03' RingMag Top 100 Punchers

[The Pup]

Hey guys been reading here for TOO long, love the classic forum, the knowledge and opinions shown here are second to none and I have learned alot about fighters that have long been forgotten :D Thanks Guys.

Any surprises here on Ring Mags 100 Greatest Punchers?

1. Joe Louis
2. Sam Langford
3. Jimmy Wilde
4. Archie Moore
5. Sandy Saddler
6. Stanley Ketchell
7. Jack Dempsey
8. Bob Fitzsimmons
9. George Foreman
10. Earnie Shavers
11. Sugar Ray Robinson
12. Ruben Olivares
13. Wilfredo Gomez
14. Rocky Marciano
15. Sonny Liston
16. Mike Tyson
17. Bob Foster
18. Thomas Hearns
19. Khaosai Galaxy
20. Alexis Arguello
21. Carlos Zarate
22. Max Baer
23. Rocky Graziano
24. Matthew Saad Muhammad
25. Julian Jackson
26. Danny Lopez
27. Gerald McClellan
28. Roberto Duran
29. Rodrigo Valdez
30. Felix Trinidad
31. Pipino Cuevas
32. Jim Jefferies
33. Lennox Lewis
34. Bennie Briscoe
35. Marvin Hagler
36. Edwin Rosario
37. Tommy Ryan
38. John Mugabi
39. Joe Frazier
40. Carlos Monzon
41. Tony Zale
42. Michael Spinks
43. Joe Gans
44. Elmer Ray
45. George Godfrey
46. Naseem Hamed
47. Alfonso Zamora
48. David Tua
49. Cleveland Williams
50. Julio Cesar Chavez
51. Tiger Jack Fox
52. Joe Walcott
53. Gerry Cooney
54. Al (Bummy) Davis
55. Max Schmeling
56. Florentino Fernandez
57. Henry Armstrong
58. Bob Satterfield
59. Al Hostak
60. Jesus Pimentel
61. Eugene (Cyclone) Hart
62. Lew Jenkins
63. Harry Wills
64. Tom Sharkey
65. Terry McGovern
66. Jersey Joe Walcott
67. Kostya Tszyu
68. Leotis Martin
69. Buddy Baer
70. Donovan (Razor) Ruddock
71. Jose Luis Ramirez
72. Tommy Gomez
73. Jose Napoles
74. Kid McCoy
75. Antonio Esparragoza
76. Ricardo Moreno
77. Evander Holyfield
78. Ike Williams
79. Luis Firpo
80. Ricardo Lopez
81. Humberto Gonzalez
82. Bobby Chacon
83. Jock McAvoy
84. Eduardo Lausse
85. Eder Jofre
86. Charley Burley
87. Mike McCallum
88. Salvador Sanchez
89. Roy Jones Jr
90. Rodolfo Gonzalez
91. Nigel Benn
92. (Irish) Bob Murphy
93. Paul Berlenbach
94. Battling Torres
95. Chalky Wright
96. George (K.O.) Chaney
97. Andy Ganigan
98. Fred Fulton
99. Ingemar Johansson
100. Charley White

[The Funny Man 7]

I've always thought Armstrong should be WAY higher. Why is Al Hosak above Sal Sanchez?

Satterfield may have had more spactacular knockouts than Ike Williams, but Ike was one of the most proven punchers of all time. I think this list obviously favors heavyweights.

[red cobra]

I think Ingo at 99. is absurd.

[reznick]

Obviously nobody will agree with th list.

I think it's not bad compared to some other lists I've seen. I think Ali and Johnson should be up there somewhere, assuming the list is about punching and not power.

[Muchmoore]

I think Ingo at 99. is absurd.

Leotis Martin at 68 is worse :lol:

[Jorodz]

Obviously nobody will agree with th list.

I think it's not bad compared to some other lists I've seen. I think Ali and Johnson should be up there somewhere, assuming the list is about punching and not power.

yeah it seems soley about power (which they are vague about in their explaination) rather than punching in general. ali had a tremendous jab but only adequate power. johnson, in a pure power list, wouldn't be ranked too highly either.

for me the list is pretty good in that regard in terms of WHO is in the list, but not where. but that's just me

[JohnThomas1]

Saad ahead of Spinks is ridiculous.

[Jorodz]

Saad ahead of Spinks is ridiculous.

i've had trouble considering spinks' position in terms of his punching power. it wasn't until his championship reign that he became a true terror and though that record is impressive, i think his style turns many off and causes them to underestimate both him and his punch

[Jorodz]

Leotis Martin at 68 is worse :lol:

should he be higher or lower? he only really has one notable win (sorry sonny...)

[JohnThomas1]

i've had trouble considering spinks' position in terms of his punching power. it wasn't until his championship reign that he became a true terror and though that record is impressive, i think his style turns many off and causes them to underestimate both him and his punch

He wasn't underestimated in his time. Once established he was winning the biggest puncher for his weight awards and was always high up on any big puncher list regardless of weight. He was known to have great one punch ko power and pole axed plenty of opponents. His right hand was fabled. Saad was a big puncher but not as big as Spinks. IMO it's his tenure at heavyweight that hurts him in this. I think they may have marked him down a little on it.

[Jorodz]

He wasn't underestimated in his time. Once established he was winning the biggest puncher for his weight awards and was always high up on any big puncher list regardless of weight. He was known to have great one punch ko power and pole axed plenty of opponents. His right hand was fabled. Saad was a big puncher but not as big as Spinks. IMO it's his tenure at heavyweight that hurts him in this. I think they may have marked him down a little on it.

good post and good point:good

[The Funny Man 7]

I like where Rodrigo Valdez is too.

[Jorodz]

jackson and zarate should both be higher, above galaxy at the least

[Manassa]

Had I been writing the list, Henry Armstrong would have been top five. How can he not be? In three years, he knocked out the same amount of boxers as Joe Louis managed in his whole career.

Ike Williams would be top five too, honestly. Not for his knockout percentage, but potential, sudden eruption.

[Jorodz]

Had I been writing the list, Henry Armstrong would have been top five. How can he not be? In three years, he knocked out the same amount of boxers as Joe Louis managed in his whole career.

Ike Williams would be top five too, honestly. Not for his knockout percentage, but potential, sudden eruption.

yeah despite write ups to the contrary and the occasional surprise, they put a lot of evidence of KO percentages which do not tell the whole story

[TommyV]

The list has always confused me. Is it top 100 greatest punchers or top 100 hardest punchers?

[Jorodz]

The list has always confused me. Is it top 100 greatest punchers or top 100 hardest punchers?

hardest. otherwise there would be a LOT of others on that list (like holmes)

[Drew101]

Leotis Martin at 68 is worse :lol:

Maybe it's a little high, but the guy was regarded as a legitimate one punch kayo threat by the time he was regarded as a contender. There aren't too many other heavyweights who were capable of sparking out Liston (ancient as he was), in the fashion that Martin did when they fought.

His inclusion on the list may well be warranted (although I might drop him down to the 80's or 90's)

[Drew101]

hardest. otherwise there would be a LOT of others on that list (like holmes)

I don't know...I think it is greatest punchers, because Salvador Sanchez, while not feather fisted, wasn't necessarily the hardest puncher as a featherweight. There are a few other instances of fighters who weren't necessarily one punch kayo threats, either, being included on this list.

[Jorodz]

I don't know...I think it is greatest punchers, because Salvador Sanchez, while not feather fisted, wasn't necessarily the hardest puncher as a featherweight. There are a few other instances of fighters who weren't necessarily one punch kayo threats, either, being included on this list.

true but there are better technical and combination punchers, more varied punchers that aren't on the list. at the end it seems about power. sanchez is a good point...but he did score spectacular and effective knockouts in his biggest wins

[mattdonnellon]

I think it is a truly rubbish list.

[Manassa]

It's clearly not a list based on power. Nobody believes Carlos Monzon hit harder than Cyclone Hart.

[Jorodz]

It's clearly not a list based on power. Nobody believes Carlos Monzon hit harder than Cyclone Hart.

i have the magazine and they have a write up for each fighter including best knockout, opponent they couldn't knock out, when the punch wasn't enough, best punch, etc. they definitely intended it to be based on knockout power. how accurate it is however...

[Manassa]

i have the magazine and they have a write up for each fighter including best knockout, opponent they couldn't knock out, when the punch wasn't enough, best punch, etc. they definitely intended it to be based on knockout power. how accurate it is however...

No they didn't. I have the magazine, too, and at several points it will say something to the effect of 'he could hit like a truck, but couldn't always land it.' And he'll be rated lower than a lighter hitting, more accurate contemporary.

[Jorodz]

No they didn't. I have the magazine, too, and at several points it will say something to the effect of 'he could hit like a truck, but couldn't always land it.' And he'll be rated lower than a lighter hitting, more accurate contemporary.

i don't know...the fact that shavers and foreman, who had shit technique were in the top ten makes me disagree. the more accurate, pinpoint punchers like sanchez and lopez were placed at the bottom. the bombers, like jackson, lopez, baer, and saddler were at the top. like at the top 20 or so...all bombers and knockout punchers for the most part.

[Son of Gaul]

Frazier, Trinidad and Tua should be higher.

Spinks and Jones should be off the list.

[Jorodz]

Frazier, Trinidad and Tua should be higher.

Spinks and Jones should be off the list.

totally agree with those 3 being higher

spinks and jones both earned their place on the list to me. jones is well placed at 88 (i believe) and spinks should be in the top 100, but not top 50

[Manassa]

i don't know...the fact that shavers and foreman, who had shit technique were in the top ten makes me disagree. the more accurate, pinpoint punchers like sanchez and lopez were placed at the bottom. the bombers, like jackson, lopez, baer, and saddler were at the top. like at the top 20 or so...all bombers and knockout punchers for the most part.

But at the same time, everybody would rate Shavers and Foreman above Louis in terms of power.

The list is based on myriad factors. It's why Archie Moore's so high (rightly so) and Joe Louis is #1. Carlos Monzon is lucky to be rated as high as he is, but the writers obviously thought much of his dextrous right hand.

[Jorodz]

But at the same time, everybody would rate Shavers and Foreman above Louis in terms of power.

The list is based on myriad factors. It's why Archie Moore's so high (rightly so) and Joe Louis is #1. Carlos Monzon is lucky to be rated as high as he is, but the writers obviously thought much of his dextrous right hand.

good point about louis. his raw power was certainly less than foreman and shavers (sorry classic...) but his technique and precision made up for it.

i think you're right: myriad factors. power is pre-eminent but accuracy, ability to effectively use your punch and consistency also factors in

[TommyV]

hardest. otherwise there would be a LOT of others on that list (like holmes)

I'm wondering why Monzon would be ahead of Spinks & Hamed to name but two then, but if it's greatest, than why would Foreman be so high? That's what I mean, there are a lot of contradictions. It's like they got a bunch of anmesia-sufferers to complete the list because they have clearly forgotten half way through whether it's meant to be a list of the greatest punchers of all-time or hardest punchers.

[Drew101]

I'm wondering why Monzon would be ahead of Spinks & Hamed to name but two then, but if it's greatest, than why would Foreman be so high? That's what I mean, there are a lot of contradictions. It's like they got a bunch of anmesia-sufferers to complete the list because they have clearly forgotten half way through whether it's meant to be a list of the greatest punchers of all-time or hardest punchers.

Maybe the most effective fighters might be a better term. Some fighters were effective punchers because they hit so damned hard, while other fighters were effective because of superlative technique.

By the way, does anyone else think SRL might deserve placement on the list? Not all that high, but I could see him clocking in from 80-100.

[Jorodz]

I'm wondering why Monzon would be ahead of Spinks & Hamed to name but two then, but if it's greatest, than why would Foreman be so high? That's what I mean, there are a lot of contradictions. It's like they got a bunch of anmesia-sufferers to complete the list because they have clearly forgotten half way through whether it's meant to be a list of the greatest punchers of all-time or hardest punchers.

yeah it looks like they had a variety of factors they were using to rank the fighters and how highly they considered each factor depended on which fighter they were looking at.

foreman-power matters!
louis-it's all about technique!
leotis martin-did you knock out liston? you're in!

[Jorodz]

Maybe the most effective fighters might be a better term. Some fighters were effective punchers because they hit so damned hard, while other fighters were effective because of superlative technique.

By the way, does anyone else think SRL might deserve placement on the list? Not all that high, but I could see him clocking in from 80-100.

great technique, beautiful combinations, solid power and killer instinct. he ranks for me around the same place as holyfield would

[SuzieQ49]

It's great to see Stanley Ketchell in there at # 6. But wheres Tommy Burns? :lol:

Gosh. To think their are certain posters here who try to argue with me Burns was on level Ketchel was as a puncher. :nut

[Drew101]

It's great to see Stanley Ketchell in there at # 6. But wheres Tommy Burns? :lol:

Gosh. To think their are certain posters here who try to argue with me Burns was on level Ketchel was as a puncher. :nut

Oh look, here's Suzie Q making a snide comment about a debate that he started in another another thread on an only slightly related topic. How very mature.

I wonder why he felt that need to do something like that...Could it be because I automatically bow convert to his opinion on this only slightly related matter?

Incidentally, I never once claimed that Burns was a bigger puncher than Ketchel, Oh Mighty Suzie. What I did state was that Burns did hit pretty hard and that's supported by a more than respectable KO percentage (sixty percent is nothing to sneeze at) and the fact that he starched some much larger fighters.

But of course, we wouldn't dare let the truth stand in the way of a the chance to make a dumb-ass wise crack, would we, Suzie?

[SuzieQ49]

The funny thing about Drew's little tantrum above is I was not talking about him when I mentioned a certain "poster" making the claims of burns being on the same level as a puncher. I thought it was obvious who I was referring to, but obviously not since Drew took ample opportunity to fire back at me like the militia on the front lines. Perhaps Drew wishes I go back into my shell for another 6 months before making a return "guest" appearance. Or maybe he feels apologetic for jumping to false conclusions without indefinite evidence I was referring to him.

[Drew101]

The funny thing about Drew's little tantrum above is I was not talking about him when I mentioned a certain "poster" making the claims of burns being on the same level as a puncher. I thought it was obvious who I was referring to, but obviously not since Drew took ample opportunity to fire back at me like the militia on the front lines. Perhaps Drew wishes I go back into my shell for another 6 months before making a return "guest" appearance. Or maybe he feels apologetic for jumping to false conclusions without indefinite evidence I was referring to him.

Well, given the abrasive tone used in the other thread, and the fact that it really wasn't obvious who you were referring to, I think such a mistaken assumption is understandable. If that was the case, then consider this my acknowledgment.

And it's not going to affect me one way or the other whether you post here it not, Suzie Q. I'm not posting nearly as often as I used to, anyway.

[Lobotomy]

As great as Sanchez was, he was never acknowledged as a particularly hard puncher even immediately after the atypical demolition of Gomez. There's just no way Sal belongs on that list. Saad Muhammad's in the top 25, while contemporary LHW punchers Mustafa Muhammad and Marvin Johnson aren't listed at all. (Remember, Marvin was the first to drop steel chinned Galindez.)

How is it that Stribling's 128 knockouts fail to gain recognition?

I don't buy Jose Luis Ramirez for inclusion either. Jack Dillon might be a better choice.

[tommygun711]

wow yeah I have a few issues
wladmir klistschko needs to be in there somewhere, given his ko percentage and laccuracy qnd his hand speed fo such a big man. I'm nor saying top ten but come on he must be in top 30 at least
and what about Tommy Morrison??? he was certainly a good ko artist with decent power, good hand speed, and he was very clean with hi punches.
personally leotis Martin and ingemeer johanson don't belong in that list AT ALL.
Floyd Patterson?! :patsch

[Muchmoore]

should he be higher or lower? he only really has one notable win (sorry sonny...)

He shouldn't be on the list.

[Rico Spadafora]

Gerry Cooney at #53 is laughable I know he had lethal power in his left but he did not KO anyone worth a crap. Also Ingo @ #99 is a joke he should be much higher.

[scartissue]

As great as Sanchez was, he was never acknowledged as a particularly hard puncher even immediately after the atypical demolition of Gomez. There's just no way Sal belongs on that list. Saad Muhammad's in the top 25, while contemporary LHW punchers Mustafa Muhammad and Marvin Johnson aren't listed at all. (Remember, Marvin was the first to drop steel chinned Galindez.)

How is it that Stribling's 128 knockouts fail to gain recognition?

I don't buy Jose Luis Ramirez for inclusion either. Jack Dillon might be a better choice.

Lobotomy, I agree about Sanchez. Great as he was, he and Walcott were counter-punchers and do not belong on a lethal puncher list. Leotis Martin was included due to the 'event' in KO'ing Liston. What else did he prove in his career of being a big bomber? I believe the most glaring ommission is that of Venezuelan Jr. Welterweight champ of the world Carlos Hernandez. That dude had chilling KO power. KO'd Joe Brown, Teo Cruz, Davey Moore, Kenny Lane, Alfredo Urbina, Bunny Grant, Paolo Rosi, Percy Hayles and dropped Jose Napoles, Eddie Perkins and Nicolino Loche in losing efforts. Now that is a banger.

Scartissue

[Addie]

Carbajal was the hardest hitter at 105lbs and he had cleaner technique than Gonzalez.

[SuzieQ49]

Just because your a 'counter puncher' does not mean you can't punch. Walcott had one punch knockout power in both hands. His kayo of Charles is LETHAL. He should be on the list.

[Jorodz]

Gerry Cooney at #53 is laughable I know he had lethal power in his left but he did not KO anyone worth a crap. Also Ingo @ #99 is a joke he should be much higher.

agreed. cooney's only real KO was a shot to shit Norton who was already devasted in his prime by Foreman and Shavers. other than that he bludgeoned Jimmy Young but failed to truly knock him out. despite some reports i feel he barely even stunned holmes as well and was completely outclassed by a FAR smaller spinks

[Drew101]

agreed. cooney's only real KO was a shot to shit Norton who was already devasted in his prime by Foreman and Shavers. other than that he bludgeoned Jimmy Young but failed to truly knock him out. despite some reports i feel he barely even stunned holmes as well and was completely outclassed by a FAR smaller spinks

Well, he did make Foreman wobble pretty badly in the first round with a nice counter left hook, and he also stopped an admittedly badly faded Lyle in a round as well. Plus for aesthetic value, the kayo of Norton iis pretty terrifying. But...I'm with you. 53 is probably too high of a rating for him.

[Jorodz]

Well, he did make Foreman wobble pretty badly in the first round with a nice counter left hook, and he also stopped an admittedly badly faded Lyle in a round as well. Plus for aesthetic value, the kayo of Norton iis pretty terrifying. But...I'm with you. 53 is probably too high of a rating for him.

oh for sure, he had power. and i forgot about the foreman and lyle fights but like you said he's too high. most of his reputation is built on the norton fight and while fun/horrifying to look at, isn't all that much in context. a ton of potential but couldn't prove it or use it against top tier opponents or consistently against b level opponents

[ricardoparker93]

David Tua is 30 odd places below Tyson? The list is pretty poor, I wonder if they believe that there are 24 harder punchers than Julian Jackson p4p

[Jorodz]

David Tua is 30 odd places below Tyson? The list is pretty poor, I wonder if they believe that there are 24 harder punchers than Julian Jackson p4p

jackson is especially baffling. saad muhammad? very good, even great puncher but no jackson. same with graziano. zarate to i feel is a slightly better puncher than arguello or gomez but that's splitting hairs

also, the argument could be made for fitz to be even higher. while i look at it though, it's a pretty solid list considering how subjective the matter is.