Few figures in boxing history are as qualified to weigh in on greatness as Sugar Ray Leonard. A five-division world champion and undisputed titleholder at both welterweight and middleweight, Leonard carved out one of the most decorated résumés the sport has ever seen.
Emerging as a superstar in the late 1970s, Leonard became a defining figure of boxing’s golden era. Alongside Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Marvin Hagler, he formed the legendary “Four Kings”—a group that dominated the sport throughout the 1980s. Leonard holds the rare distinction of having defeated all three of his elite contemporaries, including his iconic “No Mas” victory over Duran in 1980, a bout that remains etched in boxing folklore.
Given his remarkable achievements and firsthand experience against the best of the best, Leonard’s opinion carries significant weight. In a conversation with Fight Hype, the Hall of Famer shared his personal top three fighters of all time—names that, in his view, represent the pinnacle of boxing excellence.
Leonard’s top 3 picks
“The best boxers? I would say Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Rocky Marciano. But there is many, many more!” Leonard said, making it clear that while the sport is filled with legends, these three stand at the very top of his list.
Ali captivated the world with his charisma and courage. Robinson dazzled with unmatched skill and longevity across over 200 fights. Marciano, famously, retired as the only undefeated heavyweight champion in history at 49-0.
A shortlist of timeless legends
Leonard’s top three reflect a blend of showmanship, technique, and historical achievement. While he acknowledged that there are many other greats, these names remain etched in boxing’s highest echelon—recognized by one of the sport’s own all-time greats.