BoxRec

but...

Which boxer, either current or historical, has beaten the most fighters that have previously held world (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) titles but has not actually ever won a world title himself?

heres one for starters...

Herol Bomber Graham beat:

Pazienza
Kalule
Holmes

All were previous world champions, but Graham never won a world title himself.

Before I kill the next few hours of my life on one of your brainwaves, sir, do old timers and the old world belts count or is it limited to the modern big belts of today?

Heavyweight would be a good place to look, the 80s alphabet boys got feasted on a fair bit by the up an comers

To beat 3,

David Tua:

John Ruiz
Michael Moorer
Hasim Rahman
Oleg Maskaev

Razor Ruddock-dokes,page,weaver and bonecrusher

I would guess Sam Langford will be right up there but I can't be bothered counting.

Charles Burley probably beat a few too, I can think of Fritzie Zivic, Billy Soose and Archie Moore on the top of my head.

Sorry I mentioned future world champions that Burley beat.

My first guess would have been Burley.

I was then thinking back to the number of former/future champs/belt holders Hamed beat and then Belcastro popped into my head. I think he had about four world title tilts and did have a few wins over decent guys but can't remember off the top of my head whether the French dude he beat was Jacob or Benichou.

This award would have probably gone to Fres Oquendo if he would have had the judges side with what the majority think.... but then he would have also been a world champion.

There is a case that he beat McCall, Mormeck, Seldon (did win), Holyfield, Toney, Chagaev and Byrd.

But found one that tops that - Brian Neilson - Norris, Grant, Lampkin, Holmes, De Leon, Tubbs, Witherspoon - maybe others on it also?