World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics

Below is a list of world heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics.

Championship recognition[]

As per International Boxing Hall Of Fame:^[1]

1884–1921[]

• Champions were recognized by public acclamation. A champion in that era was a fighter who had a notable win over another fighter and kept winning afterward. It was a lineal championship. The only way to win the championship was to beat the current champion. Retirements or disputed results could lead to a championship being split among several men for periods of time. With only minor exceptions, the heavyweight division remained free from dual title-holders until the 1960s. For an early example, see the 1896 World Heavyweight Championship.

Sanctioning organizations: 1921–present[]

• 

  WBA world championship

• 

  WBC world championship

• 

  IBF world championship

• 

  WBO world championship

• 

  The Ring world championship

Gradually, the role of recognizing champions in the division evolved into a more formal affair, with public acclamation being supplemented (or in some cases, contradicted) by recognition by one or more athletic commissions, sanctioning organizations, or a combination of them. The most notable examples with respect to the heavyweight division have included:

• The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). A governmental entity initially formed for the purpose of regulating boxing in the State of New York, thanks to New York's place as the epicenter of boxing from the 1930s through 1950s, the NYSAC expanded its reach to sanctioning championship bouts. This practice continued until, like the IBU, the NYSAC became a member of the WBC.
• The National Boxing Association (NBA) was organized in 1921. In 1962, the organization was renamed the World Boxing Association (WBA).
• The WBC was organized in 1963.
• The IBF, which was founded in 1983 by the members of the United States Boxing Association after the USBA withdrew from membership in the WBA.
• The WBO, which was founded in 1988 by disgruntled members of the WBA.

There are also titles that are not considered major, but play a significant role in legitimizing the heavyweight champion:

• The Ring began awarding championship belts in 1922, stopped giving belts to world champions in the 1990s, then reintroduced their title in 2002, and ignored the current ongoing world championship lineage. Under the original version of the policy, you could win the title by either defeating the reigning champion or winning a box-off between the magazine's No. 1 and No. 2 (occasionally No. 3) ranked contenders. A fighter could not be stripped of the title unless he lost or retired. Since May 2012, under the new policy, The Ring title can be awarded when the No. 1 and No. 2 contenders face each other or when either of them faces No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5 contender. In addition, the title can be taken away by losing the fight, not scheduling a fight for 18 months, not scheduling a fight with a top 5 contender for two years, or retiring.^[2]

Most opponents beaten in title fights[]

• 

  Wladimir Klitschko

• 

  Joe Louis

• 

  Muhammad Ali

• 

  Larry Holmes

• 

  Lennox Lewis

• 

  Vitali Klitschko

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included

Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

All championship reigns[]

Map of countries, number of beaten opponents in world heavyweight boxing championship fights reached by country citizen (as of February 2020). Note: interim titles, as well as WBA's secondary belts (Regular, Gold etc.) are not included

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	23	[4]
2.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	22	[5][6]
3.	Muhammad Ali	1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	21	[7]
4.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20	[8]
5.	Lennox Lewis	1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15	[9]
5.	Vitali Klitschko	1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15	[10]
7.	Mike Tyson	1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC	11	[11]
7.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11	[12]
9.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10	[13]
10.	Evander Holyfield	1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	9	[14]
10.	Anthony Joshua	1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019 2. December 7, 2019 — September 25, 2021	WBA, IBF, WBO	9	[15]
12.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8	[16]
12.	Deontay Wilder	January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020	WBC	8	[17]
14.	Floyd Patterson	1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	7	[18]
15.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6	[19]
15.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	6	[20]
15.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6	[21]

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

Map of countries, number of beaten opponents in world heavyweight boxing championship fights reached by country citizen - undisputed champion (1922-), lineal champion (1885–1921), The Ring champion (1922-1989, 2002-) (as of May 2020). Note: interim titles, as well as WBA's secondary belts (Regular, Gold etc.) are not included

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	23	[4]
2.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	22	[5][6]
3.	Muhammad Ali	1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	21	[7]
4.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20	[8]
5.	Lennox Lewis	1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15	[9]
5.	Vitali Klitschko	1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15	[10]
7.	Mike Tyson	1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC	11	[11]
7.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11	[12]
9.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10	[13]
10.	Evander Holyfield	1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	9	[14]
11.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8	[16]
12.	Floyd Patterson	1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	7	[18]
12.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	7	[19]
14.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6	[21]
14.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	6	[20]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions[]

Diagram that represents top 25 world heavyweight champions by number of opponents beaten for the world heavyweight title (as of November 2021)

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

• has won undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–), lineal championship (1885–1921)
• held at least two major world heavyweight titles^[22][23][24] simultaneously
• defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of February 22, 2022.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Additional recognition	Beaten champions (recognition)	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Chris Byrd (IBF)	23	[4][25]
2.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	undisputed	The Ring		22	[5][6]
3.	Muhammad Ali	1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. undisputed 2. undisputed 3. WBA	The Ring		21	[7]
4.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC-to-IBF	The Ring	Mike Weaver (WBA), Tim Witherspoon (WBC)	20	[8][26][27]
5.	Lennox Lewis	1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. undisputed 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Evander Holyfield (WBA)	12	[9][14]
6.	Mike Tyson	1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		11	[11]
6.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	lineal		11	[12]
8.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	undisputed	The Ring		10	[13]
9.	Evander Holyfield	1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999	1. undisputed 2. unified 3. unified			8	[14]
9.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	undisputed	The Ring		8	[16]
11.	Floyd Patterson	1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	undisputed	The Ring		7	[18]
12.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	lineal		6	[19]
12.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	lineal		6	[21]
12.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	undisputed	The Ring		6	[20]
15.	Rocky Marciano	September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	undisputed	The Ring		5	[28]
15.	George Foreman	1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974 2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		5	[29]
17.	Primo Carnera	June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934	undisputed	The Ring		3	[30]
17.	Riddick Bowe	November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993	undisputed			3	[31]
19.	James J. Corbett	September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897	lineal	lineal		2	[32]
19.	Jess Willard	April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919	lineal	lineal		2	[33]
19.	Max Schmeling	June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931	undisputed	The Ring		2	[34]
19.	Vitali Klitschko	April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005	WBC	The Ring	Corrie Sanders (WBO)	2	[10][35]
19.	Tyson Fury	1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016 2. February 22, 2020 — present	1. unified 2. WBC	1. The Ring 2. The Ring		2	[36]
19.	Gene Tunney	September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928	undisputed	The Ring		2	[37]
19.	Michael Spinks	September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987	IBF	The Ring		2	[38]
26.	John L. Sullivan	August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892	lineal	lineal		1	[39]
26.	Bob Fitzsimmons	March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899	lineal	lineal		1	[40]
26.	Marvin Hart	July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906	lineal	lineal		1	[41]
26.	Max Baer	June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935	undisputed	The Ring		1	[42]
26.	James J. Braddock	June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937	undisputed	The Ring		1	[43]
26.	Jersey Joe Walcott	July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952	undisputed	The Ring		1	[44]
26.	Ingemar Johansson	June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960	undisputed	The Ring		1	[45]
26.	Sonny Liston	September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964	undisputed	The Ring		1	[46]
26.	Leon Spinks	February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978	undisputed	The Ring		1	[47]
26.	Buster Douglas	February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990	undisputed			1	[48]

Most wins in title fights[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included

Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

All championship reigns[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title fight wins	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	27	[5][6]
2.	Wladimir Klitschko	1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	25	[4]
3.	Muhammad Ali	1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	22	[7]
4.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20	[8]
5.	Lennox Lewis	1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15	[9]
5.	Vitali Klitschko	1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15	[10]
7.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13	[12]
8.	Mike Tyson	1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC	12	[11]
9.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10	[13]
9.	Deontay Wilder	January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020	WBC	10	[17]
9.	Evander Holyfield	1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	10	[14]
12.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	9	[16]
12.	Anthony Joshua	1. April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019 2. December 7, 2019 – September 25, 2021	WBA, IBF, WBO	9	[15]
14.	Floyd Patterson	1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	8	[18]
14.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	8	[21]

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title fight wins	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	27	[5][6]
2.	Wladimir Klitschko	1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	25	[4]
3.	Muhammad Ali	1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	22	[7]
4.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20	[8]
5.	Lennox Lewis	1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15	[9]
5.	Vitali Klitschko	1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15	[10]
7.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13	[12]
8.	Mike Tyson	1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBC, WBA	12	[11]
9.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10	[13]
9.	Evander Holyfield	1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	10	[14]
11.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	9	[16]
12.	Floyd Patterson	1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	8	[18]
12.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	8	[21]
14.	Rocky Marciano	September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	7	[28]
15.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	NYSAC, NBA	6	[20]
15.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6	[19]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

• has won undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–), lineal championship (1885–1921)
• held at least two major world heavyweight titles^[22][23][24] simultaneously
• defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of February 22, 2022.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Additional recognition	Beaten champions (recognition)	Title fight wins	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	undisputed	The Ring		27	[5][6]
2.	Wladimir Klitschko	1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Chris Byrd (IBF)	25	[4][25]
3.	Muhammad Ali	1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. undisputed 2. undisputed 3. WBA	1. The Ring 2. The Ring 3. The Ring		22	[7]
4.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC-to-IBF	The Ring	Mike Weaver (WBA), Tim Witherspoon (WBC)	20	[8][26][27]
5.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	lineal		13	[12]
6.	Lennox Lewis	1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. undisputed 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Evander Holyfield (WBA)	12	[9][14]
6.	Mike Tyson	1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		12	[11]
8.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	unified	The Ring		10	[13]
9.	Evander Holyfield	1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999	1. undisputed 2. unified 3. unified			9	[14]
9.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	undisputed	The Ring		9	[16]
11.	Floyd Patterson	1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	undisputed	The Ring		8	[18]
11.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	lineal		8	[21]
13.	Rocky Marciano	September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	undisputed	The Ring		7	[28]
14.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	undisputed	The Ring		6	[20]
14.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	lineal		6	[19]
16.	George Foreman	1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974 2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		5	[29]
17.	Primo Carnera	June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934	undisputed	The Ring		3	[30]
17.	Riddick Bowe	November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993	undisputed			3	[31]
17.	Gene Tunney	September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928	undisputed	The Ring		3	[37]
17.	Michael Spinks	September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987	IBF	The Ring		3	[38]
17.	Tyson Fury	1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016 2. February 22, 2020 — present	1. unified 2. WBC	1. The Ring 2. The Ring		3	[36]
22.	James J. Corbett	September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897	lineal	lineal		2	[32]
22.	Jess Willard	April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919	lineal	lineal		2	[33]
22.	Max Schmeling	June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931	undisputed	The Ring		2	[34]
22.	Vitali Klitschko	April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005	WBC	The Ring	Corrie Sanders (WBO)	2	[10][35]
22.	Jersey Joe Walcott	July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952	undisputed	The Ring		2	[44]
22.	Sonny Liston	September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964	undisputed	The Ring		2	[46]
28.	John L. Sullivan	August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892	lineal	lineal		1	[39]
28.	Bob Fitzsimmons	March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899	lineal	lineal		1	[40]
28.	Marvin Hart	July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906	lineal	lineal		1	[41]
28.	Max Baer	June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935	undisputed	The Ring		1	[42]
28.	James J. Braddock	June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937	undisputed	The Ring		1	[43]
28.	Ingemar Johansson	June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960	undisputed	The Ring		1	[45]
28.	Leon Spinks	February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978	undisputed	The Ring		1	[47]
28.	Buster Douglas	February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990	undisputed			1	[48]

Most opponents beaten during one title reign[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included

Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

All championship reigns[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	21	[5][6]
2.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19	[8]
3.	Wladimir Klitschko	April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	17	[4]
4.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11	[12]
5.	Muhammad Ali	October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10	[7]
6.	Mike Tyson	November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9	[11]
6.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9	[13]
6.	Deontay Wilder	January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020	WBC	9	[17]
9.	Lennox Lewis	February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	8	[9]
9.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8	[16]
11.	Anthony Joshua	April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019	WBA, IBF, WBO	6	[15]
11.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6	[21]
11.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6	[19]
14.	Rocky Marciano	September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	5	[28]
14.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	5	[20]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–). For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	21	[5][6]
2.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19	[8]
3.	Wladimir Klitschko	April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	17	[4]
4.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11	[12]
5.	Muhammad Ali	October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10	[7]
6.	Mike Tyson	November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9	[11]
6.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9	[13]
8.	Lennox Lewis	February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	8	[9]
8.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8	[16]
10.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6	[21]
10.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6	[19]
12.	Rocky Marciano	September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	5	[28]
12.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	5	[20]

Most consecutive title defenses[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included

Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

All championship reigns[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title defenses	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	26	[5][6]
2.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19	[8]
3.	Wladimir Klitschko	April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	18	[4][49]
4.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13	[12]
5.	Muhammad Ali	October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10	[7]
5.	Deontay Wilder	January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020	WBC	10	[17]
7.	Mike Tyson	November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9	[11]
7.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9	[13]
7.	Lennox Lewis	February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	9	[9]
10.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8	[16]
11.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	7	[21]
12.	Rocky Marciano	September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	6	[28]
12.	Anthony Joshua	April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019	WBA, IBF, WBO	6	[15]
12.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6	[19]
15.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	5	[20]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–). For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title defenses	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	26	[5][6]
2.	Larry Holmes	June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19	[8]
3.	Wladimir Klitschko	April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	18	[4]
4.	Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13	[12]
5.	Muhammad Ali	October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10	[7]
6.	Mike Tyson	November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9	[11]
6.	Joe Frazier	March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9	[13]
6.	Lennox Lewis	February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	9	[13]
9.	Ezzard Charles	September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8	[16]
10.	James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	7	[21]
11.	Rocky Marciano	September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	6	[28]
11.	Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6	[19]
13.	Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	5	[20]

Longest title reigns[]

Keys:

  Active Title Reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included

Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Combined reigns[]

All championship reigns[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921.

As of 26 September 2021.

Pos.	Name	Combined reign	Days as champion	Number of reigns	Title recognition
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	12 years, 0 months, 0 days	4 382	2	WBA, IBF, WBO
2.	Joe Louis	11 years, 8 months, 8 days	4 270	1	NYSAC, NBA
3.	Muhammad Ali	9 years, 5 months, 5 days	3 443	3	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.	Lennox Lewis	8 years, 5 months, 13 days	3 086	3	WBA, WBC, IBF
5.	Vitali Klitschko	7 years, 5 months, 28 days	2 735	3	WBC, WBO
6.	Larry Holmes	7 years, 3 months, 12 days	2 661	1	WBC, IBF
7.	Jack Dempsey	7 years, 2 months, 19 days	2 638	1	NYSAC, NBA
8.	John L. Sullivan	7 years, 0 months, 10 days	2 566	1	lineal
9.	Jack Johnson	6 years, 3 months, 11 days	2 292	1	lineal
10.	Evander Holyfield	6 years, 1 month, 1 day	2 223	4	WBA, WBC, IBF
11.	James J. Jeffries	5 years, 11 months, 4 days	2 156	1	lineal
12.	Deontay Wilder	5 years, 1 months, 5 days	1 859	1	WBC
13.	Anthony Joshua	4 years, 11 months, 10 days	1 806	2	IBF, WBA, WBO
14.	Joe Frazier	4 years, 10 months, 18 days	1 785	1	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
15.	Floyd Patterson	4 years, 10 months, 0 days	1 765	2	NYSAC, NBA
16.	James J. Corbett	4 years, 6 months, 10 days	1 652	1	lineal

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

As of 20 February 2020.

Pos.	Name	Combined reign	Days as champion	Number of reigns	Title recognition
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	12 years, 0 months, 0 days	4 382	2	WBA, IBF, WBO
2.	Joe Louis	11 years, 8 months, 8 days	4 270	1	NYSAC, NBA
3.	Muhammad Ali	9 years, 5 months, 5 days	3 443	3	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.	Lennox Lewis	8 years, 5 months, 13 days	3 086	3	WBA, WBC, IBF
5.	Vitali Klitschko	7 years, 5 months, 28 days	2 735	3	WBC, WBO
6.	Larry Holmes	7 years, 3 months, 12 days	2 661	1	WBC, IBF
7.	Jack Dempsey	7 years, 2 months, 19 days	2 638	1	NYSAC, NBA
8.	John L. Sullivan	7 years, 0 months, 10 days	2 566	1	lineal
9.	Jack Johnson	6 years, 3 months, 11 days	2 292	1	lineal
10.	Evander Holyfield	6 years, 1 month, 1 day	2 223	4	WBA, WBC, IBF
11.	James J. Jeffries	5 years, 11 months, 4 days	2 156	1	lineal
12.	Joe Frazier	4 years, 10 months, 18 days	1 785	1	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
13.	Floyd Patterson	4 years, 10 months, 0 days	1 765	2	NYSAC, NBA
14.	James J. Corbett	4 years, 6 months, 10 days	1 652	1	lineal
15.	Jess Willard	4 years, 2 months, 29 days	1 551	1	lineal

Vitali Klitschko (right) retired as champion in 2005. Following his retirement, the WBC conferred "champion emeritus" status on Klitschko, and assured him he would become the mandatory challenger if and when he decided to return

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions with successful unifications/victories over champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

• has won undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–), lineal championship (1885–1921)
• held at least two major world heavyweight titles^[22][23][24] simultaneously
• defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would later become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of 20 February 2020.

Pos.	Name	Combined reign	Days as champion	Number of reigns	Title recognition
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	12 years, 0 months, 0 days	4 382	2	WBA, IBF, WBO
2.	Joe Louis	11 years, 8 months, 8 days	4 270	1	NYSAC, NBA
3.	Muhammad Ali	9 years, 5 months, 5 days	3 443	3	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.	Larry Holmes	7 years, 3 months, 12 days	2 661	1	WBC, IBF
5.	Jack Dempsey	7 years, 2 months, 19 days	2 638	1	NYSAC, NBA
6.	John L. Sullivan	7 years, 0 months, 10 days	2 566	1	lineal
7.	Lennox Lewis	6 years, 8 months, 3 days	2 437	2	WBA, WBC, IBF
8.	Jack Johnson	6 years, 3 months, 11 days	2 292	1	lineal
9.	James J. Jeffries	5 years, 11 months, 4 days	2 156	1	lineal
10.	Evander Holyfield	5 years, 6 months, 12 days	2 020	3	WBA, WBC, IBF
11.	Joe Frazier	4 years, 10 months, 18 days	1 785	1	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
12.	Floyd Patterson	4 years, 10 months, 0 days	1 765	2	NYSAC, NBA
13.	James J. Corbett	4 years, 6 months, 10 days	1 652	1	lineal
14.	Jess Willard	4 years, 2 months, 29 days	1 551	1	lineal
15.	Mike Tyson	3 years, 10 months, 16 days	1 415	2	WBA, WBC, IBF

Individual reigns[]

Below is a list of longest reigning heavyweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. Both The Ring and lineal championships are included. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.

All championship reigns[]

Pos.	Name	Title Reign	Title recognition
1.	Joe Louis	11 years, 8 months, 8 days	lineal
2.	Wladimir Klitschko	9 years, 7 months and 6 days	IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3.	Larry Holmes	7 years, 3 months, 12 days	WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4.	Jack Dempsey	7 years, 2 months, 19 days	lineal
5.	John L. Sullivan	7 years, 0 months, 9 days	lineal
6.	Jack Johnson	6 years, 3 months, 10 days	lineal
7.	Muhammad Ali	5 years, 11 months, 9 days	The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8.	James J. Jeffries	5 years, 11 months, 4 days	lineal
9.	Vitali Klitschko	5 years, 2 months, 4 days	WBC
10.	Deontay Wilder	5 years, 1 month 5 days	WBC
11.	Joe Frazier	4 years, 10 months, 18 days	NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
12.	James J. Corbett	4 years, 6 months, 10 days	lineal
13.	Jess Willard	4 years, 2 months, 29 days	lineal
14.	Lennox Lewis	4 years, 2 months, 15 days	WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)
15.	Rocky Marciano	3 years, 11 months, 29 days	lineal

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

Pos.	Name	Title Reign	Title recognition
1.	Joe Louis	11 years, 8 months, 8 days	lineal
2.	Wladimir Klitschko	9 years, 7 months and 6 days	IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3.	Larry Holmes	7 years, 3 months, 12 days	WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4.	Jack Dempsey	7 years, 2 months, 19 days	lineal
5.	John L. Sullivan	7 years, 0 months, 9 days	lineal
6.	Jack Johnson	6 years, 3 months, 10 days	lineal
7.	Muhammad Ali	5 years, 11 months, 9 days	The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8.	James J. Jeffries	5 years, 11 months, 4 days	lineal
9.	Joe Frazier	4 years, 10 months, 18 days	NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
10.	James J. Corbett	4 years, 6 months, 10 days	lineal
11.	Jess Willard	4 years, 2 months, 29 days	lineal
12.	Lennox Lewis	4 years, 2 months, 15 days	WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)
13.	Rocky Marciano	3 years, 11 months, 29 days	lineal
14.	Mike Tyson	3 years, 2 months, 20 days	WBC (+WBA, IBF, The Ring)
15.	George Foreman	3 years, 0 months, 17 days	(+WBA, IBF stripped)

Title fight finishes[]

Quickest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages[]

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Date	Fight	Method	Round	Time	Title	Source(s)
April 18, 1998	Herbie Hide def. Damon Reed	TKO	1	0:52	WBO	[50]
May 21, 2005	Lamon Brewster def. Andrew Golota	TKO	1	0:52	WBO	[51]
November 14, 1944	Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis	KO	1	0:53	NYSAC	[5][6]
April 6, 1900	James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan	KO	1	0:55	Lineal	[21]
December 10, 1982	Michael Dokes def. Mike Weaver	TKO	1	1:03	WBA	[26]
July 4, 1907	Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires	KO	1	1:28	Lineal	[12]
March 17, 1908	Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche	KO	1	1:28	Lineal	[12]
June 27, 1988	Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks	KO	1	1:31	WBA, WBC, IBF	[11]
July 21, 1989	Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams	TKO	1	1:33	WBA, WBC, IBF	[11]
October 4, 1997	Lennox Lewis def. Andrew Golota	KO	1	1:35	WBC	[9]
April 22, 1969	Joe Frazier def. Dave Zyglewicz	KO	1	1:36	NYSAC	[13]
September 7, 1996	Mike Tyson def. Bruce Seldon	TKO	1	1:49	WBA	[11]
September 1, 1973	George Foreman def. José Roman	KO	1	2:00	WBA, WBC	[29]
June 22, 1938	Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling	KO	1	2:04	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
September 25, 1962	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:06	NYSAC, WBA	[18]
September 18, 1946	Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello	KO	1	2:09	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
July 22, 1963	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:10	WBA, WBC	[18]
May 25, 1965	Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston	KO	1	2:12	WBC	[7]
December 12, 1986	James Smith def. Tim Witherspoon	KO	1	2:12	WBA	[52]
May 18, 2019	Deontay Wilder def. Dominic Breazeale	KO	1	2:17	WBC	[17]
March 28, 1906	Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien	KO	1	2:18	Lineal	[12]
February 6, 1993	Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes	TKO	1	2:19	WBA, IBF	[31]
April 17, 1939	Joe Louis def. Jack Roper	KO	1	2:20	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
May 15, 1953	Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott	KO	1	2:25	NBA, NYSAC	[28]
January 25, 1939	Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis	KO	1	2:29	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
March 28, 1906	Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker	KO	1	2:55	Lineal	[12]
January 9, 1942	Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer	KO	1	2:56	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
November 4, 2017	Deontay Wilder def. Bermane Stiverne	KO	1	2:59	WBC	[17]
March 19, 2011	Vitali Klitschko def. Odlanier Solís	KO	1	2:59	WBC	[10]

Quickest stoppages in title fights — undisputed/The Ring/lineal/unified championship on the line[]

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Date	Fight	Method	Round	Time	Title	Source(s)
November 14, 1944	Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis	KO	1	0:53	NYSAC	[5]
April 6, 1900	James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan	KO	1	0:55	Lineal	[21]
July 4, 1907	Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires	KO	1	1:28	Lineal	[12]
March 17, 1908	Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche	KO	1	1:28	Lineal	[12]
June 27, 1988	Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks	KO	1	1:31	WBA, WBC, IBF	[11]
July 21, 1989	Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams	TKO	1	1:33	WBA, WBC, IBF	[11]
September 1, 1973	George Foreman def. José Roman	KO	1	2:00	WBA, WBC	[29]
June 22, 1938	Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling	KO	1	2:04	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
September 25, 1962	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:06	NYSAC, WBA	[18]
September 18, 1946	Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello	KO	1	2:09	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
July 22, 1963	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:10	WBA, WBC	[18]
May 25, 1965	Muhammad Ali def. Sonny Liston	KO	1	2:12	WBC	[7]
March 28, 1906	Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien	KO	1	2:18	Lineal	[12]
February 6, 1993	Riddick Bowe def. Michael Dokes	TKO	1	2:19	WBA, IBF	[31]
April 17, 1939	Joe Louis def. Jack Roper	KO	1	2:20	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
May 15, 1953	Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott	KO	1	2:25	NBA, NYSAC	[28]
January 25, 1939	Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis	KO	1	2:29	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
March 28, 1906	Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker	KO	1	2:55	Lineal	[12]
January 9, 1942	Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer	KO	1	2:56	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
March 29, 1940	Joe Louis def. Johnny Paychek	TKO	2	0:15	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
May 22, 1993	Riddick Bowe def. Jesse Ferguson	KO	2	0:17	WBA	[31]
August 26, 1904	James J. Jeffries def. Jack Munroe	TKO	2	0:45	Lineal	[21]
November 18, 1970	Joe Frazier def. Bob Foster	KO	2	0:49	WBA, WBC	[13]
September 14, 1923	Jack Dempsey def. Luis Ángel Firpo	KO	2	0:57	NBA, NYSAC	[20]
February 17, 1941	Joe Louis def. Gus Dorazio	KO	2	1:30	NBA, NYSAC	[5]
March 26, 1974	George Foreman def. Ken Norton	TKO	2	2:00	WBA, WBC	[29]
January 22, 1973	George Foreman def. Joe Frazier	TKO	2	2:26	WBA, WBC	[29]
July 15, 2000	Lennox Lewis def. Francois Botha	TKO	2	2:39	WBC, IBF	[9]
April 29, 2000	Lennox Lewis def. Michael Grant	KO	2	2:53	WBC, IBF	[9]
March 21, 1988	Mike Tyson def. Tony Tubbs	TKO	2	2:54	WBA, WBC, IBF	[11]

Most opponents beaten in title fights by stoppage[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)

	Name	Finished opponents	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	20	[5][6]
2.	Wladimir Klitschko	18	[4]
3.	Larry Holmes	14	[8]
4.	Muhammad Ali	13	[7]
5.	Vitali Klitschko	12	[10]
6.	Lennox Lewis	11	[9]
7.	Mike Tyson	9	[11]
	Tommy Burns		[12]
9.	Deontay Wilder	8	[17]
9.	Joe Frazier	8	[13]
11.	Floyd Patterson	7	[18]
11.	Anthony Joshua	7	[15]
13.	Rocky Marciano	5	[28]
	James J. Jeffries		[21]
	Ezzard Charles		[16]
	Jack Dempsey		[20]

Most title fight wins by stoppage[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)

	Name	Title fight finishes	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	24	[5][6]
2.	Wladimir Klitschko	19	[4]
3.	Muhammad Ali	14	[7]
3.	Larry Holmes	14	[20]
5.	Vitali Klitschko	12	[10]
6.	Lennox Lewis	11	[9]
6.	Tommy Burns	11	[12]
8.	Mike Tyson	10	[11]
9.	Deontay Wilder	9	[17]
10.	Joe Frazier	8	[13]
10.	Floyd Patterson	8	[18]
11.	Anthony Joshua	7	[15]
12.	Rocky Marciano	6	[28]
12.	James J. Jeffries	6	[21]
12.	Ezzard Charles	6	[16]

Highest knockout-to-beat-opponent percentage in title fights[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)

Note 3: Only fighters who have defeated 5 or more opponents for the world heavyweight title are included

	Name	Opponents fought	Opponents stopped	Percentage	Fights
1.	Rocky Marciano	5	5	100%	[28]
2.	Deontay Wilder	9	8	88.89%	[17]
3.	Joe Louis	23	20	86.96%	[5][6]
4.	Tommy Burns	12	9	75%	[12]
5.	Joe Frazier	11	8	72.73%	[13]
6.	Jack Dempsey	7	5	71.43%	[20]
6.	James J. Jeffries	7	5	71.43%	[21]
8.	Vitali Klitschko	17	12	70.59%	[10]
9.	Floyd Patterson	10	7	70%	[18]
9.	Anthony Joshua	10	7	70%	[15]
11.	Wladimir Klitschko	26	18	69.23%	[4]
12.	Lennox Lewis	17	11	64.71%	[9]
13.	Mike Tyson	14	9	64.29%	[11]
14.	Muhammad Ali	22	13	59.09%	[7]
15.	Larry Holmes	24	14	58.33%	[20]

Highest knockout-to-win percentage in title fights[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Note 2: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (1922–present), The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–) or lineal championship (1885–1921)

Note 3: Only fighters who have won 5 or more world heavyweight title fights are included

	Name	Title fights	Title fight stoppages	Percentage	Fights
1.	Joe Louis	28	24	85.71%	[5][6]
1.	Rocky Marciano	7	6	85.71%	[28]
3.	Tommy Burns	15	11	73.33%	[12]
4.	Vitali Klitschko	17	12	70.59%	[10]
5.	Deontay Wilder	13	9	69.23%	[17]
6.	Joe Frazier	12	8	66.67%	[13]
6.	James J. Jeffries	9	6	66.67%	[21]
8.	Wladimir Klitschko	29	19	65.52%	[4]
9.	Lennox Lewis	17	11	64.71%	[9]
10.	Anthony Joshua	11	7	63.64%	[15]
11.	Mike Tyson	16	10	62.5%	[11]
12.	Jack Dempsey	8	5	62.5%	[20]
13.	Floyd Patterson	13	8	61.54%	[18]
14.	Jack Johnson	7	4	57.14%	[19]
14.	George Foreman	7	4	57.14%	[29]

Champions by age[]

Keys:

  Active title reign

  Reign has ended

Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included

Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

Oldest champions[]

As of February 22, 2022.

This is the list of the oldest heavyweight champions ordered by age at their last day as champion.

All championship reigns[]

	Name	Recognition	Last day as champion	Age	Source(s)
1	George Foreman	IBF	June 29, 1995	46 years, 5 months, 18 days	[53]
2	Vitali Klitschko	WBC	December 16, 2013	42 years, 2 months, 26 days	[54]
3	Wladimir Klitschko	WBA, IBF, WBO	November 28, 2015	39 years, 8 months, 3 days	[4]
4	Oleg Maskaev	WBC	March 8, 2008	39 years, 6 days	[55]
5	Jersey Joe Walcott	NBA, NYSAC	September 23, 1952	38 years, 7 months, 23 days	[44]
6	Lennox Lewis	WBC	February 6, 2004	38 years, 5 months, 4 days	[56]
7	Evander Holyfield	WBA	March 3, 2001	38 years, 4 months, 12 days	[14]
8	Corrie Sanders	WBO	February 1, 2004	38 years, 25 days	[57]
9	Muhammad Ali	WBA	October 18, 1979	37 years, 9 months, 1 day
10	Jess Willard	Lineal	July 4, 1919	37 years, 6 months, 5 days

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

	Name	Recognition	Last day as champion	Age	Source(s)
1	Wladimir Klitschko	WBA, IBF, WBO	November 28, 2015	39 years, 8 months, 3 days	[4]
2	Jersey Joe Walcott	NBA, NYSAC	September 23, 1952	38 years, 7 months, 23 days	[44]
3	Lennox Lewis	WBC	February 6, 2004	38 years, 5 months, 4 days	[56]
4	Muhammad Ali	WBA	October 18, 1979	37 years, 9 months, 1 day
5	Jess Willard	Lineal	July 4, 1919	37 years, 6 months, 5 days	[33]
6	Jack Johnson	Lineal	April 5, 1915	37 years, 0 months, 5 days	[19]
7	Bob Fitzsimmons	Lineal	July 4, 1919	36 years, 0 months, 14 days	[40]
8	Larry Holmes	IBF	September 21, 1985	35 years, 10 months, 18 days	[8]
9	Joe Louis	NYSAC, NBA	March 1, 1949	34 years, 9 months, 16 days	[5]
10	Sonny Liston	NYSAC, WBA	July 22, 1963	34 years, 0 months, 24 days	[46]

Youngest champions[]

As of February 22, 2022.

All championship reigns[]

	Name	Recognition	Date	Age	Source(s)
1	Mike Tyson	WBC	November 22, 1986	20 years, 4 months, 23 days	[11]
2	Floyd Patterson	NBA, NYSAC	November 30, 1956	21 years, 10 months, 26 days	[18]
3	Muhammad Ali	WBA, WBC	February 25, 1964	22 years, 1 month, 8 days	[7]
4	Joe Louis	NBA, NYSAC	June 22, 1937	23 years, 1 month, 9 days	[5]
5	Jack Dempsey	Lineal	July 4, 1919	24 years, 0 months, 10 days	[20]
6	George Foreman	WBA, WBC	February 22, 1973	24 years, 0 months, 12 days	[29]
7	Joe Frazier	NYSAC	March 4, 1968	24 years, 1 month, 21 days	[13]
8	James J. Jeffries	Lineal	June 9, 1899	24 years, 1 month, 25 days	[21]
9	Michael Dokes	WBA	December 10, 1982	24 years, 4 months	[58]
10	Wladimir Klitschko	WBO	October 14, 2000	24 years, 6 months, 19 days	[4]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

	Name	Recognition	Date	Age	Source(s)
1	Mike Tyson	WBC	November 22, 1986	20 years, 4 months, 23 days	[11]
2	Floyd Patterson	NBA, NYSAC	November 30, 1956	21 years, 10 months, 26 days	[18]
3	Muhammad Ali	WBA, WBC	February 25, 1964	22 years, 8 days	[7]
4	Joe Louis	NBA, NYSAC	June 22, 1937	23 years, 1 month, 9 days	[5]
5	Jack Dempsey	Lineal	July 4, 1919	24 years, 0 months, 10 days	[20]
6	George Foreman	WBA, WBC	February 22, 1973	24 years, 0 months, 12 days	[29]
7	Joe Frazier	NYSAC	March 4, 1968	24 years, 1 month, 21 days	[13]
8	James J. Jeffries	Lineal	June 9, 1899	24 years, 1 month, 25 days	[21]
9	Leon Spinks	WBA	February 15, 1978	24 years, 7 months, 4 days	[47]
10	Tommy Burns	Lineal	January 16, 1902	24 years, 8 months, 6 days	[12]

Fastest world championship wins[]

By time elapsed from professional debut[]

Ranked by the time elapsed between professional debut and world heavyweight title win.

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

All championship reigns[]

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Time elapsed	Fights
1	Leon Spinks	January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	1 year, 1 month	[47]
2	Mike Tyson	March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	1 year, 8 months, 16 days	[11]
3	John Tate	May 7, 1977	October 20, 1979	2 years, 5 months, 13 days	[59]
4	Anthony Joshua	October 5, 2013	April 9, 2016	2 years, 6 months, 4 days	[15]
5	Joe Frazier	August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	2 years, 6 months, 17 days	[39]
6	Vitali Klitschko	November 16, 1996	June 26, 1999	2 years, 7 months, 10 days	[10]
7	Joe Louis	July 7, 1934	June 22, 1937	2 years, 11 months, 15 days	[29]
8	Charles Martin	October 27, 2012	January 16, 2016	3 years, 2 months, 20 days	[60]
9	Muhammad Ali	October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	3 years, 2 months, 27 days	[7]
10	George Foreman	June 23, 1969	January 22, 1973	3 years, 6 months, 30 days	[29]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Time elapsed	Fights
1	Leon Spinks	January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	1 year, 1 month	[47]
2	Mike Tyson	March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	1 year, 8 months, 16 days	[11]
3	Joe Frazier	August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	2 years, 6 months, 17 days	[13]
4	Joe Louis	July 7, 1934	June 22, 1937	2 years, 11 months, 15 days	[5]
5	Muhammad Ali	October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	3 years, 2 months, 27 days	[7]
6	George Foreman	June 23, 1969	January 22, 1973	3 years, 6 months, 30 days	[29]
7	James J. Jeffries	October 29, 1895	June 9, 1899	3 years, 7 months, 11 days	[21]
8	Riddick Bowe	March 6, 1989	November 13, 1992	3 years, 6 months, 30 days	[31]
9	Tommy Burns	January 16, 1902	February 23, 1906	4 years, 1 month, 7 days	[12]
10	Jess Willard	February 5, 1911	April 5, 1915	4 years, 2 months	[33]

By number of bouts fought to win world championship[]

Ranked by the number of bouts a boxer fought at the professional level before winning the world heavyweight title.

Note: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included^[3]

All championship reigns[]

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Fights	Source(s)
1	Leon Spinks	January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	8	[47]
2	James J. Corbett	March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	11	[32]
3	James J. Jeffries	October 29, 1895	June 9, 1899	13	[21]
4	Anthony Joshua	October 5, 2013	April 9, 2016	16	[15]
5	Tim Witherspoon	August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	19	[27]
5	Oleksandr Usyk	September 11, 2013	September 25, 2021	19	[61]
7	John Tate	May 7, 1977	October 20, 1979	20	[59]
7	Joe Frazier	August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	20	[13]
7	Muhammad Ali	October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	20	[7]
10	Tony Tubbs	June 14, 1980	April 29, 1985	21	[62]

Championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions[]

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (1922–present), lineal championship (1885–1921) or The Ring championship (1922–1989, 2002–).

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Fights	Source(s)
1	Leon Spinks	January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	8	[47]
2	James J. Corbett	March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	11	[32]
3	James J. Jeffries	October 29, 1895	June 9, 1899	13	[21]
4	Joe Frazier	August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	20	[13]
4	Muhammad Ali	October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	20	[7]
6	Ingemar Johansson	December 5, 1952	June 26, 1959	22	[45]
7	Evander Holyfield	November 15, 1984	October 25, 1990	25	[14]
7	Tyson Fury	December 6, 2008	November 28, 2015	25	[36]
9	Mike Tyson	March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	28	[11]
9	Larry Holmes	March 21, 1973	June 9, 1978	28	[8]
9	Michael Spinks	April 16, 1977	September 21, 1985	28	[38]
9	Jess Willard	February 5, 1911	April 5, 1915	28	[33]

Statistics by era[]

Before 1921[]

At the very beginnings, before the establishment of the sanctioning organizations, the title recognition passed through lineage in the fights under Marquess of Queensberry Rules. The champion was informally called "the man who beat the man". The fight between John L. Sullivan and Dominick McCaffrey is recognized by many boxing historians, including those at The Ring, to be for the inaugural World Heavyweight Championship under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules (however, some dispute that claim for various reasons, including the short distance of the bout, McCaffrey's small size and the fact that both fighters were Americans).^[63] The lineage was the only universally recognized form of a world championship until July 2, 1921, when Jack Dempsey became the inaugural NBA Heavyweight Champion.

Name	Reign began-ended	Title recognition	Title bout wins	Beaten opponents	Fights
Tommy Burns	February 23, 1906 – December 26, 1908	lineal	13	11	[12]
James J. Jeffries	June 9, 1899 – May 13, 1905	lineal	8	6	[21]
Jack Johnson	December 26, 1908 – April 5, 1915	lineal	6	6	[19]
Jack Dempsey	July 4, 1919 – July 2, 1921	lineal	3	3	[20]
James J. Corbett	September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897	lineal	2	2	[32]
Jess Willard	April 5, 1915 – July 4, 1919				[33]

National sanctioning bodies[]

The growing popularity of boxing led to a birth of various regional sanctioning organizations, with each recognizing their own champion. The major governing bodies were the National Boxing Association, formed in 1921, the New York State Athletic Commission, found after the Walker Law legalized prizefighting in New York in 1920, and the International Boxing Union, created in 1911 in Paris in an attempt create a unified international governing body for professional boxing. The NBA and NYSAC both made then-lineal champion Jack Dempsey their inaugural champion on July 2, 1921, and July 24, 1922, respectively.^[64]