The death of famed prize fighter Joe Frazier at age 67 is a reminder of some of the best heavyweights to have ever set foot in the ring.
Those who cracked this list all showed dominance in the primes of their careers.
With apologies to James Jeffries, Gene Tunney, Max Schmeling, Max Baer, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, Floyd Patterson, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis, and the Klitschko Brothers, here is the list...
#10 SONNY LISTON. Liston possessed a great deal of skill, killer instinct, and strength. He deserves to be near the top of this list, but since he lacked the desire to compete, he will always be remembered as nothing more than a talented boxer.
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#9 JACK DEMPSEY. The dominant fighter from his era, Dempsey was known for his tremendous heart and punching power. Dempsey had 83 professional fights and lost only once by knockout -- an amazing achievement.
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#8 JOE FRAZIER. Frazier combined endurance and heart and it took him far in his career. He won the first 29 fights of his career, which included a 15-round victory over Muhammad Ali in 1971, at Madison Square Garden. Smokin' Joe will always be linked to Ali, but the Philadelphia legend will never be forgotten for his grace and grit.
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#7 MIKE TYSON. Like Liston, Tyson falls under the category "what could have been." Blessed with remarkable speed, balance, and brute strength, Iron Mike dominated nearly every fighter he faced before over-confidence and his actions outside the ring tarnished his once stellar career.
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#6 LARRY HOLMES. What Holmes may have lacked in power, he made up for with heart, footwork, and perhaps the greatest left jab in the history of boxing. Holmes won his first 40 fights, including victories over Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton.
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#5 GEORGE FOREMAN. Certainly among the most powerful boxers in history, Foreman's impressive resume includes a second-round knockout of Frazier, and becoming the oldest boxer to ever become heavyweight champion. Foreman dominated boxers in the 70s, and after a 10-year layoff, went back to knocking out opponents.
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#4 ROCKY MARCIANO. You have to be a special heavyweight boxer to go your entire career without a loss, but Marciano was more than simply a winner. To make up for his lack of speed and size, Marciano utilized his power and durability to go along with his great chin, to defeat all challengers.
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