Last week, we took a deep dive into the top 10 most underrated boxers in history—the fighters who never got the credit they deserved. But today, we’re flipping the script. This is going to be a controversial list, but these are the boxers who, despite their fame and accolades, might not have lived up to the hype.
Now, before you start throwing punches (figuratively speaking), remember that being “overrated” doesn’t mean these fighters were bad. It just means that their legacies may have been inflated beyond their actual achievements. Ready? Let’s get into it.
1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – Undefeated, but at What Cost?
I was never a fan of Floyd Mayweather in his prime. To me, he always seemed to duck opponents to keep his perfect record. He wasn’t boxing for the love of the sport—it was all about the money. Sure, I’ve mentioned the long-awaited fight with Manny Pacquiao, but let’s be honest—the so-called “Fight of the Century” was a snoozefest.
Now, he’s at risk of damaging his legacy by taking on gimmick fights like Conor McGregor and YouTubers. If he keeps this up, people might remember him more for circus fights than for his actual boxing career.
Read more about Mayweather’s career on BoxRec
2. Rocky Marciano – The “Undefeated” Myth
This is going to be a controversial choice, but Marciano is overrated. He fought in an era when heavyweight boxing wasn’t as competitive. If he fought today, would he be as dominant? Probably not. His undefeated record looks impressive, but the level of opposition he faced wasn’t the greatest. That’s the only reason he makes this list.
See Marciano’s record on BoxRec
4. Mike Tyson – Feared, but Not the Best
Mike Tyson was one of the most feared fighters in history, but was he really the best? He took the boxing world by storm in the late ’80s, dominating his opponents. But as soon as he faced fighters like Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, he fell apart.
A truly great boxer should be able to adapt and dominate against any opponent. But Tyson crumbled when he couldn’t bully his way to a win. That’s why he belongs on this list.
Check out Tyson’s record
5. Naseem Hamed – Flash Over Substance
I was never a fan of Prince Naseem Hamed. Yes, his entrances were legendary, and his showboating was entertaining, but his actual boxing skills? Overrated.
When he finally fought an elite opponent in Marco Antonio Barrera, he got completely outclassed. And after that loss? He never truly recovered. That tells you everything you need to know.
See Hamed’s record on BoxRec
6. Oscar De La Hoya – The Golden Boy with a Questionable Record
Looking at Oscar De La Hoya’s record, you might wonder why he’s on this list. But go back and look at his biggest fights. He lost to Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins, and Shane Mosley (twice).
Yes, he fought the best—but he lost to them, too. That’s why he’s one of the most overrated boxers of all time.
See De La Hoya’s record on BoxRec
7. Adrien Broner – All Talk, No Action
Adrien Broner is the textbook definition of someone who could talk but couldn’t back it up. He had all the trash talk of Mayweather but none of the skill to go with it. When he stepped into the ring against real competition—Marcos Maidana, Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia—he was found wanting.
See Broner’s record on BoxRec
8. Riddick Bowe – A Disrespect to Boxing
Riddick Bowe had all the talent in the world, but his lack of discipline and refusal to fight Lennox Lewis cost him his place among the greats. Throwing his WBC title in the bin to avoid fighting Lewis? That tells you everything you need to know about why he belongs on this list.
See Bowe’s record on BoxRec
9. Julio César Chávez Sr. – A Record Built on Questionable Opposition
Winning 107 fights and losing only 6 sounds amazing, but let’s take a closer look. Who did he really fight? When he finally faced elite-level fighters, he struggled—and even lost. His record looks great, but his legacy isn’t as solid as it seems.
See Chávez Sr.’s record on BoxRec
10. Joe Calzaghe – Undefeated, but Protected
At first glance, Joe Calzaghe’s record looks untouchable. He retired undefeated, beat big names, and dominated his division. But here’s the issue: he never fought Carl Froch, despite years of speculation. And when he did fight legends like Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins, they were past their primes.
Would he have beaten them in their prime? We’ll never know. And that’s why he lands on this list.
See Calzaghe’s record on BoxRec
Final Thoughts – Who Do You Think is the Most Overrated Boxer?
There you have it—the most overrated boxers of all time. Again, this doesn’t mean these fighters were bad, just that their legacies might be a little too inflated.
Now it’s over to you! Do you agree with this list? Who do you think is the most overrated boxer in history? Drop a comment below and let’s debate!
And if you missed last week’s underrated boxers list, go check it out. While you’re at it, head over to CMBoxing for more boxing content, fight analysis, and the latest news!