Stats show the strongest boxers during last decade
As a global sport and one with so much history, boxing remains one of the most watched and gambled on sports in the world.
When fights are arranged, or just waiting to see which fights could be scheduled, boxing betting is consistently visited and used to gain understanding of likelihood and ability.
In the past decade we have been treated to a number of great fighters. With the information on offer for boxing fans and punters, statistics often play a big part in influencing betting.
Numbers don’t lie, and our prejudices and preferences for specific fighters can cloud our judgement when looking to bet on a fight. By using the raw data available we can influence and guide our thoughts on the potential outcomes of fights.
Floyd Mayweather Jr
The American boxer from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the self-proclaimed greatest boxer of all time. A massive boast, but he can certainly back it up with some impressive numbers.
In his career he was at times averaging a 46% connection rate on punches while his opponents could only land 16% of theirs.
While often in his career he was criticized for not throwing a lot of punches, that accuracy rate rally makes it a minor complaint, as well as against the limited punches he allows to be landed on him.
When fighting on the outside, he can use lightning quick counters and clever footwork to dominate fights. He would not have been able to box for as long as he has without being so solid on defense.
By being so dominant offensively and defensively, he is a boxer who many don’t stand a chance against, and the betting is often focused on his successes whoever he comes up against.
Manny Pacquiao
For years he was remembered and at times relied upon his explosive left hand and quick reflexes to win fights.
He retired as the first eight division champion. As he progressed through weight-classes, he would fight other boxers who often had a bigger weight advantage. Pacquiao was one of the fastest boxers in his generation which gave him an edge even when coming in weighing much less than his opponent.
Vitali Klitschko
You don’t have to argue for long to put Vitali Kiltschko’s name to the greatest knockout puncher in heavyweight boxing. The Ukrainian fighter, and older brother to Wladimir, finished 41 of 47 professional opponents for a Knockout percentage of just over 87 percent.
Vitali started his professional career with a knockout streak of 27 straight wins before retiring in 2013.
Wladimir Klitschko
If not his older brother, “Dr Steelhammer’ could be considered the hardest puncher, with the ability to turn a jab into a sweeping hook and his cross hit came with so much power as well.
He could hit with so much power, knockouts would happen when you least expected it. His weak chin meant he did not get into brawls in the ring. He was composed and looked to defend well too and take a safe approach to each contest.
Tyson Fury
The Gypsy King is one of the most memorable and entertaining fighters of a generation. He is yet to taste defeat and has won 32 or 33 bouts, with one draw to his name as well.
Fury is another who works hard defensively. For his size he has great speed and an impressive significant strike rate. He is 6ft 9in (206cm) tall with a reach of 85 inches (216cm) which makes him very hard to get close enough to land a strike.
He has won 23 or his 33 bouts by knockout with a strong fist and good reach giving him a 70% knockout percentage across his career.
Saul Alvarez
Considered one of the best boxers around today, Alvarez is able to move around the ring, outside his opponents punches and retaliate with powerful counter shots.
Defensively he uses a dynamic technique, when he jabs and tucks his chin, his shoulder rises to protect his chin and jaw. He punches off center which means his head doesn’t stay stationary and vulnerable to a hit.
With his movement he is one of the best to dodge punches and counter in the sport, he tires out opponents which he showed in his 2019 WBO light heavyweight championship fight. He defeated Sergey Kovalev with an eleventh-round knockout after his opponent had worked hard for the whole fight before the ninth and tenth rounds saw a flurry of power punches that turned the tie.
These fighters are some of the best around in the past decade, their abilities in the ring are undeniable. The different styles they adopt keep them distinct and build their fanbases and reputations boxing.
Each one has had to ensure they blend a strong defense into a formidable attack which ensures longevity and success throughout their careers.