2. Joe Louis "The Brown Bomber" 68-3, 54 KOs

He emerged as a great fighter in an era of racial predjuduce, but still was a widely respected by blacks and whites. When Louis won the title in 1937 fans cheered, unlike thefans who booed at Jack Johnson's title earing victory 29 years earlier. With lightning quick combos with a stlye somewhat like Holyfield's, he beat great champions like Max Schmeling, Billy Conn and Jersey Joe Walcott. Won the Heavyweight title on June 22, 1937 with a victory over James Bradock and retired as an undefeated champion in 1948. Only lost 1 fight before his first retirement. Could have left an even more impressive mark in the boxing record books if he didn't have to fight in World War 2.

3. Jack Dempsey "The Manassa Mauler" 60-6-8, 50 KOs

Came from a large poor family and became the first boxer to draw a million dollar crowd. Beat Jess Willard in 1919 to win the title in one of the most brutal championship fights. Willard outweight Dempsey by 58 pounds, but Dempsey knocked Willard down seven times in the first round and went on to win in the 3rd by TKO. He was boxings first real superstar. Defended his title five times from 1919 to 1923 and remained champion for three more years. Lost the title to the great Gene Tunney in 1926. Lost in a 1927 rematch to Tunney in the famous "long-count" fight, where Tunney was florred for about 14 seconds.

4. Rocky Marciano "The Brockton Blockbuster" 49-0, 43 KOs

The only heavyweight champion of the world to ever retire undefeated. His awkward style and vicious upercut make Marciano one of the most dangerous fighters of all time. His 43 KO's in 49 fights illustrate on paper what many o his oponents were well awaer of in the ring. Won the title with a 13th round knockout of Jersey Joe Walcott. And got some great moments with victories over boxing legends Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore. Even knocked out the great Joe Louis in 1951. Tragically died in a plane crash in 1969.

5. Muhammad Ali "The Louisvile Lip" 56-5 37KOs

The man who called himself the greatest boxer of all time, and judging by his talent, he could possibly just that. But this list is not about talent and he's only my 5th favorite boxer. With his lightning quick hands and his ellusive style I don't think there are many who could stand up to him in his prime. He could sell a fight like no one else could and beat such greats as Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, George Foreman, Archie Moore, Ken Norton, and who could forget his 3 exciting battles with Joe Frazier. These were very tough fights, which took their tolls on both men. Even had his jaw broken in the first round of the first Ken Norton fight but managed to go the distance.

6. Oscar De La Hoya "The Golden Boy" 32-2, 26KOs

Boxing's Golden Boy began his rise to the top in the 1992 Olympics with his Gold-medal performance. He is not afraid to fight the best out there and in my opinion only lost to one of them. He has never been out of a fight and has looked good even in defeat. It seems his career has only begun but he already has put up some impressive fight numbers.

7. Arturo Gatti "Thunder" 32-4, 27KOs

Began his career in 1991 with a 3rd round TKO win over Jose Gonzales. Is known for his never-say-die attitude, his swollen and bloody eyes and blood soaked trunks. This true people's champion won 1997's fight of the year over Gabriel Ruelas. Gatti was out on his feet but refused to go down and knocked out Ruelas, in the best come-back fight I've ever seen. This guy fights his heart out in every fight.