Following the name of the champion(s): Indicates the number of times the competitor has held that title at that point.
[...]
Indicates a gap in the listing where title changes are not known.
<
Title was held or changed hands no later than this. In these cases, it is known that a competitor held the title at a certain time but not when he/she won it.
@
Order uncertain. Different titleholders may be known for the same year, for example, but it is not known who held the title before whom.
#
Unofficial or disputable claims. These are usually matches that certainly took place, but where there is doubt that the competitor shown should be recognized as a true title holder. These listings are also italicized.
International Boxing Union
World Heavyweight Title
Jack Johnson
1913-12
Has defeated Tommy Burns for the world title on 08-12-26 in Sydney, NSW, AUS; initially reported as not being recognized by IBU upon its inception due to his refusal of challenges of other boxers, notably Sam Langford (The Washington Times, 13-11-06); IBU announces, however, that Johnson is still the champon on 13-12-11 (Associated Press).
Jess Willard #
1915-04-05
Havana, CUB
Defeats Johnson but is initially not recognized by IBU.
Jack Dempsey
1919-07-04
Toledo, OH, USA
Defeats Willard; officially recognized by IBU at its convention on 20-02-05 (The Sandusky Star-Journal, Sandusky, OH, USA, 20-02-06) and again on 23-11-18 (The Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa, ON, CAN, 23-11-19).
Gene Tunney
1926-09-23
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Vacant on 28-07-31 upon retirement.
Max Schmeling
1930-06-12
Bronx, NY, USA
Defeats Jack Sharkey and recognized by IBU, NYSAC, and NBA; recognized by IBU at its convention on 32-05-22 (The San Francisco Examiner, 32-05-23).
Jack Sharkey
1932-06-21
Long Island City, NY
Primo Carnera
1933-06-29
Long Island City, NY, USA
Loses to Max Baer on 34-06-14 in Long Island City, NY, USA but continues to be recognized as champion in Europe; recognition withdrawn by IBU on 34-12-08 for participating in irregular bouts.
Max Baer
1934-12-08
Has defeated Carnera for NYSAC and NBA titles on 34-06-14 in Long Island City, NY, USA; officially recognized by IBU on 34-12-08; stripped of the title on 35-05-06 for failure to defend it against Pierre Charles.
George Godfrey (Feab Smith Williams)
1935-10-02
Brussels, BEL
Defeats Pierre Charles for the vacant title; stripped of the title on 36-09-01 for failure to pay within 3 months the fine imposed on him for appearing late in the ring; IBU announces a match between Jim Braddock and Max Schmeling crowns a new champion.
Max Schmeling [2]
1937-06-25
Awarded after Jim Braddock refuses to fight for the vacant title; declared vacant on 37-08-16.
Joe Louis
1938-04
Has defeated Jim Braddock to win NYSAC and NBA titles on 37-06-22; recognized by the World Boxing Commission in 38-04 (International News Service, 38-04-22); IBU is replaced by Associazione Pugilistica Professionistica Europea in 42-06 under the control of the Nazis and the Fascists.
