Benny Leonard

Benny Leonard (born Benjamin Leiner; April 7, 1896 – April 18, 1947) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1911 to 1932. He held the world lightweight title from 1917 to 1925, making him the longest-reigning champion in the division's history. He is widely regarded not only as one of the greatest lightweights ever, but also as one of the sport's all-time greats.

In 1944, Leonard was awarded the Edward J. Neil Trophy by the Boxing Writers Association of New York. The Ring magazine named him Fighter of the Decade for the 1920s. Leonard was inducted into The Ring magazine Hall of Fame (1955), the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1979), the World Boxing Hall of Fame (1980), the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990), and the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1996).

In 1997, The Sporting News named Leonard the "Best Boxer of the Last 75 Years". Leonard was ranked 8th on The Ring magazine's list of the "80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years" and placed 7th in ESPN's "50 Greatest Boxers of All-Time". In 2005, the International Boxing Research Organization ranked Leonard as the #1 lightweight, and #8 best pound-for-pound fighter of all time. Statistical website BoxRec rates Leonard as the 2nd best lightweight ever, while The Ring magazine founder Nat Fleischer placed him at #2. Boxing historian Bert Sugar placed him 6th in his Top 100 Fighters catalogue.