Professional boxing became an official sport around the turn of the 20^th century, and since then the sport has produced some of the finest fighters ever to be recorded in the history of prize fighting.  Boxing’s Finest.com, a San Jose based online boxing magazine has recognized twelve genuine tacticians that have left a triumphant mark in boxing history over the last century.  These boxers have been selected from names submitted by our readers.  

1)      Joe “The Brown Bomber” Louis – Born Joe Louis Barrow in 1914, he began his pro career in 1934 and made his mark in the heavyweight division. Until recent, he held the record for longest reign of title defenses during his pro career.  Defeated great heavyweights such as Primo Carnera, Max Baer, Max Schmeling, James J. Braddock, and 'Jersey' Joe Walcott (twice).  He was a savvy tactician as a heavyweight, which you find more in the lighter weight divisions. 

2)      Gene “The Fighting Marine” Tunney – Born in 1898 in New York, he began his fighting career around 1915, and made his mark in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He defeated great fighters such as Harry Greb (3 times), Tommy Gibbons and Battling Levinsky. The most anticipated sporting event in history was the showdown with Jack Dempsey, where he beat Dempsey by a unanimous decision. (Infamous ‘long count’ came out of this fight). Tunney retired with only one loss to which he avenged over Harry Greb. 

3)      Sugar Ray Robinson – Born in 1921, native of Georgia. He dominated in the middleweight division and was known for his stunning left hook. He defeated great fighters such as Gene Fullmer, Henry Armstrong, Carmen Basilio, Jake ‘Raging Bull’ Lamotta, and Randy Turpin. Earned high regard for taking on all comers. 

4)      Jack “The Galveston Giant” Johnson – Born in 1878 in Texas, began his pro career in 1897, made his mark in the heavyweight division.  He defeated hall of famers, Sam McVey, Sam Langford, and Joe Jeannette. Beat world champion Tommy Burns, and Jim Jefferies. He was known not to duck anyone, and bragged about fighting anyone who wished to challenge him. 

5)      Harry “The Human Windmill” Greb – Born in 1894, a native of Pittsburgh KS, he made his mark in the middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions.  Greb fought approximately 300 professional fights and was known to punch wildly, hence his nickname. He defeated great fighters such as Johnny Wilson and Mickey Walker.  He was only fighter to ever beat Gene Tunney (Tunney later beat him in rematches). 

6)      Henry “Hurricane Hank” Armstrong – Born in 1912, and a native of Mississippi, he began his fighting career in 1932.  He made his fame by possessing three world titles in separate weight divisions and held the titles at the same time.  He defeated great fighters such as Pettey Sarron, Barney Ross, Lou Ambers, and Ceferino Garcia. 

7)      Muhammad “The Greatest” Ali – Born in 1942, a native of Kentucky. He won his first world heavyweight title in 1964 after he knocked out Sonny Liston.  Defeated other great heavyweights such as Floyd Patterson, Ken Norton, Ernie Shavers, and George Foreman.  Famous for his two victories over ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier in “The Fight of the century” trilogy.  Introduced “rope-a-dope” strategy. 

8)      Ricardo “Finito” Lopez – Born in 1970 in Mexico, he dominated the straw weight division and was parallel to Joe Louis by holding the longest reign in title defenses.  Lopez, like Rocky Marciano, is only fighter to retire undefeated.  He beat out great fighters like Alex Sanchez, Rosendo Alvarez (twice), Will Grisby, Ratanapol Vorapin, and Zolani Petelo.  Known as best defensive fighter among elite. 

9)      Sugar Ray Leonard – Born in 1956, and a native of North Carolina, he dominated in the welterweight division.  Ray Leonard won his first world title when he defeated Wilfredo Benitez in 1979.  Remained champion during the welterweight war era after he defeated great warriors like Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. Won 5 world titles in 5 weight categories.  Retired as a champion.

10)  Rocky “Brockton Blockbuster” Marciano – Born in 1923, a native of Brockton, Ma. First fighter ever to retire undefeated and remain that way.  Defeated great fighters such as Lou Epperson, Roland LaStarza, Jersey Joe Walcott, and an aging Joe Louis. 

11)  Julio Cesar Chavez – Born in 1962, a native of Culiacan, Mexico. He dominated in the featherweight and lightweight divisions.  Held an undefeated record during most of his career (100 fights).  Defeated great fighters like Roger Mayweather, Jose Luis Ramirez, and Meldrick Taylor. He retired with 103 wins out of 109 fights.  

12)  Roy Jones Jr. – Born in 1969, a native of Pensacola, Fl. He currently dominates the light heavyweight division.  Best known for his speed and power. His unorthodox style also allows his dominance among the elite.  Recently acquired a world title in the heavyweight division, and is still fighting strong.  Defeated other great fighters like Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, Montell Griffin, Virgill Hill, Lou Del Valle, Reggie Johnson, David Telesco, and the list goes on..

Tied with #11 arguably was Willie “The Wisp” Pep, born in 1922. He is only fighter to ever win a round without ever throwing a punch.  Dominated in the featherweight division.  Known for his dominant left jab.