Can You Identify These '70s Boxers From a Screenshot?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These '70s Boxers From a Screenshot?
Image: Wiki Commons by Arquivo Nacional

About This Quiz

It would be easy to call the 1970s the decade of "Ali," but in reality, a variety of talented boxers came through the ring during those years. Led by the heavyweight division, which many considered to be in its Golden Age, the '70s gave boxing fans some stellar bouts fueled by fierce rivalries. 

Of course, the best fights were not limited to the heavyweight division, even if it was the most popular at the time with names like Joe Frazier and Ken Norton. Instead, the action was spread across a variety of weight classes. There were national icons like Roberto Duran and small, power hitters such as Wilfredo Gomez, who were making boxing a spectacle no matter the weight of the fighter. 

Will you be able to identify all of the boxers who made the sport a booming industry in the '70s? From South America to Asia, these fighters came from all over the world to compete at the highest level. To get them all correct, you'll have to know your boxing. 

If you're ready to take a pounding, get started with this boxer identification quiz and see if you can throw enough counterpunches to score a knockout. 

Muhammad Ali
Wiki Commons by Ira Rosenberg
This heavyweight was kicked out of the sport for a few years because he refused to be drafted into the military. Who is he?
Muhammad Ali
Joe Frazier
Ken Norton
Larry Holmes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At 22 years old, Muhammad Ali won his first world heavyweight championship from Sonny Liston. The pair had a rematch a year later for the same title belt, with Ali again coming out victorious in a first-round knockout. The outspoken Ali refused to be drafted into the Army, citing religious beliefs and his opposition to the war in Vietnam.

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Roberto Duran
Wiki Commons by Jim Accordino
What's the name of this champion who held belts in four weight classes?
Ken Buchanan
Roberto Duran
Jose Napoles
Ruben Olivares
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roberto Duran had extreme punching power, earning him the nickname "Hands of Stone." In 119 fights with 103 victories, Duran proved his punching power by winning 70 of those fights by knockout.

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Sugar Ray Leonard
Wiki Commons by City of Boston Archives
Are you familiar with this boxer who fought with an orthodox stance?
Roberto Duran
Wilfred Benitez
"Sugar" Ray Leonard
Leon Spinks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though he rose to prominence in the 1970s, "Sugar" Ray Leonard helped revolutionize the lower weight classes in the 1980s as one of "The Fabulous Four." His skill in these classes made him one of the best pound for pound fighters of all time.

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Floyd Patterson
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
How familiar are you with this boxer who fought his last match against Muhammad Ali?
Floyd Patterson
Charlie Harris
Vic Brown
Terry Daniels
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Floyd Patterson might have been past his prime when the '70s rolled around, but he was still a top-level boxer in the early part of the decade. Patterson won nine fights in the '70s and had only one loss during that time before leaving the sport. He also dabbled in acting, his credits including the television series, "Wild Wild West."

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Marvelous Marvin Hagler
CBS Sports
Which former undisputed middleweight champion is this?
Carlos Monzon
Alexis Arguello
"Marvelous" Marvin Hagler
Bob Foster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After becoming the undisputed middleweight champion, "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler defended his title 12 times without a loss. Most of those fights he won by knockout, though he did have a 15 round slugfest against Roberto Duran that ended with a unanimous decision victory for Hagler.

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Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Wiki Commons by Ganglandboss
Who is this defensive specialist from the welterweight division?
Joe Armour
Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Freddie Jones
Darryl Penn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After leaving the ring, Floyd Mayweather Sr. trained his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr. The latter surpassed his father in the ring, finishing his career with an undefeated record and holding titles in five weight classes.

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Ruben Olivares
Ring Television
Can you name this fighter who represented the Mexican style of boxing?
Jerry Quarry
Ken Buchanan
Ruben Olivares
Jimmy Young
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ruben Olivares possessed a deadly left hook that helped send 49 of his first 52 opponents to the ground, with a knockout count as the end result. Olivares won his first title in his 53rd fight, finishing the fight against Takao Sakurai with a knockout in the sixth round.

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Earnie Shavers
CBS
Do you recognize this power puncher from the United States?
Roy Williams
Earnie Shavers
Henry Clark
Oliver Wright
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Earnie Shavers never won a world title, but he did have the opportunity to fight twice for championships. His final chance to win a world title came against Larry Holmes. Shavers went toe to toe with Holmes until he was knocked out in the 11th round.

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Alexis Arguello
CBS Sports
Do you recognize this fighter who wasn't afraid to jump up weight classes?
Emile Griffith
Alexis Arguello
Eder Jofre
Jose Napoles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Utilizing an upright stance and a well-placed jab, Alexis Arguello was one of the best defensive boxers of his time. The typical fan probably saw this style as dull, but true boxing experts could appreciate the chess game Arguello could play in the ring.

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Joe Frazier
Wiki Commons by Hans Peters (ANEFO), Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksfotoarchief: Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Fotopersbureau (ANEFO)
Can you identify this boxer who finished his career with a tie against Floyd Cummings?
Jerry Quarry
Joe Frazier
George Chuvalo
Jimmy Young
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known for putting pressure on his opponents, Joe Frazier was a relentless swinger in the ring. This style of fighting was one of the main reasons that 27 of his 32 victories came by knockout.

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George Foreman
Wiki Commons by Bert Verhoeff, Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksfotoarchief: Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Fotopersbureau
You might recognize which boxer shown here for promoting his grill?
Larry Holmes
Ken Norton
Bob Foster
George Foreman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Foreman proved that age is just a number when he defeated Michael Moorer for the unified WBA, IBF and lineal titles at the age of 45. The win made Foreman the oldest world heavyweight champion in history.

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Larry Holmes
Wiki Commons by TSGT W.D. Boradman
Few boxers had the jab power of which heavyweight depicted here?
Earnie Shavers
Leon Spinks
Ken Norton
Larry Holmes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry Holmes, who was mentored by Muhammad Ali, was the only fighter to stop Ali before the final bell rang. The fight took place near the end of Ali's career, a time when Parkinson's disease had already begun to take its toll on Ali.

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Vito Antuofermo
ESPN
Few fighters had the heart of which boxer depicted in this image?
"Sugar" Ray Seales
James Redford
Vito Antuofermo
Tracy Morrison
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1979, Vito Antuofermo defended his middleweight title against "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler. The fight went 15 rounds and ended in a controversial draw, allowing Antuofermo to keep his title belt.

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James Tillis
Wiki Commons by Jamesquicktillis
Have you watched enough boxing to name this heavyweight?
Al Bell
Dave Watkins
Henry Porter
James Tillis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Tiller rose through the boxing ranks in the late '70s, winning 12 straight fights to complete the decade. However, it was in 1986 that he famously fought Mike Tyson to a decision. Though the decision favored Tyson, Tiller was the first fighter to push Tyson to the finish. He says his nickname, the Fighting Cowboy, was given to him by Muhammad Ai.

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Ken Norton
Wiki Commons by Mondadori Publishers
Can you identify this heavyweight who had tough bouts with competitors like Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes?
Bob Foster
Jimmy Young
Jerry Quarry
Ken Norton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ken Norton received the only world heavyweight title of his career after Leon Spinks forfeited the belt. He lost the title to Larry Holmes not long after gaining it. Holmes defeated Norton by split decision.

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Carlos Ortiz
Wiki Commons by Allie Zack, Manager, NYC
Can you identify this boxer who is one of the best pound for pound fighters in history?
John Tate
Carlos Ortiz
Pierre Fourie
Hugo Corro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carlos Ortiz fought from an early age, but it wasn't in the ring. The future International Boxing Hall of Famer grew up on the tough streets of New York City. After learning to fight on the streets, Ortiz transitioned to professional boxing when he turned 18.

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Carlos Manzon
Youtube via Boxing Hall of Fame Las Vegas
How well do you know this middleweight who was an icon in Argentina?
Carlos Manzon
Emile Griffith
Eder Jofre
Ruben Olivares
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carlos Monzon had a tough life growing up. As a boy living in Argentina, he was sold to fight. He eventually found his way into professional boxing. After three early losses, Monzon went 81 fights with either a victory or a draw.

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Jimmy Ellis
Wiki Commons by Unknown
An orthodox fighter from Louisville, Kentucky, who is this world-class fighter?
Leon Spinks
Alan Minter
Ronnie Harris
Jimmy Ellis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jimmy Ellis had two championship fights in the '70s, both ending in losses. Of course, those fights were also in the stacked heavyweight division against two of the greatest boxers of all time, Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.

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Wilfred Benitez
Wiki Commons by Prebbleqram
Does this Puerto Rican boxer have a familiar face?
Wilfred Benitez
Carlos Zarate Serna
Esteban de Jesus
Ruben Olivares
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Turning pro at 15, Wilfred Benitez was the youngest fighter in the history of boxing to win a world title. He was only 17 years old when he won the title by defeating Antonio Cervantes in a match that was decided by split decision.

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Oscar Bonavena
Wiki Commons by Unknown
Do you know this heavyweight known for his wild boxing style?
Leroy Caldwell
Lou Bailey
Oscar Bonavena
Santiago Lovell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oscar Bonavena had one of the toughest fights of his career against Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title. The match went to the 15th round, where Ali knocked Bonavena down to the mat on three occasions, finishing in a loss for Bonavena.

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Wilfredo Gomez
Youtube via Boxing Hall of Fame Las Vegas
Which famous knockout artist do you see here?
Carlos Zarate Serna
Wilfredo Gomez
Antonio Cervantes
Vincente Saldivar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though small in stature at 5 feet, 5 inches tall, Wilfredo Gomez could throw a punch like no one's business. While at his best in the ring, Gomez won an astounding 32 straight fights by knockout.

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Ron Lyle
Wiki Commons by Cliff Mattax
You might remember which boxer shown here for his tough fight against George Foreman?
Boone Kirkman
Jimmy Young
Stan Ward
Ron Lyle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ron Lyle didn't have his first professional fight until the age of 30, partly because he spent time in prison during his early life. According to Lyle, one of the prison guards got him interested in the sport during his time behind bars.

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Emile Griffith
Shoot the Moon Productions
Have you been into boxing long enough to identify this fighter who had more than 100 professional fights?
Teofilo Stevenson
Jerry Quarry
Jose Napoles
Emile Griffith
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Emile Griffith had a professional boxing career that spanned from 1958 until 1977. After he left the sport as a boxer, he turned to training, where he helped boxers like Wilfred Benitez and Juan Laporte win championships.

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Teofilo Stevenson
Wiki Commons by Settnik, Bernd
You might recognize which boxer shown here as an Olympic gold medal winner?
Esteban de Jesus
Teofilo Stevenson
Carlos Zarate Serna
Antonio Cervantes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Teofilo Stevenson was known throughout the '70s for his lethal right hand that sent many fighters to the mat. Even when fighters knew about the power his right hand held, they could do little to defend against it, earning Stevenson three gold medals during his prime.

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Michael Dokes
ESPN
Can you identify this fighter who had 53 professional wins?
Jimmy Young
Earl Tripp
Michael Dokes
Ira Martin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An American fighter out of Akron, Ohio, Michael Dokes had a successful amateur career before turning to pros in 1976. One of his best accomplishments as an amateur was winning a silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games.

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Leon Spinks
Wiki Commons by Johnmaxmena
What's the name of this fighter known for his unique grin?
Leon Spinks
Jimmy Young
Jerry Quarry
Ronnie Harris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After seven victories and one tie, Leon Spinks was given the biggest fight of his career in a heavyweight title match against Muhammad Ali. This took place in 1978. Spinks got the win in what was the only fight Ali lost while holding the title belt.

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Victor Galindez
Wiki Commons by S/D
Are you familiar with this light heavyweight who is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame?
Eusebio Pedroza
Victor Galindez
Pierre Fourie
John Tate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After the WBA light heavyweight title became vacant in 1974, Victor Galindez challenged Len Hutchins for the belt. The fight carried into the 13th round, during which Galindez secured a knockout victory.

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Duane Bobick
Wiki Commons by Panini
What's the name of this boxer who was part of the 1972 U.S. Olympic team?
Muhammad Ali
Joe Frazier
Henry Clark
Duane Bobick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Throughout his career, Duane Bobick had the power to knock opponents out, winning his first 19 professional fights by knockout. Bobick's career began with a 38-0 record before he lost to Ken Norton in 1977.

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Bob Foster
Youtube via Boxing Hall of Fame Las Vegas
Nicknamed "The Deputy Sheriff," which boxer is this?
Rodrigo Valdez
Alan Minter
Bob Foster
Ronnie Harris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though he fought in an orthodox stance, Bob Foster could throw a powerful punch with both hands. He used that power primarily in the light heavyweight division, but occasionally, Foster moved up to the heavyweight division, where the pay was much higher.

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George Chuvalo
CBC Sports
Are you able to identify this heavyweight who fought for the pride of Canada?
Jimmy Ellis
Ken Buchanan
George Chuvalo
Jerry Quarry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Two of George Chuvalo's most famous fights were losses to the great Muhammad Ali. Chuvalo managed to push both matches to the final bell, but the judges ruled in Ali's favor. For his determination, Ali referred to Chuvalo as one of the toughest fighters he has ever faced.

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Yum Dong-kyun
Wiki Commons by 대한민국 정부
He represented South Korea in the ring. Which fighter is this?
Yum Dong-kyun
Hong Soo-hwan
Yoshida Shuzo
Tiger Osano
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Making his boxing debut in 1970, Yum Dong-kyun had a relatively short boxing career compared to most fighters. He ended his career in 1980 after his bout against Hong Soo-hwan ended in a draw.

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Bruno Arcari
Wiki Commons by Unknown
Is this Italian fighter with only two loses on his resume a boxer you recognize?
Vincente Saldivar
Alan Minter
Bruno Arcari
Pedro Carrasco
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After losing the first fight of his career, Bruno Arcari fought 72 more bouts as a professional. Only one of those fights was a loss and another a tie. The rest of the fights went to Arcari.

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Jose Napoles
Wiki Commons by Unknown
Is this former World Welterweight Champion a boxer you remember?
Jose Napoles
Ruben Olivares
George Chuvalo
Jimmy Ellis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Throughout his career, Jose Napoles displayed the ability to beat his opponents to a pulp. In his title fight against Curtis Cokes, Napoles knocked Cokes around so bad that the referee had to stop the fight in the 13th round.

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Pedro Carrasco
CanalSurTelevision
This fighter was an icon in Spain. Who is he?
Pedro Carrasco
Carlos Zarate Serna
Esteban de Jesus
Jose Cuevas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After one loss early in his career, Pedro Carrasco won 83 consecutive fights and didn't have another loss until his 92nd fight. He finished his career with 116 wins and only three losses.

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Eder Jofre
Wiki Commons by Arquivo Nacional
This Brazilian fighter had one of the hardest punches for his size. What's his name?
Carlos Zarate Serna
Eder Jofre
Ken Buchanan
Jerry Quarry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before starting his professional career, Eder Jofre competed in the Olympics, losing in the quarterfinals of the competition. He wouldn't lose another match until he faced Fighting Harada, who captured Jofre's bantamweight title.

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Vincente Saldivar
Wiki Commons by Associated Press
Do you know this left-handed featherweight?
Esteban de Jesus
Jimmy Young
Antonio Cervantes
Vincente Saldivar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known for his endurance, Vicente Saldivar was a relentless southpaw fighter who enjoyed attacking the body of opposing fighters on the defense. Saldivar's style allowed him to maintain power into later rounds, where he could secure the win with a knockout.

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Rudi Lubbers
Wiki Commons by Jack de Nijs / Anefo
He was a competitor who twice appeared in the Summer Olympics. Is this boxer familiar to you?
Rudi Lubbers
Chuck Wepner
Joe Bugner
Jimmy Young
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As with most boxers competing in the heavyweight division in the '70s, Rudi Lubbers had to complete his right of passage by taking a bout against Muhammad Ali. The fight went to Ali, but Rubbers at least went all 12 rounds with the champ.

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Ismael Laguna
Wiki Commons by MCSN FINLEY WILLIAMS, USN
Does this member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame have a familiar face?
Ismael Laguna
Jimmy Young
Antonio Cervantes
Arnold Taylor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Throughout his career, Ismael Laguna proved he was one of the best defensive boxers with one of the toughest jaws in the sport. He competed in 75 fights and was never knocked to the mat.

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Jose Legra
Wiki Commons by Unknown
A featherweight champion from Cuba, how familiar are you with this boxer?
Victor Galindez
Mando Ramos
Pedro Carrasco
Jose Legra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With the ability to avoid hard blows, Jose Legra preserved his body over a long career, during which he fought 150 bouts. The Cuban right-hander had only 12 losses.

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Wiki Commons by Arquivo Nacional