Tomorrow night’s highly anticipated bout in Riyadh will determine whether Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, can be unequivocally recognized as the best heavyweight of the current era. Of course, the Ukrainian is not the first boxer to attempt such a leap. Throughout boxing history, many champions of lower weight classes have sought success among the giants, often chasing lucrative purses or pursuing epic, unforgettable achievements. Some succeeded brilliantly, while others fell short. Here’s a list of 10 “little guys” who dared to challenge world-class heavyweights!
Gene Tunney
As a light heavyweight, Tunney was a force of nature: his five legendary battles with Harry Greb and his near-perfect record were astonishing achievements, especially in that era. However, Tunney’s greatest feat was defeating heavyweight king Jack Dempsey twice by decision. Gene also had the foresight to retire before decline set in, leaving the sport as the reigning heavyweight champion—a remarkable journey for someone who weighed just over 70 kilograms as a young pro!
Billy Conn
When the “Pittsburgh Kid” was matched against Joe Louis in 1941, many assumed the higher-ups were desperate to find a credible challenger for the heavyweight throne. However, the former light heavyweight champion proved to be a formidable opponent, so much so that he was ahead on two of the judges’ scorecards going into the 13th round. Yet his overconfidence led to a KO loss, and their rematch five years later was a letdown.
Ezzard Charles
For the “Cincinnati Cobra,” moving up to heavyweight was less a choice than a necessity. Despite dominating the light heavyweight division, Charles couldn’t secure a long-awaited title shot against then-champion Gus Lesnevich. However, upon stepping up, Charles achieved remarkable success, including winning the heavyweight title against Jersey Joe Walcott and scoring a stunning victory over a returning Joe Louis.
Archie Moore
One of the most enduring fighters in history, the “Old Mongoose” remained a top contender in the light heavyweight division well into his 40s. Throughout his storied career, Moore made several forays into the heavyweight ranks, seeking a historic breakthrough. However, two supremely talented champions denied him the ultimate prize: first, Rocky Marciano, whom Moore even managed to knock down, and later, Floyd Patterson. Both defeated him by KO.
Bob Foster
Another light heavyweight dominator who struggled to find success in the higher division, the “Sheriff of Albuquerque” demolished his challengers at 175 pounds with ease. Yet, his ventures among the giants often ended poorly. Ernie Terrell and Zora Folley defeated him in non-title bouts, while Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali knocked him out, denying him the dream of becoming a heavyweight world champion.
Michael Spinks
Unlike the two legends mentioned earlier, Spinks achieved the ultimate feat: after dominating the light heavyweight division and defeating top-tier fighters such as Dwight Muhammad Qawi, he packed on 11 kilograms in just over three months and shockingly handed Larry Holmes the first defeat of his career. “Jinx” enriched his heavyweight journey with a victory in the rematch against Holmes but ultimately met his match in the ferocious Mike Tyson.
Evander Holyfield
Widely regarded as the greatest cruiserweight of all time, “The Real Deal” secured his place among the legends of the heavyweight division as well. The brutal KO of James Douglas earned him the title, but his legacy was cemented through the trilogy with Riddick Bowe, his war with an aging George Foreman, reclaiming the title against Michael Moorer, and, most famously, his two victories over a returning Tyson after Iron Mike’s imprisonment.
Michael Moorer
Another light heavyweight who bulked up in record time like Spinks, “Double M” vacated the WBO belt at 175 pounds after nine defenses and added 15 kilograms to his frame in just four months. Facing Holyfield, Moorer defied the odds and won the title in a match that, truthfully, lacked action, becoming the division’s lineal champion. He was later dethroned by a 45-year-old George Foreman.
Juan Carlos Gomez
The Cuban was a powerhouse in the cruiserweight division, racking up ten defenses of the WBC title with overwhelming dominance. However, his jump to heavyweight was fraught with challenges from the start: the mediocre Yanqui Diaz knocked him out in the first round! Gomez eventually worked his way to a world title shot, but the towering Vitali Klitschko dispatched him in nine rounds.
David Haye
“The Hayemaker” also set his sights on the heavyweights after proving himself the top cruiserweight on the planet. He unified three world titles at 200 pounds before claiming the WBA heavyweight belt from the towering Valuev. Knockouts of John Ruiz and Audley Harrison earned him a shot at the division’s kingpin, Wladimir Klitschko, who defeated him decisively on points. Haye’s final highlight was a stunning KO of Chisora, followed by a series of persistent injuries.
Honorable Mentions: Bob Fitzsimmons, Georges Carpentier, John Henry Lewis, Tomasz Adamek, Roy Jones Jr., and Steve Cunningham.