Boxing gained in popularity back in the 1800’s from the gladiators, the big boys going at it toe to toe to prove who the toughest is. There’s nothing like watching the heavyweights go at it, knowing that one punch can end the fight. Traditionally, the heavyweights have been the drawing power for the casual and none boxing fans. Our crave for heavyweight boxing has brought retired football players into the ring and Brutes from around the world trying to make a name for themselves. There has been many legendary heavyweight boxers in history. This is a top 10 list for the current generation of heavyweights who deserve their due.

Top 10 heavyweights post (Ali/ Foreman Era)

1. Mike Tyson
2. Lennox Lewis
3. Vitaly Klitschko
4. Wladimir Klitschko
5. Evander Holyfield
6. Riddick Bowe
7. Larry Holmes
8. Deontay Wilder
9. Anthony Joshua
10. Tyson Fury

Iron Mike Tyson comes in as the easy number one, in his prime 1985 to 1989, he dominated like no one ever has, he created his own style, Tyson’s combination of power, speed, focus and training were unrivaled. He was the only boxer that can beat you by just looking at you. He had a solid chin and superhuman punching power. Starting in 1990, A combination of not training, fame, personal issues and non-guidance, we had the upset of the century when Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson in Japan. Iron Mike Tyson was the baddest man on the planet.

In an era where everybody was talking about Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis came out of nowhere, dominated the heavyweight division and solidified himself as one of the greats.

Dr. Ironfist Vitaly Klitschko was a great fighter, though his career was cut short because of injuries, he always stood tall. Vitaly was a intelligent fighter and cleaned up his little brothers messes (Sanders).

Dr. Steel Hammer, Wadimir Klitschko was heavyweight champion for 11 years and defended the title against all comers. His size, power and body are enough to put him down as one of the best.

Rounding out the top five heavyweights post the Muhammad Ali era is The Real Deal, Evander Holyfield. Make no mistake about it, this Warrior and Heart of a Lion in his prime can beat or compete with anyone in the history of boxing. The career Holyfield made for himself in the heavyweight division being undersized is nothing short of legendary.

Rounding off the top 10 are Wilder, Joshua and Fury. These boxers have been impressive, they still have some work to do to build there resume, but the potential is there, They are set to be the pulse of boxing for quite sometime.

Honorable mentions: George Foreman’s second career, Michael Spinks, Ray Mercer, Michael Moorer, Frank Bruno, Oliver McCall, Buster Douglas, Donovan Ruddock, Lemon Brewster and Corrie Sanders.

Who is your choice for best heavyweight boxer, post the Muhammad Ali / George Foreman era?