This middleweight legend is regarded as one of the finest fighters of all time – and rightly so. Watching the hellacious Hagler tear into an opponent was one of the most exhilarating sights in sport.
2. KELLY PAVLIK
Like Hagler, Pavlik made his name at middleweight, where he famously dethroned Jermain Taylor in a classic encounter. The blue-collar favourite always looked ready for business with his hair-free head.
3. EARNIE SHAVERS
Nicknamed “The Acorn” by Muhammad Ali, on account of his bald noggin, Shavers showed Ali that he was more oak tree than acorn when they met in the ring. His punching power was devastating.
4. ERIC ‘BUTTERBEAN’ ESCH
“The King of the Four-Rounders”, cult hero Butterbean is well known for his stars-and-stripes-adorned trunks, his 300-400-pound frame, his fight-ending haymakers and his bare skull.
5. RUBIN CARTER
Denzel Washington was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Carter in the movie, The Hurricane, while Bob Dylan penned a song protesting about the middleweight’s infamous imprisonment.
6. BENNIE BRISCOE
Yet another middleweight on this list, “Bad Bennie” was an intimidating presence with his no-nonsense appearance, his relentless aggression and his iron chin. He feared no one and fought everyone.
7. TYSON FURY
Although the current heavyweight champion sported hair atop his head earlier in his career, his greatest triumphs – over Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder – have been achieved with a shaved scalp.
8. JACK JOHNSON
Quite possibly the most influential boxer in history, and certainly one of the very best, the all-conquering Johnson was the first-ever black fighter to win the world heavyweight title.
9. TIMOTHY BRADLEY
Now a highly respected boxing commentator for ESPN, Bradley is best known for his trilogy of bouts with Manny Pacquiao, as well as for winning world honours at super-lightweight and welterweight.
10. ANTONIO TARVER
A vastly decorated light-heavyweight, “Magic Man” Tarver had a riveting three-fight rivalry with Roy Jones Jnr and also starred as Mason “The Line” Dixon in the Rocky Balboa film.
