7. Barbados Joe Walcott
Not to be confused with the heavyweight of the same name, this pint-sized puncher ruled supreme at the dawn of the gloved era. Despite being only 5ft 2ins, Walcott faced heavyweights.
He won the title from James Rube Ferns in five rounds in 1901 and was involved in one of boxing’s darkest moments three years later when disqualified for no reason against Dixie Kid.
The result was scrubbed when it was discovered the ref had bet heavily on Kid.
Walcott’s career came to a close when he accidentally shot himself in the hand during a New Year’s party. He won 104 of 166 contests.
