The Best Boxing Nicknames of All-Time

We take a look at some of the best boxing nicknames of all-time.

Nicknames are part of life’s fabric, whether at school, work, or among mates.

They might reflect a quirky trait, a daft moment, or a bond of friendship. In boxing, though, a nickname is more than a label - it’s a badge of honour, a psychological edge, or a reflection of raw power in the ring.

For over two centuries, fighters have stepped into the squared circle with monikers that amplify their presence.

From Tom Cribb, the bare-knuckle brawler dubbed “The Black Diamond” in the 1800s for his coal-porter grit, to modern icons, boxing nicknames are legendary, and we take a look at ten of the greatest of all time.

No.1 - 'The Raging Bull' - Jake LaMotta

Giacobbe “Jake” LaMotta was a force of nature, both in and out of the ring.

His nickname, “Raging Bull,” captured his ferocious style - relentless, fiery, and unyielding.

LaMotta’s rage fuelled iconic bouts, like his wars with Sugar Ray Robinson, but also shadowed his turbulent personal life.

Immortalised in Martin Scorsese’s film, this moniker is as much a psychological portrait as a boxing legacy.

No.2 - 'The Hitman' Thomas Hearns

Thomas Hearns’ right hand was a sniper’s bullet, earning him the chilling nickname “The Hitman.”

Though he started as the “Motor City Cobra,” reflecting his Detroit roots and venomous precision, “The Hitman” carried the menace of his 17 straight knockouts to open his career.

Hearns’ lanky frame belied his devastating power, making him a feared figure across multiple weight classes in the 1980s.

No.3 - 'Touch of Sleep' - DaVarryl Williamson

Evoking a 1930s film noir, “Touch of Sleep” is a poetic nod to DaVarryl Williamson’s ability to send opponents to dreamland with his thunderous right hand.

Though his pro career never matched his amateur promise, Williamson’s nickname encapsulates boxing’s brutal essence - delivering a knockout blow.

It’s a moniker that lingers, even if his world title dreams faded.

No.4 - 'Six Heads' - Andrew Lewis

Andrew Lewis’ nickname has a cracking backstory.

As a seven-year-old amateur, the Guyana-born New Yorker hit an opponent so hard the poor lad claimed he saw “six heads” and quit.

“Six Heads” stuck, fitting Lewis’ bone-rattling power. With 20 knockouts in 23 wins, including a stoppage of James Page for the WBA welterweight title, this nickname is pure boxing folklore.

No.5 - 'Hands of Stone' - Roberto Duran

Known as “Manos de Piedra” in his native Panama, Roberto Durán’s “Hands of Stone” moniker is boxing royalty.

Rumour has it he once floored a horse with a punch (or so he’d boast).

Widely hailed as the greatest lightweight ever, Durán’s granite fists and ferocious spirit terrorised opponents across four weight classes.

This nickname is as enduring as his legacy.

No.6 - 'Second to None' - Michael Nunn

Michael Nunn’s nickname, “Second to None,” was a bold declaration of supremacy.

A silky yet savage southpaw, Nunn lived up to the hype, claiming world titles at middleweight and super-middleweight in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

His nickname radiated confidence, daring opponents to prove him wrong.

Few could, as Nunn’s slick style and power left them reeling.

No.7 - 'The Explosive Thin Man' - Alexis Arguello

At 5’10” and a featherweight frame, Alexis Argüello looked like he needed a good meal, yet “The Explosive Thin Man” was a destroyer, turning his lanky build into a knockout machine.

The Nicaraguan legend was a three-time world champion, blending elegance with devastating power.

His nickname perfectly captures his deceptive lethality.

No.8 - 'Thunder' - Arturo Gatti

Atlantic City is known for hurricanes, but Arturo Gatti brought the “Thunder.”

His fights were electrifying, keeping fans on their feet with heart-stopping action. Gatti’s relentless style and iron chin created storms opponents struggled to weather.

A human highlight reel, “Thunder” Gatti delivered drama that defined boxing’s golden age of the 1990s and 2000s.

No.9 - 'Marvelous' - Marvin Hagler

Marvin Hagler didn’t just embrace his nickname - he made it law.

In 1982, he legally became “Marvelous Marvin Hagler,” fed up with media ignoring his chosen moniker.

A middleweight titan, Hagler’s relentless wars against the likes of Thomas Hearns and John Mugabi were, well, Marvelous.

His nickname was a testament to his greatness and unshakeable will.

No.10 - 'The Real Deal - Evander Holyfield

Simple yet powerful, “The Real Deal” summed up Evander Holyfield’s essence.

From cruiserweight to heavyweight, Holyfield brought skill, heart, and fearless power.

His 1996 upset of Mike Tyson - outmuscling and outsmarting “Iron Mike” - showcased his grit.

This nickname resonates as a tribute to a warrior who was always authentic, in and out of the ring.