In the realm of professional fighting, we delineate three distinct categories: boxing, characterized by the use of hands only; kickboxing, which incorporates hands, feet, elbows, and knees; and MMA, where ground fighting is a pivotal component. In this compilation, we'll delve into the realm of kickboxing, spotlighting the finest practitioners of the craft. To compile this list, we've heeded the counsel of legendary kickboxers and astute promoters who have intimately witnessed the sport's evolution and brilliance.
Benny the Jet Urquidez made multiple lists and is considered by many to be the world's greatest kickboxer of all time.
Record: 63–0 with 57 KOs
Contributors: Scott Coker, Jeff Smith, Joe Corley, Graciela Casillas, Hillary Sandoval and Mike Sawyer.
The list is in alphabetical order:
Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts
Troy Dorsey
Demetrius "The Greek" Havanas
Ernesto Hoost
Rob "The Dutchman" Kaman
Joe Lewis
Rick "The Jet" Roufus
Jean -Yves “The Iceman”Theriault
Benny "The Jet" Urquidez
Bill "Superfoot" Wallace
Don "The Dragon" Wilson
Scott Coker
One of the country's most acclaimed promoters who started in the 1980s with his own brand West Coast Productions, co-founder of the ISKA, President of K1 USA, CEO of Strikeforce, and President of Bellator. Scott has seen it all with his promotions covering every part of the world.
Peter Aerts
Benny Urquidez
Ernesto Hoost
Peter Aerts is a legendary Dutch kickboxer. Known for his devastating high kicks, which earned him the nickname "The Dutch Lumberjack," he is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxers of all time.
Record: 108-35 with 81 KOs
Ernesto Hoost is a Dutch retired professional kickboxer. A four-time K-1 World Champion, Hoost is considered to be one of the greatest K1 kickboxers of all time.
Record: 99-21 with 62 KOs
Jeff Smith
Former PKA Light Heavyweight Champion of the World, Black Belt Hall of Fame has fought in over 3 decades and coached numerous champions. A national Karate treasure.
Benny Urquidez
Rick Roufus
Troy Dorsey
Troy Dorsey did it all, point, full contact, kickboxing, and boxing, and held WAKO world championships as well as the IBO and IBF Boxing belts
Record: 33-2 with 25 KOs
Joe Corley
Former President of the PKA, the most highly respected Kick Boxing company of the 80s and 90s, and was the true pioneer of televised fight sports today.
Bill Wallace
Jeff Smith
Rick Roufus
Rick "The Jet" Roufus made multiple lists as the greatest kickboxers of modern-day history.
Record: 65-9 with 44 KOs
Bill "Superfoot" Wallace is the undisputed king of kicks, undefeated world champion, movie star, and one of the most beloved seminar instructors of all time. He will go down in history as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Record: 23-0 with 14 KOs
Jeff Smith known in his day as the DC Bomber, there has been no light heavyweight in kickboxing more dominant and skilled. From the Blood and Guts era to professional kickboxing, he ushered in an era of modern-day technique and athleticism now and forever associated with the sport.
Record: 32-1 with 16 KOs.
Hillary Sandoval
The legendary Texas kickboxing promoter, who promoted over 20 televised world championship matches.
Benny Urquidez
Rick Roufus
Rob Kaman
Robert Diem Kaman, also known as "The Dutchman" (5 June 1960 – 30 March 2024), was a Dutch kickboxing and Muay Thai legend, who secured nine world championships throughout his career.
Record: 97-2 with 77 KOs
Graciela Casillas
The former undefeated world boxing and kickboxing champion is considered one of the greatest female kickboxers in history.
Benny Urquidez
Demetrius Havanas
Joe Lewis
Spanning a fighting career from the 60s to the 80s and becoming a movie star in the process. Joe Lewis goes down in history as one of the greatest Karate, Point, and Kickboxing champions and innovators of the time.
Record: 17-4 with 15 KOs
Demetrius Havanas lived from 1950-1981, and was known as 'The Golden Greek'. In 1975, entering full-contact competition, he won the PKA U.S. Welterweight Championship. Star System ranked him the number-one world welterweight contender in 1980-81. His life ended tragically in an airplane crash along with promoter Tony Sandoval.
Record: 39-4 with 24 KOs
Mike Sawyer
Promoter of the long standing US Open Karate Championship and co-founder in the ISKA International Sport Karate Association which has sanctioned thousands of championships over the past 40 years.
Don "The Dragon" Wilson
Rick "The Jet" Roufus
Jean-Yves “The Iceman” Theriault
Known by millions as the movie star Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, his amazing record of 11 world titles in 3 weight divisions is unmatched.
Record: 72-5 with 49 KOs
Jean-Yves Thériault ("The Iceman") the Canadian-born champion held the 80s captive as the unquestionable superstar of the PKA.
Record: 69-6 with 61 KOs