You might wonder, who are the finest athletes who have never won a fighting championship at a certain weight? Today I bring these fighters to you, so you remember them for who they were now that their time has passed. Whether the boxing team or federation disregarded them for talent, discriminated against them for color, or faced a bright age champion.
World titles are boxing’s peak. Every aspiring boxer wants to be a world champion. Although it is still a demanding career endeavor in the current scene, it’s easier to acquire a world title belt than in the past.
At one time, merely entering the ring to fight for global honors was a rare accomplishment. When there was only one titleholder in each weight class, being a top contender was impressive, but being champion was a triumph.
Due to the number of belts today, the following uncrowned boxers would be world titleholders. Today we discuss the boxers who never won a world title during their amazing careers.
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#5. Mike Gibbons
Mike, the older but smaller brother of renowned heavyweight Tommy Gibbons, is regarded as one of the greatest welterweights and middleweight prizefighters in history. This is, although he never won a world championship despite having a stellar career and being too powerful for his good.
Mike O’Dowd, Ted Lewis, Packey McFarland, Jeff Smith, and Harry Greb were among the opponents he took on across his divisions. Afterward, Harry Greb told his manager: “From now on, match me with one guy at a time.”
After champion Stanley Ketchel was killed in 1909, Gibbons claimed the middleweight title, but he was never successful in winning it in the ring.
#4. Harry Wills
Harry Wills once held the title of undisputed heavyweight king. In the 1920s, the ferocious “Black Panther” had developed a fearsome reputation, and plans were made for a historic matchup with division champion Jack Dempsey.
The New Orleans sensation was a scandalous victim of the color line, since it never materialized.
Wills nevertheless has a long list of impressive victories to his credit, including wins over Kid Norfolk, Luis Firpo, Battling Siki, Sam Langford, Billy Miske, and Sam McVea.
Those were amazing accomplishments, especially in light of “The Manassa Mauler’s” résumé, who is known as an American legend for somewhat less impressive professional victories.
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#3. Lew Tendler
Another tremendously gifted fighter who would have been a world champion in any other era was Lew Tendler, a member of the Hall of Fame. He was unfortunate to compete in the 135-pound weight class at a period when several legendary athletes comprised a golden generation.
One of the greatest southpaws the sport has ever known, “Lefty Lew,” came close to defeating Benny Leonard, possibly the greatest lightweight in history, but finally fell short. In addition, he defeated incumbent light-heavyweight champion Pinky Mitchell, without the title on the line, and lost by a razor-thin margin to Mickey Walker for the welterweight crown.
#2. Charley Burley
Charley Burley was the top fighter in boxing’s infamous Murderers’ Row. He competed at middleweight and welterweight and defeated many notable opponents. Holman Williams, Jack Chase, Jackie Burke, Bert Lytell, Fritzie Zivic, Cocoa Kid, and Archie Moore are just a few of the winners.
But regrettably, the famous Burley could not get a chance at the gold during his time. Although it was a goal, Henry Armstrong’s fight for the welterweight championship was never successful.
The great champions, like Hall of Famers Billy Conn and Marcel Cerdan, attest to the American’s qualifications. But Sugar Ray Robinson, possibly the greatest boxer in history, stands out as the most notable.
Eddie Futch refers to Burley as “the finest all-around boxer I ever saw” by legendary trainer Eddie Futch.
#1. Sam Langford, a Canadian Boxer (0)
There is little doubt about whom the greatest uncrowned monarch in history is. However, many brilliant warriors were unjustly denied their moment of sporting glory in the past.
The legendary Sam Langford is evidence that boxing’s world championships aren’t everything. Several much less accomplished boxers have held many weight championships in the modern era, but people may not remember them favorably.
But despite never winning the gold, “The Boston Terror” is unquestionably one of the top five all-time greats, pound for pound. The record and credentials of the Canadian Hall of Famer are incredible.
When the championship wasn’t on the line, he defeated renowned lightweight champion Joe Gans, at just 17 – one of boxing’s all-time best victories. Unfortunately, he drew with welterweight king Joe Walcott.
The first-ever African-American heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson, was also defeated by Langford. Ironically, Langford was denied a rematch for the heavyweight title due to the color line, and Jack Dempsey later claimed he didn’t give him a title opportunity either.
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Which boxers have never lost a fight?
Over the years, thousands of professional fighters have competed, yet most of them—even the greats—have suffered one or two defeats. In the sport, retiring undefeated is a significant accomplishment.
They are many boxers who have held the title of world champion. Rocky Marciano of Massachusetts is the most well-known boxer on this list. Brockton Blockbuster, who fought from 1947 to 1955, went 49-0 with 43 knockouts, solidifying his place in boxing history.
Although he was only 5 feet 10 inches tall, Marciano packed a huge punch. He only engaged in 12 amateur bouts before entering the military. Still, in his 43rd professional contest, he defeated Jersey Joe Walcott by knockout in the 13th round to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Marciano defended his title six times before retiring at 32, including a rematch with Walcott. In 1959, he thought about making a comeback, but decided against it. Marciano died in a plane crash the day before his 45th birthday in 1969.
On his boxing resume, he also has victories over Archie Moore, Don Cockell, Ezzard Charles (twice), Lee Savold, Harry Matthews, and the legendary Joe Louis.
The list could expand because multiple world champions have yet to lose. These fighters include Gennady Golovkin, Gilberto Ramirez, Keith Thurman, Terence Crawford, Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder, Andre Ward, Gilberto Ramirez, and Errol Spence Jr.
What boxer has lost the most fights?
Put Floyd Mayweather and his undefeated record on the back burner because it’s time to examine the other extreme. Although Mayweather boasts a flawless 50-0 record in the ring, every great boxer has faced defeat. Numerous journeymen have fought valiantly to make a living despite their lack of superstar potential.
Kristian Laight has lost the most fights. With a victory percentage of 4% (12/279). From 2003 to 2018, lightweight boxer Kristian Laight battled with the ring name “Mr. Reliable” due to his impeccable track record. After losing his first five professional fights, he ultimately beat Jazzer’s Verde by a decision in 2004.
His nickname stuck when he went winless in his first five professional fights before finally defeating Jazzer’s Verde by decision in 2004. Laight was on a losing record of 16 fights until winning in 2006. The Brit had to wait another two years to taste glory again.
Laight retired from boxing after suffering his 279th career loss, the most in the sport’s history, having never won consecutive bouts.
Final words
Boxing is one of the most entertaining combat sports, or martial arts, out there, as it’s simple to follow. You don’t need to dedicate your life to the art of punching to understand what’s going on.
Many solid boxers have never won a title in their entire career. Although they were competent fighters, they never seem to get their hands on the desirable championship belt. However, remembering them and learning from their mistakes—is essential for the progression of this wonderful art.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you’ll also enjoy reading about the best boxers in the history of boxing. We can learn plenty from the elite of the elite, so do give it a read.