Highlights

• The welterweight division is a showcase of elite boxing talent, with legends like Floyd Mayweather and Thomas Hearns dominating the ring.
• Boxers like Felix Trinidad and Kid Gavilan utilized their signature skills to reign as welterweight champions, showcasing their unique styles.
• Pernell Whitaker and Sugar Ray Leonard mastered the art of boxing, becoming legendary figures with defensive skills and aggressive punches.

The welterweight division has been one of boxing's most popular over the years. Many of the sport's pound for pound kings made their name at welterweight. The high level of skill necessary to succeed at welterweight is why many greats have been considered the best fighters in the sport during their peak at welterweight.

The great welterweights have made an impact on boxing for numerous generations with stars such as Floyd Mayweather and Thomas Hearns leaving a legacy in the division.

10 Barney Ross Used Childhood Trauma To Succeed

Ross Had A Tremendous Chin

The child of Jewish immigrants, Barney Ross had a rough childhood growing up in the tough streets of Chicago and New York City. Ross used the pain of losing his father to gun violence as a child to become a boxer. Ross was a pressure fighter who could box, but was at his best when he dominated the middle of the ring. Ross was able to walk through shots because of his strong chin. Ross was never knocked out during his career: something that he took pride in. A two-time welterweight champion, Ross also won the light welterweight and lineal lightweight titles.

9 Emile Griffith Used His Small Frame To His Advantage

Griffith Also Won The Middleweight And Light Middleweight Championship

The former Undisputed welterweight champion, Emile Griffith, was a slick boxer with great speed. Griffith was known for his combination punching. While Griffith didn't have a lot of power, his constant punch combinations often overwhelmed opponents. Griffith used lots of feints defensively and would often crouch down to avoid his opponent's punches.

8 Thomas Hearns Was One Of Boxing's Top Sluggers

Hearns Had A 90 Percent KO Rate At Welterweight

The first boxer to win World Titles in five weight classes, Thomas Hearns was a feared puncher. He was immortalized in boxing history through his wars with Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler. With a long and lean physique, Hearns had extreme power in his right hand. Hearns' 78 inch reach meant he always stayed in distance to land. Like most KO artists, once Hearns had his opponent hurt on the ropes, the fight was over.

7 Kid Gavilan Reigned As Undisputed Welterweight Champion For Three Years

Gavilan Would Often Switch Styles During Fights

Welterweight king Kid Gavilan had a somewhat technical style. Gavilan had excellent footwork, which he showed off defensively to avoid punches. Offensively, Gavilan preferred to box behind his jab, but he would definitely fight aggressively. He'd throw power shots from unorthodox angles, which often surprised and hurt his opponents.

6 Felix Trinidad Was The Modern Boxer/Puncher

Trinidad's Left Hook Was A Lethal Weapon

​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​A strong boxer/puncher, Felix Trinidad was welterweight champion for nearly a decade. Trinidad had a tremendous left hook. Trinidad produced several highlight reel knockouts with that punch. Trinidad also had a strong jab and a good body attack. Trinidad also kept a high guard, which made him difficult to hit sometimes.

5 Pernell Whitaker Mastered The Sweet Science

Whittaker Is Universally Considered One Of The Best Defensive Fighters Ever

​​​​​​​

Pernell Whitaker had a legendary Hall of Fame career by sticking to one of boxing's primary agendas: hit and don't get hit. Whitaker often angered his and embarrassed his opponents because they were unable to hit him while he racked up points behind a great jab. Whittaker was an entertainer who liked to have a good time in the ring. The former welterweight champion also reigned as the unified lightweight champion and won titles at light welterweight and light middleweight.

4 Henry Armstrong Is A Legend

Armstrong Was Boxing's First Belt Collector

​​​​​​​

Henry Armstrong made over 15 defenses while welterweight champion. Armstrong was a high-pressure fighter who loved fighting in close quarters. Armstrong had a good jab, great body attack, and a strong chin. He didn't have one punch knockout power, but often wore down his opponents through sheer aggression.

3 Sugar Ray Leonard Was One Of Boxing's Most Beloved Champions

Leonard Was Considered The Face Of Boxing At One Point

​​​​​​​

Sugar Ray Leonard won world titles in 5 weight classes, including the undisputed welterweight title. Leonard had an exciting, fan-friendly style: quick combinations with lots of speed and power. Leonard's "shoe shining" rapid fire hooks and uppercuts became part of his signature style. Leonard also perfected the bolo punch, which he loved to use when he knew his opponent was in trouble.

2 Floyd Mayweather Retired Undefeated

Floyd Mayweather Won The Lineal Welterweight Title On Two Occasions

​​​​​​​Floyd Mayweather is one of the most accurate boxers of all time. Mayweather had enough power to keep his opponent honest, but was fine simply working behind the jab and winning decisions. Mayweather is also one of the best defensive fighters ever. He's extremely elusive due to his footwork and timing. He also perfected the shoulder roll defensive stance.

1 Sugar Ray Robinson Was Undefeated For Nearly A Decade

Robinson Had A Killer Instinct

​​​​​​​Considered by many as the best boxer of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson held the welterweight title for 5 years. Robinson had a versatile offensive style: he could box, punch, brawl, and throw punches from unique angles. Robinson also had a strong chin, having only suffered one knockout loss during his career. Robinson often referred to boxing as a dance and he had the perfect rhythm.