10: Best Euro heavyweights ever

A weekly boxing list compiled by Michael Rosenthal. This week: In honor of Ingemar Johansson, the best European heavyweights of all-time.

1. Lennox Lewis (G. Britain) 41-2-1 (32 KOs); 1989-2003: Possibly the best heavyweight of his era.
2. Max Schmeling (Germany) 56-10-4 (40 KOs); 1924-48: Knocked out a young, strong Joe Louis.
3. Tommy Farr (G. Britain) 81-30-13 (24 KOs); 1926-53: Gave top Americans all they could handle.
4. Joe Bugner (G. Britain) 69-13-1 (41 KOs); 1967-99: Gave both Ali and Frazier tough fights.
5. Vitali Klitschko (Ukraine) 36-2 (35 KOs); 1996-present: The tougher of the gigantic brothers.
6. Wladimir Klitschko (Ukraine) 52-3 (46 KOs); 1996-present: The more-athletic of the gigantic brothers.
7. Ingemar Johansson (Sweden) 26-2 (17 KOs); 1952-63: Had unforgettable trilogy with Patterson.
8.Paulino Uzcudun (Spain) 50-17-3 (34 KOs); 1923-35: Long-time contender beat Baer, Wills.
9. Henry Cooper (G. Britain) 40-14-1 (27 KOs); 1954-71: Almost knocked out a young Ali.
10. Karl Mildenberger (Germany) 53-6-3 (19 KOs); 1958-68: Southpaw gave Ali trouble.

Note: Bob Fitzsimmons, a former heavyweight champion, was born in Great Britain but immigrated with his family to New Zealand when he was 9 and never fought in Europe.

Michael Rosenthal can be reached at theringeditor@yahoo.com