Longest Reaches in Boxing History: A Look at the Fighters with the Greatest Arm Lengths

Boxing is a sport that requires a combination of skill, strategy, and physical attributes to win. One of the most important physical attributes in boxing is reach, which measures the distance between a boxer’s fists and the ground. A longer reach can help a boxer keep their opponent at a distance, making it harder for them to land punches and increasing their chances of winning.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the boxers with the longest reaches in boxing history. From Gogea Mitu to Buster Douglas, we’ll explore the fighters who have used their arm span to their advantage in the ring. Whether you’re a boxing fan or just curious about the sport, keep reading to learn more about the boxers with the longest reaches in history.

Key Takeaways

• Reach is an important physical attribute in boxing that can give a fighter an advantage in the ring.
• Boxers with long reaches include Gogea Mitu, Julius Long, Michael Grant, Tyson Fury, Efe Ajagba, Lennox Lewis, Sonny Liston, and Buster Douglas.
• A longer reach can help a boxer keep their opponent at a distance, making it harder for them to land punches and increasing their chances of winning.

Longest Reaches In Boxing History

Boxing is a sport where reach is a crucial factor in determining a fighter’s success. A longer reach gives a fighter an advantage in having a greater offensive range and making it more challenging for their opponent to land punches. In the heavyweight division, where height and weight are less critical, reach can be a deciding factor. Here are the boxers with the longest reaches in boxing history:

Gogea Mitu

Gogea Mitu had the longest reach in boxing history, measuring at 93 inches. He was also the tallest professional boxer in history, standing at 7’4″, earning him world records. Mitu was known as the “Goliath of Romania” and had two fights as a heavyweight boxer, winning them both by knockout in the first round.

Julius Long

Julius Long had a reach length of 90 inches. Known as the “Towering Inferno”, he had a less successful career as a journeyman fighter in the heavyweight division. Despite his reach advantage for his fights, he ended his professional boxing career with a negative record of 20-24. Outside of boxing, he’s found great success as a professional chef.

Michael Grant

Michael Grant had a reach length of 86 inches. Known as “Big”, Grant had a successful career in his professional fights, winning multiple belts. He famously challenged Lennox Lewis for his titles in 2000 but didn’t last more than two rounds against the reigning champion.

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury, with a reach length of 85 inches, is still an active boxer and known in the ring as “The Gypsy King”. He’s the current WBC heavyweight champion and dominates his opponents with his long jabs and power shots, making him one of the greatest heavyweight boxers today.

Efe Ajagba

Efe Ajagba has a reach length of 85 inches. Known as “The Silent Roller”, Ajagba is a Nigerian heavyweight boxer with a stellar record of 18-1-0 who earned the WBC International Heavyweight Title in 2023. In action, he uses his arm length to keep his opponents out of attack range.

Lennox Lewis

Lennox Lewis had an arm span of 84 inches. Known in the boxing world as “The Lion”, his long reach made his jab and straight right hand dangerous. In addition to having a successful professional career in the heavyweight division, he also won a gold medal in the Olympics for boxing.

Sonny Liston

Sonny Liston had a reach length of 84 inches, helping him to defeat 39 of his opponents by knockout. Known as one of the most intimidating men in boxing, Liston dominated the heavyweight division for most of his career. Despite this significant reach advantage, Liston would lose twice for the world title to Muhammad Ali in 1964. During his rematch with Ali in 1965, Liston got knocked down in the first round, leading many boxing fans to believe that the match was rigged.

Buster Douglas

Buster Douglas had a reach length of 83 inches. He is most famous for his long-shot victory over Mike Tyson, one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. During this fight, Douglas used his 12-inch reach advantage over Tyson to knock him down and earn his place in boxing history.

In conclusion, reach is a crucial factor in determining a fighter’s success in boxing, especially in the heavyweight division. These boxers with the longest reaches in boxing history have used their arm length to their advantage, dominating their opponents and earning their place in boxing history.

Conclusion

While reach can be an advantage in boxing, it’s not always the deciding factor in who wins a fight. A boxer must use their reach properly to make it effective. For example, Buster Douglas used his reach advantage well to defeat Mike Tyson, while Muhammad Ali was able to dance around Sonny Liston’s reach advantage. It’s important for boxers to have the right equipment, including jump ropes, gloves, hand wraps, head gear, shoes, and groin protectors. However, ultimately it’s the boxer’s skills and strategy that determine their success in the ring, not just their physical attributes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who holds the record for the longest reach in boxing history?

The boxer with the longest reach in boxing history is Sonny Liston, who had a reach of 84 inches. However, there are several other boxers with impressive reaches, including Tyson Fury, Lennox Lewis, and Michael Grant, who all have reaches of 82 inches or more.

What is the significance of reach in boxing and how does it impact performance?

Reach is an important factor in boxing because it determines the distance a boxer can cover with their punches. A longer reach gives a boxer an advantage in terms of offensive range, as they can hit their opponent from a greater distance. It also means that their opponent has to travel a greater distance to land their punches, which can be a significant disadvantage.

How does Tyson Fury’s reach compare to other heavyweight boxers?

Tyson Fury has a reach of 85 inches, which is longer than most other heavyweight boxers in history. This gives him a significant advantage in the ring, as he can hit his opponents from a greater distance and keep them at bay with his long jab.

What was the reach of Sonny Liston, and how did it affect his boxing style?

Sonny Liston had a reach of 84 inches, which was the longest in boxing history. This gave him a significant advantage in the ring, as he could hit his opponents from a greater distance and keep them at bay with his jab. Liston was known for his powerful punches and aggressive style, which were made even more effective by his long reach.

Can a boxer’s reach be a decisive factor in winning matches?

A boxer’s reach can certainly be a decisive factor in winning matches, as it can give them a significant advantage in terms of offensive range and defensive capabilities. However, there are many other factors that can also impact the outcome of a match, including skill, strategy, and physical conditioning.

How is reach measured in boxing and who are some notable boxers with long reaches?

Reach is measured in boxing by measuring the distance between a boxer’s armpit and the end of their fist when their arm is fully extended. Some notable boxers with long reaches include Sonny Liston, Tyson Fury, Lennox Lewis, Michael Grant, and Efe Ajagba.