1. JOHN CONTEH
One of Britain’s classiest post-World War II operators, Kirkby’s Conteh held the WBC light-heavyweight title from 1974-77, losing it not in the ring but due to promotional disputes outside it. Once he realised he wouldn’t grow into a heavyweight, the former two-weight ABA champion concentrated on the 175lbs division, where he could best use his smooth boxing skills and hurtful dig.