Top Ten Boxers to Have Won a Major World Title and an Olympic Medal
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet, and philanthropist. Nicknamed The Greatest, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sporting figures of the 20th century, and is frequently ranked as the best heavyweight boxer and greatest athlete of the century. Won a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics (Rome) as a light heavyweight. Became Heavyweight World Champion in 1964.
Ray Charles Leonard, best known as "Sugar" Ray Leonard, is an American former professional boxer, motivational speaker, and occasional actor. Won a gold medal in the 1976 Olympics (Montreal) as a light welterweight. Became Welterweight World Champion in 1979, Light Middleweight World Champion in 1981, Middleweight World Champion in 1987, and Super Middleweight World Champion in 1989.
Joseph William Frazier, nicknamed "Smokin' Joe", was an American professional boxer who competed from 1965 to 1981. He reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973, and as an amateur won a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics. Won a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics (Tokyo) as a heavyweight. Became Heavyweight World Champion in 1970.
Roy Levesta Jones Jr. is an American former professional boxer, boxing commentator, boxing trainer, rapper, and actor who holds dual American and Russian citizenship. Won a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics (Seoul) as a light middleweight. Became Super Middleweight World Champion in 1992, Middleweight World Champion in 1993, Light Heavyweight World Champion in 1996 and Heavyweight World Champion in 2003.
Note: Most believe, including myself, that Jones Jr. was robbed of the gold medal in the Olympics. Korean judges gave the fight (and the gold medal) to a Korean boxer in Seoul, Korea.
Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr. is an American former professional boxer and current boxing promoter.
"Pretty boy" Floyd or "Money" Mayweather is widely considered to be one of the greatest if not the greatest boxer in boxing history. Floyd Mayweather has had success not only inside the ring, but outside as a worthy businessman. Mayweather has had some of the largest if not the largest box office ratings in HBO history and has rightfully owned the sport of boxing for more than a decade. Won a bronze medal in the 1996 Olympics (Atlanta) as a featherweight. Became Super Featherweight World Champion in 1998, Lightweight World Champion in 2002, Super Lightweight World Champion in 2005, Welterweight World Champion in 2006, Light Middleweight World Champion in 2007, Super Light Middleweight World Champion in 2012 and Super Welterweight World Champion in 2014.
Oscar De La Hoya is a former professional boxer who competed from 1992 to 2008. He holds dual American and Mexican citizenship. Won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics (Barcelona) as a lightweight. Became Lightweight World Champion in 1994, Light Welterweight World Champion in 1996, Welterweight World Champion in 1997, Light Middleweight World Champion in 2001, Super Light Middleweight World Champion in 2002 and Middleweight World Champion in 2004.
The ''GOLDEN'' Boy!
Won ALL the gold medals in the 1992 Olympics!
And he won with finesse and style -- baby!
(best DEFENSIVE boxer of all-time)
His defense was slick and beautiful...
He would go into a match looking THE SAME way
after 12 rounds... no black eyes, no cuts, bruises, nothing!
And he would always win with style -- with a SMILE!
Won a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics (Los Angeles) as a lightweight. Became Lightweight World Champion in 1988, Welterweight World Champion in 1993 and Super Welterweight World Champion in 1995.
Won a bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics (Los Angeles) as a light heavyweight. Became Cruiserweight World Champion in 1986 and Heavyweight World Champion in 1990.
George Edward Foreman is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1969 to 1977, and from 1987 to 1997. Nicknamed "Big George", he is a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist. Won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics (Mexico City) as a heavyweight. Became Heavyweight World Champion in 1973.
Won a gold medal at the 1952 Olympics (Helsinki) as a middleweight. Became Heavyweight World Champion in 1956.