Larry Holmes reached 48-0 before dropping a close decision to Michael Spinks in 1985. Holmes had already made 20 successful heavyweight title defenses, yet much of the conversation focused on his failure to equal Marciano. That reduced an extraordinary championship reign to a comparison with a fighter from a different era.
Joe Calzaghe also retired without a loss, closing his career against Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. Hopkins remained a dangerous opponent who later captured another world title, while Jones was well removed from his prime. Calzaghe’s damaged hands and long championship run gave him good r
