New York's Finest: Best Boxers from New York

New York has been one of the most important states in the history of boxing. The state has produced some of the greatest fighters in history and has also played host to some of the most iconic fights in the sport’s history. From the early days of boxing through to the present day, New York has been a hotbed of boxing talent. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best boxers from New York.

1. Sugar Ray Robinson

Sugar Ray Robinson is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time. Born in Ailey, Georgia, in 1921, Robinson moved to New York as a child and learned to box in his teens. He turned professional in 1940 and won his first 40 fights before suffering his first defeat. Robinson was known for his incredible speed, power, and footwork, and he was able to win titles in multiple weight classes.

One of Robinson’s greatest achievements came in 1951 when he defeated Jake LaMotta to win the middleweight title. The fight, known as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, was one of the most brutal in boxing history, with Robinson inflicting severe punishment on his opponent. Robinson retired in 1952 but made a comeback in 1955 and continued to fight until 1965. He retired with a record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws.

2. Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1966 and is one of the most famous boxers in history. Known for his incredible power and aggressive style, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20. Tyson won his first 37 fights, all but four of them by knockout, before suffering his first loss to Buster Douglas in 1990.

Despite his controversial personal life, Tyson remained one of the sport’s biggest draws and continued to fight until 2005. He retired with a record of 50 wins, 6 losses, and 2 no contests, with 44 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Tyson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

3. Rocky Graziano

Rocky Graziano was born in New York City in 1919 and was a fighter who was known for his incredible punching power. Graziano turned professional in 1942 and quickly made a name for himself by winning his first 41 fights, with 37 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Graziano won the middleweight title in 1947 when he defeated Tony Zale in one of the most memorable fights in boxing history. Graziano was known for his toughness and his willingness to fight anyone, and he was a fan favorite throughout his career. He retired in 1952 with a record of 67 wins, 10 losses, and 6 draws.

4. Riddick Bowe

Riddick Bowe was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1967 and was one of the most skilled boxers of his era. Bowe won the heavyweight title in 1992 when he defeated Evander Holyfield, and he held the title until 1995. Bowe had a record of 43 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest, with 33 of his victories coming by way of knockout.

Bowe had a great jab and was able to use his size and reach to his advantage. He was also known for his incredible chin and was able to absorb punishment from his opponents. Bowe retired in 2008 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

5. Jake LaMotta

Jake LaMotta was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1922 and was a fighter who was known for his toughness and durability. LaMotta turned professional in 1941 and had a record of 78 wins, 19 losses, and 4 draws. His most famous fight came in 1951 when he faced Sugar Ray Robinson in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. The fight was one of the most brutal in boxing history, with both fighters taking immense punishment. LaMotta lost the fight, but his toughness and courage earned him the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike.