by Larry Rahn

Created on: November 18, 2008

Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Jim Braddock, the list goes on and on. Marciano the only undeafeated champ, what a boxer he was, no fear fopr anyone in the ring. He could take the punishment and dish it out too.The "Brown Bomber", Louis one of the best boxing boxers of the years past. Tyson, raw power and deep down hatred I think. Holyfield a man with a heart as big as anything, never knew quit.Braddock another man with heart and knowledge. Lewis was a very good boxer and smart too. George Foreman big, strong, and wanting to be rich, but, not very cagey in his style. Joe Frazier was a aggressive man if there ever was one, he just kept stalking his man in the ring, forcing them to fight. I have left out some of the champs simply because when they were champ, there were special circumstances surrounding their validity in the ranks. Without a doubt the man who stood the boxing world on it's ear was none other than , the "Greatest", "Louisville Lip", given name Cassius Marcellus Clay. The man the world would come to know and love Muhammed Ali.

The above mentioned champs were outstanding boxers and for the most part good men who represented boxing well, usually. There were exceptions, as in any sports or profession. Marciano and Louis were icons in the sport and very well liked by everyone. Louis served his country and helped build morale overseas during the war, only to have our fine government give him the shaft over taxes later in life. In the early days some managers and trtainers got a little free with using the champ's money and left some of the greats broke after their career was over. What a shame that was when a champion did all he could in and out of the ring, only to be taken by a corrupt person close to him. Boxers are seemingly more careful today with the puse strings. Boxing is a brutal sport and you can't last as long as in other sports. Make it while you can and save some along the way.

As far as knowledge, style, personna, and marketability the top 3 would have to be Marciano, Louis and Ali. When one of these men fought the place was sold out and fans 100% behind them. Who could forget Louis beating the German champ and helping to curtail the german domination. Quite a thorn in Hitler's side to get beaten by the Americans." Rumble in the Jungle", Ali had the whole country of Africa behind him, wanting him to beat the champ, Foreman. Everyone has their favorites or hero, mine, Marciano, Louis and Ali.

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