Who was the best American Heavyweight Champion 2000-2025?

[MalevolentBite]

I looked back at some prime Rahman. He definitely should have gotten the nod for the Tua 2 fight. I thought he was taller than 6'2 but he did have insanely long arms for his height with the 82" reach. A very wide and heavy frame but 260 pounds was too heavy for him imo, he was so plodding on his feet. He had a pretty good jab but the speed just wasn't there in the feet and combinations.

I will do another re - ranking but Rahman stays at number #3.

[MalevolentBite]

Chris Byrd was the last two time American Heavyweight. If you really sit back and think about it thats crazy.

Do yall think Byrd would KO Roy Jones at Heavyweight?

[Dr Z]

I wanted to compile a list of American heavyweight champions post 1999. Who do you feel was the best American champion in this era 2000-2025? I feel like this era was the weakest era for American heavyweights but I still wanted to know if you had to choose one American heavyweight champion in this 25 year span who would you choose?

Puerto Ricans count as Americans so they will be included and any other person born on American territory or military base.

Americans only and only 2000-2025 champions.

this list is only for fighters who actually picked up a heavyweight championship in the years of 2000-2025. So dont suggest a boxer who won in the 90s and never reclaimed a belt after the year 2000 but still continued on fighting.


Here's how I rate them and I explain at the bottom.

1. Chris Byrd - 2 Time Heavyweight Champion. 2000 and 2002 He was ranked by BoxRec in the world's top 10 heavyweight from 1998 to 2004, reaching his highest ranking of No.3 in 2000.(Currently not in the hall of fame).

2. Deontay Wilder - Held the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020. By winning the title, Wilder became the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007, which was the longest period of time in boxing history without an American heavyweight champion.

3. Hasim Rahman - He is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having held the unified WBC, IBF, IBO and lineal titles in 2001; and the WBC title again from 2005 to 2006. He was ranked as a top 10 heavyweight by BoxRec from 2000 to 2007, and reached his highest ranking of world No.6 in 2000

4. John Ruiz - Held the WBA heavyweight title twice between 2001 and 2005. The first Latino boxer to win a world heavyweight title.


5. Lamon Brewster - He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title from 2004 to 2006.

6. Roy Jones Jr. - Won the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title in 2003, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in 106 years. Undefeated at heavyweight 1-0.

7 Andy Ruiz - Unified world heavyweight champion, WBA, IBF, and WBO, IBO titles in 2019.

8. Evander Holyfield - Held the WBA title for a fourth time from 2000 to 2001

9. Shannon Briggs - (WBO) heavyweight title from 2006 to 2007.

10. Charles Martin - He held the IBF heavyweight title in 2016. His 85-day reign as champion is the second-shortest in heavyweight boxing history.



Everyone below Roy Jones, lost in their first title defense. Everyone above Roy Jones had a successful title defense, multiple title defenses or became a 2x heavyweight champion within the era of 2000-2025.

Shout out to Chris Byrd !!!!!!
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________

New Rankings base on comments and discussions. 6/28/25

1.Chris Byrd
2. Deontay Wilder
3.Hasim Rahman
4. Andy Ruiz
5. Lamon Brewster
6. John Ruiz
7. Shannon Briggs
8. Evander Holyfield
9. Roy Jones Jr.
10. Charles Martin


Shout out to Chris Byrd !!!!!!

Oh man. The best USA heavies from 2000-2025 in my opinion.

Byrd

Ruiz
Brewster

Rhaman
Briggs
Wilder

#7-#10 you could list serval USA men


I don't rate Jones as he was 1 time one and done heavyweight who used ROIDS.

[MalevolentBite]

Oh man. The best USA heavies from 2000-2025 in my opinion.

Byrd

Ruiz
Brewster

Rhaman
Briggs
Wilder

#7-#10 you could list serval USA men


I don't rate Jones as he was 1 time one and done heavyweight who used ROIDS.

I respect it.

People will jump on you for that Wilder ranking. He has alot of fan boys.

Til this Day !!!!!

[Dr Z]

I respect it.

People will jump on you for that Wilder ranking. He has alot of fan boys.

Til this Day !!!!!

Who is Wilder best win? I rest my case, every one above him defeated better. A well managed fighter he is/was with 0 wins over ring magazine ranked opponents who were under 35.

[MalevolentBite]

Who is Wilder best win? I rest my case, every one above him defeated better. A well managed fighter he is/was with 0 wins over ring magazine ranked opponents who were under 35.

I agree. Sad to say. Hes probably going to the Hall of fame. Its Crazy how Byrd isnt in though.

[QueensburyRules]

I agree. Sad to say. Hes probably going to the Hall of fame. Its Crazy how Byrd isnt in though.

- - Haymon will pay the Hall a nice sum to get he and Deyonce elected at the same time...

[MalevolentBite]

- - Haymon will pay the Hall a nice sum to get he and Deyonce elected at the same time...

I dont even think he would need to pay.

[QueensburyRules]

I dont even think he would need to pay.

- - Trust me, uncle Al pays...Deyonce...snickers...

[MalevolentBite]

Deontay has never beaten a current or former heavyweight champion in his era.