Tyson Fury vs Usyk: Top 10 Heavyweight Boxers of All Time

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury meet in a rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night in a bout that will potentially define their respective careers.

After becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion and then repeating the trick at heavyweight, Usyk’s legacy is perhaps secure regardless of the result, but Fury is gunning to avenge the only defeat on his record. Both men will probably rank on various top ten heavyweight lists in the years ahead, but for now, we’ve focused on retired fighters for ours.

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1. Muhammad Ali

Some boxers play the game, some change the game but Muhammad Ali reinvented it completely.

Competing during an era widely considered as the golden age of heavyweight boxing, Ali overcame all comers with victories over Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ken Norton and Floyd Patterson on his CV.

Ali’s movement, ring intelligence, bravery and innovative tactics set him apart from his peers, while outside the ring his larger-than-life personality made him a star that transcended the sport.

2. Joe Louis

Joe Louis dominated the heavyweight division for just under 12 years, making an astonishing 25 successful defences of his title.

The Brown Bomber cleared out the division and retired with a 66-3 record, including 52 stoppages.

Like Ali, Louis is regarded as an innovator and a fighter who laid down a blueprint for those who followed with his timing, accuracy and, of course, fearsome power.

3. Rocky Marciano

Rocky Marciano holds the distinction of being the only heavyweight world champion to retire undefeated, although Usyk still has the chance to join this exclusive club.

Marciano retired with a 49-0 record, with 43 KOs, and has a win over Joe Louis on his record, in what proved to be Louis’ final outing.

Known for his tenacity and power, none of Marciano’s opponents were able to cope with his high-pressure style.

4. Lennox Lewis

The 1960s and 70s may have been the heavyweight golden age, but there was a decent crop in the 90s as well and Lennox Lewis reigned supreme.

Lewis claimed victories over the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Tommy Morrison, Ray Mercer and Vitali Klitschko and was able to avenge the two losses he did suffer - beating both Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman in style in rematches. Will Fury be able to do the same when he resumes his rivalry with Usyk?

Remember, if you bet on Fury vs Usyk with talkSPORT BET, you can get a massive £60 in free bets if either fighter wins by WKO, DQ or KO.

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5. Evander Holyfield

Evander Holyfield was the original weight jumper who moved up to dominate at heavyweight after reigning supreme as a cruiserweight.

Holyfield claimed wins over the likes of Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, George Foreman and Riddick Bowe over the course of his career at heavyweight. The Real Deal did suffer a few defeats along the way and fought on for too long, but in his prime he shook up the heavyweight division and his two bouts with Tyson are forever etched in boxing folklore.

6. Joe Frazier

One of Ali’s main rivals, Joe Frazier ended his career with a 32-4-1 record and faced all of the biggest names in the most competitive era in boxing.

Frazier’s victory over Ali in the first bout of their trilogy was superb, and he made the Greatest work in defeats in the other battles.

The likes of Oscar Bonavena, Doug Jones, Buster Mathis and Jerry Quarry were all dominated by Smokin’ Joe in a few of his many career highlights.

7. George Foreman

One of boxing’s most fearsome punchers and boasting incredible longevity, George Foreman’s record reads like a who’s who of heavyweights through the years.

Foreman lost his heavyweight title to Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974 and just over 20 years later he became a world champion again with victory over Michael Moorer in a truly remarkable feat.

8. Mike Tyson

The Mike Tyson that reigned supreme and cleared out the heavyweight division during the 1980s would feature higher on this list, but key defeats in the 90s perhaps damaged his legacy.

Iron Mike was a force of nature in his prime and destructive wins over Trevor Berbick, Larry Holmes, Tony Tubbs and Michael Spinks made him appear unstoppable.

Tyson returned after nearly 20 years out of the ring in 2024 against social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul and lost on points, but that shouldn't detract from what was an incredible career.

9. Larry Holmes

Larry Holmes was a heavyweight world champion for seven years and his powers of recuperation and heart are the stuff of legend, while he also boasted a reliable jab and a deadly right hand.

Ken Norton, Tim Witherspoon, Mike Weaver and Trevor Berbick are among the names Holmes managed to overcome over the course of his career.

10. Sonny Liston

Sonny Liston dominated the division in the late 50s and early 60s and is best remembered for his pair of defeats to Ali, but his legacy extends beyond those two battles.

Knockout power in both hands, sheer strength and victories over the likes of Eddie Machen and Floyd Patterson mean he deserves a spot on the all-time greatest list.

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Fury vs Usyk 2 FAQs

When is Fury vs Usyk 2?

Fury vs Usyk 2 takes place on Saturday, December 21 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What time does Fury vs Usyk 2 start?

The main event ring walks for Fury vs Usyk 2 are expected around 10:30 PM GMT, but the exact time may vary depending on the length of the undercard fights.

How can I watch Fury vs Usyk 2?

You can watch Fury vs Usyk 2 live on Sky Sports Box Office, DAZN, and TNT Sports. Pay-per-view purchase details are available on each platform.

Who won the first fight between Fury and Usyk?

Oleksandr Usyk won the first fight against Tyson Fury via split decision, making him the first man to unify the heavyweight division in 25 years.

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Frank MonkhouseSports betting writer

Published on 20 December 2024inBoxing tips