World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics explained

Below is a list of world heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics.

Championship recognition

As per International Boxing Hall Of Fame:^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

1884–1921

• Champions were recognized by public acclamation. A champion in that era was a fighter who had a notable win over another fighter and kept winning afterward. It was a lineal championship. The only way to win the championship was to beat the current champion. Retirements or disputed results could lead to a championship being split among several men for periods of time. With only minor exceptions, the heavyweight division remained free from dual title-holders until the 1960s. For an early example, see the 1896 World Heavyweight Championship.

Sanctioning organizations: 1921–present

Gradually, the role of recognizing champions in the division evolved into a more formal affair, with public acclamation being supplemented (or in some cases, contradicted) by recognition by one or more athletic commissions, sanctioning organizations, or a combination of them. The International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) recognizes these organizations as major in boxing:

• The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). A governmental entity initially formed for the purpose of regulating boxing in the State of New York, thanks to New York's place as the epicenter of boxing from the 1930s through 1950s, the NYSAC expanded its reach to sanctioning championship bouts. This practice continued until, like the IBU, the NYSAC became a member of the WBC.
• The National Boxing Association (NBA) was organized in 1921. In 1962, the organization was renamed the World Boxing Association (WBA).
• The WBC was organized in 1963.
• The IBF, which was founded in 1983 by the members of the United States Boxing Association after the USBA withdrew from membership in the WBA.
• The WBO, founded in 1988. The IBHOF started recognizing WBO as a major organization no later than August 23, 1997.

There are also titles that are not considered major, but play a significant role in legitimizing the heavyweight champion:

• The Ring began awarding championship belts in 1922, stopped giving belts to world champions in the 1990s, then reintroduced their title in 2002, and ignored the current ongoing world championship lineage. Under the original version of the policy, you could win the title by either defeating the reigning champion or winning a box-off between the magazine's No. 1 and No. 2 (occasionally No. 3) ranked contenders. A fighter could not be stripped of the title unless he lost or retired. Since May 2012, under the new policy, The Ring title can be awarded when the No. 1 and No. 2 contenders face each other or when either of them faces No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5 contender. In addition, the title can be taken away by losing the fight, not scheduling a fight for 18 months, not scheduling a fight with a top 5 contender for two years, or retiring.^[6]

Most opponents beaten in title fights

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

• Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.		1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	23	^[7]
2.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	22	^[8] ^[9]
3.		1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	21	^[10]
4.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20	^[11]
5.		1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15	^[12]
5.		1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15	^[13]
7.		1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC	11	^[14]
7.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11	^[15]
9.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10	^[16]
10.		1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	9	^[17]
10.		1. April 9, 2016 — June 1, 2019 2. December 7, 2019 — September 25, 2021	WBA, IBF, WBO	9	^[18]
12.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8	^[19]
12.		January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020	WBC	8	^[20]
14.		1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	7	^[21]
15.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6	^[22]
15.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	6	^[23]
15.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6	^[24]

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.		1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	23
2.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	22
3.		1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	21
4.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20
5.		1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15
5.		1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15
7.		1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC	11
7.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11
9.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10
10.		1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	9
11.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8
12.		1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	7
12.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	7
14.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6
14.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	6

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

• has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
• held at least two major world heavyweight titles^{[25] [26] [27]} simultaneously
• defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of, .

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Additional recognition		Beaten opponents	Fights
1.		1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Chris Byrd (IBF)	23	^[28]
2.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	undisputed	The Ring		22
3.		1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. undisputed 2. undisputed 3. WBA	The Ring		21
4.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC-to-IBF	The Ring	Mike Weaver (WBA), Tim Witherspoon (WBC)	20	^[29] ^[30]
5.		1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. undisputed 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Evander Holyfield (WBA)	12
6.		1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		11
6.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	lineal		11
8.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	undisputed	The Ring		10
9.		1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999	1. undisputed 2. unified 3. unified			8
9.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	undisputed	The Ring		8
11.		1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	undisputed	The Ring		7
12.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	lineal		6
12.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	lineal		6
12.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	undisputed	The Ring		6
15.		September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	undisputed	The Ring		5	^[31]
15.		1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974 2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		5	^[32]
17.		1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016 2. February 22, 2020 — May 18, 2024	1. unified 2. WBC	1. The Ring 2. The Ring		4
18.		June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934	undisputed	The Ring		3	^[33]
18.		November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993	undisputed			3
18.		September 25, 2021 – present	undisputed	The Ring	Daniel Dubois (IBF)	3	^[34]
21.		September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897	lineal	lineal		2	^[35]
21.		April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919	lineal	lineal		2	^[36]
21.		June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931	undisputed	The Ring		2	^[37]
21.		April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005	WBC	The Ring	Corrie Sanders (WBO)	2	^[38]
21.		September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928	undisputed	The Ring		2	^[39]
21.		September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987	IBF	The Ring		2	^[40]
27.		August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892	lineal	lineal		1	^[41]
27.		March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899	lineal	lineal		1	^[42]
27.		July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906	lineal	lineal		1	^[43]
27.		June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935	undisputed	The Ring		1	^[44]
27.		June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937	undisputed	The Ring		1	^[45]
27.		July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952	undisputed	The Ring		1
27.		June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960	undisputed	The Ring		1
27.		September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964	undisputed	The Ring		1	^[46]
27.		February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978	undisputed	The Ring		1	^[47]
27.		February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990	undisputed			1	^[48]

Most wins in title fights

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

• Note: Secondary championships are not included.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title fight wins	Fights
1.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	27
2.		1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	25
3.		1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	22
4.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20
5.		1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15
5.		1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15
7.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13
8.		1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, WBC	12
9.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10
9.		January 17, 2015 — February 22, 2020	WBC	10
9.		1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	10
12.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	9
12.		1. April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019 2. December 7, 2019 – September 25, 2021	WBA, IBF, WBO	9
14.		1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	8
14.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	8

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title fight wins	Fights
1.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	27
2.		1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. WBA, IBF, WBO	25
3.		1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. WBA, WBC 2. WBA, WBC 3. WBA	22
4.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	20
5.		1. December 14, 1992 — September 24, 1994 2. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 3. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. WBC 2. WBA, WBC, IBF 3. WBC, IBF	15
5.		1. June 26, 1999 — April 1, 2000 2. April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005 3. October 11, 2008 — December 15, 2013	1. WBO 2. WBC 3. WBC	15
7.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13
8.		1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBC, WBA	12
9.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	10
9.		1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999 4. August 12, 2000 — March 3, 2001	1. WBA, WBC, IBF 2. WBA, IBF 3. WBA, IBF 4. WBA	10
11.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	9
12.		1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	NYSAC, NBA	8
12.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	8
14.		September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	7
15.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	NYSAC, NBA	6
15.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

• has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
• held at least two major world heavyweight titles simultaneously
• defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of, .

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Additional recognition		Title fight wins	Fights
1.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	undisputed	The Ring		27
2.		1. October 14, 2000 — March 8, 2003 2. April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	1. WBO 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Chris Byrd (IBF)	25
3.		1. February 25, 1964 – March 11, 1969 2. October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978 3. September 15, 1978 — October 18, 1979	1. undisputed 2. undisputed 3. WBA	1. The Ring 2. The Ring 3. The Ring		22
4.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC-to-IBF	The Ring	Mike Weaver (WBA), Tim Witherspoon (WBC)	20
5.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	lineal		13
6.		1. February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001 2. November 17, 2001 — February 6, 2004	1. undisputed 2. unified	2. The Ring	1. Evander Holyfield (WBA)	12
6.		1. November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990 2. March 16, 1996 — November 9, 1996	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		12
8.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	unified	The Ring		10
9.		1. October 25, 1990 — November 13, 1992 2. November 6, 1993 — April 22, 1994 3. November 9, 1996 — November 13, 1999	1. undisputed 2. unified 3. unified			9
9.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	undisputed	The Ring		9
11.		1. November 30, 1956 — June 26, 1959 2. June 20, 1960 — September 25, 1962	undisputed	The Ring		8
11.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	lineal		8
13.		September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	undisputed	The Ring		7
14.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	undisputed	The Ring		6
14.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	lineal		6
16.		1. January 22, 1973 — October 30, 1974 2. November 4, 1994 — June 29, 1995	1. undisputed 2. unified	1. The Ring		5
16.		1. November 28, 2015 — October 12, 2016 2. February 22, 2020 — May 19, 2024	1. unified 2. WBC	1. The Ring 2. The Ring		5
18.		September 25, 2021 — present	undisputed	The Ring	Daniel Dubois (IBF)	4
19.		June 29, 1933 – June 14, 1934	undisputed	The Ring		3
19.		November 13, 1992 — November 6, 1993	undisputed			3
19.		September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928	undisputed	The Ring		3
19.		September 21, 1985 — February 19, 1987	IBF	The Ring		3
23.		September 7, 1892 – March 17, 1897	lineal	lineal		2
23.		April 5, 1915 — July 4, 1919	lineal	lineal		2
23.		June 12, 1930 – January 7, 1931	undisputed	The Ring		2
23.		April 24, 2004 — November 9, 2005	WBC	The Ring	Corrie Sanders (WBO)	2
23.		July 18, 1951 — September 23, 1952	undisputed	The Ring		2
23.		September 25, 1962 — February 25, 1964	undisputed	The Ring		2
29.		August 29, 1885 — September 7, 1892	lineal	lineal		1
29.		March 17, 1897 — June 9, 1899	lineal	lineal		1
29.		July 3, 1905 — February 23, 1906	lineal	lineal		1
29.		June 14, 1934 — June 13, 1935	undisputed	The Ring		1
29.		June 13, 1935 — June 22, 1937	undisputed	The Ring		1
29.		June 26, 1959 — June 20, 1960	undisputed	The Ring		1
29.		February 15, 1978 — September 15, 1978	undisputed	The Ring		1
29.		February 11, 1990 — October 25, 1990	undisputed			1

Most opponents title was successfully defended against during one reign

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

• Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	21
2.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19
3.		April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	18
4.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11
5.		October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10
6.		October 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012	WBC	9
6.		November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9
6.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9
6.		January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020	WBC	9
10.		February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	8
10.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8
12.		April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019	WBA, IBF, WBO	6
12.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6
12.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6
15.		September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	5
15.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	5

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Beaten opponents	Fights
1.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	21
2.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19
3.		April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	17
4.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	11
5.		October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10
6.		November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9
6.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9
8.		February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	8
8.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8
10.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	6
10.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6
12.		September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	5
12.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	5

Most consecutive title defenses

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

• Note: Secondary championships are not included.

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title defenses	Fights
1.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	26
2.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19
3.		April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	18	^[49]
4.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13
5.		October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10
5.		January 17, 2015 – February 22, 2020	WBC	10
7.		October 11, 2008 - September 8, 2012	WBC	9
7.		November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9
7.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9
7.		February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	9
11.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8
12.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	7
13.		September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	6
13.		April 9, 2016 – June 1, 2019	WBA, IBF, WBO	6
13.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Pos.	Name	Reign began-ended	Recognition	Title defenses	Fights
1.		June 22, 1937 — March 1, 1949	NYSAC, NBA	26
2.		June 9, 1978 — September 21, 1985	WBC, IBF	19
3.		April 22, 2006 — November 28, 2015	WBA, IBF, WBO	18
4.		February 23, 1906 — December 26, 1908	lineal	13
5.		October 30, 1974 — February 15, 1978	WBA, WBC	10
6.		November 22, 1986 — February 11, 1990	WBA, WBC, IBF	9
6.		March 4, 1968 — January 22, 1973	NYSAC, WBA, WBC	9
6.		February 7, 1997 — April 22, 2001	WBA, WBC, IBF	9
9.		September 27, 1950 — July 18, 1951	NBA, NYSAC	8
10.		June 9, 1899 — May 13, 1905	lineal	7
11.		September 23, 1952 — April 27, 1956	NYSAC, NBA	6
11.		December 26, 1908 — April 5, 1915	lineal	6
13.		July 4, 1919 — September 23, 1926	lineal-to-NBA and NYSAC	5

Longest title reigns

Keys:

Active Title Reign

Reign has ended

• Note: Secondary championships are not included.

Combined reigns

All championship reigns

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921.

As of 26 May 2024.

Pos.	Name	Combined reign	Days as champion	Number of reigns	Title recognition
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	12 years, 0 months, 0 days	4 382	2	WBA, IBF, WBO
2.		11 years, 8 months, 8 days	4 270	1	NYSAC, NBA
3.		9 years, 5 months, 5 days	3 443	3	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.		8 years, 5 months, 13 days	3 086	3	WBA, WBC, IBF
5.		7 years, 5 months, 28 days	2 735	3	WBC, WBO
6.		7 years, 3 months, 12 days	2 661	1	WBC, IBF
7.		7 years, 2 months, 19 days	2 638	1	NYSAC, NBA
8.		7 years, 0 months, 9 days	2 566	1	lineal
9.		6 years, 3 months, 11 days	2 292	1	lineal
10.		6 years, 1 month, 1 day	2 223	4	WBA, WBC, IBF
11.		5 years, 11 months, 4 days	2 156	1	lineal
12.		5 years, 1 months, 12 days	1 866	2	WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
13.		5 years, 1 months, 5 days	1 859	1	WBC
14.		4 years, 11 months, 10 days	1 806	2	IBF, WBA, WBO
15.		4 years, 10 months, 18 days	1 785	1	NYSAC, WBA, WBC

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

As of 26 May 2024.

Pos.	Name	Combined reign	Days as champion	Number of reigns	Title recognition
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	12 years, 0 months, 0 days	4 382	2	WBA, IBF, WBO
2.		11 years, 8 months, 8 days	4 270	1	NYSAC, NBA
3.		9 years, 5 months, 5 days	3 443	3	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.		8 years, 5 months, 13 days	3 086	3	WBA, WBC, IBF
5.		7 years, 5 months, 28 days	2 735	3	WBC, WBO
6.		7 years, 3 months, 12 days	2 661	1	WBC, IBF
7.		7 years, 2 months, 19 days	2 638	1	NYSAC, NBA
8.		7 years, 0 months, 10 days	2 566	1	lineal
9.		6 years, 3 months, 11 days	2 292	1	lineal
10.		6 years, 1 month, 1 day	2 223	4	WBA, WBC, IBF
11.		5 years, 11 months, 4 days	2 156	1	lineal
12.		5 years, 1 months, 12 days	1 866	2	WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
13.		4 years, 10 months, 18 days	1 785	1	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
14.		4 years, 10 months, 0 days	1 765	2	NYSAC, NBA
15.		4 years, 6 months, 10 days	1 652	1	lineal

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

• has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
• held at least two major world heavyweight titles simultaneously
• defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would later become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

As of 26 May 2024.

Pos.	Name	Combined reign	Days as champion	Number of reigns	Title recognition
1.	Wladimir Klitschko	12 years, 0 months, 0 days	4 382	2	WBA, IBF, WBO
2.		11 years, 8 months, 8 days	4 270	1	NYSAC, NBA
3.		9 years, 5 months, 5 days	3 443	3	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
4.		7 years, 3 months, 12 days	2 661	1	WBC, IBF
5.		7 years, 2 months, 19 days	2 638	1	NYSAC, NBA
6.		7 years, 0 months, 10 days	2 566	1	lineal
7.		6 years, 8 months, 3 days	2 437	2	WBA, WBC, IBF
8.		6 years, 3 months, 11 days	2 292	1	lineal
9.		5 years, 11 months, 4 days	2 156	1	lineal
10.		5 years, 6 months, 12 days	2 020	3	WBA, WBC, IBF
11.		5 years, 1 months, 12 days	1 866	2	WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO
12.		4 years, 10 months, 18 days	1 785	1	NYSAC, WBA, WBC
13.		4 years, 10 months, 0 days	1 765	2	NYSAC, NBA
14.		4 years, 6 months, 10 days	1 652	1	lineal
15.		4 years, 2 months, 29 days	1 551	1	lineal

Individual reigns

Below is a list of longest reigning heavyweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. Both The Ring and lineal championships are included. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.

All championship reigns

Pos.	Name	Title Reign	Title recognition
1.		11 years, 8 months, 8 days	lineal
2.		9 years, 7 months and 6 days	IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3.		7 years, 3 months, 12 days	WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4.		7 years, 2 months, 19 days	lineal
5.		7 years, 0 months, 9 days	lineal
6.		6 years, 3 months, 10 days	lineal
7.		5 years, 11 months, 9 days	The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8.		5 years, 11 months, 4 days	lineal
9.		5 years, 2 months, 4 days	WBC
10.		5 years, 1 month 5 days	WBC
11.		4 years, 10 months, 18 days	NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
12.		4 years, 6 months, 10 days	lineal
13.		4 years, 2 months, 29 days	lineal
14.		4 years, 2 months, 26 days	WBC (+The Ring/Lineal)
15.		4 years, 2 months, 15 days	WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Pos.	Name	Title Reign	Title recognition
1.		11 years, 8 months, 8 days	lineal
2.		9 years, 7 months and 6 days	IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3.		7 years, 3 months, 12 days	WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4.		7 years, 2 months, 19 days	lineal
5.		7 years, 0 months, 9 days	lineal
6.		6 years, 3 months, 10 days	lineal
7.		5 years, 11 months, 9 days	The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8.		5 years, 11 months, 4 days	lineal
9.		4 years, 10 months, 18 days	NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
10.		4 years, 6 months, 10 days	lineal
11.		4 years, 2 months, 29 days	lineal
12.		4 years, 2 months, 26 days	WBC (+The Ring/Lineal)
13.		4 years, 2 months, 15 days	WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)
14.		3 years, 11 months, 29 days	lineal
15.		3 years, 2 months, 20 days	WBC (+WBA, IBF, The Ring)

Title fight finishes

Fastest stoppages in title fights — 1st round stoppages

Date	Fight	Method	Round	Time	Title	Source(s)
	Herbie Hide def. Damon Reed	TKO	1	0:52	WBO	^[50]
	Lamon Brewster def. Andrew Golota	TKO	1	0:52	WBO	^[51]
	Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis	KO	1	0:53	NYSAC
	James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan	KO	1	0:55	Lineal
	Michael Dokes def. Mike Weaver	TKO	1	1:03	WBA
	Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires	KO	1	1:28	Lineal
	Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche	KO	1	1:28	Lineal
	Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks	KO	1	1:31	WBA, WBC, IBF
	Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams	TKO	1	1:33	WBA, WBC, IBF
	Lennox Lewis def. Andrew Golota	KO	1	1:35	WBC
	Joe Frazier def. Dave Zyglewicz	KO	1	1:36	NYSAC
	Mike Tyson def. Bruce Seldon	TKO	1	1:49	WBA
	George Foreman def. José Roman	KO	1	2:00	WBA, WBC
	Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling	KO	1	2:04	NBA, NYSAC
	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:06	NYSAC, WBA
	Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello	KO	1	2:09	NBA, NYSAC
	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:10	WBA, WBC
		KO	1	2:12	WBC
		KO	1	2:12	WBA	^[52]
	Deontay Wilder def. Dominic Breazeale	KO	1	2:17	WBC
	Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien	KO	1	2:18	Lineal
		TKO	1	2:19	WBA, IBF	^[53]
	Joe Louis def. Jack Roper	KO	1	2:20	NBA, NYSAC
	Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott	KO	1	2:25	NBA, NYSAC
	Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis	KO	1	2:29	NBA, NYSAC
	Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker	KO	1	2:55	Lineal
	Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer	KO	1	2:56	NBA, NYSAC
	Deontay Wilder def. Bermane Stiverne	KO	1	2:59	WBC
	Vitali Klitschko def. Odlanier Solís	KO	1	2:59	WBC

Fastest stoppages in title fights — undisputed/The Ring/lineal/unified championship on the line

Date	Fight	Method	Round	Time	Title	Source(s)
	Joe Louis def. Johnny Davis	KO	1	0:53	NYSAC
	James J. Jeffries def. John Finnegan	KO	1	0:55	Lineal
	Tommy Burns def. Bill Squires	KO	1	1:28	Lineal
	Tommy Burns def. Jem Roche	KO	1	1:28	Lineal
	Mike Tyson def. Michael Spinks	KO	1	1:31	WBA, WBC, IBF
	Mike Tyson def. Carl Williams	TKO	1	1:33	WBA, WBC, IBF
	George Foreman def. José Roman	KO	1	2:00	WBA, WBC
	Joe Louis def. Max Schmeling	KO	1	2:04	NBA, NYSAC
	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:06	NYSAC, WBA
	Joe Louis def. Tami Mauriello	KO	1	2:09	NBA, NYSAC
	Sonny Liston def. Floyd Patterson	KO	1	2:10	WBA, WBC
		KO	1	2:12	WBC
	Tommy Burns def. Jim O'Brien	KO	1	2:18	Lineal
		TKO	1	2:19	WBA, IBF
	Joe Louis def. Jack Roper	KO	1	2:20	NBA, NYSAC
	Rocky Marciano def. Jersey Joe Walcott	KO	1	2:25	NBA, NYSAC
	Joe Louis def. John Henry Lewis	KO	1	2:29	NBA, NYSAC
	Tommy Burns def. James J. Walker	KO	1	2:55	Lineal
	Joe Louis def. Buddy Baer	KO	1	2:56	NBA, NYSAC
	Joe Louis def. Johnny Paychek	TKO	2	0:15	NBA, NYSAC
	Riddick Bowe def. Jesse Ferguson	KO	2	0:17	WBA
	James J. Jeffries def. Jack Munroe	TKO	2	0:45	Lineal
	Joe Frazier def. Bob Foster	KO	2	0:49	WBA, WBC
	Jack Dempsey def. Luis Ángel Firpo	KO	2	0:57	NBA, NYSAC
	Joe Louis def. Gus Dorazio	KO	2	1:30	NBA, NYSAC
	George Foreman def. Ken Norton	TKO	2	2:00	WBA, WBC
	George Foreman def. Joe Frazier	TKO	2	2:26	WBA, WBC
	Lennox Lewis def. Francois Botha	TKO	2	2:39	WBC, IBF
	Lennox Lewis def. Michael Grant	KO	2	2:53	WBC, IBF
	Mike Tyson def. Tony Tubbs	TKO	2	2:54	WBA, WBC, IBF

Most opponents beaten in title fights by stoppage

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)

	Name	Finished opponents	Fights
1.		20
2.		18
3.		14
4.		13
5.		12
6.		11
7.		9
9.	Deontay Wilder	8
9.		8
11.		7
11.	Anthony Joshua	7
13.		5

Most title fight wins by stoppage

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

Note: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)

	Name	Title fight finishes	Fights
1.		23
2.		19
3.		14
3.		14
5.		12
6.		11
6.		11
8.		10
9.	Deontay Wilder	9
10.		8
10.		8
11.	Anthony Joshua	7
12.		6
12.		6
12.		6

Highest knockout-to-beat-opponent percentage in title fights

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)

Note 2: Only fighters who have defeated 5 or more opponents for the world heavyweight title are included

	Name	Opponents fought	Opponents stopped	Percentage	Fights
1.		5	5	100%
2.	Deontay Wilder	9	8	88.89%
3.		23	20	86.96%
4.		12	9	75%
5.		11	8	72.73%
6.		7	5	71.43%
6.		7	5	71.43%
8.		17	12	70.59%
9.		10	7	70%
9.	Anthony Joshua	10	7	70%
11.		26	18	69.23%
12.		17	11	64.71%
13.		14	9	64.29%
14.		22	13	59.09%
15.		24	14	58.33%

Highest knockout-to-win percentage in title fights

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

Note 1: The names in italics are champions that did not win undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship or lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)

Note 2: Only fighters who have won 5 or more world heavyweight title fights are included

	Name	Title fights	Title fight stoppages	Percentage	Fights
1.		7	6	85.71%
2.		28	23	82.14%
3.	Tommy Burns	15	11	73.33%
4.	Vitali Klitschko	17	12	70.59%
5.	Deontay Wilder	13	9	69.23%
6.	Joe Frazier	12	8	66.67%
6.	James J. Jeffries	9	6	66.67%
8.	Wladimir Klitschko	29	19	65.52%
9.	Lennox Lewis	17	11	64.71%
10.		16	10	62.5%
11.		8	5	62.5%
12.		13	8	61.54%
13.	Anthony Joshua	12	7	58.33%
14.	Jack Johnson	7	4	57.14%
14.		7	4	57.14%

Champions by age

Keys:

Active title reign

Reign has ended

• Note: Secondary championships are not included.

Oldest champions

As of, .

This is the list of the oldest heavyweight champions ordered by age at their last day as champion.

All championship reigns

	Name	Recognition	Last day as champion	Age	Source(s)
1		IBF	June 29, 1995	46 years, 5 months, 18 days	^[54]
2		WBC	December 16, 2013	42 years, 2 months, 26 days	^[55]
3		WBA, IBF, WBO	November 28, 2015	39 years, 8 months, 3 days
4		WBC	March 8, 2008	39 years, 6 days	^[56]
5		NBA, NYSAC	September 23, 1952	38 years, 7 months, 23 days	^[57]
6		WBC	February 6, 2004	38 years, 5 months, 4 days	^[58]
7		WBA	March 3, 2001	38 years, 4 months, 12 days
8		WBO	February 1, 2004	38 years, 25 days	^[59]
9		WBA	October 18, 1979	37 years, 9 months, 1 day
10		Lineal	July 4, 1919	37 years, 6 months, 5 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

	Name	Recognition	Last day as champion	Age	Source(s)
1		WBA, IBF, WBO	November 28, 2015	39 years, 8 months, 3 days
2		NBA, NYSAC	September 23, 1952	38 years, 7 months, 23 days
3		WBC	February 6, 2004	38 years, 5 months, 4 days
4		WBA	October 18, 1979	37 years, 9 months, 1 day
5		Lineal	July 4, 1919	37 years, 6 months, 5 days
6	Oleksandr Usyk	WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO	Present
7		Lineal	April 5, 1915	37 years, 0 months, 5 days
8	Bob Fitzsimmons	Lineal	July 4, 1919	36 years, 0 months, 14 days
9	Larry Holmes	IBF	September 21, 1985	35 years, 10 months, 18 days
10		WBC	May 18, 2024	35 years, 9 months, 7 days

Youngest champions

As of, .

All championship reigns

	Name	Recognition	Date	Age	Source(s)
1		WBC	November 22, 1986	20 years, 4 months, 23 days
2		NBA, NYSAC	November 30, 1956	21 years, 10 months, 26 days
3		WBA, WBC	February 25, 1964	22 years, 1 month, 8 days
4		NBA, NYSAC	June 22, 1937	23 years, 1 month, 9 days
5		Lineal	July 4, 1919	24 years, 0 months, 10 days
6		WBA, WBC	February 22, 1973	24 years, 0 months, 12 days
7		NYSAC	March 4, 1968	24 years, 1 month, 21 days
8		Lineal	June 9, 1899	24 years, 1 month, 25 days
9		WBA	December 10, 1982	24 years, 4 months	^[60]
10		WBO	October 14, 2000	24 years, 6 months, 19 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

	Name	Recognition	Date	Age	Source(s)
1		WBC	November 22, 1986	20 years, 4 months, 23 days
2		NBA, NYSAC	November 30, 1956	21 years, 10 months, 26 days
3		WBA, WBC	February 25, 1964	22 years, 8 days
4		NBA, NYSAC	June 22, 1937	23 years, 1 month, 9 days
5		Lineal	July 4, 1919	24 years, 0 months, 10 days
6		WBA, WBC	February 22, 1973	24 years, 0 months, 12 days
7		NYSAC	March 4, 1968	24 years, 1 month, 21 days
8		Lineal	June 9, 1899	24 years, 1 month, 25 days
9		WBA	February 15, 1978	24 years, 7 months, 4 days
10		Lineal	January 16, 1902	24 years, 8 months, 6 days

Fastest world championship wins

By time elapsed from professional debut

Ranked by the time elapsed between professional debut and world heavyweight title win.

All championship reigns

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Time elapsed	Fights
1		January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	1 year, 1 month
2		March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	1 year, 8 months, 16 days
3		May 7, 1977	October 20, 1979	2 years, 5 months, 13 days	^[61]
4		October 5, 2013	April 9, 2016	2 years, 6 months, 4 days
5		August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	2 years, 6 months, 17 days
6		November 16, 1996	June 26, 1999	2 years, 7 months, 10 days
7		July 7, 1934	June 22, 1937	2 years, 11 months, 15 days
8		October 27, 2012	January 16, 2016	3 years, 2 months, 20 days	^[62]
9		October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	3 years, 2 months, 27 days
10		June 23, 1969	January 22, 1973	3 years, 6 months, 30 days

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Time elapsed	Fights
1		January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	1 year, 1 month
2		March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	1 year, 8 months, 16 days
3		August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	2 years, 6 months, 17 days
4		July 7, 1934	June 22, 1937	2 years, 11 months, 15 days
5		October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	3 years, 2 months, 27 days
6		June 23, 1969	January 22, 1973	3 years, 6 months, 30 days
7		October 29, 1895	June 9, 1899	3 years, 7 months, 11 days
8		March 6, 1989	November 13, 1992	3 years, 6 months, 30 days
9		January 16, 1902	February 23, 1906	4 years, 1 month, 7 days
10		February 5, 1911	April 5, 1915	4 years, 2 months

By number of bouts fought to win world championship

Ranked by the number of bouts boxer fought at the professional level before winning world heavyweight title.

All championship reigns

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Fights	Source(s)
1		January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	8
2		March 6, 1885	November 22, 1886	11
3		October 29, 1895	June 9, 1899	13
4		October 5, 2013	April 9, 2016	16
5		October 10, 1979	March 9, 1984	19
5		September 11, 2013	September 25, 2021	19
7		May 7, 1977	October 20, 1979	20
7		August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	20
7		October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	20
10		June 14, 1980	April 29, 1985	21	^[63]

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

	Name	Professional debut	World title win	Fights	Source(s)
1		January 15, 1977	February 15, 1978	8
2		March 6, 1885	November 22, 1886	11
3		October 29, 1895	June 9, 1899	13
4		August 16, 1965	March 4, 1968	20
4		October 29, 1960	January 25, 1964	20
6		December 5, 1952	June 26, 1959	22	^[64]
7		November 15, 1984	October 25, 1990	25
7		December 6, 2008	November 28, 2015	25	^[65]
9		March 6, 1985	November 22, 1986	28
9		March 21, 1973	June 9, 1978	28
9		April 16, 1977	September 21, 1985	28
9		February 5, 1911	April 5, 1915	28

Statistics by non-US country

The list includes world heavyweight boxing champions from outside of the United States. It includes only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after July 2, 1921).

• Note: Secondary championships are not included.

Title fight wins & beaten opponents

All championship reigns

Country	No. of champions	Boxers by Name	Title wins	Beaten opponents	Fights
Ukraine	3	Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk	44	40
United Kingdom	6	Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Frank Bruno, Herbie Hide, David Haye, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua	37	33	^[66] ^[67]
Canada	4	Tommy Burns, Trevor Berbick*, Bermane Stiverne, Lennox Lewis*	30	28	^[68] ^[69]
Russia	3	Nikolai Valuev, Oleg Maskaev, Sultan Ibragimov	9	7	^[70] ^[71]
Italy	1	Primo Carnera	3	3
Uzbekistan	1	Ruslan Chagaev	3	3	^[72]
New Zealand	1	Joseph Parker	3	3	^[73]
South Africa	2	Gerrie Coetzee, Corrie Sanders	2	2	^[74] ^[75]
Germany	1	Max Schmeling	2	2
Sweden	1	Ingemar Johansson	1	1
Belarus	1	Siarhei Liakhovich	1	1	^[76]
Nigeria	1	Samuel Peter	1	1	^[77]
Jamaica	1	Trevor Berbick	1	1

All championship reigns of undisputed champions/lineal champions/The Ring champions

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes heavyweight champions that captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship.

Country	No. of champions	Boxers by Name	Title wins	Beaten opponents	Fights
Ukraine	3	Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk	44	40
Canada	2	Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis*	28	26
United Kingdom	3	Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury	21	20
Italy	1	Primo Carnera	3	3
Germany	1	Max Schmeling	2	2
Sweden	1	Ingemar Johansson	1	1

Championship reigns of undisputed/lineal/The Ring champions with undisputed/lineal/The Ring/unified championships, victories over champions

The list only includes title reigns during which the champion:

• has won undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), The Ring championship, lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)
• held at least two major world heavyweight titles simultaneously
• defeated a fighter that either had to drop his own world title prior to the fight due to organization's championship policy or would become world heavyweight champion while the winner's reign was still active

Country	No. of champions	Boxers by Name	Title wins	Beaten opponents	Fights
Ukraine	3	Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk	31	28
Canada	2	Tommy Burns, Lennox Lewis*	25	23
United Kingdom	3	Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis*, Tyson Fury	17	16
Italy	1	Primo Carnera	3	3
Germany	1	Max Schmeling	2	2
Sweden	1	Ingemar Johansson	1	1

Title streaks

Only major titles, without The Ring and lineal championships (after July 2, 1921), are included.

All championship reigns

For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Country	Champion	Title defenses	Beaten opponents	Fights
Ukraine	Wladimir Klitschko	18	17
Canada	Tommy Burns	13	11
United Kingdom	Lennox Lewis	9	8
Russia	Nikolai Valuev	6	5
Italy	Primo Carnera	2	2
Uzbekistan	Ruslan Chagaev	2	2
New Zealand	Joseph Parker	2	2
Germany	Max Schmeling	1	1

Championship reigns with undisputed/lineal/The Ring championships

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after July 2, 1921, although it only includes title reigns during which the champion captured undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present), lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921) or The Ring championship. For the purpose of this list, successful title defenses that ended in a draw are also included.

Country	Champion	Title defenses	Beaten opponents	Fights
Ukraine	Wladimir Klitschko	18	17
Canada	Tommy Burns	13	11
United Kingdom	Lennox Lewis	9	8
Italy	Primo Carnera	2	2
Germany	Max Schmeling	1	1

See also

• List of world heavyweight boxing champions
• List of current world boxing champions
• List of WBA world champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of IBF world champions
• List of WBO world champions
• List of The Ring world champions
• List of undefeated boxing world champions (retired only)
• List of undisputed world boxing champions

External links

• World Heavyweight Championship Records and Statistics
• Statistical tables of heavyweight world championships
• The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book (archive)

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1997 edition. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. pdf . 28 October 2022.
2. Web site: The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 1999 edition. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. pdf . 28 October 2022.
3. Web site: The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2002 edition. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. pdf . 28 October 2022.
4. Web site: The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2006 edition. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. pdf . 28 October 2022.
5. Web site: The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book, 2011 edition. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. pdf . 26 May 2019.
6. Web site: The Ring updates championship policy. May 3, 2012. Ring TV.
7. Web site: Professional boxing record: Wladimir Klitschko. 20 March 2020.
8. Web site: Professional boxing record: Joe Louis. 14 March 2020.
9. Web site: Joe Louis, p. 575 . The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book . . Johnny Davis, Ret-World-H. pdf . 26 May 2019.
10. Web site: Professional boxing record: Muhammad Ali. 14 March 2020.
11. Web site: Professional boxing record: Larry Holmes. 15 March 2020.
12. Web site: Professional boxing record: Lennox Lewis. 19 March 2020.
13. Web site: Professional boxing record: Vitali Klitschko. 19 March 2020.
14. Web site: Professional boxing record: Mike Tyson. 18 March 2020.
15. Web site: Professional boxing record: Tommy Burns. 14 March 2020.
16. Web site: Professional boxing record: Joe Frazier. 14 March 2020.
17. Web site: Professional boxing record: Evander Holyfield. 19 March 2020.
18. Web site: Professional boxing record: Anthony Joshua. 20 March 2020.
19. Web site: Professional boxing record: Ezzard Charles. 14 March 2020.
20. Web site: Professional boxing record: Deontay Wilder. 21 March 2020.
21. Web site: Professional boxing record: Floyd Patterson. 14 March 2020.
22. Web site: Professional boxing record: Jack Johnson. 14 March 2020.
23. Web site: Professional boxing record: Jack Dempsey. 14 March 2020.
24. Web site: Professional boxing record: James J. Jeffries. 14 March 2020.
25. http://www.ibfusbaregistration.com/ibfusba_02APR2014/images/pdfs/IBFChampionshipContestRules0617.pdf Rules governing championship contests
26. http://www.wboboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/130828-WBO-Regulations-of-World-Championship-Contests.pdf Regulation of world championship contests
27. http://www.wbaboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WBA-Rules-adopted-in-Bulgaria-6-11-15.pdf Rules and regulations
28. Web site: Professional boxing record: Chris Byrd. 19 March 2020.
29. Web site: Professional boxing record: Mike Weaver. 15 March 2020.
30. Web site: Professional boxing record: Tim Witherspoon. 15 March 2020.
31. Web site: Professional boxing record: Rocky Marciano. 14 March 2020.
32. Web site: Professional boxing record: George Foreman. 14 March 2020.
33. Web site: Professional boxing record: Primo Carnera. 14 March 2020.
34. Web site: Professional boxing record: Oleksandr Usyk. 17 September 2022.
35. Web site: Professional boxing record: James J. Corbett. 14 March 2020.
36. Web site: Professional boxing record: Jess Willard. 14 March 2020.
37. Web site: Professional boxing record: Max Schmeling. 14 March 2020.
38. Book: History of the Heavyweight Championship of the World. 9788798939078. 15 May 2020. Villadsen. Rene. April 5, 2015.
39. Web site: Professional boxing record: Gene Tunney. 14 March 2020.
40. Web site: Professional boxing record: Michael Spinks. 18 March 2020.
41. Web site: Professional boxing record: John L. Sullivan. 14 March 2020.
42. Web site: Professional boxing record: Bob Fitzsimmons. 14 March 2020.
43. Web site: Professional boxing record: Marvin Hart. 14 March 2020.
44. Web site: Professional boxing record: Max Baer. 14 March 2020.
45. Web site: Professional boxing record: Jim Braddock. 14 March 2020.
46. Web site: Professional boxing record: Sonny Liston. 14 March 2020.
47. Web site: Professional boxing record: Leon Spinks. 14 March 2020.
48. Web site: Professional boxing record: James Douglas. 19 March 2020.
49. Web site: Fischer . Doug . Dougie's Friday mailbag (rating Wladimir Klitschko, Calzaghe vs. Conn, Parker vs. Fa) . The Ring . 3 May 2020 . 1 May 2020.
50. Web site: Professional boxing record: Herbie Hide. 19 March 2020.
51. Web site: Professional boxing record: Lamon Brewster. 21 March 2020.
52. Web site: Professional boxing record: James Smith. 18 March 2020.
53. Web site: Professional boxing record: Riddick Bowe. 19 March 2020.
54. Web site: Foreman Relinquishes IBF Title. 30 March 2020.
55. Web site: Vitali Klitschko vacates title. 30 March 2020.
56. Web site: Professional boxing record: Oleg Maskaev. 21 March 2020.
57. Web site: Professional boxing record: Jersey Joe Walcott. 14 March 2020.
58. Web site: Lewis bows out as champion. 30 March 2020.
59. Web site: WBO world heavyweight championship. 14 March 2020.
60. Web site: Professional boxing record: Michael Dokes. 15 March 2020.
61. Web site: Professional boxing record: John Tate. 15 March 2020.
62. Web site: Professional boxing record: Charles Martin. 20 March 2020.
63. Web site: Professional boxing record: Tony Tubbs. 15 March 2020.
64. Web site: Professional boxing record: Ingemar Johansson. 14 March 2020.
65. Web site: Professional boxing record: Tyson Fury. 20 March 2020.
66. Web site: Professional boxing record: Frank Bruno. 19 March 2020.
67. Web site: Professional boxing record: David Haye. 21 March 2020.
68. Web site: Professional boxing record: Trevor Berbick. 18 March 2020.
69. Web site: Professional boxing record: Bermane Stiverne. 21 March 2020.
70. Web site: Professional boxing record: Nikolai Valuev. 21 March 2020.
71. Web site: Professional boxing record: Sultan Ibragimov. 21 March 2020.
72. Web site: Professional boxing record: Ruslan Chagaev. 20 March 2020.
73. Web site: Professional boxing record: Joseph Parker. 20 March 2020.
74. Web site: Professional boxing record: Gerrie Coetzee. 15 March 2020.
75. Web site: Professional boxing record: Corrie Sanders. 20 March 2020.
76. Web site: Professional boxing record: Siarhei Liakhovich. 21 March 2020.
77. Web site: Professional boxing record: Samuel Peter. 21 March 2020.