Cancer Boxers

A former professional boxer who reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion for three years, Mike Tyson is considered a colossal figure in boxing. Claiming his first heavyweight title at the young age of 20, he went on to become one of the best heavyweights of all time. Also a controversial person, he was once imprisoned on rape charges.

Acknowledged by his rivals as a remarkable hitter, Jack Dempsey was an American heavyweight boxing champion who was known for his powerful punches. The record attendance at his bouts was an indication of his popularity. He was considered as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Born poor and nicknamed Kid Blackie, Jack Dempsey went on to become one of the richest athletes during his time.

Julio Cesar Chavez is a Mexican former boxer who won several world championships in three different weight divisions. He also holds several records, such as the most successful world title defenses and most title fights. He has been named in ESPN's 50 Greatest Boxers of All Time list and was made an inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-born New Zealand kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and former boxer. Considered one of the best strikers in MMA, Adesanya has won multiple championships and is the current UFC Middleweight Champion. In 2019, Israel Adesanya was named New Zealand Sportsman of the Year at the Halberg Awards.

Retired Ukrainian boxer Vitali Klitschko, who is now a politician and the current mayor of Kyiv, is also known for his 6’7” frame. He was once the World Boxing Council world heavyweight title winner and earned the nickname Dr. Ironfist. He also holds a PhD from the physical science department of Kyiv University.

A 5-time world champion and an Olympic gold medalist, Katie Taylor is one of Ireland’s best boxers. She also has 6 gold medals at the European Championship. Born amid poverty in the coastal town of Bray, to a boxer father, Katie was initially trained by him.

Regarded as the most successful boxer from Ireland, Steve Collins created history by becoming the first to beat the then-undefeated British boxer Chris Eubank. He has been both a WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion. He has also been an army boxing coach and has appeared in a film, too.

Sky Sports analyst and commentator and former boxer Carl Froch is known for his World Championship bronze and his double English National Championship gold wins, all in the middleweight category. Though he initially loved football, too, he eventually chose boxing as a career option. He is also publicly a flat-Earther.

Boxer Gary O'Sullivan is known for his multiple title wins, including the WBA and WBO championships. A middleweight boxing star, he has also appeared in movies such as Strength and Honour. He used the COVID-19 lockdown to gain new tactics and wishes to manage boxers post-retirement.

Best known for his surprise victory against boxing legend Mike Tyson in 2004, former boxer Danny Williams has won countless heavyweight titles, such as the Commonwealth and the British titles. Known to his fans as the Brixton Bomber, he retired in late 2020 owing to health concerns.

Known as Fearless Freddie, Freddie Mills was not just a successful middleweight and light-heavyweight boxer, but also fought in the heavyweight category. Post-retirement, he ran a nightclub and appeared in movies and shows. He apparently shot himself to death later, though many believe he was murdered.

Best known for winning a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, former boxer David Price has also been a 3-time English National champion, a Commonwealth champion, and a EU champion. He retired at age 38, announcing the news on social media, after being inactive for a couple of years.

Former WBA female bantamweight title holder Shannon Courtenay had her title revoked after failing to make it to the specified weight category for her fight against Jamie Mitchell. She later blamed her menstrual cycle for her sudden weight gain of 2.5lbs. She has also been dubbed The Baby Face Assassin.

Panamanian boxer Panama Al Brown is remembered as one of the most successful boxers in bantamweight history and was the first Latin American boxing world champion. A queer icon, he was openly gay and had a long-term relationship with French poet Jean Cocteau. He also experimented with tap dancing and cabaret.