There are a few things one can be in the world of North American sports that carry a significant amount of prestige. For instance, being the Yankees’ shortstop like Derek Jeter, the Cowboys’ quarterback like Troy Aikman, or the Flyers’ Center like Eric Lindros are positions that you might’ve aspired to play when you started playing sports. If you’re thinking that these sound too old timey or that they harken back to the 20th century, then think about it this way: Kids want to be the Patriots’ quarterback, the Yankees’ shortstop, and the Cavaliers’ small forward. Or, they want to be the world heavyweight champion.
Professional boxing’s popularity may be crumbling beneath the weight of mixed martial arts’ popularity in the 21st century, but being the world heavyweight champion has remained a significant achievement in the world of athletics since boxing champions started to receive belts. Even if the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO World Heavyweight titles mean nothing ten years from now, the men who have adorned these gaudy, wearable trophies are some of the greatest athletes to ever compete in any realm of sports.
It is with that in mind that we here at Spike’s pay homage to the greatness of the World Heavyweight Championship in our Famous Awards series.
History
Since the introduction of the Marquess of Queensberry rules (modern boxing) in the 1890s, the world heavyweight title has changed hands many, many times. Today, there are four different major world heavyweight championships, and each title belt over the years has been quite a thing of beauty! Here are a few of our favorites:
- WBA (World Boxing Association)
- WBC (World Boxing Council)
- IBF (International Boxing Federation)
WBO (World Boxing Organization)
The Greatest
These fighters are generally included among the best in lists of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
- Muhammad Ali
- Joe Louis
- George Foreman
- Rocky Marciano
- Joe Frazier
- Jack Dempsey
- Larry Holmes
- Jack Johnson
- Lennox Lewis
- Evander Holyfield
Notable World Heavyweight Title Fights
- The Fight of the Century
Who: Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier
When: March 8, 1971
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
Winner: Frazier (Decision)
Why it’s notable: At the time, both men were undefeated. Frazier had won the world heavyweight title after it was stripped from Ali because of his refusal to participate in the United States military draft. This was a fight between two of the greatest fighters ever, both in their respective primes.
- The Last Bare-Knuckle Fight
Who: John L. Sullivan vs. Jake Kilrain
When: July 8, 1889
Where: Richburg, Mississippi
Winner: John L. Sullivan
Why it’s notable: This was the last great bare-knuckle prize fight for a heavyweight title.
- Cinderella Man
Who: Jim Braddock vs. Max Baer
When: July 13, 1935
Where: Madison Square Garden Bowl, Long Island City, Queens, NY
Winner: Jim Braddock
Why it’s notable: Max Baer was literally lethal in the ring. He was directly responsible for two boxing deaths. However, Jim Braddock was a nobody, who beat the deadly Baer against virtually all odds.
- Louis vs. Schmeling
Who: Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling
When: June 22, 1938
Where: Yankees Stadium, New York
Winner: Joe Louis
Why it’s notable: This was a rematch. Louis lost the first fight, and Max Schmeling was a German at the height of Nazi aggression. Louis knocked Schmeling out in the first round of what can be arguably called the most important sporting event of the 20th century.
- Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas
Who: Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas
When: February 10, 1990
Where: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
Winner: Douglas
Why it’s notable: Tyson was in his prime, coming into the fight as the undisputed world heavyweight champion. He was considered an unstoppable force in the ring. Some say the moment Tyson hit the mat is the moment boxing’s relevance began its decline.
We hope you enjoyed this as much as we enjoyed writing it. And remember, if you need your own championship belt made, or any other plaque or trophy, give us a call or a visit!
