The Toughest Boxers to Ever Enter the Ring

Sullivan embodied raw, primal toughness. As the first gloved heavyweight champion, he fought like a force of nature, walking through opponents’ punches without hesitation. He reveled in brawls, relying on strength and sheer will to overwhelm anyone. Sullivan’s refusal to back down from anyone made him a symbol of toughness.

In 1882, Sullivan faced Paddy Ryan for the heavyweight championship. Despite rough conditions and brutal exchanges, he powered through Ryan’s offense and stopped him in the ninth round. That victory showed Sullivan’s relentless toughness, cementing him as boxing’s first great heavyweight champion and a pioneer of fearless fighting spirit.