David Haye, the former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion, has shared his thoughts on the best heavyweight boxers of all time. The British boxer, who won 28 of his 32 professional fights, offered his perspective on the sport's top heavyweights.
Haye's career included significant achievements. He unified the cruiserweight division and secured world honours when he beat Nikolai Valuev to become WBA heavyweight champion. He successfully defended his title against John Ruiz and Audley Harrison before losing to Wladimir Klitschko. Haye's career ended after two losses to Tony Bellew in comeback fights, leading to his retirement in 2018.
In a recent interview with Daily Mail Sport Boxing, Haye ranked heavyweight boxers into three categories: great, legends, and the greatest of all time.
He placed Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury in the "great" category. These fighters have made significant impacts in the modern heavyweight division.
Haye's "legends" list included George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, and Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk, a current heavyweight, has won world titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 and could repeat this feat if he beats Daniel Dubois at Wembley.
When it came to the greatest of all time, Haye had no doubts. He chose Muhammad Ali, saying:
"If there's one above legend we will go with [Ali]. GOAT for sure."
Ali's unmatched speed, skill, and charisma set him apart in the ring. Outside the ring, he was a courageous activist who stood firm for his beliefs, often at great personal cost.
Haye's rankings offer an interesting perspective on heavyweight boxing history, blending respect for past legends with recognition of current champions. His insights remind us of the enduring appeal and rich legacy of heavyweight boxing.
