by many as a tough gatekeeper and was a former WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion and current WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight and WBO Oriental Heavyweight champion... on August 13, 2005, to become the WBC's "interim" champion. He was awarded the championship following Vitali Klitschko Vitali Klitschko Vitaliy Volodymyrovych Klychko is a Ukrainian professional heavyweight boxer and the current WBC heavyweight champion. He is a leader of the political party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Congress of the Council of Europe. He previously... 's announcement that he was retiring due to injury.
December 17, 2005	April 15, 2007	Nikolay Valuev	WBA	Russian
April 1, 2006	November 4, 2006	Sergei Liakhovich Sergei Liakhovich Sergei "White Wolf" Liakhovich , is a Belarusian boxer and a former WBO heavyweight boxing champion.-Amateur career:Liakhovich, who represented Belarus at the 1996 Olympic Games, was a long-time amateur who won Bronze at the 1997 World Championships....	WBO	Belarusian
April 22, 2006	February 23, 2008	Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian heavyweight boxer. Klitschko is the WBA , IBF, WBO Super, IBO & Ring Magazine Champion. His older brother Vitali Klitschko is the current WBC champion...	IBF	Ukrainian
August 13, 2006	March 8, 2008	Oleg Maskaev Oleg Maskaev Oleg Alexandrovich Maskaev is a Russian professional boxer and a former WBC heavyweight champion. He is an ethnic Mordvin.-Boxing career:Maskaev, a former mine worker, began his career in the 1980s as an amateur boxer in the Soviet Union, where he held a victory over world champion Vitali...	WBC	Russian
November 4, 2006	June 2, 2007	Shannon Briggs Shannon Briggs Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs is an American heavyweight boxer and actor. He is the former Lineal and WBO heavyweight champion.-Early life:...	WBO	American
April 15, 2007	July 4, 2008⁴	Ruslan Chagaev Ruslan Chagaev Ruslan Chagaev born October 19, 1978 in Andijan, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union) is an Uzbekistani former WBA heavyweight boxing champion of Tatar ethnicity...	WBA	Uzbekistani
Chagaev's mandatory title defence against former champion Nikolay Valuev, scheduled for July 5, 2008, had to be cancelled for a second time after Chagaev suffered a complete tear of an Achilles tendon during his training for the fight. Because of the injury and necessary recovery time, the WBA elected to make Chagaev "Champion In Recess" and mandated that top-contenders Valuev and John Ruiz meet for the title. They set a deadline of June 26, 2009 for Chagaev to fight the champion but as this deadline was not met, Chagaev was stripped of his "Champion In Recess" title when the WBA published their Official Ratings as of June 2009.
June 2, 2007	February 23, 2008	Sultan Ibragimov Sultan Ibragimov Sultan-Ahmed Magomedsalihovich Ibragimov, is a retired professional boxer and a former WBO heavyweight champion. He is of Avar Dagestani Muslim descent...	WBO	Russian
February 23, 2008	July 2, 2011	Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian heavyweight boxer. Klitschko is the WBA , IBF, WBO Super, IBO & Ring Magazine Champion. His older brother Vitali Klitschko is the current WBC champion...	IBF & WBO	Ukrainian
March 8, 2008	October 11, 2008	Samuel Peter Samuel Peter Samuel Okon Peter , nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," is a professional heavyweight boxer and the former WBC heavyweight champion....	WBC	Nigerian
July 4, 2008⁴	July 24, 2009	Ruslan Chagaev Ruslan Chagaev Ruslan Chagaev born October 19, 1978 in Andijan, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union) is an Uzbekistani former WBA heavyweight boxing champion of Tatar ethnicity...	WBA	Uzbekistani
The WBA had set a deadline of June 26, 2009 for Chagaev to fight the champion but this deadline was not met. On July 24, 2009, when the WBA published their Official Ratings as of June 2009, Chagaev was stripped of his "Champion In Recess" title.
August 30, 2008	November 7, 2009	Nikolay Valuev	WBA	Russian
Valuev regained the WBA title by beating John Ruiz on August 30, 2008, shortly after Chagaev had become the "Champion In Recess". Upon making Chagaev the "Champion In Recess", the WBA set a deadline of June 26, 2009 for him to fight the champion. This deadline was not met and Chagaev was stripped of his "Champion In Recess" title when the WBA published their Official Ratings as of June 2009.
October 11, 2008	Present	Vitali Klitschko Vitali Klitschko Vitaliy Volodymyrovych Klychko is a Ukrainian professional heavyweight boxer and the current WBC heavyweight champion. He is a leader of the political party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Congress of the Council of Europe. He previously...	WBC	Ukrainian
November 7, 2009	July 2, 2011	David Haye David Haye David Deron Haye is a retired English professional boxer,Haye is the former WBA heavyweight champion. He is also the former unified world cruiserweight champion, holding the WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring cruiserweight titles, and also the former European cruiserweight champion.- Amateur :Haye...	WBA	British
July 2, 2011	Present	Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian heavyweight boxer. Klitschko is the WBA , IBF, WBO Super, IBO & Ring Magazine Champion. His older brother Vitali Klitschko is the current WBC champion...	IBF, WBO & WBA (super champion)	Ukrainian
After David Haye David Haye David Deron Haye is a retired English professional boxer,Haye is the former WBA heavyweight champion. He is also the former unified world cruiserweight champion, holding the WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring cruiserweight titles, and also the former European cruiserweight champion.- Amateur :Haye... was defeated by Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian heavyweight boxer. Klitschko is the WBA , IBF, WBO Super, IBO & Ring Magazine Champion. His older brother Vitali Klitschko is the current WBC champion... , all of the major heavyweight titles were held by the Klitschko brothers until August 27, 2011 when Alexander Povetkin Alexander Povetkin Alexander Vladimirovich Povetkin is a Russian boxer. He is the current holder of the WBA heavyweight title. His height is . Because of his amateur success, as well as his early pro accomplishments, he is seen as a leading contender in professional boxing's Heavyweight division... defeated Ruslan Chagaev Ruslan Chagaev Ruslan Chagaev born October 19, 1978 in Andijan, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union) is an Uzbekistani former WBA heavyweight boxing champion of Tatar ethnicity... for the vacant WBA "regular" title.
August 27, 2011	Present	Alexander Povetkin Alexander Povetkin Alexander Vladimirovich Povetkin is a Russian boxer. He is the current holder of the WBA heavyweight title. His height is . Because of his amateur success, as well as his early pro accomplishments, he is seen as a leading contender in professional boxing's Heavyweight division...	WBA (regular champion)	Russian

Footnotes

Relinquished championship title.
Retired as champion, relinquishing title.
Championship recognition withdrawn by sanctioning organization due to champion's failure or refusal to defend title against the organization's #1 ranked contender.
Status as champion changed from "Champion" to "Champion In Recess".

Sources

World Title Lineages

External links

Statistical comparison of eras and heavyweight boxing champions

List of heavyweight boxing champions

1885–1910

Championship awarding organizations

Championship awarding organizations

Footnotes

See also

Sources

External links