The 10 Greatest British Boxers of All Time – Ranked
Boxing in Britain has produced some of the sport’s finest champions, from Olympic prodigies to heavyweight kings. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 British boxers in history, starting from number 10 and working our way to the very best.
10. Amir Khan
Amir Khan became Britain’s youngest-ever Olympic boxing medalist at just 17, winning silver at the 2004 Athens Games. He later turned professional and became Britain’s youngest world champion at 22, known for his lightning-fast hands and role in popularising boxing among British Asians.
9. Tyson Fury
Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury is one of the most recognisable boxers in the world today. He shocked the boxing scene by beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and later reclaimed glory by defeating Deontay Wilder to win the WBC world heavyweight title.
8. Frank Bruno
Frank Bruno was one of Britain’s most beloved sporting figures, known for his charisma and power. He finally realised his dream by winning the WBC heavyweight title in 1995, finishing his career with 38 knockout wins.
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7. Ken Buchanan
Ken Buchanan is considered Scotland’s greatest boxer, becoming the country’s first undisputed lightweight champion. He headlined Madison Square Garden six times and was named Fighter of the Year in 1970 after defeating Ismael Laguna.
6. Henry Cooper
Sir Henry Cooper was a true national hero and the only British boxer to ever receive a knighthood. He held the British heavyweight title for 12 years and famously knocked down Cassius Clay in 1963 with his legendary left hook, “‘Enry’s ‘Ammer.”
5. Ricky Hatton
Ricky Hatton, known as “The Hitman,” was a fan favourite thanks to his relentless body-punching style. A two-weight world champion, he only lost to two of the sport’s all-time greats, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
4. Nigel Benn
Nigel Benn, nicknamed “The Dark Destroyer,” thrilled fans with his aggressive style and knockout power. He became a two-weight world champion and was at the heart of one of boxing’s greatest rivalries with Chris Eubank.
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3. Carl Froch
Carl Froch was renowned for his granite chin and no-nonsense fighting style. He held multiple super middleweight titles and delivered unforgettable nights against Mikkel Kessler and George Groves.
2. Joe Calzaghe
Joe Calzaghe retired undefeated with a perfect 46-0 record, an extraordinary achievement in modern boxing. He held the WBO super middleweight title for 11 years and beat legends like Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.
1. Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis is widely regarded as Britain’s greatest-ever boxer and one of the finest heavyweights in history. He unified the heavyweight division, defeated Mike Tyson in 2003, and retired as the last undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
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