The Heavyweight Lineage From Sullivan to Usyk

The heavyweight championship traces an unbroken lineage from John L. Sullivan in 1882 to the present.

Corbett took it with science, Johnson broke the color line, Louis held it a record 11 years, Ali made it theater, Tyson made it frightening, and the Klitschko brothers held it for a decade. Lewis was the last undisputed man of the 20th century and Usyk the first four belt undisputed champion in 2024.

The man who holds the lineal crown can claim descent from every champion before him..