Between them, they contested more than 550 professional bouts, their careers stretching across eras and generations. These, according to Roy Jones Jr, are the five greatest fighters boxing has ever produced.
Jones himself would feature prominently on almost any list of the sport’s all-time elite. His otherworldly brilliance peaked during a dominant run in the 1990s, when he appeared untouchable across multiple weight classes, before boxing’s familiar cautionary tale — staying too long — led to a painful descent from grace for the four-weight world champion.
Beyond the ropes, the Pensacola phenomenon successfully reinvented himself as a sharp, articulate analyst for HBO Boxing, earning widespread respect as one of the sport’s most authoritative voices. In an interview aired by Real Lyfe Productions, Jones was asked to name his personal Mount Rushmore — though he picked five rather than four — of boxing greats, beginning with his undisputed number one.
“It’s real hard to say, but if I had to create my Mount Rushmore it’ll be tough, but I’ll put [Muhammad] Ali first. I’ll take myself out cos it’s me doing it. I’ll probably put Sugar Ray Robinson second. I’ll probably put Roberto Duran third. And behind him Julio Cesar Chavez and then I’ll probably put Mike Tyson.”
Muhammad Ali’s career and cultural legacy remain unmatched. Beyond his reigns as world heavyweight champion, Ali headlined sporting events that transcended boxing, capturing the imagination of the wider world and leaving an imprint that endures decades later.
Sugar Ray Robinson’s greatness is defined as much by longevity as brilliance. He went unbeaten in his first 40 fights before suffering defeat to his great rival Jake LaMotta, a rivalry Robinson ultimately dominated by a five-to-one margin. His world title success across two weight divisions extended well into his thirties, at a time when many believed his best days were behind him.
Roberto Durán is widely regarded as the greatest lightweight in boxing history, a ferocious force of nature during an era in which he appeared almost invincible. His greatness was further burnished by daring to test himself against the very best of the next generation, including Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler.
Mexico has produced a wealth of boxing legends, but Julio Cesar Chavez stands as perhaps its finest export. A relentless pressure fighter with an iron will, Chavez remained unbeaten until his 92nd professional contest, a statistic that underlines both his dominance and durability.
Completing Jones’ list is ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, a figure to the 1980s much as Jones himself was to the 1990s. Tyson emerged as a terrifying heavyweight prodigy, overwhelming opponents with speed and violence as he surged to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
