Boxing Comparison: How the Greats Stack Up

If you love boxing, you probably wonder who’s better, who’s faster, or whose defense is toughest. The answer isn’t a one‑liner – you need to look at a few key numbers and watch the fights yourself. Below we break down the most talked‑about match‑ups and give you a simple way to compare any boxer.

Power vs. Speed

Mike Tyson still gets called the most dangerous fighter ever. His early‑career KO rate was over 80%, and he could end a bout in under a minute. That raw power makes him a benchmark for anyone bragging about knockout ability.

On the other side of the spectrum you have Tyson Fury. Fury’s biggest weapon isn’t a single punch; it’s his size, reach and the ability to switch from a gentle jab to a thunderous right when needed. He’s also quick for a 6‑9 heavyweight, which lets him out‑maneuver slower giants.

When you compare power to speed, write down two numbers: knockout percentage and average punches landed per round. Tyson’s KO % blows most fighters away, while Fury’s punches per round stay high even in longer fights, showing he can keep the pressure without relying on one‑hit wonders.

Defense and Longevity

Floyd Mayweather Jr. isn’t a heavyweight, but his defensive skill set the gold standard. His “hit‑and‑not‑get‑hit” style gave him a 25‑year unbeaten run. Look at his slip rate and the number of punches he dodged per round – those stats are gold for any defensive comparison.

Longevity also matters. Wilfred Benitez became the youngest world champion at 17, proving that talent can shine early. Anthony Joshua’s recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk showed that a boxer’s age, injuries and style adjustments affect performance over time. Track a fighter’s age at each title win and the time between wins to gauge staying power.

To compare defenses, note the opponent’s connect rate and how many rounds a fighter goes without being knocked down. Mayweather’s record shows almost zero knockdowns, while many heavyweights have at least one.

Putting it all together, create a simple table:

• KO % – raw power
• Punches/round – speed and work rate
• Opponents’ connect % – defensive quality
• Age at title win – early peak vs. late bloom
• Title gaps – consistency

Use this cheat‑sheet when you read a new fight recap or watch highlights. It helps you see why fans argue about Tyson vs. Fury, or Mayweather vs. any modern boxer, without getting lost in hype.

Bottom line: No single stat tells the whole story. Mix power, speed, defense and career timeline, and you’ll have a clear picture of who truly stands out in any boxing comparison.