In boxing, a triple champion is a boxer who has won world titles in three weight classes. For most of the 20th century it was a remarkable achievement, possibly securing one a spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame with other immortals of the sport. Beginning in the 1970s, triple champions have become increasingly more common because of the numerous weight divisions and the countless professional boxing entities that claim a "world" championship. The first triple champion of boxing was Bob Fitzsimmons when he added the Light Heavyweight crown to his World Middleweight and Heavyweight belts on November 25, 1903. Barney Ross was the first boxer to simultaneously hold world titles in two different weight classes when he won World Lightweight title and World Light Welterweight against Tony Canzoneri on June 23, 1933. Later Ross won the World Welterweight Title from Jimmy McLarnin on May 28, 1934. Henry Armstrong was the first man to hold three titles in three divisions simultaneously. He won the World Featherweight title from Petey Sarron on October 29, 1937, the World Welterweight title from Barney Ross on May 31, 1938, and won the World Lightweight Title in his next fight, on August 17 against Lou Ambers. Armstrong then immediately vacated the Featherweight Title because he could no longer make the weight. Wilfred Benítez was the youngest ever champion at any weight. Benitez first won the WBA Light Welterweight Title from Antonio Cervantes on March 6, 1976, at age 17. He moved up in weight to win the WBC Welterweight title from Carlos Palomino on January 14, 1979, and finally won a third title when he added the WBC Light Middleweight title from Maurice Hope on May 23, 1981. When boxing thought that the limit were the level of the new multiple triple champions that barrier were broken by some boxers to create the new level of milestones in boxing: the Quintuple Champions.
Grappling & Wrestling
In grappling type martial arts, a triple champion is someone who has won a championship, medal or a tournament in all three categories: -Mixed Martial Arts -Professional Wrestling - and in either Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Amateur Wrestling or Judo. Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey are examples on the professional level.
Combat Sports
In general combat sports, a triple champion is someone who wins a championship belt in all three categories: Striking, Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts. This is considered the most prestigious accomplishments in all combat sports. It is worth noting that boxing, grappling and MMA each have their own respective triple champion title within each individual sport.
