Who is the best heavyweight never to have fought for a world title?

Question

since 1937 (that takes out Harry Wills, Sam Langford, Sam McVea, Joe Jennette and all the others from the days of the "color bar" who didn't get a shot and who would otherwise top the list).

Answer 1

Bountygangboyblahblah. . . . . check your facts, my friend.  David Tua fought Lennox Lewis for the title, and froze like a deer in headlights.  Tua's one h**l of a fighter, and will probably get another shot at the title (deservedly), but the fact remains that he DID fight for the title, and lost nearly every round.  Tua's fight with Ike Ibeabuchi was LEGENDARY.  

I've gotta back MAURICE'S answer of Stevenson. . . Cuba's greatest heavyweight of all time.  Would have gone pro (and been champ) if Casto's regime had allowed it.  (Come to think of it. . . I can't name another Cuban heavyweight)

I'd say, in my own opinion, that Ibeabuchi, due to his own "bad wiring" could be the best heavy to never fight for the title. . . . . his jail time has probably sapped him of his skills. . .and if he does ever get out, I doubt we'll ever see him with gloves on again.  But oh man. . . .what COULD have been!

Answer 2

Tua did fight for a world title - I think the best that never fought for one was the guy who handed the Tuaman his first loss - Ike Ibeaubchi, he was powerful, fast hands(fast and technical enough to KO the slick Chris Byrd), and a chin strong enough to stand up to 12 action packed rounds with David Tua.

He was undefeated, primed to take over the division, but he was nuts so he went to jail and it never (well I suppose it still could) happened.

Answer 3

Jimmy Bivins

Nino Valdez

Bob Baker

Doug Jones

Elmer Ray

Answer 4

I have to say David Tua, 48th on the Ring Magazine's all-time greatest puncher list.

1)  First 27 victories (23 were KO's)

2) Tua ranks 2nd in most opponents knocked down in the first round, while Mike Tyson ranks first

3) Beat former Heavyweight Champs John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman and Oleg Maskaev all by KO

The guy was a great entertaining boxer to see, hopefully he gets his title shot against Klitschko this year.

Answer 5

the last guy who knocked tyson out.

Answer 6

Teofilo Stevenson, who never even turned pro, but could've been an all time (professional) great.