Top 10 Lightweight Boxers of All Time – Ranked

Top 10 Lightweight Boxers

The lightweight division in boxing has always been one of the most exciting and competitive weight classes, and has produced some of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport. From the early days of boxing to the modern era, the lightweight division has been home to a wealth of talent and skill.

The top 10 lightweight boxers listed above are some of the greatest fighters to ever lace up a pair of gloves. Each one of them has left an indelible mark on the sport and on the division itself, with their unique styles, skills, and accomplishments. From Benny Leonard’s technical mastery to Roberto Duran’s relentless aggression, these fighters have thrilled fans with their performances both in and out of the ring.

Many of these fighters faced incredible challenges during their careers, from discrimination and bias to fierce competition from their peers. Yet they all persevered and became legends in their own right, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow fighters alike.

Overall, the lightweight division continues to produce top talent and exciting fights, and it will always be remembered as one of the most storied and competitive divisions in the history of boxing.

Top 10 Lightweight Boxers of All-Time

We have provided the list of the top 10 lightweight boxers of all-time, in the table given below:

S.No.	Boxers	Weight
1	Benny Leonard	Lightweight, Welterweight
2	Joe Gans	Welterweight, ‎Middleweight
3	Tony Canzoneri	Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Light Welterweight
4	Roberto Duran	Lightweight, Middleweight, Welterweight
5	Ike Williams	Lightweight
6	Pernell Whitaker	Lightweight, Light welterweight, Welterweight, Light middleweight
7	Freddie Welsh	Lightweight
8	Lou Ambers	Lightweight, ‎Welterweight
9	Julio Cesar Chavez	Lightweight, Welterweight, Light welterweight, Super featherweight
10	Carlos Ortiz	Lightweight, ‎Light welterweight

TRENDING

1. Benny Leonard (Lightweight, Welterweight)

Benny Leonard is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent boxers in the history of the sport. He was a dominant force in the lightweight division during a time when it was incredibly competitive. He held the undisputed lightweight championship for a significant period, defeating a long list of formidable opponents including Lew Tendler, Johnny Dundee, Rocky Kansas, Richie Mitchell, Johnny Kilbane, Freddie Welsh, and Willie Ritchie.

Leonard’s record over a 20-year period from May 1912 to October 1932 was remarkable, with only a single loss. He possessed a combination of skills, intelligence, power, endurance, and toughness that set him apart from his contemporaries. He was also renowned for his unparalleled ring wisdom, which allowed him to outmaneuver and outsmart his opponents.

Leonard’s style of fighting was characterized by his ability to adapt to different opponents and situations. He had a deep understanding of the sport and was known for his strategic approach to boxing. His success was not just due to his physical abilities but also his mental acuity.

Overall, Benny Leonard was a true master of the sport of boxing, and his legacy as the ultimate king of the lightweight division at 135 pounds will never be forgotten.

2. Joe Gans (Welterweight, ‎Middleweight)

Joe Gans, despite passing away at the young age of 35 due to tuberculosis, left an indelible mark in the history of boxing. In a span of 14 years, he participated in approximately 170 bouts, cementing his status as one of the sport’s earliest and most significant masters.

Gans was renowned for his cleverness, toughness, and technical sophistication in the ring. Despite facing years of discrimination and racial bias in the sport, he persevered and triumphed over many formidable opponents. He often had to contend with biased officiating or had to make weight while wearing his boxing gear, yet he never let those challenges deter him from achieving success.

Gans was a pioneer in boxing, credited with inventing the uppercut and popularizing essential techniques such as blocking, footwork, and counter-punching. His exceptional skills earned him the nickname “The Old Master.” He was a strategic fighter who utilized his intelligence and boxing acumen to gain advantages over his opponents.

Overall, Joe Gans was an important figure in the history of boxing, paving the way for future generations of fighters with his technical innovations and perseverance in the face of adversity.

3. Tony Canzoneri (Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Light Welterweight)

Tony Canzoneri was a dominant force in boxing during the late 1920s. He was so exceptionally skilled that he was recognized as not only the best lightweight boxer in the world but the best boxer overall, regardless of weight class.

Canzoneri’s success in the ring was attributed to his versatility, cleverness, and heavy-handedness. He was a well-rounded fighter who could adapt to different styles and opponents, making him a formidable force in the sport. He defeated many great boxers, including Johnny Dundee, Charles “Bud” Taylor, Benny Bass, Sammy Mandell, Al Singer, Billy Petrolle, Frankie Klick, Jimmy McLarnin, Jackie “Kid” Berg, Lou Ambers, and Kid Chocolate.

Canzoneri’s record of victories over these formidable opponents is a testament to his exceptional skills and talent. He was a strategic fighter who utilized his intelligence and technical proficiency to gain advantages over his opponents. Canzoneri’s success in the sport earned him a reputation as one of the greatest boxers of his time, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of fighters.

4. Roberto Duran (Lightweight, Middleweight, Welterweight)

Roberto Duran is widely regarded as one of the most dominant boxers in the lightweight division, and his reign of terror began long before he delivered a brutal beating to champion Ken Buchanan in 1972. Duran’s supremacy in the division continued until he unified the title with an impressive victory over Esteban De Jesus in 1978. He was known as “Manos de Piedra,” or “Hands of Stone,” for his devastating punching power and technique.

Duran’s success wasn’t limited to the lightweight division. He moved up in weight classes and captured titles at welterweight, super welterweight, and middleweight, cementing his status as one of the sport’s greatest fighters.

In the lightweight division, Duran defeated many talented boxers, including Hector Thompson, Guts Ishimatsu, Vilomar Fernandez, and Edwin Viruet. His ability to dominate these premier talents demonstrated his exceptional skills and talent as a boxer.

Overall, Roberto Duran’s legacy in the sport of boxing is undeniable. His dominance in the lightweight division and his success in other weight classes solidified his status as one of the greatest boxers of all time. His nickname “Manos de Piedra” remains synonymous with his incredible punching power, and his impact on the sport continues to inspire future generations of fighters.

5. Ike Williams (Lightweight)

Ike Williams was a boxer who dominated the lightweight division for nearly a decade, with his combination of speed, power, and ruthlessness. He defeated a long list of legendary boxers, including Beau Jack, Bob Montgomery, Tippy Larkin, Sammy Angott, Jimmy Carter, Johnny Bratton, and Kid Gavilan.

Williams’ success in the ring can be attributed to his exceptional skills and technique, which allowed him to outbox and outslug his opponents. He was known for his lightning-fast combinations and his ability to deliver devastating punches with both hands.

Williams’ victories over the aforementioned Hall of Famers are a testament to his exceptional talent and skill as a boxer. His reign as a top fighter in the lightweight division solidified his status as one of the greatest boxers of his time and earned him a place in the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Overall, Ike Williams’ legacy in the sport of boxing is one of dominance and skill. His impressive record of victories over top opponents is a testament to his exceptional abilities in the ring, and his impact on the sport continues to inspire future generations of boxers.

6. Pernell Whitaker (Lightweight, Light welterweight, Welterweight, Light middleweight)

Pernell Whitaker, also known as “Sweet Pea,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of the 1990s, and one of the best defensive boxers of all time. Throughout his ten-year unbeaten streak from 1987 to 1997, he demonstrated unparalleled defensive prowess and boxing skill.

Despite being the victim of blatant robberies by the judges in bouts with Jose Luis Ramirez and Julio Cesar Chavez, Whitaker still managed to defeat both champions, cementing his place as one of the greatest boxers of his time. He also scored official victories over other notable opponents such as Roger Mayweather, Greg Haugen, Freddie Pendleton, Jorge Paez, and Azumah Nelson.

Whitaker’s defensive skills were truly exceptional. He had a unique ability to slip punches, dodge and weave out of harm’s way, and counter with precise accuracy. His quick reflexes and ring intelligence allowed him to outbox opponents who were often bigger, stronger, and more aggressive than him.

As he moved up in weight, Whitaker continued to dominate, defeating top-level fighters like James McGirt and Julio Cesar Vasquez. His legacy in the sport of boxing is one of technical excellence, defensive mastery, and sheer talent. Whitaker’s impact on the sport continues to inspire future generations of boxers who aspire to achieve the level of skill and greatness that he embodied.

7. Freddie Welsh (Lightweight)

Freddie Welsh, also known as “The Welsh Wizard,” was a skilled defensive boxer who was already the British and European lightweight champion before he won the world title in 1914. He was part of what many consider to be the greatest 135-pound division in boxing history, and he holds victories over some of the most renowned fighters of his time.

Welsh’s list of defeated opponents includes boxing legends such as Benny Leonard, Willie Ritchie, Ad Wolgast, Abe Attell, “Peerless” Jim Driscoll, Battling Nelson, and “Mexican” Joe Rivers. He was particularly successful against the formidable Benny Leonard, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Despite his defensive style, Welsh was no slouch in the ring. He was a master of counter-punching and had an exceptional ability to read his opponents’ movements and adjust his strategy accordingly. This allowed him to neutralize the offensive capabilities of even the most aggressive fighters.

In addition to his impressive list of victories, Welsh also twice drew with Packey McFarland, a crafty and elusive boxer who was renowned for his footwork and defensive skills. Welsh’s accomplishments in the ring cemented his place as one of the all-time greats of the sport, and his influence on future generations of boxers is still felt today.

8. Lou Ambers (Lightweight, ‎Welterweight)

Lou Ambers, nicknamed “The Herkimer Hurricane,” was a lightweight boxer who achieved great success in the 1930s. He held the world lightweight title from 1936 to 1938 and fought some of the best fighters of his time. Ambers was a skilled boxer who could punch with power, using his left hook to great effect.

He had good footwork and was able to move around the ring with ease. Ambers’ most notable victory came against Tony Canzoneri, whom he defeated twice in championship fights. He also defeated other top contenders such as Baby Arizmendi, Frankie Klick, Fritzie Zivic, and Al Davis.

However, his controversial win over the legendary Henry Armstrong, who was moving up in weight, has been debated by boxing historians. Despite this, Ambers’ skill and toughness cemented his place among the greatest lightweights in boxing history.

9. Julio Cesar Chavez (Lightweight, Welterweight, Light welterweight, Super featherweight)

Julio Cesar Chavez is undoubtedly a boxing legend, with a career spanning over two decades and 107 fights. Known for his remarkable chin and devastating body shots, he dominated the lightweight and super lightweight divisions in the 1980s and early 1990s. Chavez won his first world title in 1984, defeating Mario Martinez for the WBC super featherweight championship. He then moved up to lightweight, where he established his dominance, holding the WBC title for over four years and defending it ten times.

At 135 pounds, Chavez had a string of impressive victories over elite fighters like Edwin Rosario, Greg Haugen, Jose Luis Ramirez, and future Hall of Famers Hector Camacho, Meldrick Taylor, and Roger Mayweather. Chavez was particularly known for his brutal body attacks, often leaving opponents gasping for breath and unable to continue.

His two fights with Taylor, in particular, are regarded as some of the most iconic in boxing history, with their first bout ending in a controversial stoppage in the final seconds and their rematch resulting in a Chavez victory via knockout.

Chavez’s reign as a dominant force in boxing continued as he moved up in weight, winning world titles at super lightweight, welterweight, and light middleweight. He fought some of the biggest names in the sport, including Oscar De La Hoya and Pernell Whitaker, and his record of 87-0-1 before his first loss in 1993 remains one of the most impressive in boxing history.

10. Carlos Ortiz (Lightweight, ‎Light welterweight)

Carlos Ortiz, a Puerto Rican boxing legend, was widely regarded as one of the best lightweights of the 1960s. He had an impressive record of 61 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, with 30 of those victories coming by knockout. Ortiz held the world lightweight championship three times, and his reigns included a total of 15 title defenses.

Ortiz was known for his slick boxing skills, excellent footwork, and powerful left hook. He had a remarkable ability to control the pace and distance of a fight, frustrating opponents with his defensive prowess and counterpunching ability. Ortiz defeated some of the best fighters of his era, including Joe Brown, a Hall of Famer who he beat twice to win and defend the title, as well as Italian legend Duilio Loi, Filipino champion Flash Elorde, and Cuban great Sugar Ramos.

Ortiz’s most famous fights were his trilogy with Ismael Laguna, another legendary lightweight. Ortiz won their first encounter but lost the next two fights, with their final bout being named Fight of the Year in 1971. Overall, Ortiz’s career spanned from 1955 to 1972, and he retired with a reputation as one of the all-time greats in the lightweight division.

Who is the Best Lightweight Boxer of All Time?

Benny Leonard, also known as “The Ghetto Wizard,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Born on April 7, 1896, in New York City, Leonard started his boxing career at the age of sixteen. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first professional bout in 1911. Over the next two decades, he became the undisputed lightweight champion of the world, defeating some of the greatest fighters in the division’s history.

Leonard was known for his exceptional ring IQ and ring generalship. He was a master of distance control, footwork, and counter-punching. He was also a hard puncher, with a knockout record of 70% over his 219 fights. His resume includes victories over Lew Tendler, Johnny Dundee, Rocky Kansas, Richie Mitchell, Johnny Kilbane, Freddie Welsh, and Willie Ritchie, to name a few. Leonard’s only defeat during his career came in 1925, against the tough Jimmy McLarnin, but he avenged that loss in a rematch.

Leonard retired from boxing in 1932 with a record of 183 wins, 24 losses, 6 draws, and 1 no contest. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Lightweight Boxing Rankings 2022

Here is the list of the lightweight boxers ranking for 2022:

S.No.	Boxers
1	George Kambosos Jr.
2	Vasiliy Lomachenko
3	Gervonta Davis
4	Ryan Garcia
5	Isaac Cruz
6	Joseph Diaz Jr.
7	William Zepeda
8	Frank Martin
9	Michel Rivera
10	Gustavo Lemos

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