Teddy Atlas, the renowned trainer-turned-analyst, has picked Archie Moore as the greatest power puncher in boxing history. Atlas shared his opinion on his YouTube channel THE FIGHT, ranking the top power punchers in the sport.
Atlas, who's guided champions like Michael Moorer, Timothy Bradley, and Oleksandr Gvozdyk, has a wealth of boxing experience. He's worked as a commentator for ESPN and covered NBC's Olympic Games boxing tournaments from 2000 to 2016.
In his YouTube video, Atlas explained his choice:
"At number one, can't argue the math, can't argue the myth, can't argue the man… How long he was around, how special he was. He didn't get treated fairly they didn't give him a world title shot until he was in his late, middle 30s but once he got it, he held onto it. You know, you gotta be special when they call you the 'Old Mongoose', smart but he was also deadly. Archie Moore, 228 fights, 140 knockouts, yes that is the record, that is the most knockouts of any fighter in the history of this marvelous sport."
Moore's career stats back up Atlas's pick. The "Old Mongoose" fought an incredible 228 times and knocked out 140 opponents. That's more KOs than any other boxer in history.
Moore got his world title shot late. He was 36 when he beat Joey Maxim by decision in December 1952 to become light heavyweight champion. But once he got the belt, he didn't let go. Moore defended his title for nearly a decade, the longest reign in the division's history.
He knocked out top contenders like Harold Johnson, Carl Olson, Yolande Pompey, and Tony Anthony. One of his most memorable fights came against Yvon Durelle. Moore survived multiple first-round knockdowns to score an epic comeback KO in the 11th round.
After hanging up his gloves, Moore stayed in boxing as a trainer. He worked with some of the sport's biggest names, including George Foreman, Earnie Shavers, and Muhammad Ali.
Moore's legacy extends beyond his punching power. Many rank him as one of the greatest fighters ever, regardless of weight class. His combination of ring smarts and devastating power earned him the nickname "Old Mongoose" - a nod to both his age and his deadly skills.
