Top 10 greatest boxers of all time ranked by AI with Mike Tyson given surprising position

The top 10 greatest boxers of all time have been ranked by artificial intelligence (AI) with Mike Tyson having been given a surprising position.

Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer or a humble SPORTbible reporter, AI is beginning to have a major impact on our jobs.

While some may consider it to represent an existential threat to long-standing professions, it also can be a very useful tool in identifying illnesses, speeding up administrative work and apparently, determining who the greatest boxer of all time is.

We asked ChatGPT who the greatest ever boxers were across all weight classes and the answer was somewhat surprising.

Coming in at number 10 is Mike Tyson, who was once the youngest heavyweight champion of all time and the first heavyweight to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles in 1987. The AI noted that Iron Mike’s “meteoric rise” and “immense power and ferocity in the ring” captivated the world while alluding to the legal and professional “challenges” later in his career.

Number nine is Rocky Marciano, a heavyweight who retired undefeated with a perfect record of 49-0. ChatGPT noted Marciano’s “relentless fighting style” and “knockout power”.

The first African American heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson, is in the eighth spot. The AI cited his pioneering dominance in the sport in the early 20th century and “exceptional defensive skills”.

Floyd Mayweather Jr is in seventh, having gone undefeated in his entire boxing career. The 47-year-old's “defensive mastery, counter-punching ability, and business acumen” have all made him among the best fighters of all time, according to the AI.

Roberto Duran, who was nicknamed "Hands of Stone," is in sixth. The AI credited Duran for his “aggressive style and remarkable endurance” while holding titles in multiple weight classes.

Sugar Ray Leonard was ranked the fifth greatest boxer of all time, having won world titles in multiple weight divisions and “engaged in memorable bouts” against Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler and the aforementioned Duran.

Ali is considered the greatest fighter of all time by the AI (Getty)

Fourth place is Henry Armstrong who is the only fighter to have simultaneously held world titles in three different weight classes (featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight).

Joe Louis is third on the list, having held the heavyweight title for a record 12 years and defended it successfully on 25 occasions. Louis has been credited by the AI for his “devastating punching power and technical skill”.

In second place is Sugar Ray Robinson, who the AI notes is “widely regarded as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer ever”. Robinson earned him world titles in multiple weight classes and racked up an exceptional record of 173 wins with 108 knockouts.

But, as expected, Muhammad Ali, who is literally known as "The Greatest" is considered the best fighter of all time by the AI.

Ali's “skill, charisma, and cultural impact” are all credited for transcending boxing, while he, of course, won the heavyweight title on three occasions.

Topics: Boxing, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.