The world of boxing has seen many legends, but there's something uniquely intriguing about those who lead with their right hand and stance, the formidable southpaws. These fighters have used their unorthodox stance to confound and conquer their opponents, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Here's a look at the 15 greatest left-handed boxers of all time, whose prowess in the ring has made them icons of boxing history.
From top left, clockwise: Victor Ortiz, Vasyl Lomachenko, Pernell Whitaker, Marvin Hagler, and Manny Pacquiao
- Manny Pacquiao - The only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao's blistering speed and ferocious power have dazzled fans and foes alike, making him a global boxing icon.
- Marvin Hagler - Marvelous Marvin Hagler's reign as the undisputed middleweight champion is the stuff of legend, showcasing his unmatched power and resilience in the ring.
- Pernell Whitaker - "Sweet Pea" Whitaker was a defensive mastermind with a slick style that made him nearly untouchable at his peak and earned him championships across four weight divisions.
- Vasyl Lomachenko - With unparalleled footwork and speed, Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has captured world titles in three weight classes, showcasing his technical brilliance.
- Victor Ortiz - Known for his heart and aggressive style, Ortiz has captured the attention of boxing fans worldwide with his power and determination inside the ring.
- Guillermo Rigondeaux - A tactician of the highest order, Rigondeaux's precision and defensive skills have made him a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a world champion.
- Erislandy Lara - Lara's slick boxing technique and strong amateur pedigree have seen him rise to the top of the light middleweight division, where his skills have been on full display.
- Oleksandr Usyk - Usyk has dominated the cruiserweight division, becoming the undisputed champion before moving up to heavyweight, where he continues to showcase his exceptional skill and agility.
- Michael Moorer - Moorer made history as the first southpaw heavyweight champion, and his power in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions was genuinely formidable.
- Joe Calzaghe - The Welsh wizard retired undefeated, having defended his super-middleweight title 21 times with his incredible hand speed and volume punching.
- Winky Wright - Wright's defensive genius and counter-punching ability made him a unified light middleweight world champion and one of the era's most challenging fighters to defeat.
- Antonio Tarver - With his knockout victory over Roy Jones Jr., Tarver cemented his legacy as one of the light heavyweight division's most potent and technical fighters.
- Corey Spinks - Spinks's agility and boxing IQ made him the undisputed welterweight champion, showcasing his skill across multiple weight classes.
- Chad Dawson - At his peak, Dawson's speed and skill made him one of the light heavyweight division's top fighters, and he held multiple world championships.
- Zab Judah - Known for his explosive power and speed, Judah captured world titles in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.
These southpaw legends have used their unique stance to craft memorable careers, thrilling fights, and a lasting legacy in the boxing world. Their achievements and distinctive styles have won them championships and accolades and inspired future generations of boxers to embrace the power of being a southpaw.
