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:

1885–1921

World champions were initially recognized by wide public acclamation, with heavyweight champions winning and losing championship recognition solely in the ring. Retirements periodically resulted in no one, true champion being recognized, while in other cases new champions were proclaimed only to see a previously recognized champion come out of retirement. Public interest in boxing resulted in a true champion being determined by means of title claimants facing one another in the ring, with the winner being recognized as world champion.
Currently, International Boxing Hall Of Fame recognizes these world heavyweight title lineages from this period:
Date startedFirst championDate endedLast champion
1August 29, 1885John L. SullivanMay 15, 1905James J. Jeffries
2July 3, 1905Marvin HartSeptember 23, 1926Jack Dempsey

Sanctioning organizations: 1921–present

Gradually, the role of recognizing champions in the division evolved into a more formal affair, with public acclamation being supplemented by recognition by one or more athletic commissions, sanctioning organizations, or a combination of them. The International Boxing Hall of Fame recognizes these organizations as major in boxing:
  • The New York State Athletic Commission. 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 was organized in 1921. In 1962, the organization was renamed the World Boxing Association.
  • 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, founded in 1988. The IBHOF started recognizing WBO as a major organization no later than August 23, 1997.
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 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.

    Most opponents beaten in title fights

Keys:
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

    All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionBeaten
opponents		Fights
1.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		23
2.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA22
3.Muhammad Ali1. 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
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20
5.Lennox Lewis1. 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
5.Vitali Klitschko1. 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
7.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC		11
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10
10.Evander Holyfield1. 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
10.Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 — September 25, 2021		WBA, IBF, WBO9
12.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8
12.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC8
14.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		NYSAC, NBA7
15.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6
15.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC6
15.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/''The Ring'' champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionBeaten opponentsFights
1.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		23
2.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA22
3.Muhammad Ali1. 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
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20
5.Lennox Lewis1. 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
5.Vitali Klitschko1. 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
7.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC		11
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10
10.Evander Holyfield1. 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
11.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8
12.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		NYSAC, NBA7
12.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal7
14.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6
14.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC6

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' champions with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring''/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
As of ,.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionAdditional recognitionBeaten opponentsFights
1.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		1. WBO
2. unified
2. The Ring		1. Chris Byrd

23
2.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949undisputedThe Ring22
3.Muhammad Ali1. 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 Ring21
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver,
Tim Witherspoon 		20
5.Lennox Lewis1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004		1. undisputed
2. unified
2. The Ring		1. Evander Holyfield

12
6.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		1. undisputed
2. unified		1. The Ring
11
6.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineallineal11
8.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973undisputedThe Ring10
9.Evander Holyfield1. 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
9.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951undisputedThe Ring8
11.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		undisputedThe Ring7
12.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineallineal6
12.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineallineal6
12.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926undisputedThe Ring6
15.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956undisputedThe Ring5
15.George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995		1. undisputed
2. unified		1. The Ring
5
17.Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — May 18, 2024		1. unified
2. WBC		1. The Ring
2. The Ring		4
18.Primo CarneraJune 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934undisputedThe Ring3
18.Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3
18.Oleksandr UsykSeptember 25, 2021 – presentundisputedThe RingDaniel Dubois 3
21.James J. CorbettSeptember 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897lineallineal2
21.Jess WillardApril 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919lineallineal2
21.Max SchmelingJune 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931undisputedThe Ring2
21.Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders 2
21.Gene TunneySeptember 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928undisputedThe Ring2
21.Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring2
27.John L. SullivanAugust 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892lineallineal1
27.Bob FitzsimmonsMarch 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899lineallineal1
27.Marvin HartJuly 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906lineallineal1
27.Max BaerJune 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935undisputedThe Ring1
27.James J. BraddockJune 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937undisputedThe Ring1
27.Jersey Joe WalcottJuly 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952undisputedThe Ring1
27.Ingemar JohanssonJune 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960undisputedThe Ring1
27.Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring1
27.Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1
27.Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1

Most wins in title fights

Keys:

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionTitle fight winsFights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA27
2.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		25
3.Muhammad Ali1. 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
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20
5.Lennox Lewis1. 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
5.Vitali Klitschko1. 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
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13
8.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBA, WBC		12
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10
9.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020WBC10
9.Evander Holyfield1. 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
12.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC9
12.Anthony Joshua1. April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019
2. December 7, 2019 – September 25, 2021		WBA, IBF, WBO9
14.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		NYSAC, NBA8
14.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal8

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/''The Ring'' champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionTitle fight winsFights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA27
2.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		1. WBO
2. WBA, IBF, WBO		25
3.Muhammad Ali1. 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
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF20
5.Lennox Lewis1. 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
5.Vitali Klitschko1. 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
7.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13
8.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		1. WBA, WBC, IBF
2. WBC, WBA		12
9.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC10
9.Evander Holyfield1. 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
11.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC9
12.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		NYSAC, NBA8
12.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal8
14.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA7
15.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926NYSAC, NBA6
15.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6
15.Oleksandr UsykSeptember 25, 2021 — presentWBA, WBC, IBF, WBO6

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' champions with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring''/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
  • has won undisputed championship, The Ring championship, lineal championship
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles 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 ,.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionAdditional recognitionTitle fight winsFights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949undisputedThe Ring27
2.Wladimir Klitschko1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003
2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015		1. WBO
2. unified
2. The Ring		1. Chris Byrd

25
3.Muhammad Ali1. 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
4.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC-to-IBFThe RingMike Weaver,
Tim Witherspoon 		20
5.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineallineal13
6.Lennox Lewis1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001
2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004		1. undisputed
2. unified
2. The Ring		1. Evander Holyfield

12
6.Mike Tyson1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990
2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996		1. undisputed
2. unified		1. The Ring
12
8.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973unifiedThe Ring10
9.Evander Holyfield1. 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
9.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951undisputedThe Ring9
11.Floyd Patterson1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959
2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962		undisputedThe Ring8
11.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineallineal8
13.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956undisputedThe Ring7
14.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926undisputedThe Ring6
14.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineallineal6
14.Oleksandr UsykSeptember 25, 2021 — presentundisputedThe RingDaniel Dubois 6
17.George Foreman1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974
2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995		1. undisputed
2. unified		1. The Ring
5
17.Tyson Fury1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016
2. February 22, 2020 — May 19, 2024		1. unified
2. WBC		1. The Ring
2. The Ring		5
19.Primo CarneraJune 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934undisputedThe Ring3
19.Riddick BoweNovember 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993undisputed3
19.Gene TunneySeptember 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928undisputedThe Ring3
19.Michael SpinksSeptember 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987IBFThe Ring3
23.James J. CorbettSeptember 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897lineallineal2
23.Jess WillardApril 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919lineallineal2
23.Max SchmelingJune 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931undisputedThe Ring2
23.Vitali KlitschkoApril 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005WBCThe RingCorrie Sanders 2
23.Jersey Joe WalcottJuly 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952undisputedThe Ring2
23.Sonny ListonSeptember 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964undisputedThe Ring2
29.John L. SullivanAugust 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892lineallineal1
29.Bob FitzsimmonsMarch 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899lineallineal1
29.Marvin HartJuly 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906lineallineal1
29.Max BaerJune 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935undisputedThe Ring1
29.James J. BraddockJune 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937undisputedThe Ring1
29.Ingemar JohanssonJune 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960undisputedThe Ring1
29.Leon SpinksFebruary 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978undisputedThe Ring1
29.Buster DouglasFebruary 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990undisputed1

Most opponents title was successfully defended against during one reign

Keys:
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

    All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionBeaten opponentsFights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA21
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO17
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10
6.Vitali KlitschkoOctober 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012WBC9
6.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9
6.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9
6.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020WBC9
10.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF8
10.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8
12.Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019WBA, IBF, WBO6
12.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6
12.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6
15.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA5
15.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionBeaten opponentsFights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA21
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO17
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal11
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10
6.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9
6.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9
8.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF8
8.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8
10.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal6
10.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6
12.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA5
12.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5

Most consecutive title defenses

Keys:
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

    All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionTitle defensesFights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA26
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO18
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10
5.Deontay WilderJanuary 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020WBC10
7.Vitali KlitschkoOctober 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012WBC9
7.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9
7.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9
7.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF9
11.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8
12.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal7
13.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA6
13.Anthony JoshuaApril 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019WBA, IBF, WBO6
13.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
Pos.NameReign began-endedRecognitionTitle defensesFights
1.Joe LouisJune 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949NYSAC, NBA26
2.Larry HolmesJune 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985WBC, IBF19
3.Wladimir KlitschkoApril 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015WBA, IBF, WBO18
4.Tommy BurnsFebruary 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908lineal13
5.Muhammad AliOctober 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978WBA, WBC10
6.Mike TysonNovember 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990WBA, WBC, IBF9
6.Joe FrazierMarch 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973NYSAC, WBA, WBC9
6.Lennox LewisFebruary 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001WBA, WBC, IBF9
9.Ezzard CharlesSeptember 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951NBA, NYSAC8
10.James J. JeffriesJune 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905lineal7
11.Rocky MarcianoSeptember 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956NYSAC, NBA6
11.Jack JohnsonDecember 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915lineal6
13.Jack DempseyJuly 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC5
13.Oleksandr UsykSeptember 25, 2021 — presentWBA, WBC, IBF, WBO5

Longest title reigns

Keys:
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

    Combined reigns

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.
As of 8 April 2025.
Pos.NameCombined reignDays as
champion		Number
of reigns		Title recognition
1.Wladimir Klitschko12 years, 0 months, 0 days4 3822WBA, IBF, WBO
2.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 days4 2701NYSAC, NBA
3.Muhammad Ali9 years, 5 months, 5 days3 4433NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.Lennox Lewis8 years, 5 months, 13 days3 0863WBA, WBC, IBF
5.Vitali Klitschko7 years, 5 months, 28 days2 7353WBC, WBO
6.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 days2 6611WBC, IBF
7.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 days2 6381NYSAC, NBA
8.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 9 days2 5661lineal
9.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 11 days2 2921lineal
10.Evander Holyfield6 years, 1 month, 1 day2 2234WBA, WBC, IBF
11.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 days2 1561lineal
12.Tyson Fury5 years, 1 months, 12 days1 8662WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
13.Deontay Wilder5 years, 1 months, 5 days1 8591WBC
14.Anthony Joshua4 years, 11 months, 10 days1 8062IBF, WBA, WBO
15.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 days1 7851NYSAC, WBA, WBC

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/''The Ring'' champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
As of 8 April 2025.
Pos.NameCombined reignDays as championNumber of reignsTitle recognition
1.Wladimir Klitschko12 years, 0 months, 0 days4 3822WBA, IBF, WBO
2.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 days4 2701NYSAC, NBA
3.Muhammad Ali9 years, 5 months, 5 days3 4433NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.Lennox Lewis8 years, 5 months, 13 days3 0863WBA, WBC, IBF
5.Vitali Klitschko7 years, 5 months, 28 days2 7353WBC, WBO
6.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 days2 6611WBC, IBF
7.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 days2 6381NYSAC, NBA
8.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 10 days2 5661lineal
9.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 11 days2 2921lineal
10.Evander Holyfield6 years, 1 month, 1 day2 2234WBA, WBC, IBF
11.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 days2 1561lineal
12.Tyson Fury5 years, 1 months, 12 days1 8662WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
13.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 days1 7851NYSAC, WBA, WBC
14.Floyd Patterson4 years, 10 months, 0 days1 7652NYSAC, NBA
15.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 days1 6521lineal

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' champions with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring''/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
  • has won undisputed championship, The Ring championship, lineal championship
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles 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 8 April 2025.
Pos.NameCombined reignDays as championNumber of reignsTitle recognition
1.Wladimir Klitschko12 years, 0 months, 0 days4 3822WBA, IBF, WBO
2.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 days4 2701NYSAC, NBA
3.Muhammad Ali9 years, 5 months, 5 days3 4433NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 days2 6611WBC, IBF
5.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 days2 6381NYSAC, NBA
6.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 10 days2 5661lineal
7.Lennox Lewis6 years, 8 months, 3 days2 4372WBA, WBC, IBF
8.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 11 days2 2921lineal
9.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 days2 1561lineal
10.Evander Holyfield5 years, 6 months, 12 days2 0203WBA, WBC, IBF
11.Tyson Fury5 years, 1 months, 12 days1 8662WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
12.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 days1 7851NYSAC, WBA, WBC
13.Floyd Patterson4 years, 10 months, 0 days1 7652NYSAC, NBA
14.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 days1 6521lineal
15.Jess Willard4 years, 2 months, 29 days1 5511lineal

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 does not apply.

All championship reigns

As of 8 April 2025.
Pos.NameTitle ReignTitle recognition
1.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 daysNYSAC, NBA
2.Wladimir Klitschko9 years, 7 months and 6 daysIBF
3.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 daysWBC-to-IBF
4.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 dayslineal
5.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 9 dayslineal
6.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 10 dayslineal
7.Muhammad Ali5 years, 11 months, 9 daysThe Ring/Lineal,
8.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 dayslineal
9.Vitali Klitschko5 years, 2 months, 4 daysWBC
10.Deontay Wilder5 years, 1 month 5 daysWBC
11.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 daysNYSAC
12.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 dayslineal
13.Jess Willard4 years, 2 months, 29 dayslineal
14.Tyson Fury4 years, 2 months, 26 daysWBC
15.Lennox Lewis4 years, 2 months, 15 daysWBC

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
As of 6 September 2025.
Pos.NameTitle ReignTitle recognition
1.Joe Louis11 years, 8 months, 8 dayslineal
2.Wladimir Klitschko9 years, 7 months and 6 daysIBF
3.Larry Holmes7 years, 3 months, 12 daysWBC-to-IBF
4.Jack Dempsey7 years, 2 months, 19 dayslineal
5.John L. Sullivan7 years, 0 months, 9 dayslineal
6.Jack Johnson6 years, 3 months, 10 dayslineal
7.Muhammad Ali5 years, 11 months, 9 daysThe Ring/Lineal,
8.James J. Jeffries5 years, 11 months, 4 dayslineal
9.Joe Frazier4 years, 10 months, 18 daysNYSAC
10.James J. Corbett4 years, 6 months, 10 dayslineal
11.Jess Willard4 years, 2 months, 29 dayslineal
12.Tyson Fury4 years, 2 months, 26 daysWBC
13.Lennox Lewis4 years, 2 months, 15 daysWBC
14.Rocky Marciano3 years, 11 months, 29 dayslineal
15.Oleksandr Usyk3 years, 11 months, 12 daysWBC

Title fight finishes

Fastest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages

DateFightMethodRoundTimeTitleSource
18 April 1998Herbie Hide def. Damon ReedTKO10:52WBO
21 May 2005Lamon Brewster def. Andrew GolotaTKO10:52WBO
14 November 1944Joe Louis def. Johnny DavisKO10:53NYSAC
6 April 1900James J. Jeffries def. John FinneganKO10:55Lineal
10 December 1982Michael Dokes def. Mike WeaverTKO11:03WBA
4 July 1907Tommy Burns def. Bill SquiresKO11:28Lineal
17 March 1908Tommy Burns def. Jem RocheKO11:28Lineal
27 June 1988Mike Tyson def. Michael SpinksKO11:31WBA, WBC, IBF
21 July 1989Mike Tyson def. Carl WilliamsTKO11:33WBA, WBC, IBF
4 October 1997Lennox Lewis def. Andrew GolotaKO11:35WBC
22 April 1969Joe Frazier def. Dave ZyglewiczKO11:36NYSAC
7 September 1996Mike Tyson def. Bruce SeldonTKO11:49WBA
1 September 1973George Foreman def. José RomanKO12:00WBA, WBC
22 June 1938Joe Louis Joe Louis vs. [Max Schmeling II|def.] Max SchmelingKO12:04NBA, NYSAC
25 September 1962Sonny Liston def. Floyd PattersonKO12:06NYSAC, WBA
18 September 1946Joe Louis def. Tami MaurielloKO12:09NBA, NYSAC
22 July 1963Sonny Liston Sonny Liston vs. [Floyd Patterson II|def.] Floyd PattersonKO12:10WBA, WBC
25 May 1965Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali vs. [Sonny Liston II|def.] Sonny ListonKO12:12WBC
12 December 1986James Smith James Smith II|def.] Tim WitherspoonKO12:12WBA
18 May 2019Deontay Wilder def. Dominic Breazeale
KO12:17WBC
28 March 1906Tommy Burns def. Jim O'BrienKO12:18Lineal
6 February 1993Riddick Bowe def. Michael DokesTKO12:19WBA, IBF
17 April 1939Joe Louis def. Jack RoperKO12:20NBA, NYSAC
15 May 1953Rocky Marciano Rocky Marciano vs. [Jersey Joe Walcott II|def.] Jersey Joe WalcottKO12:25NBA, NYSAC
25 January 1939Joe Louis def. John Henry LewisKO12:29NBA, NYSAC
28 March 1906Tommy Burns def. James J. WalkerKO12:55Lineal
9 January 1942Joe Louis def. Buddy BaerKO12:56NBA, NYSAC
4 November 2017Deontay Wilder def. Bermane StiverneKO12:59WBC
19 March 2011Vitali Klitschko def. Odlanier SolísKO12:59WBC

Fastest stoppages in title fights — undisputed/''The Ring''/lineal/unified championship on the line

DateFightMethodRoundTimeTitleSource
14 November 1944Joe Louis def. Johnny DavisKO10:53NYSAC
6 April 1900James J. Jeffries def. John FinneganKO10:55Lineal
4 July 1907Tommy Burns def. Bill SquiresKO11:28Lineal
17 March 1908Tommy Burns def. Jem RocheKO11:28Lineal
27 June 1988Mike Tyson def. Michael SpinksKO11:31WBA, WBC, IBF
21 July 1989Mike Tyson def. Carl WilliamsTKO11:33WBA, WBC, IBF
1 September 1973George Foreman def. José RomanKO12:00WBA, WBC
22 June 1938Joe Louis def. Max SchmelingKO12:04NBA, NYSAC
25 September 1962Sonny Liston def. Floyd PattersonKO12:06NYSAC, WBA
18 September 1946Joe Louis def. Tami MaurielloKO12:09NBA, NYSAC
22 July 1963Sonny Liston def. Floyd PattersonKO12:10WBA, WBC
25 May 1965Muhammad Ali def. Sonny ListonKO12:12WBC
28 March 1906Tommy Burns def. Jim O'BrienKO12:18Lineal
6 February 1993Riddick Bowe def. Michael DokesTKO12:19WBA, IBF
17 April 1939Joe Louis def. Jack RoperKO12:20NBA, NYSAC
15 May 1953Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe WalcottKO12:25NBA, NYSAC
25 January 1939Joe Louis def. John Henry LewisKO12:29NBA, NYSAC
28 March 1906Tommy Burns def. James J. WalkerKO12:55Lineal
9 January 1942Joe Louis def. Buddy BaerKO12:56NBA, NYSAC
29 March 1940Joe Louis def. Johnny PaychekTKO20:15NBA, NYSAC
22 May 1993Riddick Bowe def. Jesse FergusonKO20:17WBA
26 August 1904James J. Jeffries def. Jack MunroeTKO20:45Lineal
18 November 1970Joe Frazier def. Bob FosterKO20:49WBA, WBC
14 September 1923Jack Dempsey def. Luis Ángel FirpoKO20:57NBA, NYSAC
17 February 1941Joe Louis def. Gus DorazioKO21:30NBA, NYSAC
26 March 1974George Foreman def. Ken NortonTKO22:00WBA, WBC
22 January 1973George Foreman def. Joe FrazierTKO22:26WBA, WBC
15 July 2000Lennox Lewis def. Francois BothaTKO22:39WBC, IBF
29 April 2000Lennox Lewis def. Michael GrantKO22:53WBC, IBF
21 March 1988Mike Tyson def. Tony TubbsTKO22:54WBA, WBC, IBF

Most opponents beaten in title fights by stoppage

Keys:
NameFinished opponentsFights
1.Joe Louis20
2.Wladimir Klitschko18
3.Larry Holmes14
4.Muhammad Ali13
5.Vitali Klitschko12
6.Lennox Lewis11
7.Mike Tyson9
7.Tommy Burns9
9.Deontay Wilder8
9.Joe Frazier8
11.Floyd Patterson7
11.Anthony Joshua7
13.Rocky Marciano5
13.James J. Jeffries5
13.Ezzard Charles5
13.Jack Dempsey5

Most title fight wins by stoppage

Keys:
NameTitle fight finishesFights
1.Joe Louis23
2.Wladimir Klitschko19
3.Muhammad Ali14
3.Larry Holmes14
5.Vitali Klitschko12
6.Lennox Lewis11
6.Tommy Burns11
8.Mike Tyson10
9.Deontay Wilder9
10.Joe Frazier8
10.Floyd Patterson8
11.Anthony Joshua7
12.Rocky Marciano6
12.James J. Jeffries6
12.Ezzard Charles6

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

Keys:
NameOpponents foughtOpponents stoppedPercentageFights
1.Rocky Marciano55100%
2.Deontay Wilder9888.89%
3.Joe Louis232086.96%
4.Tommy Burns12975%
5.Joe Frazier11872.73%
6.Jack Dempsey7571.43%
6.James J. Jeffries7571.43%
8.Vitali Klitschko171270.59%
9.Floyd Patterson10770%
9.Anthony Joshua10770%
11.Wladimir Klitschko261869.23%
12.Lennox Lewis171164.71%
13.Mike Tyson14964.29%
14.Muhammad Ali221359.09%
15.Larry Holmes241458.33%

Highest knockout-to-win percentage in title fights

Keys:
NameTitle fightsTitle fight stoppagesPercentageFights
1.Rocky Marciano7685.71%
2.Joe Louis282382.14%
3.Tommy Burns151173.33%
4.Vitali Klitschko171270.59%
5.Deontay Wilder13969.23%
6.Joe Frazier12866.67%
6.James J. Jeffries9666.67%
8.Wladimir Klitschko291965.52%
9.Lennox Lewis171164.71%
10.Mike Tyson161062.5%
11.Jack Dempsey8562.5%
12.Floyd Patterson13861.54%
13.Anthony Joshua12758.33%
14.Jack Johnson7457.14%
14.George Foreman7457.14%

Champions by age

Keys:
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

    Oldest champions

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

All championship reigns

NameRecognitionLast day as championAgeSource
1George ForemanIBFJune 29, 199546 years, 5 months, 18 days
2Vitali KlitschkoWBCDecember 16, 201342 years, 2 months, 26 days
3Wladimir KlitschkoWBA, IBF, WBONovember 28, 201539 years, 8 months, 3 days
4Oleksandr UsykWBA, WBC, WBOPresent
5Oleg MaskaevWBCMarch 8, 200839 years, 6 days
6Jersey Joe WalcottNBA, NYSACSeptember 23, 195238 years, 7 months, 23 days
7Lennox LewisWBCFebruary 6, 200438 years, 5 months, 4 days
8Evander HolyfieldWBAMarch 3, 200138 years, 4 months, 12 days
9Corrie SandersWBOFebruary 1, 200438 years, 25 days
10Muhammad AliWBAOctober 18, 197937 years, 9 months, 1 day

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
NameRecognitionLast day as championAgeSource
1Wladimir KlitschkoWBA, IBF, WBONovember 28, 201539 years, 8 months, 3 days
2Oleksandr UsykWBA, WBC, WBOPresent
3Jersey Joe WalcottNBA, NYSACSeptember 23, 195238 years, 7 months, 23 days
4Lennox LewisWBCFebruary 6, 200438 years, 5 months, 4 days
5Muhammad AliWBAOctober 18, 197937 years, 9 months, 1 day
6Jess WillardLinealJuly 4, 191937 years, 6 months, 5 days
7Jack JohnsonLinealApril 5, 191537 years, 0 months, 5 days
8Bob FitzsimmonsLinealMarch 17, 189736 years, 0 months, 14 days
9Larry HolmesIBFSeptember 21, 198535 years, 10 months, 18 days
10Tyson FuryWBCMay 18, 202435 years, 9 months, 7 days

Youngest champions

As of ,.

All championship reigns

NameRecognitionDateAgeSource
1Mike TysonWBCNovember 22, 198620 years, 4 months, 23 days
2Floyd PattersonNBA, NYSACNovember 30, 195621 years, 10 months, 26 days
3Muhammad AliWBA, WBCFebruary 25, 196422 years, 1 month, 8 days
4Joe LouisNBA, NYSACJune 22, 193723 years, 1 month, 9 days
5Jack DempseyLinealJuly 4, 191924 years, 0 months, 10 days
6George ForemanWBA, WBCFebruary 22, 197324 years, 0 months, 12 days
7Joe FrazierNYSACMarch 4, 196824 years, 1 month, 21 days
8James J. JeffriesLinealJune 9, 189924 years, 1 month, 25 days
9Michael DokesWBADecember 10, 198224 years, 4 months
10Wladimir KlitschkoWBOOctober 14, 200024 years, 6 months, 19 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
NameRecognitionDateAgeSource
1Mike TysonWBCNovember 22, 198620 years, 4 months, 23 days
2Floyd PattersonNBA, NYSACNovember 30, 195621 years, 10 months, 26 days
3Muhammad AliWBA, WBCFebruary 25, 196422 years, 8 days
4Joe LouisNBA, NYSACJune 22, 193723 years, 1 month, 9 days
5Jack DempseyLinealJuly 4, 191924 years, 0 months, 10 days
6George ForemanWBA, WBCFebruary 22, 197324 years, 0 months, 12 days
7Joe FrazierNYSACMarch 4, 196824 years, 1 month, 21 days
8James J. JeffriesLinealJune 9, 189924 years, 1 month, 25 days
9Leon SpinksWBAFebruary 15, 197824 years, 7 months, 4 days
10Tommy BurnsLinealJanuary 16, 190224 years, 8 months, 6 days

Fastest world championship wins

By time elapsed from professional debut

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

All championship reigns

NameProfessional debutWorld title winTime elapsedFights
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19781 year, 1 month
2Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 19861 year, 8 months, 16 days
3John TateMay 7, 1977October 20, 19792 years, 5 months, 13 days
4Anthony JoshuaOctober 5, 2013April 9, 20162 years, 6 months, 4 days
5Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 19682 years, 6 months, 17 days
6Vitali KlitschkoNovember 16, 1996June 26, 19992 years, 7 months, 10 days
7Joe LouisJuly 7, 1934June 22, 19372 years, 11 months, 15 days
8Charles MartinOctober 27, 2012January 16, 20163 years, 2 months, 20 days
9Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 19643 years, 2 months, 27 days
10George ForemanJune 23, 1969January 22, 19733 years, 6 months, 30 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
NameProfessional debutWorld title winTime elapsedFights
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19781 year, 1 month
2Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 19861 year, 8 months, 16 days
3Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 19682 years, 6 months, 17 days
4Joe LouisJuly 7, 1934June 22, 19372 years, 11 months, 15 days
5Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 19643 years, 2 months, 27 days
6George ForemanJune 23, 1969January 22, 19733 years, 6 months, 30 days
7James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 18993 years, 7 months, 11 days
8Riddick BoweMarch 6, 1989November 13, 19923 years, 8 months, 7 days
9Tommy BurnsJanuary 16, 1902February 23, 19064 years, 1 month, 7 days
10Jess WillardFebruary 5, 1911April 5, 19154 years, 2 months

By number of bouts fought to win world championship

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

All championship reigns

NameProfessional debutWorld title winFightsSource
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19788
2James J. CorbettMarch 6, 1885November 22, 188611
3Michael BenttFebruary 7, 1989October 29, 199312
4James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 189913
5Anthony JoshuaOctober 5, 2013April 9, 201616
6Ray MercerFebruary 24, 1989January 11, 199117
7Tim WitherspoonOctober 10, 1979March 9, 198419
7Oleksandr UsykSeptember 11, 2013September 25, 202119
9John TateMay 7, 1977October 20, 197920
9Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 196820
9Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 196420

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
NameProfessional debutWorld title winFightsSource
1Leon SpinksJanuary 15, 1977February 15, 19788
2James J. CorbettMarch 6, 1885November 22, 188611
3James J. JeffriesOctober 29, 1895June 9, 189913
4Oleksandr UsykSeptember 11, 2013September 25, 202119
5Joe FrazierAugust 16, 1965March 4, 196820
5Muhammad AliOctober 29, 1960January 25, 196420
7Ingemar JohanssonDecember 5, 1952June 26, 195922
8Evander HolyfieldNovember 15, 1984October 25, 199025
8Tyson FuryDecember 6, 2008November 28, 201525
10Mike TysonMarch 6, 1985November 22, 198628
10Larry HolmesMarch 21, 1973June 9, 197828
10Michael SpinksApril 16, 1977September 21, 198528
10Jess WillardFebruary 5, 1911April 5, 191528

Statistics by country

The list It includes only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships.
  • Note: Secondary championships are not included.

    Title fight wins & beaten opponents

All championship reigns

CountryNo. of championsBoxers by NameTitle winsBeaten opponentsFights
United States51John L. Sullivan, James J. Corbett, James J. Jeffries, Marvin Hart, Jack Johnson, Jess Willard, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Jack Sharkey, Max Baer, James J. Braddock, Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Rocky Marciano, Floyd Patterson, Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Ernie Terrell, Joe Frazier, Jimmy Ellis, George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, John Tate, Mike Weaver, Michael Dokes, Tim Witherspoon, Pinklon Thomas, Greg Page, Tony Tubbs, Michael Spinks, Mike Tyson, James Smith, Tony Tucker, Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield, Michael Moorer, Riddick Bowe, Oliver McCall, Bruce Seldon, Chris Byrd, John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman, Roy Jones Jr., Lamon Brewster, Shannon Briggs, Deontay Wilder, Charles Martin, Andy Ruiz Jr.*233160















Ukraine3Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk4640
United Kingdom7Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Frank Bruno, Herbie Hide, David Haye, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois3834
Canada4Tommy Burns, Trevor Berbick*, Bermane Stiverne, Lennox Lewis*3028
Russia3Nikolai Valuev, Oleg Maskaev, Sultan Ibragimov97
Italy1Primo Carnera33
Uzbekistan1Ruslan Chagaev33
New Zealand1Joseph Parker33
South Africa2Gerrie Coetzee, Corrie Sanders22
Germany1Max Schmeling22
Sweden1Ingemar Johansson11
Belarus1Siarhei Liakhovich11
Nigeria1Samuel Peter11
Jamaica1Trevor Berbick*11

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/''The Ring'' champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
CountryNo. of championsBoxers by NameTitle winsBeaten opponentsFights
United States27John L. Sullivan, James J. Corbett, James J. Jeffries, Marvin Hart, Jack Johnson, Jess Willard, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Jack Sharkey, Max Baer, James J. Braddock, Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Rocky Marciano, Floyd Patterson, Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe177134









Ukraine3Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk4640
Canada2Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis*2826
United Kingdom3Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury2120
Italy1Primo Carnera33
Germany1Max Schmeling22
Sweden1Ingemar Johansson11

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' champions with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring''/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship.
The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:
  • has won undisputed championship, The Ring championship, lineal championship
  • held at least two major world heavyweight titles 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
CountryNo. of championsBoxers by NameTitle winsBeaten opponentsFights
United States27John L. Sullivan, James J. Corbett, James J. Jeffries, Marvin Hart, Jack Johnson, Jess Willard, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Jack Sharkey, Max Baer, James J. Braddock, Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Rocky Marciano, Floyd Patterson, Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe176133









Ukraine3Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk3328
Canada2Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis*2523
United Kingdom3Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury1716
Italy1Primo Carnera33
Germany1Max Schmeling22
Sweden1Ingemar Johansson11

Title streaks

Only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships, are included.

All championship reigns

For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
CountryChampionTitle defensesBeaten opponentsFights
United StatesJoe Louis2621
UkraineWladimir Klitschko1817
CanadaTommy Burns1311
United KingdomLennox Lewis98
RussiaNikolai Valuev65
ItalyPrimo Carnera22
UzbekistanRuslan Chagaev22
New ZealandJoseph Parker22
GermanyMax Schmeling11

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/''The Ring'' championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship, lineal championship or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.
CountryChampionTitle defensesBeaten opponentsFights
United StatesJoe Louis2621
UkraineWladimir Klitschko1817
CanadaTommy Burns1311
United KingdomLennox Lewis98
ItalyPrimo Carnera22
GermanyMax Schmeling11