Rather than being handed out, the heavyweight crown is usually taken, and more often than not, by an American. These fighters made headlines, shook nations, and turned boxing into a global spectacle.

George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second act as a 45-year-old champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night.

Heavyweight boxing has always been about more than belts—it’s the mix of dominance, résumé (who you beat), longevity, and the moments that changed the sport. With that in mind, here are the nine ...