VA
  • TGT on YouTube
  • About TGT
  • The TGT Team
  • How TGT rates
  • Responsible Gambling Advice
  • Contact Our Team
  • Writers Wanted
  • Content Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclosure
Contains commercial content
Billboard Left
Billboard Left
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Top 10 Heavyweight of the 1970s

Top 10 Heavyweight of the 1970s

The Top 10 Heavyweights of the 1970s!
Publish Date: 11/14/2022
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

10) Joe Bugner

Bugner went life and death in back-to-back losses against legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the early 70s. The Brit was a much tougher boxer than people give him credit for. He holds wins over Henry Cooper, Chuck Wepner, Brian London, Manuel Ramos, Jurgen Blin, Rudi Lubbers, Mac Foster, Jimmy Ellis, and lost a close decision to Ron Lyle. Bugner was ranked in the Ring magazine heavyweight rankings from 1971-1976.Β 

Video: Joe Frazier vs Joe Bugner (Highlights) 4K

Joe Frazier vs Joe Bugner (Highlights) 4K

9) Jerry Quarry

Quarry’s best was in the 1960s, but he still had solid wins over Earnie Shavers who he took out in one round, and Mac Foster who was 24-0 with 24 KOs at the time Quarry beat him. Quarry was listed as an underdog in both fights.

Video: Jerry Quarry - I Won't Back Down (Highlights & Knockouts)

Jerry Quarry – I Won’t Back Down (Highlights & Knockouts)

8) Earnie Shavers

One of theΒ hardest punchers in heavyweight history and came close to being the champion on two separate occasions. The first was losing a close decision to Ali, and the second time came within seconds of beating Larry Holmes before finally being stopped in the eleventh round. He knocked outΒ Ken Norton in one round and holds wins over Roy Williams, Jimmy Ellis, and Jimmy Young.

Video: Earnie Shavers - Hardest Puncher of All Time (R.I.P. 1944-2022)

Earnie Shavers – Hardest Puncher of All Time (R.I.P. 1944-2022)

7) Ron Lyle

Lyle was actually up on two of three scorecards until Ali knocked him out in the eleventh round in 1975. Lyle holds wins over Manuel Ramos, Buster Mathis, Jurgen Blin, Jimmy Ellis, Oscar Bonavena, Earnie Shavers, Joe Bugner, and Scott LeDoux. Knocked George Foreman down twice before being stopped in a classic heavyweight slugfest.

Video: Ron Lyle Tribute

Ron Lyle Tribute

6) Jimmy Young

Bad decisions hurtΒ Young’s career and the one that stands out the most with his losing effort to Ali on points. Most boxing people (and fans) thought he deserved the decision. His decision win against George Foreman put him into title contention again but another disputed decision loss to Norton seemed to take the fighting spirit out of him. Young also beat Lyle twice.

Video: JIMMY YOUNG - THE UNCROWNED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION (HIGHLIGHTS)

JIMMY YOUNG – THE UNCROWNED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION (HIGHLIGHTS)

5) Ken Norton

Norton pulled off a huge upset when he outpointed Ali in 1973. He lost a split decision to Ali in the rematch. The third fight was another close decision that even today most thought Norton won. He went life and death with Larry Holmes before losing another razor-thin decision. He did get the nod over snake bit Jimmy Young in 1977.

Video: Ken Norton - Black Hercules (Highlight Reel)

Ken Norton – Black Hercules (Highlight Reel)

4) Larry Holmes

Holmes did not win the title until 1978 defeatingΒ Norton in one of the greatest heavyweight title fights of all time. Also had two wins over Shavers, the second in which he had to overcome a knockdown that would have knocked out most mortal men. Also went life and death with a huge underdog in Mike Weaver before finally stopping Weaver. At the time it was not considered a great win but Weaver went on to win an alphabet title and have a solid career.

Video: 10 Larry Holmes Greatest Knockouts

10 Larry Holmes Greatest Knockouts

3) Joe Frazier

Beating Ali in 1971 in the Fight of the Century will tell you why he is ranked so high. On that March night in 1971, Joe Frazier was as good as any heavyweight that ever lived. He was never quite the same after that bout but theΒ only fighters to beat himΒ are the two guys ranked above him on this list.

Video: 10 Joe Frazier Greatest Knockouts

10 Joe Frazier Greatest Knockouts

2) George Foreman

Foreman was aΒ force of nature. He destroyed Frazier twice and knocked Norton out easily in the second round. His only hiccups were being stopped by Ali and losing to Young in 1977. Also stopped the very tough George Chuvalo.

Video: George Foreman - In His Prime

George Foreman – In His Prime

1) Muhammad Ali

EasilyΒ number one. “The Greatest”Β knocked outΒ Foreman, beat Frazier two out of three, and did the same to Norton. Throw in wins over Shaver’s, Lyle, Quarry, (twice) Ellis, Mathis, and Spinks in the rematch. Ali fought everybody who was anybody in the 70s and beat the guys ranked number two and three on this list. The fights with Norton were all disputed decisions but I thought Ali won the second. The third was razor close.

Video: Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman (Highlights)

Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman (Highlights)

Β 

Should you be looking for more greatΒ Boxing news click here!

Billboard Left
Billboard Left
Read Also
The 10 Worst Heavyweight Title Challengers from 1970-1990
I am not going to lie here, my original plan was to ...
SI Sportsbook Promo
The Nine Most underrated Heavyweight Boxers of All-Time
I love making these lists. I grew up in the 70s and ...
The Sunshine Showdown (aka/ “Down Goes Frazier”), Jamaica, 1973
β€œThe Sunshine Showdown”, 1973, has lost some of its luster due to ...
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
What if Mike Tyson Fought in the 1960s and 70s: Part 2 of 3
In Part 1, we saw Iron Mike Tyson’s meteoric rise to the ...
Elmer Ray: The Humble Man of Hastings
"Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand, for ...
Wilt Chamberlain vs Ali: 50th Year Anniversary Tribute
In 1967,Β Wilt ChamberlainΒ contracted to challengeΒ Muhammad AliΒ in fight for his undisputed heavyweight title ...
Superman vs. Muhammad Ali: How the Heavyweight Champ and the Man of Steel Saved the World in 1978
Training The Mego toy corporation, arguably best known for its line of ...
Some Assembly Required: The Story Behind Mego’s Muhammad Ali Action Figure
β€œPretend you’re having a championship fight. Squeeze the trigger to make them ...
Sportsbook of the month
SI Sportsbook - Get your Free Bet now! Get your Free Bet now!
Top Brands
Top Bonuses
Stake.us
Stake.us
Stake.us Review
4.9/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Review
4.9/5
Golden Hearts Games
Golden Hearts Games
Golden Hearts Games Review
4.8/5
LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots Review
4.7/5
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins Review
4.7/5
Stake.us
Stake.us Bonus
5% Rakeback
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Bonus
30 SCs on 1st Purchase + 4.5 SCs FREE
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
Golden Hearts Games
Golden Hearts Games Bonus
Join GOLDEN2000 for 2,000 FREE coins
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots Bonus
7,000 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins Bonus
140k GC + 400 FC
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
Latest News
March Madness Sweet 16: Preview and Predictions
After a crazy first weekend, the Madness rolls ...
Top 15 College Basketball Coaches of All-Time
Ranking the greatest college basketball coaches of all ...
Betting Tips
Los Angeles Galaxy – Vancouver Whitecaps
03/19/2023 - 2:30 am
Dignity Health Sports Park
Tip:
Double Chance: Draw/Away
2.2
Bet365
Bet Now
Colorado Rapids – Minnesota United FC
03/19/2023 - 1:30 am
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Tip:
Both Teams Score: No
2.1
Bet365
Bet Now
Chicago Fire – FC Cincinnati
03/19/2023 - 12:30 am
Soldier Field
Tip:
Both Teams Score: No
2.2
Bet365
Bet Now
Our Latest YouTube Videos
Video: Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: IU/Miami recap and whats next for the Hoosiers
Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: IU/Miami recap and whats next for the Hoosiers
Video: Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: Hoosiers advance! IU/Miami Preview
Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: Hoosiers advance! IU/Miami Preview
Video: Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: IU vs Kent State Preview and more
Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: IU vs Kent State Preview and more
Sportsbook of the month
SI Sportsbook - Get your Free Bet now! Get your Free Bet now!
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
Top Online Casinos
Top Casinos Bonuses
Stake.us
Stake.us
Stake.us Review
4.9/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Review
4.9/5
Golden Hearts Games
Golden Hearts Games
Golden Hearts Games Review
4.8/5
LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots Review
4.7/5
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins Review
4.7/5
Stake.us
Stake.us Bonus
5% Rakeback
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Bonus
30 SCs on 1st Purchase + 4.5 SCs FREE
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
Golden Hearts Games
Golden Hearts Games Bonus
Join GOLDEN2000 for 2,000 FREE coins
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots Bonus
7,000 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins Bonus
140k GC + 400 FC
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
SI Sportsbook
SI Sportsbook
SI Sportsbook Review
4.9/5
Bet365
Bet365
Bet365 Review
4.8/5
PointsBet
PointsBet
PointsBet Review
4.7/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Review
4.6/5
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
SI Sportsbook
SI Sportsbook Bonus
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
First deposit only | 21+ & located in VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly - Gambling Problem? VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500 | Full T&C apply
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $1 & Get $365 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
Bet $1 and Get $365 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
PointsBet
PointsBet Bonus
5 x $50Bet Credits
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Bonus
100% up to $500
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Bonus
20% up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterAuthor IconJosh SchwartzSamuel TeetsSimon Briffa
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Content Writer
Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
Editor
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Simon Briffa
Simon Briffa
Sports Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Author Icon
Malik Zorrok
Author
Author Icon
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Author Icon
Buddy Gibbs
Author
Brian Coburn
Brian Coburn
Author
Peter Bonahoom
Peter Bonahoom
Author
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

If you enjoy hearing from the legends of pro sports, then be sure to tune into β€œThe Grueling Truth” sports shows, β€œWhere the legends speak”

Contact us: [email protected]

Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.

21+NCPG
Move to Top
Close
Stake.us Exclusive Bonus
5% Rakeback
Promo Code
Copy
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
Payment Methods
Bitcoin
Litecoin
Ethereum
Dogecoin
Highlights
  • Social casino loved by Drake!
  • Play Plinko, Hilo, Crash and more!
  • Get Stake Cash bonuses every day!
Stake Originals
Dice
Crash
Plinko
Mines
×
Your Bonus Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Visit Site