The Top Ranked Boxers of All-Time from New Jersey
Professional boxing has thrived in New Jersey since the late 19th century. Many great champions have performed in the Garden State, such as Bob Fitzsimmons, Joe Gans, Jack McAuliffe, Jack O’Brien and Gentleman Jim Corbett in the early days of professional boxing.
For decades the heart of New Jersey boxing was centered in the local clubs, particularly in Hudson, Bergen and Essex Counties. The main place for the big fight nights was in Jersey City, where large crowds could be ferried over from New York to the bigger indoor and outdoor arenas there.
In July 1921, famous Frenchman Georges 'The Orchid Man' Carpentier defended the heavyweight title against the legendary Jack Dempsey at Boyle's Thirty Acres in Jersey City in boxing’s first $1 million gate. More than 80,000 fans watched the historic fight, which was also the first title bout to be broadcast live on radio.
Fast-forward a century and unbeaten southpaw Shakur Stevenson from Newark is the latest superstar to fly the flag for the Garden State and has been the firm favourite to win in all his latest big championship fights with NJ betting sites. Currently unbeaten in 19 bouts, the WBC and WBO super-featherweight champion last fought and defeated Robson Conceicao in September at the Prudential Center, Newark.
The two-weight world champion, still just 25, has made it on to the esteemed list below:
1. Marvin Hagler (62-3-2, 52KO)
Newark
Undisputed Middleweight Champion
2. Mickey Walker (93-19-4, 59KO)
Elizabeth
Two-weight World Champion
3. Gus Lesnevich (61-14-5, 23KO)
Cliffside Park
World Light Heavyweight Champion
4. Jersey Joe Walcott (49-20-1, 31KO)
Pennsauken
NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring Heavyweight Champion
5. Joe Jeanette (84-9-9, 69KO)
North Bergen
World Colored Heavyweight Champion
6. Frankie Burns (43-7-7, 29KO)
Jersey City
World Bantamweight Title Contender
7. Bobby Czyz (44-8, 28KO)
Orange
Two-weight World Champion
8. Johnny Saxton (55-9-2, 21KO)
Newark
Two-time World Welterweight Champion
9. Charlie Weinert (41-10-1, 27KO)
Newark
Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 1971
10. Shakur Stevenson (19-0, 9KO)
Newark
Two-weight World Champion
Honourable Mentions
Tippy Larkin, Kendall Holt, Jeff Clark, Richie Kates, Rubin Carter, Ernie Schaaf, Jason Sosa, Harold Carter, Johnny Buff, Leavander Johnson, Tony Galento, Young Terry, George Cole, Leavander Johnson, James Scott, Charles Murray, Freddie Cochrane, Alfred Cole.