the reason for that is that titles weren't earned thru money they were earned thru opposition and if you didn't fight the best, you didn't get acknowledged as the best.

this list is compiled of heavyweights that i know stuff about.

1. Rocky Marciano- "his record is crap because all his opponents were bums" If thats your reasoning, would you rather fight a slightly over the hill walcott or a bum with a pretty record like monte barrett? Some people might not know but back then all the champs were the older fighters because they had the experience and knew how to fight. Now onto the man himself. Marciano had insane power and a solid chin. You couldn't hurt him but he could end the fight in one punch at any point in time. Probably one of the worst technical boxers to ever live but as he said "Why waltz with a guy for ten rounds when you can ko him in one?" I have him at #1 because you could only beat him by decision and to do that back then you'd have to survive for 15 rounds and i don't see many fighters doing that except maybe.....

2. Muhammad Ali- What he lacked in "power" he made up for it with speed and precision. Fastest effective heavyweight of all time. His jab alone won him numerous fights on cuts. He threw flurries faster than most of the welterweights around today. Great chin to boot. Fighting him on the outside is an absolute deathwish. I think be could possibly survive 15 rounds with marciano and box his way to a one-sided decision.

(here comes the hate mail)
3. Mike Tyson- His combination of speed, power and defense have never been seen in a heavyweight before or since. Say what you want, at his best tyson beats or greatly challenges any great heavyweight.

4. Joe Louis- his only losses are to other high quality heavyweights of his time in Schmeling, Charles, and Marciano. Surviving 15 round with this guy is a lot to ask for. Easily one of the heaviest punchers of all time

5. Larry Holmes- great jab and solid technical fighter.

6. Joe Frazier- Over came his weaknesses by developing a great inside fighting technique and a phenomenal left hook.

7. George Foreman- What a 240 pound heavyweight should look and fight like. One of the best power punchers of all-time. Maintained enough power to make a comeback late in his career and not many heavies can come back years after their prime and become champion.

8. Lennox Lewis- only lost twice and both can easily be written off as flukes. Great puncher and uses his size well.

9. Evander Holyfield- It's very hard for a smaller fighter to jump into the mix of the best heavies and have a significant impact. Great technical fighter with the heart of a warrior.

10. I can't fill this spot because i can't make up my mind so any one you think deserves to be mentioned as one of the 10 best heavies throughout time belongs here.