Analysis: Are Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez worthy of election to the Hall of Fame?
Strong cases can be made that the three male fighters in the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2023 – Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez – deserve the honor.
At the same time, it isn’t the strongest class in recent years. Bradley, Froch and Marquez were among the most-accomplished fighters of their eras but not obvious choices – like Floyd Mayweather or Bernard Hopkins, for example — for the Hall of Fame.
They had impressive, but far from perfect resumes.
Here are arguments for and against the newest members of the Hall, who will be formally inducted in June at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, which is in upstate New York.
Note: The Hall made the announcement of their election on Wednesday.
TIM BRADLEY (33-2-1, 13 KOs)
FOR
Bradley wasn’t a powerful puncher but had elite ability, worked as hard as anyone in the sport and was durable. And the only fighter who beat was one of the greatest ever. He won five world titles in two divisions, for what that’s worth in an era of far too many belts. He also defeated a long list of elite opponents. He had an impressive stretch between 2007 and 2013, when his victims included Miguel Vazquez, Junior Witter, Kendall Holt, Nate Campbell, Lamont Peterson, Devon Alexander, Joel Casamayor, a still-formidable Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan Provodnikov and Juan Manuel Marquez. The victory over Marquez might’ve been the best of his career. Few fighters of the generation could match that impressive run.
AGAINST
The vast majority of observers thought Bradley was given a gift split decision against Pacquiao in their first fight (in 2012), which can’t be ignored. The Filipino star deserved the victory. And Pacquiao won both the rematch – which followed the Marquez victory – and their third fight by wide decisions (2014 and 2016). The fact is Bradley was never the same after the Marquez fight (2013), going 2-2-1 to close out his career when he was still young (30-32). He retired after losing his third fight with Pacquiao in 2016. The brutal, toe-to-toe brawl with Provodnikov in 2013 might’ve shortened his career.
IS HE WORTHY OF THE HONOR?
Yes
CARL FROCH (33-2, 24 KOs)
FOR
Froch wasn’t exceptionally quick or athletic but he was a clever boxer with formidable punching power and an abundance of confidence, which took the Englishman a long way. He was a three-time super middleweight titleholder between 2008 and 2015, making him one of the most consistent 168-pounders of his era. During that stretch, he defeated Jean Pascal (to win his first title), Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson, Lucian Bute, Mikkel Kessler (rematch) and George Groves (twice). His only losses came against the capable Kessler in their first fight and future Hall of Famer Andre Ward. He delivered a classic mic drop in 2014, when he knocked out Groves with one punch in front of 80,000 at Wembley Stadium and then retired.
AGAINST
Ward exposed Froch’s limitations, outclassing him to win what should’ve been a wide decision in the championship match of the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament )2011. It seemed in that fight that Ward was great, Froch merely good. Of course, it might not be fair to compare Froch with Ward, who finished his career with a perfect record and arguably is one of the greatest boxers of all time. The loss to Kessler (2010) doesn’t help his case but there’s no shame in it. Kessler was an excellent all-around fighter. And Froch avenged the loss convincingly, meaning he beat everyone he fought except Ward.
IS HE WORTHY OF THE HONOR?
Yes
RAFAEL MARQUEZ (41-9, 37 KOs)
FOR
Marquez wasn’t as skillful as his more-celebrated brother and fellow Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel Marquez, but the Mexican was an excellent boxer with a never-say-die warrior spirit and one-punch knockout power to go with it. He had a four-year run as a bantamweight titleholder and also won a junior featherweight belt. He’s best known for his historic four-fight series with Israel Vazquez between 2007 and 2010 – they each won twice — but he had a number of other important victories. Among them: He defeated fellow Hall of Famer Mark Johnson (twice), Mauricio Pastrana (twice) and previously unbeaten Tim Austin (to win his first title).
AGAINST
Marquez didn’t have as many quality victories as some other Hall of Famers. Plus, he and Marquez weren’t the same fighters for their fourth meeting, in part the result of the brutality of the first three. It had the feel of an old-timers game. Vazquez won two of the three meetings that should count most, once by knockout. He stopped Vazquez twice, in the first and fourth fights. He also was only 9-4 in world title fights. And, finally, Marquez, who retired at 34, struggled down the final stretch of his career: He went 4-6 in his final 10 fights. He shouldn’t be judged too harshly because of that; many great fighters have stumbled into retirement.
Analysis: Are Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez worthy of election to the Hall of Fame?
Strong cases can be made that the three male fighters in the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2023 – Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez – deserve the honor.
At the same time, it isn’t the strongest class in recent years. Bradley, Froch and Marquez were among the most-accomplished fighters of their eras but not obvious choices – like Floyd Mayweather or Bernard Hopkins, for example — for the Hall of Fame.
They had impressive, but far from perfect resumes.
Here are arguments for and against the newest members of the Hall, who will be formally inducted in June at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, which is in upstate New York.
Note: The Hall made the announcement of their election on Wednesday.
TIM BRADLEY (33-2-1, 13 KOs)
FOR
Bradley wasn’t a powerful puncher but had elite ability, worked as hard as anyone in the sport and was durable. And the only fighter who beat was one of the greatest ever. He won five world titles in two divisions, for what that’s worth in an era of far too many belts. He also defeated a long list of elite opponents. He had an impressive stretch between 2007 and 2013, when his victims included Miguel Vazquez, Junior Witter, Kendall Holt, Nate Campbell, Lamont Peterson, Devon Alexander, Joel Casamayor, a still-formidable Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan Provodnikov and Juan Manuel Marquez. The victory over Marquez might’ve been the best of his career. Few fighters of the generation could match that impressive run.
AGAINST
The vast majority of observers thought Bradley was given a gift split decision against Pacquiao in their first fight (in 2012), which can’t be ignored. The Filipino star deserved the victory. And Pacquiao won both the rematch – which followed the Marquez victory – and their third fight by wide decisions (2014 and 2016). The fact is Bradley was never the same after the Marquez fight (2013), going 2-2-1 to close out his career when he was still young (30-32). He retired after losing his third fight with Pacquiao in 2016. The brutal, toe-to-toe brawl with Provodnikov in 2013 might’ve shortened his career.
IS HE WORTHY OF THE HONOR?
Yes
CARL FROCH (33-2, 24 KOs)
FOR
Froch wasn’t exceptionally quick or athletic but he was a clever boxer with formidable punching power and an abundance of confidence, which took the Englishman a long way. He was a three-time super middleweight titleholder between 2008 and 2015, making him one of the most consistent 168-pounders of his era. During that stretch, he defeated Jean Pascal (to win his first title), Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson, Lucian Bute, Mikkel Kessler (rematch) and George Groves (twice). His only losses came against the capable Kessler in their first fight and future Hall of Famer Andre Ward. He delivered a classic mic drop in 2014, when he knocked out Groves with one punch in front of 80,000 at Wembley Stadium and then retired.
AGAINST
Ward exposed Froch’s limitations, outclassing him to win what should’ve been a wide decision in the championship match of the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament )2011. It seemed in that fight that Ward was great, Froch merely good. Of course, it might not be fair to compare Froch with Ward, who finished his career with a perfect record and arguably is one of the greatest boxers of all time. The loss to Kessler (2010) doesn’t help his case but there’s no shame in it. Kessler was an excellent all-around fighter. And Froch avenged the loss convincingly, meaning he beat everyone he fought except Ward.
IS HE WORTHY OF THE HONOR?
Yes
RAFAEL MARQUEZ (41-9, 37 KOs)
FOR
Marquez wasn’t as skillful as his more-celebrated brother and fellow Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel Marquez, but the Mexican was an excellent boxer with a never-say-die warrior spirit and one-punch knockout power to go with it. He had a four-year run as a bantamweight titleholder and also won a junior featherweight belt. He’s best known for his historic four-fight series with Israel Vazquez between 2007 and 2010 – they each won twice — but he had a number of other important victories. Among them: He defeated fellow Hall of Famer Mark Johnson (twice), Mauricio Pastrana (twice) and previously unbeaten Tim Austin (to win his first title).
AGAINST
Marquez didn’t have as many quality victories as some other Hall of Famers. Plus, he and Marquez weren’t the same fighters for their fourth meeting, in part the result of the brutality of the first three. It had the feel of an old-timers game. Vazquez won two of the three meetings that should count most, once by knockout. He stopped Vazquez twice, in the first and fourth fights. He also was only 9-4 in world title fights. And, finally, Marquez, who retired at 34, struggled down the final stretch of his career: He went 4-6 in his final 10 fights. He shouldn’t be judged too harshly because of that; many great fighters have stumbled into retirement.
Boxing Hall of Fame: Guide to three-class 2022 induction weekend.
Two canceled induction weekends have made this year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame celebration in Canastota, New York, an embarrassment of riches.
The IBHOF will welcome three classes of all-time great boxers into its fold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which finally subsided enough to allow for a supersized event this weekend. Those elected will be formally inducted on Sunday.
Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins top the deep list of men who will enter the Hall in the modern category.
And those being inducted will also include the first class of women boxers, including Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker in the modern classification.
Here is a list of the inductees (in alphabetical order), with commentary for each one.
CLASS OF 2020
MEN
Bernard Hopkins (pictured at right during is victory over Karo Murat) was a first-ballot inductee. AP Photo / Tim Larsen
BERNARD HOPKINS
Record: 55-8-2, 32 KOs Active: 1988-2016 Key victories: Glen Johnson, Simon Brown, Antwun Echols (twice), Keith Holmes, Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones Jr., Jean Pascal, Tavoris Cloud, Beibut Shumenov Titles: Middleweight (1995-2005), light heavyweight (2011-14) Background: BeHop wasn’t super athletic or powerful. He was merely an enduring boxing wizard, which ultimately earned him reverence as one of the greatest ever in the sport. He set the middleweight record for successful title defenses, 20, which alone would’ve been enough to earn him a place in the Hall. He then became the oldest to ever win a major title when, at 48, he outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win a light heavyweight title.
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Record: 56-7-1, 40 KOs Active: 1993-2014 Key victories: Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz (twice), Manny Pacquiao Titles: Featherweight 2003-05, 2006-07; junior lightweight 2007-08; lightweight 2009-12, 2012-13 Background: Marquez started as one third of the great Mexican trio that included Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera but he ended up surpassing his countrymen. The master counterpuncher is best known for his four-fight series with Manny Pacquiao, in which he went 1-2-1. Some believe he deserved to win all four fights. And he claimed the most-dramatic victory of the series, a one-punch knockout that stunned the boxing world in 2012. He was still a world class fighter past 40.
SHANE MOSLEY
Record: 49-10-1, 41 KOs Active: 1993-2016 Key victories: Phillip Holiday, John John Molina, Oscar De La Hoya (twice), James Leija, Wilfredo Rivera, Fernando Vargas (twice), Ricardo Mayorga (twice), Antonio Margarito Titles: Lightweight (1997-99); welterweight (2000-02, 2009-10); junior middleweight (2003-04) Background: Sugar Shane, quick and explosive, made his biggest mark at welterweight and heavier but he might’ve been at his best at lightweight, at which he was 32-0 (30 KOs). However, he became a star when he jumped to welterweight and in 2000 outpointed Los Angeles rival Oscar De La Hoya in their first of two fights. He would remain a major figure in the sport for the next decade-plus.
WOMEN
Christy Martin (at left fighting Dakota Stone) appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jeff Gross / Getty Images
CHRISTY MARTIN
Record: 49-7-3, 32 KOs Active: 1989-2012 Key victories: Deirdre Gogarty, Mia St. John, Dakota Stone Titles: Junior middleweight (2009-10) Background: Martin was a creation of promoter Don King, who had her fight repeatedly on the undercard of Mike Tyson fights. And she became popular, culminating with her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” also was a natural warrior who improved as a boxer as her career progressed. Her biggest fight came in 2003, when she was stopped by Laila Ali. Martin won the 154-pound title when she outpointed Dakota Stone in 2009 at 41.
LUCIA RIJKER
Record: 17-0, 14 KOs Active: 1996-2004 Key victories: Chevelle Hallback, Andrea DeShong, Jane Couch Titles: Junior welterweight (1997, 1998) Background: Some of those familiar with Rijker, who trained under Joe Goossen, Freddie Roach and Emanuel Steward, believe she’s the greatest female boxer of all-time. The accomplished martial artist from the Netherlands sparred regularly with elite male boxers, who respected her all-around ability. She largely flew under the radar because she wasn’t showcased like Christy Martin, Mia St. John and Laila Ali were. She enjoyed her greatest fame as an actress in the film “Million Dollar Baby.”
CLASS OF 2021
MEN
Wladimir Klitschko was the dominant heavyweight of his era. Alexander Koerner / Getty Images
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Record: 64-5, 53 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Samuel Peter (twice), Hasim Rahman, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin Titles: Heavyweight (2000-03, 2006-15) Background: Dr. Steelhammer was the most-accomplished heavyweight of his era, reigning as the No. 1 big man for more than a decade largely as a result of his jab and lethal right hand. He had some slip-ups early in his career but rebounded to surpass Joe Louis and Larry Holmes as the longest-reigning heavyweight champions, serving as champion for 12 years when you combine his two reigns. His only true rival in his prime was his brother, Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Record: 50-0, 27 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao Titles: Junior lightweight (1998-2002); lightweight (2002-04); junior welterweight (2005-06); welterweight (2006, 2006-08; 2014-16); junior middleweight (2007, 2012-16) Background: Mayweather was polarizing outside the ring but as consistent as anyone in history inside it. His sublime skills combined with his work ethic – he was ready to fight every time he stopped into the ring – made him largely untouchable during his career, which culminated in a convincing victory over rival Manny Pacquaio in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in 2015. Some people (including Mayweather) would argue that he’s the greatest fighter of all time. “Money” also earned far more than any other fighter, reportedly $800 million in the ring alone.
ANDRE WARD
Record: 32-0, 16 KOs Active: 2004-17 Key victories: Edison Miranda, Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Sakio Bika, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Sergey Kovalev (twice) Titles: Super middleweight (2009-15), light heavyweight (2016-17) Background: The last American man to win a gold medal wasn’t flashy or particularly powerful but few have had his level of skill and ring acumen. He burst upon the professional scene in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, in which the then-young fighter defeated Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch to win the tournament title and establish himself as a star. Sergey Kovalev gave him his toughest fight but was knocked out in their rematch.
WOMEN
Laila Ali had more than just a big name. Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
LAILA ALI
Record: 24-0, 21 KOs Active: 1999-2007 Key victories: Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Suzette Taylor, Valerie Mahfood (twice), Gwendolyn O’Neil, Erin Toughill, Christy Martin Titles: Super middleweight (2002-07), Background: Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, had the advantage of her last name but it turned out that she had both ability and punching power. She made a splash by defeating the daughter of her father’s rival, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, in 2001 but had many more quality victories. Her highest-profile fight came in 2003, when she stopped overmatched Christy Martin in four rounds.
ANN WOLFE
Record: 24-1, 16 KOs Active: 1998-2006 Key victories: Dakota Stone, Mary Ann Almager, Vienna Williams, Gina Nicholas, Marsha Valley, Valerie Mahfood, Vonda Ward Titles: Junior middleweight (1995-2002), light heavyweight (2004) Background: Wolfe was a skillful, powerfully built fighter known for her dedication in the gym. Her one-punch, first-round knockout of 6-foot-6 Vonda Ward in 2004 went viral on YouTube but she destroyed many other opponents too. She went on to become a trainer, most notably working with James Kirkland.
CLASS OF 2022
MEN
Roy Jones Jr (at left fighting Glen Kelly) was a monster in his prime. Eliot Schechter / Getty Images
MIGUEL COTTO
Record: 41-6, 33 KOs Active: 2001-17 Key victories: Randall Bailey, Demarcus Corley, Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06); welterweight (2006-08, 2009); junior middleweight (2010-12, 2017); middleweight (2014-15) Background: Cotto was one of greatest Puerto Rican stars of all time, using his combination of ability and professionalism to fight at the highest level of the sport for a decade and a half. The four-division titleholder was never afraid to fight the best possible opponents. And while he didn’t always win his biggest fights – for example, he lost to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez – he always gave a good account of himself.
ROY JONES JR.
Record: 66-9, 47 KOs Active: 1989-2018 Key victories: Bernard Hopkins, Thomas Tate, James Toney, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin, Virgil Hill, John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad Titles: Middleweight (1993-94); super middleweight (1994-96); light heavyweight (1997, 1997-2003, 2003-04); heavyweight (2003-04) Background: When Jones was at his best, no one on this list could touch him. His combination of speed, athleticism and crushing power – as well as the ability to use them to destroy opponents – was something to behold from middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. The fact he defeated two fellow inductees (Hopkins and Toney) on Sunday says a lot about him. He made history by outpointing John Ruiz to win a heavyweight title but was never the same after gaining and then losing weight to move back down to 175 pounds.
JAMES TONEY
Record: 77-10-3, 47 KOs Active: 1988-2017 Key victories: Merqui Sosa, Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (twice), Iran Barkley, Tim Littles, Charles Williams, Vassiliy Jirov, Evander Holyfield Titles: Middleweight (1991-93); super middleweight (1993-94); cruiserweight (2003) Background: Toney was as gifted as anyone who will enter the Hall on Sunday. He was a born boxer, with once-in-a-generation instincts, but he didn’t have the discipline between fights to realize his full potential. As it was, he was one of the best of his era. He made a splash by stopping unbeaten Michael Nunn to win a middleweight title in 1991 and fought at an elite level for another 20 years.
WOMEN
Holly Holm was a star in both boxing and MMA. Justin Edmonds / Getty Images
REGINA HALMICH
Record: 54-1-1, 16 KOs Active: 1994-2007 Key victories: Jill Matthews, Hollie Dunaway, Elena Reid, Kim Messer, Delia Gonzalez Titles: Flyweight (1995-2007); junior bantamweight (1998-99, 2004), junior flyweight (1996-2007) Background: The former kickboxer from Germany ventured outside Europe only once – losing to Yvonne Trevino in 1995 in the U.S. – but she was dominating on her native continent. She had two reigns as flyweight champion, with an incredible 28 total successful defenses. She was a major figure in her home country.
HOLLY HOLM
Record: 33-2-3, 9 KOs Active: 2002-13 Key victories: Christy Martin, Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Mary Jo Sanders, Jane Couch, Chevelle Hallback, Mia St. John, Jaime Clampitt Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06, 2010, 2012-13); welterweight (2006-09, 2012): junior middleweight (2006-08) Background: Holm became a hometown favorite in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she fought the majority of her bouts. The former kickboxer, who had excellent boxing skills, won a reported 14 titles in three divisions. She went on to compete in mixed martial arts, in which she knocked out UFC star Ronda Rousey in a significant upset.
Boxing Hall of Fame: Guide to three-class 2022 induction weekend.
Two canceled induction weekends have made this year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame celebration in Canastota, New York, an embarrassment of riches.
The IBHOF will welcome three classes of all-time great boxers into its fold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which finally subsided enough to allow for a supersized event this weekend. Those elected will be formally inducted on Sunday.
Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins top the deep list of men who will enter the Hall in the modern category.
And those being inducted will also include the first class of women boxers, including Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker in the modern classification.
Here is a list of the inductees (in alphabetical order), with commentary for each one.
CLASS OF 2020
MEN
Bernard Hopkins (pictured at right during is victory over Karo Murat) was a first-ballot inductee. AP Photo / Tim Larsen
BERNARD HOPKINS
Record: 55-8-2, 32 KOs Active: 1988-2016 Key victories: Glen Johnson, Simon Brown, Antwun Echols (twice), Keith Holmes, Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones Jr., Jean Pascal, Tavoris Cloud, Beibut Shumenov Titles: Middleweight (1995-2005), light heavyweight (2011-14) Background: BeHop wasn’t super athletic or powerful. He was merely an enduring boxing wizard, which ultimately earned him reverence as one of the greatest ever in the sport. He set the middleweight record for successful title defenses, 20, which alone would’ve been enough to earn him a place in the Hall. He then became the oldest to ever win a major title when, at 48, he outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win a light heavyweight title.
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Record: 56-7-1, 40 KOs Active: 1993-2014 Key victories: Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz (twice), Manny Pacquiao Titles: Featherweight 2003-05, 2006-07; junior lightweight 2007-08; lightweight 2009-12, 2012-13 Background: Marquez started as one third of the great Mexican trio that included Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera but he ended up surpassing his countrymen. The master counterpuncher is best known for his four-fight series with Manny Pacquiao, in which he went 1-2-1. Some believe he deserved to win all four fights. And he claimed the most-dramatic victory of the series, a one-punch knockout that stunned the boxing world in 2012. He was still a world class fighter past 40.
SHANE MOSLEY
Record: 49-10-1, 41 KOs Active: 1993-2016 Key victories: Phillip Holiday, John John Molina, Oscar De La Hoya (twice), James Leija, Wilfredo Rivera, Fernando Vargas (twice), Ricardo Mayorga (twice), Antonio Margarito Titles: Lightweight (1997-99); welterweight (2000-02, 2009-10); junior middleweight (2003-04) Background: Sugar Shane, quick and explosive, made his biggest mark at welterweight and heavier but he might’ve been at his best at lightweight, at which he was 32-0 (30 KOs). However, he became a star when he jumped to welterweight and in 2000 outpointed Los Angeles rival Oscar De La Hoya in their first of two fights. He would remain a major figure in the sport for the next decade-plus.
WOMEN
Christy Martin (at left fighting Dakota Stone) appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jeff Gross / Getty Images
CHRISTY MARTIN
Record: 49-7-3, 32 KOs Active: 1989-2012 Key victories: Deirdre Gogarty, Mia St. John, Dakota Stone Titles: Junior middleweight (2009-10) Background: Martin was a creation of promoter Don King, who had her fight repeatedly on the undercard of Mike Tyson fights. And she became popular, culminating with her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” also was a natural warrior who improved as a boxer as her career progressed. Her biggest fight came in 2003, when she was stopped by Laila Ali. Martin won the 154-pound title when she outpointed Dakota Stone in 2009 at 41.
LUCIA RIJKER
Record: 17-0, 14 KOs Active: 1996-2004 Key victories: Chevelle Hallback, Andrea DeShong, Jane Couch Titles: Junior welterweight (1997, 1998) Background: Some of those familiar with Rijker, who trained under Joe Goossen, Freddie Roach and Emanuel Steward, believe she’s the greatest female boxer of all-time. The accomplished martial artist from the Netherlands sparred regularly with elite male boxers, who respected her all-around ability. She largely flew under the radar because she wasn’t showcased like Christy Martin, Mia St. John and Laila Ali were. She enjoyed her greatest fame as an actress in the film “Million Dollar Baby.”
CLASS OF 2021
MEN
Wladimir Klitschko was the dominant heavyweight of his era. Alexander Koerner / Getty Images
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Record: 64-5, 53 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Samuel Peter (twice), Hasim Rahman, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin Titles: Heavyweight (2000-03, 2006-15) Background: Dr. Steelhammer was the most-accomplished heavyweight of his era, reigning as the No. 1 big man for more than a decade largely as a result of his jab and lethal right hand. He had some slip-ups early in his career but rebounded to surpass Joe Louis and Larry Holmes as the longest-reigning heavyweight champions, serving as champion for 12 years when you combine his two reigns. His only true rival in his prime was his brother, Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Record: 50-0, 27 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao Titles: Junior lightweight (1998-2002); lightweight (2002-04); junior welterweight (2005-06); welterweight (2006, 2006-08; 2014-16); junior middleweight (2007, 2012-16) Background: Mayweather was polarizing outside the ring but as consistent as anyone in history inside it. His sublime skills combined with his work ethic – he was ready to fight every time he stopped into the ring – made him largely untouchable during his career, which culminated in a convincing victory over rival Manny Pacquaio in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in 2015. Some people (including Mayweather) would argue that he’s the greatest fighter of all time. “Money” also earned far more than any other fighter, reportedly $800 million in the ring alone.
ANDRE WARD
Record: 32-0, 16 KOs Active: 2004-17 Key victories: Edison Miranda, Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Sakio Bika, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Sergey Kovalev (twice) Titles: Super middleweight (2009-15), light heavyweight (2016-17) Background: The last American man to win a gold medal wasn’t flashy or particularly powerful but few have had his level of skill and ring acumen. He burst upon the professional scene in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, in which the then-young fighter defeated Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch to win the tournament title and establish himself as a star. Sergey Kovalev gave him his toughest fight but was knocked out in their rematch.
WOMEN
Laila Ali had more than just a big name. Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
LAILA ALI
Record: 24-0, 21 KOs Active: 1999-2007 Key victories: Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Suzette Taylor, Valerie Mahfood (twice), Gwendolyn O’Neil, Erin Toughill, Christy Martin Titles: Super middleweight (2002-07), Background: Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, had the advantage of her last name but it turned out that she had both ability and punching power. She made a splash by defeating the daughter of her father’s rival, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, in 2001 but had many more quality victories. Her highest-profile fight came in 2003, when she stopped overmatched Christy Martin in four rounds.
ANN WOLFE
Record: 24-1, 16 KOs Active: 1998-2006 Key victories: Dakota Stone, Mary Ann Almager, Vienna Williams, Gina Nicholas, Marsha Valley, Valerie Mahfood, Vonda Ward Titles: Junior middleweight (1995-2002), light heavyweight (2004) Background: Wolfe was a skillful, powerfully built fighter known for her dedication in the gym. Her one-punch, first-round knockout of 6-foot-6 Vonda Ward in 2004 went viral on YouTube but she destroyed many other opponents too. She went on to become a trainer, most notably working with James Kirkland.
CLASS OF 2022
MEN
Roy Jones Jr (at left fighting Glen Kelly) was a monster in his prime. Eliot Schechter / Getty Images
MIGUEL COTTO
Record: 41-6, 33 KOs Active: 2001-17 Key victories: Randall Bailey, Demarcus Corley, Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06); welterweight (2006-08, 2009); junior middleweight (2010-12, 2017); middleweight (2014-15) Background: Cotto was one of greatest Puerto Rican stars of all time, using his combination of ability and professionalism to fight at the highest level of the sport for a decade and a half. The four-division titleholder was never afraid to fight the best possible opponents. And while he didn’t always win his biggest fights – for example, he lost to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez – he always gave a good account of himself.
ROY JONES JR.
Record: 66-9, 47 KOs Active: 1989-2018 Key victories: Bernard Hopkins, Thomas Tate, James Toney, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin, Virgil Hill, John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad Titles: Middleweight (1993-94); super middleweight (1994-96); light heavyweight (1997, 1997-2003, 2003-04); heavyweight (2003-04) Background: When Jones was at his best, no one on this list could touch him. His combination of speed, athleticism and crushing power – as well as the ability to use them to destroy opponents – was something to behold from middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. The fact he defeated two fellow inductees (Hopkins and Toney) on Sunday says a lot about him. He made history by outpointing John Ruiz to win a heavyweight title but was never the same after gaining and then losing weight to move back down to 175 pounds.
JAMES TONEY
Record: 77-10-3, 47 KOs Active: 1988-2017 Key victories: Merqui Sosa, Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (twice), Iran Barkley, Tim Littles, Charles Williams, Vassiliy Jirov, Evander Holyfield Titles: Middleweight (1991-93); super middleweight (1993-94); cruiserweight (2003) Background: Toney was as gifted as anyone who will enter the Hall on Sunday. He was a born boxer, with once-in-a-generation instincts, but he didn’t have the discipline between fights to realize his full potential. As it was, he was one of the best of his era. He made a splash by stopping unbeaten Michael Nunn to win a middleweight title in 1991 and fought at an elite level for another 20 years.
WOMEN
Holly Holm was a star in both boxing and MMA. Justin Edmonds / Getty Images
REGINA HALMICH
Record: 54-1-1, 16 KOs Active: 1994-2007 Key victories: Jill Matthews, Hollie Dunaway, Elena Reid, Kim Messer, Delia Gonzalez Titles: Flyweight (1995-2007); junior bantamweight (1998-99, 2004), junior flyweight (1996-2007) Background: The former kickboxer from Germany ventured outside Europe only once – losing to Yvonne Trevino in 1995 in the U.S. – but she was dominating on her native continent. She had two reigns as flyweight champion, with an incredible 28 total successful defenses. She was a major figure in her home country.
HOLLY HOLM
Record: 33-2-3, 9 KOs Active: 2002-13 Key victories: Christy Martin, Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Mary Jo Sanders, Jane Couch, Chevelle Hallback, Mia St. John, Jaime Clampitt Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06, 2010, 2012-13); welterweight (2006-09, 2012): junior middleweight (2006-08) Background: Holm became a hometown favorite in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she fought the majority of her bouts. The former kickboxer, who had excellent boxing skills, won a reported 14 titles in three divisions. She went on to compete in mixed martial arts, in which she knocked out UFC star Ronda Rousey in a significant upset.
Manny Pacquiao: Boxing’s one and only four-decade champion.
The fact Manny Pacquiao won titles in a record eight divisions – of 17 total – is generally cited as his greatest accomplishment. Another of them might never be topped.
Pacquiao, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, is believed to be the first fighter to hold major titles in four decades. The Filipino icon, who turned pro at 16 in 1995 and is now 42, won his first world title (flyweight) when he stopped Chatchai Sasakul in eight rounds in 1998 and his most-recent belt (welterweight) when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision this in July 2019.
Here are Pacquiao’s major titles by decade:
1990s
WBC flyweight (1998) – KO 8 Chatchai Sasakul
2000s
IBF junior featherweight (2001) – TKO 6 Lehlo Ledwaba
*-Featherweight (2003) – TKO 11 Marco Antonio Barrera
WBC junior lightweight (2008) – SD 12 Juan Manuel Marquez
Manny Pacquiao: Boxing’s one and only four-decade champion.
The fact Manny Pacquiao won titles in a record eight divisions – of 17 total – is generally cited as his greatest accomplishment. Another of them might never be topped.
Pacquiao, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, is believed to be the first fighter to hold major titles in four decades. The Filipino icon, who turned pro at 16 in 1995 and is now 42, won his first world title (flyweight) when he stopped Chatchai Sasakul in eight rounds in 1998 and his most-recent belt (welterweight) when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision this in July 2019.
Here are Pacquiao’s major titles by decade:
1990s
WBC flyweight (1998) – KO 8 Chatchai Sasakul
2000s
IBF junior featherweight (2001) – TKO 6 Lehlo Ledwaba
*-Featherweight (2003) – TKO 11 Marco Antonio Barrera
WBC junior lightweight (2008) – SD 12 Juan Manuel Marquez
Manny Pacquiao: Ranking the Filipino icon’s success division by division.
Manny Pacquiao has fought in 11 of the 17 weight divisions in his 26-year professional career. He has won world titles in eight of them, an all-time record that has made him a legend.
The Filipino dynamo has a winning record in all 11 weight classes, from 108 to 154 pounds, although he fought only once in three of them.
Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) has fought more times in his current division – welterweight – than in any other, having gone to war at 147 pounds in 17 of his 71 bouts. He’ll face titleholder Yordenis Ugas at welterweight on Saturday in Las Vegas (pay per view).
But in which division did he have his most success?
Boxing Junkie did the research to answer that question. In this special feature, we rank Pacquiao’s success by weight class. We start with No. 11 and work our way up to the division in which we believe he had his most success.
Note: We used Pacquiao’s weight to determine the division in each of his fights, with one exception: He weighed under the welterweight limit when he fought Antonio Margarito for a 154-pound title. That counts as a junior middleweight bout.
Also, he won sanctioning body titles in six divisions, Ring Magazine belts in the other two.
Manny Pacquiao: Ranking the Filipino icon’s success division by division.
Manny Pacquiao has fought in 11 of the 17 weight divisions in his 26-year professional career. He has won world titles in eight of them, an all-time record that has made him a legend.
The Filipino dynamo has a winning record in all 11 weight classes, from 108 to 154 pounds, although he fought only once in three of them.
Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) has fought more times in his current division – welterweight – than in any other, having gone to war at 147 pounds in 17 of his 71 bouts. He’ll face titleholder Yordenis Ugas at welterweight on Saturday in Las Vegas (pay per view).
But in which division did he have his most success?
Boxing Junkie did the research to answer that question. In this special feature, we rank Pacquiao’s success by weight class. We start with No. 11 and work our way up to the division in which we believe he had his most success.
Note: We used Pacquiao’s weight to determine the division in each of his fights, with one exception: He weighed under the welterweight limit when he fought Antonio Margarito for a 154-pound title. That counts as a junior middleweight bout.
Also, he won sanctioning body titles in six divisions, Ring Magazine belts in the other two.
The five greatest boxing brothers in modern history.
The Charlo twins – Jermall and Jermell Charlo – must already be considered among the greatest boxing brothers of all time.
Jermall, one minute older than Jermell, is a two-division titleholder if you count the secondary middleweight belt he currently holds. Jermell is a two-time junior middleweight titleholder and arguably has a better resume than his sibling.
And, at 30 years old, they are still writing their legacies. They’re scheduled to take part in fights Saturday on pay-per-view that could take them to the next level, Jermall against Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermell against Jeison Rosario.
Other sets of boxing brothers have accomplished more as of this moment but stay tuned.
Here is a look at the five greatest brother combinations in the modern history of the sport (post-World War II).
No. 1JUAN MANUEL AND RAFAEL MARQUEZ
Juan Manuel Marquez is pictured moments after his greatest punch, the one that stopped rival Manny Pacquiao. AP Photo / Eric Jamison, File
Combined record: 97-16-1 (77 KOs) Major titles won: 9 Hometown: Mexico City Background: Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs) demonstrated his ability by competing with all-time great Manny Pacquaio on even terms in their four-fight series, including his one-punch KO in fight No. 4. “Dinamita” went 1-2-1 in those four fights but some believe he deserved to win at least two or three of them. The 2020 Hall of Famer, a master counterpuncher, won seven major titles in four divisions. He is arguably the most-accomplished of the great Mexican trio of himself, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, meaning he’s among the greatest fighters ever from his boxing-crazy country. Rafael Marquez (41-9, 37 KOs) is best known for his four epic battles with Israel Vazquez (2-2) but was accomplished outside that series. He won titles in two divisions and had victories over the likes of Hall of Famer Mark Johnson (twice), Tim Austin and Mauricio Pastrana (twice) before declining as a result of so many exciting ring wars. Many believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame. No brother duo ever did it better.
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No. 2WLADIMIR AND VITALI KLITSCHKO
Wladimir (third from left) and Vitali Klitschko ruled the heavyweight division for a decade. Tim Groothuis / Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
Combined record: 109-7 (94 KOs) Major titles won: 7 Hometown: Kiev, Ukraine Background: The Klitschko brothers weren’t blessed with many elite opponents during a so-so heavyweight era but they made the most of their opportunities. Wladimir (64-5, 63 KOs) had some issues with his chin and possibly fitness early in his career – he was stopped by Ross Purity, Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster – but then embarked on one of the most-dominating runs in heavyweight history. He held at least one major title from 2006 to 2015, the second longest reign in division history. He ultimately met his match against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua but was past his peak. Vitali (45-2, 41 KOs) proved his mettle in a war with Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis in 2003, losing by stoppage because of a cut. His other loss, which cost him his first title, was the result of an injured shoulder against Chris Byrd. Vitali won a second title after the Lewis setback, left boxing for almost four years because of injuries and then came back and won one more belt. He retired as champion. Vitali is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Wlad is on his way there.
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No. 3MICHAEL AND LEON SPINKS
Leon Spinks celebrates after defeating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight championship in 1978. AP Photo
Combined record: 57-18-3 (35 KOs) Major titles won: 4 Hometown: St. Louis Background: Michael Spinks (31-1, 21 KOs) is probably underappreciated. The Hall of Famer was one of the best light heavyweights of all time, building a perfect record at the weight and reigning as champion for more than four years. He made 10 successful defenses. Among his 175-pound victims: Marvin Johnson, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Dwight Muhammad Qawi. He then made quick splash after moving up to heavyweight. He dethroned long-reigning champ Larry Holmes in his first fight in the division and then beat him again in the rematch. He made two successful defenses before he was infamously annihilated by Mike Tyson in 90 seconds in 1988. He never fought again. Leon Spinks (26-17-3, 14 KOs) is best known for upsetting 36-year-old Muhammad Ali by a split decision in his eighth pro fight to become heavyweight champion in 1978. He lost a unanimous decision to Ali in the rematch and never did much after that even after moving down to the newly created cruiserweight division. Both Michael and Leon Spinks won gold medals in the 1976 Olympics.
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No. 4KHAOSAI AND KHAOKOR GALAXY
Khaosai Galaxy owned the junior bantamweight division for seven-plus years, April 1986. AP Photo
Combined record: 71-3 (60) Major titles won: 3 Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand Background: The Thai brothers pre-date the Charlos as successful boxing twins. Khaosai (47-1, 41 KOs) was the star. The Hall of Famer, a good boxer known as the “Thai Tyson” because of his power, won his one and only title – at junior bantamweight – by stopping Eusebio Espinal in November 1984 and held it until he retired in 1992, making 19 successful defenses (16 by knockout) along the way. That was the longest reign in division history. Khaosai’s only loss came against Sak Galaxy (no relation) in his seventh pro fight. He won his final 41 bouts. Khaokor Galaxy (24-2, 19 KOs) wasn’t as gifted as his brother but he was good enough to win a bantamweight title twice. He outpointed the accomplished Wilfredo Vazquez to win the belt in 1988, lost it by a technical decision to Sung Kil Moon in his first defense and then regained it by a one-sided decision over Moon in the rematch the following year. Khaokor was stopped by Luisito Espinosa in the first round in his next bout and never fought again.
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No. 5TERRY AND ORLIN NORRIS
Terry Norris (right) counted Sugar Ray Leonard as one of his big-name victims. AP Photo / Charles Rex Arbogast
Combined record: 104-19-1 (61 KOs) Major titles won: 5 Hometown: Lubbock, Texas Background: “Terrible” Terry Norris (47-9, 31 KOs) was one of the best and entertaining fighters of his generation, a quick-handed, athletic boxer-puncher with a crushing left hook and a questionable chin. Norris won four titles during three championship runs at junior middleweight between 1990 and 1997. He suffered brutal knockout losses against Julian Jackson and Simon Brown but avenged the latter setback and beat a who’s who of opponents along the way, including John Mugabi, Sugar Ray Leonard, Donald Curry and Meldrick Taylor. The older Orlin Norris (57-10-1, 30 KOs) was an after thought but also a solid fighter. He won a version of the cruiserweight title when he stopped Marcelo Figueroa in 1993, which made the brothers simultaneous champions. He successfully defended four times before losing his belt to Nate Miller in 1995. He then became a decent heavyweight, perhaps best remembered for his fight with Mike Tyson in 1999. Tyson knocked him down after the bell to end Round 1 and he injured his knee, which made it impossible to continue. The fight was ruled a no-contest.
The five greatest boxing brothers in modern history.
The Charlo twins – Jermall and Jermell Charlo – must already be considered among the greatest boxing brothers of all time.
Jermall, one minute older than Jermell, is a two-division titleholder if you count the secondary middleweight belt he currently holds. Jermell is a two-time junior middleweight titleholder and arguably has a better resume than his sibling.
And, at 30 years old, they are still writing their legacies. They’re scheduled to take part in fights Saturday on pay-per-view that could take them to the next level, Jermall against Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermell against Jeison Rosario.
Other sets of boxing brothers have accomplished more as of this moment but stay tuned.
Here is a look at the five greatest brother combinations in the modern history of the sport (post-World War II).
No. 1JUAN MANUEL AND RAFAEL MARQUEZ
Juan Manuel Marquez is pictured moments after his greatest punch, the one that stopped rival Manny Pacquiao. AP Photo / Eric Jamison, File
Combined record: 97-16-1 (77 KOs) Major titles won: 9 Hometown: Mexico City Background: Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs) demonstrated his ability by competing with all-time great Manny Pacquaio on even terms in their four-fight series, including his one-punch KO in fight No. 4. “Dinamita” went 1-2-1 in those four fights but some believe he deserved to win at least two or three of them. The 2020 Hall of Famer, a master counterpuncher, won seven major titles in four divisions. He is arguably the most-accomplished of the great Mexican trio of himself, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, meaning he’s among the greatest fighters ever from his boxing-crazy country. Rafael Marquez (41-9, 37 KOs) is best known for his four epic battles with Israel Vazquez (2-2) but was accomplished outside that series. He won titles in two divisions and had victories over the likes of Hall of Famer Mark Johnson (twice), Tim Austin and Mauricio Pastrana (twice) before declining as a result of so many exciting ring wars. Many believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame. No brother duo ever did it better.
***
No. 2WLADIMIR AND VITALI KLITSCHKO
Wladimir (third from left) and Vitali Klitschko ruled the heavyweight division for a decade. Tim Groothuis / Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
Combined record: 109-7 (94 KOs) Major titles won: 7 Hometown: Kiev, Ukraine Background: The Klitschko brothers weren’t blessed with many elite opponents during a so-so heavyweight era but they made the most of their opportunities. Wladimir (64-5, 63 KOs) had some issues with his chin and possibly fitness early in his career – he was stopped by Ross Purity, Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster – but then embarked on one of the most-dominating runs in heavyweight history. He held at least one major title from 2006 to 2015, the second longest reign in division history. He ultimately met his match against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua but was past his peak. Vitali (45-2, 41 KOs) proved his mettle in a war with Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis in 2003, losing by stoppage because of a cut. His other loss, which cost him his first title, was the result of an injured shoulder against Chris Byrd. Vitali won a second title after the Lewis setback, left boxing for almost four years because of injuries and then came back and won one more belt. He retired as champion. Vitali is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Wlad is on his way there.
***
No. 3MICHAEL AND LEON SPINKS
Leon Spinks celebrates after defeating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight championship in 1978. AP Photo
Combined record: 57-18-3 (35 KOs) Major titles won: 4 Hometown: St. Louis Background: Michael Spinks (31-1, 21 KOs) is probably underappreciated. The Hall of Famer was one of the best light heavyweights of all time, building a perfect record at the weight and reigning as champion for more than four years. He made 10 successful defenses. Among his 175-pound victims: Marvin Johnson, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Dwight Muhammad Qawi. He then made quick splash after moving up to heavyweight. He dethroned long-reigning champ Larry Holmes in his first fight in the division and then beat him again in the rematch. He made two successful defenses before he was infamously annihilated by Mike Tyson in 90 seconds in 1988. He never fought again. Leon Spinks (26-17-3, 14 KOs) is best known for upsetting 36-year-old Muhammad Ali by a split decision in his eighth pro fight to become heavyweight champion in 1978. He lost a unanimous decision to Ali in the rematch and never did much after that even after moving down to the newly created cruiserweight division. Both Michael and Leon Spinks won gold medals in the 1976 Olympics.
***
No. 4KHAOSAI AND KHAOKOR GALAXY
Khaosai Galaxy owned the junior bantamweight division for seven-plus years, April 1986. AP Photo
Combined record: 71-3 (60) Major titles won: 3 Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand Background: The Thai brothers pre-date the Charlos as successful boxing twins. Khaosai (47-1, 41 KOs) was the star. The Hall of Famer, a good boxer known as the “Thai Tyson” because of his power, won his one and only title – at junior bantamweight – by stopping Eusebio Espinal in November 1984 and held it until he retired in 1992, making 19 successful defenses (16 by knockout) along the way. That was the longest reign in division history. Khaosai’s only loss came against Sak Galaxy (no relation) in his seventh pro fight. He won his final 41 bouts. Khaokor Galaxy (24-2, 19 KOs) wasn’t as gifted as his brother but he was good enough to win a bantamweight title twice. He outpointed the accomplished Wilfredo Vazquez to win the belt in 1988, lost it by a technical decision to Sung Kil Moon in his first defense and then regained it by a one-sided decision over Moon in the rematch the following year. Khaokor was stopped by Luisito Espinosa in the first round in his next bout and never fought again.
***
No. 5TERRY AND ORLIN NORRIS
Terry Norris (right) counted Sugar Ray Leonard as one of his big-name victims. AP Photo / Charles Rex Arbogast
Combined record: 104-19-1 (61 KOs) Major titles won: 5 Hometown: Lubbock, Texas Background: “Terrible” Terry Norris (47-9, 31 KOs) was one of the best and entertaining fighters of his generation, a quick-handed, athletic boxer-puncher with a crushing left hook and a questionable chin. Norris won four titles during three championship runs at junior middleweight between 1990 and 1997. He suffered brutal knockout losses against Julian Jackson and Simon Brown but avenged the latter setback and beat a who’s who of opponents along the way, including John Mugabi, Sugar Ray Leonard, Donald Curry and Meldrick Taylor. The older Orlin Norris (57-10-1, 30 KOs) was an after thought but also a solid fighter. He won a version of the cruiserweight title when he stopped Marcelo Figueroa in 1993, which made the brothers simultaneous champions. He successfully defended four times before losing his belt to Nate Miller in 1995. He then became a decent heavyweight, perhaps best remembered for his fight with Mike Tyson in 1999. Tyson knocked him down after the bell to end Round 1 and he injured his knee, which made it impossible to continue. The fight was ruled a no-contest.
