A host of names are often floated when debating the ‘greatest puncher’ to have ever laced up the gloves, but former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew is certain in his assessment, believing that there is only one man who claim that mantle. 

Many heavyweights of the division’s golden era have named Earnie Shavers as the biggest puncher that has ever lived, with the ‘Black Destroyer’ having won by knockout on 70 occasions in his 76 career victories. 

Meanwhile, outside of the heavyweight division, historians often look towards light-heavyweight legend Archie Moore, who banked an obscene 132 reported stoppages, whilst others highlight the hard-hitting two-division world champion, Julian ‘The Hawk’ Jackson.

However, speaking on the Fight Your Corner podcast, Bellew refused to debate the subject, declaring that two-time heavyweight ruler George Foreman is the only man who can be discussed as the greatest puncher in boxing history.

“George Foreman is the greatest puncher ever, let’s just put that one to bed. Foreman is the greatest puncher that boxing has ever seen, point blank.” 

It’s clear to see why Bellew thinks that way, as Foreman won inside of the distance in 68 of his 76 triumphs, disposing of the likes of Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and George Chuvalo during the first stage of his professional boxing career, which came to a close in 1977.

After a decade away, Foreman made his iconic comeback and mounted a sensational return to the heavyweight throne, later knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994 to recapture world honours 20 years after he lost his world titles to Muhammad Ali.