Big Jeff

The early fighter who holds up best when compared to modern champs (in the view of boxing historians) is Jim Jeffries.

"Big Jeff" stood over 6'2 and weighed nearly 220 pounds and is considered perhaps the strongest of all champs. He retired as the undefeated champ in 1903, but is most remembered for coming out of retirement and losing to Jack Johnson on July 4, 1910, in one of the most socially significant sporting events of the 20th century.