- WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Years active: 1996-2017
Record: 64-5 (53 KOs)
Championship reign(s): 2000-03; 2006-2015
Biggest victories: Chris Byrd (twice), Samuel Peter (twice), Tony Thompson (twice), Hasim Rahman, Ruslan Chagaev, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, Kubrat Pulev,
Biggest losses: Ross Puritty, Corrie Sanders, Lamon Brewster, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua
Background: Klitschko had remarkable natural gifts, including size (6-foot-6), underappreciated athleticism, punching power and Emaneul Steward in his corner when he was at his best. However, none of that would’ve amounted to much had he not also had perseverance. Klitschko lost three fights by knockout in the first part of his career, which raised serious questions about whether he would fail to realize his potential. How did he respond? He used his long, powerful jab and paralyzing right to become one of the most-enduring champions ever, making 18 consecutive successful title defenses over nine-plus years during his second of two reigns and 23 overall. Only Joe Louis was dominating for a longer period of time. Tyson Fury, a gifted boxer, ended Klitschko’s run as champion but “Dr. Steelhammer” wasn’t quite finished. He put then-unbeaten Anthony Joshua down in one last moment of greatness but couldn’t finish the job and was stopped himself. Courageous until the end.