H2H I haven’t put as much thought into. But I’ll give it a go. Worth mentioning that just because a fighter ranks higher than someone else doesn’t mean I think they beat everyone below them. Styles make fights innit.
1. Muhammad Ali
Every intangible proven to the absolute highest level. Tactical prowess, unbelievable athletic ability. I think he is quick, fit and agile enough to beat top SHWs, and with the boxing skill to compete with the smaller guys.
2. Lennox Lewis
Greatest SHW ever when on his game. Technically excellent with a good chin and hard thudding power, backed up by one of the great boxing minds.
3. George Foreman
Went back and forth a bit, but think this is right to have Big George here. Think he might struggle vs the best SHWs like a Lewis where he doesn’t have the size and strength advantage, but vs the majority of opponents at his best he will be a nightmare to face. He could be surprisingly nimble in his prime as well when he wanted to be, and that may have been more obvious in modern eras
5. Evander Holyfield
Skill, heart, toughness, proven ability to mix it with the best SHWs and skilled smaller HWs.
6. Mike Tyson
If you are gonna be smaller, you should have blistering speed and power and a great chin to back you up. Iron Mike has these in abundance. Fair to comment that he lacks a win over an elite opponent though, but this is not that uncommon at HW.
7. Tyson Fury
Might be too soon fir some, but his versatility, composure, heart and size see him climbing these rankings for me. The addition of SH Steward has added extra levels to his game.
8. Joe Frazier
Certain fighters may desk with him quite easily, but at his best the combination of fitness, power, heart and skill is tough to ignore.
9. Joe Louis
Criminally underrated H2H. His blistering combos, devilish trap setting and power would have seen him through against most top fighters in history, SHW or not. People talk abiout his chin but he was rarely that hurt during his prime, though his style was susceptible to flash KDs, he was only stopped as youngster vs Schmekking and as an old man vs Marciano, bath after multiple rounds of punishment. Louis more than most seems to get judged of his worst nights rather than his best.
10. Sonny Liston
Hard hard fucker. Powerful, intimidating and a very good boxer. Had SHW reach and power, with a smaller HWs nimbleness and footwork.