Super lightweight has been home to some massive names in the history of boxing — looking to bridge that gap between 135lbs — and an eventual move to 147lbs.
And while not outright considered a ‘glamor’ division in the sport, super lightweight has seen hugely popular stars from the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, to Floyd Mayweather ply their trade at the weight class before making inroads elsewhere.
With so many prize-fighting greats to choose from in this list, let’s break down the top five best super lightweight boxers to ever compete at the weight class.
5. Ricky Hatton (45-3)
A fan-favorite in his native England, former super lightweight world champion, may not have enjoyed the most memorable end to his professional career in the squared circle.
But at one stage, Stockport native, Hatton had enjoyed a stunning 43-fight winning spree — boasting an unbeaten record before running into the above-mentioned, Mayweather.
Hitting the headlines back in 2005, Hatton would land an impressive victory over the retiring Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF and The Ring super lightweight titles.
Notably, in four consecutive title fights after his win over Russian star Tszyu, Hatton would beat Carlos Maussa, Luis Collazo, Juan Urango, and Jose Luis Castillo.
After his shocking KO loss to Mayweather, Hatton would retain his super lightweight crowns in defenses against both Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi.
4. Kostya Tszyu (31-2(1))
One of the most dominant super lightweight fighters of all time, between 2001 and 2005, Russian-born star Tszyu held variations of the undisputed and lineal divisional championships.
And it’s not just the Australian national’s championship victories in the sport which have cemented his legacy, but it’s the laundry list of fellow icons he has beaten along the way.
Bowing out in 2005 following a decision loss against the above-mentioned, Hatton, Tszyu had been unbeaten for eight years since a 1997 stoppage loss against Vince Philips.
In standout wins for the Russian star, Tszyu would land a WBC super lightweight crown with a win over Miguel Angel Gonzalez, before taking out the ageing Julio Cesar Chavez to retain his title at the turn of the century.
Four years after his defense against the Mexican megastar, Tszyu would beat six more title challengers, including Zab Judah, Jesse James Leija, and twice defeated Sharmba Mitchell.
3. Aaron Pryor (39-1)
A real innovator at the super lightweight limit, the late former two-time world champion Aaron Pryor has been considered a pioneer at the weight class since his retirement at the beginning of the 90s.
Suffering just a single loss in his 40-fight career courtesy of a knockout defeat opposite Bobby Joe Young in 1987, Pryor never lost his belts in a non-title bout, however.
In his last defense of gold, Pryor was pushed the distance in a split decision win over the veteran Pennsylvania native, Gary Hinton.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame six years after his retirement, Pryor will best be remembered in the ring for his pair of instant classics with Alexis Arguello.
Fighting the late Nicaragua native twice in the early 1980s, Pryor would land a pair of knockout wins over his challenger, defending his WBA and The Ring super lightweight championships.
2. Julio Cesar Chavez (107-6-2)
A two-time Fighter of the Year heading into the 90s of his professional career, Mexican striking favorite, Chavez will go down as one of the most dominant and decorated super lightweight champions to ever grace the division.
Following stunning super featherweight success in the 80s, toward the tail end of the decade, Chavez made the climb to super lightweight, pitted against Roger Mayweather — the uncle of the above-mentioned, Floyd Mayweather.
And forcing a tenth-round corner stoppage win, Chavez defeated Mayweather to land the WBC super lightweight crown.
Before too long at the weight class, Chavez would defend his new title against both Sammy Fuentes and then Meldrick Taylor — finishing the duo no less.
With a lengthy list of title retentions, let’s just rattle off a few names who failed in their bid to topple Chavez as champion: Lonnie Smith, Hector Camacho, Greg Haugen, Andy Holligan, Taylor again — Tony Lopez and Giovanni Parisi.
1. Antonio Cervantes (67-12-1)
Colombian pugilist, Antonio Cervantes, narrowly tops our list as the best super lightweight boxer to ever grace the ring. And with some good reason.
A two-time WBA super lightweight champion, Cervantes did come unstuck against both the above-mentioned Pryor and veteran Hall of Fame star, Wilfred Benitez, in his career, but really enjoyed some notable wins, too.
Taking on the likes of Esteban de Jesus and Saoul Mamby, Cervantes emerged with victories against both — the first of which to retain his WBA and The Ring super lightweight titles.
Suffering a five-fight winless run early in his career, Cervantes would break through in 1972 to win his first world championship with a knockout of Alfonso Frazer, before then defending against Josue Marquez and Nicolino Locche.