Teddy Atlas, one of the most respected trainers in boxing history, has ignited debate after naming his pick for the greatest British boxer of all time-and it’s not who most fans expected. Speaking on his podcast The Fight with Teddy Atlas, the veteran coach crowned Jimmy Wilde, a Welsh flyweight from the early 1900s, as his number one choice.
Wilde, known as The Mighty Atom, competed from 1911 to 1923 and compiled an astonishing professional record of 132-4-1, according to BoxRec. Despite competing over a century ago, his dominance in the flyweight division and world champion status left a lasting impression on boxing history-and clearly on Atlas as well.
Modern legends left off the list
What makes Atlas’s list even more surprising is not just who made it, but who didn’t. Heavyweight king Tyson Fury and fan-favorite Chris Eubank were both absent from the trainer’s top 10. Even Lennox Lewis, a former undisputed world champion and Olympic gold medalist, didn’t crack the top five, landing only at number six.
Joe Calzaghe, the undefeated Welsh champion with a 46-0 record, placed fifth-trailing behind names that are virtually unknown to casual fans today.
Old-school fighters dominate Atlas’s ranking
Atlas’s list is a tribute to boxing’s early pioneers. In second place, he named Bob Fitzsimmons, the heavyweight who fought between 1885 and 1914. Third went to Ted “Kid” Lewis, with a staggering 189 wins. Jack “Kid” Berg, another vintage standout, landed at number four.
Even Roberto Duran’s toughest opponent, Ken Buchanan, made the list at number seven, highlighting Atlas’s appreciation for grit and legacy over modern fame.
A list sure to spark debate
While many would argue that recent champions have raised the bar in terms of athleticism, media presence, and global reach, Atlas seems to prioritize historical dominance and raw record. His decision to name Wilde-a fighter whose prime predates television-over more recent icons like Fury or Hatton, is bound to ruffle feathers among younger fans.
Still, love it or hate it, Atlas’s list has succeeded in what boxing does best: keeping the fight going, even outside the ring.
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