Boxing has become one of the biggest sports in the world and has continued to produce great athletes, some of these athletes stand out as the best in their respective weight classes and also excel across weight classes and these boxers are known as the pound-for-pound champions.
Pound-for-pound rankings have expanded significantly with the emergence of formidable fighters such as Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue, and the widely regarded face of boxing, Canelo Alvarez.
This list now encompasses a cadre of promising and strategically adept boxers who represent the future of the sport.
What does LB for LB Mean in Boxing
LB for LB Means Pound-for-pound and this concept serves as a ranking criterion in combat sports like boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.
This ranking method seeks to determine the superior fighters without solely considering their weight, thus necessitating adjustments to account for different weight classes.
Essentially, it provides a means of evaluating and comparing fighters on a skill level that transcends the limitations imposed by their respective weights.
Boxing Pound-for-Pound Rankings
Below are the rankings of the pound-for-pound kings in boxing:
10. Tyson Fury
Division: Heavyweight
Boxing record: (34-0-1, 24 KOs)
Titles: WBC heavyweight
At 35 years old, Tyson Fury has emerged as the leading figure in British boxing, surpassing Anthony Joshua. After a three-year break due to mental health struggles, Fury returned in 2018, solidifying his status as a premier heavyweight. Notably, he claimed the WBC championship in a 2020 rematch against Deontay Wilder after a controversial draw in 2018.
Fury maintained his title with victories over Wilder in October 2021, Dillian Whyte in April 2022 (via knockout), and Derek Chisora in December.
Known for his creativity and resilience, Fury, a former WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titleholder, aims to regain them in a 2024 bout against Oleksandr Usyk.
However, Fury’s path to becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years faced a potential setback in October when he was knocked down by Francis Ngannou.
Despite a controversial decision in Fury’s favor, the image of him on the canvas has damaged his reputation and led to a drop in rankings.
9. Gervonte Davis
Division: Lightweight
Boxing record: (29-0-0, 27KOs)
Titles: WBA regular
Gervonta Davis, who was conspicuously absent from earlier renditions of this list, has undeniably secured his position.
His resounding triumph over Ryan Garcia in the seventh round of what could be considered the most eagerly awaited fight of the year significantly bolstered his record to an impressive 29-0, an astonishing 27 of which were knockout victories.
Davis distinguishes himself as a captivating force in the sport, thanks to his charisma and remarkable one-punch knockout ability, solidifying his status as arguably the second-most prominent figure in boxing, with only Canelo Alvarez ahead of him.
8. Shakur Stevenson
Division: Lightweight
Boxing record:(21-0-0, 10KOs)
Titles: WBO (featherweight) WBO (super featherweight) WBC and The Ring super featherweight titles.
At just 26 years old, the undefeated American Shakur Stevenson had already achieved the status of a two-weight world champion by the age of 24.
Presently ascending as a formidable presence in the lightweight division, Stevenson seeks to expand on the considerable success he attained in the featherweight category, where he held the WBO championship, and in the super-featherweight division, where he was the unified champion.
In his most recent bout in April, Stevenson transitioned to the lightweight class, delivering an impressive sixth-round stoppage against Shuichiro Yoshino.
The prospect of future clashes with formidable opponents like Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney adds an enticing dimension to Stevenson’s trajectory.
Additionally, the anticipation of a showdown with the next-ranked boxer in these rankings further and also one of the best defensive boxers of modern boxing fuels the intrigue surrounding Stevenson’s promising career in the evolving landscape of professional boxing.
7. Devin Haney
Division: Lightweight, currently moved up to Light welterweight.
Boxing record: (31-0-0, 15KOs)
Titles: WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF (Lightweight undisputed champion).
The undefeated American fighter earned his place on our list after showcasing his skills in a second consecutive dominant performance against George Kambosos Jr.
In June 2022, Haney secured a unanimous decision victory over Kambosos on his home turf, establishing himself as the undisputed champion in the lightweight division.
This feat was further solidified in their rematch in October, also held in Melbourne. It’s noteworthy that Kambosos Jr, before these encounters, maintained an undefeated record.
At just 24 years of age, Haney’s trajectory suggests that his peak is still ahead, although he faces the imperative of drawing valuable lessons from his most recent bout in May against Lomachenko.
While Haney emerged victorious in the fight, it was not without its share of controversy, prompting a need for reflection and refinement in his approach.
6. Artur Beterbiev
Division: Light heavyweight
Boxing record: (20-0-0, 20KOs)
Titles: IBF, WBC, WBO. (Unified light heavyweight champ)
Artur Beterbiev stands as a formidable force in the boxing world, making a compelling case for his eligibility to be ranked among the pound-for-pound kings of the sport.
His fights are characterized by devastating knockout power, underlining his ability to end bouts decisively.
Beterbiev’s eligibility for a spot among the pound-for-pound kings is further solidified by his resilience and determination. Overcoming challenges and remaining undefeated, he has proven his mettle time and again, earning the respect of both fans and fellow fighters.
Artur Beterbiev has gained renown for his extraordinary punching power, securing victories in every professional bout since his debut in 2013 through knockouts or stoppages.
5. Dmitry Bivol
Division: Light heavyweight
Boxing record: (21-0-0, 11KOs)
Titles: WBA light heavyweight title
In May 2022, Dmitry Bivol made a noteworthy entrance onto our list after delivering a remarkable triumph over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The Russian boxer, still maintaining an unblemished record, successfully defended the WBA light-heavyweight title.
His victory was characterized by an assertive approach, strategic shot selection, and a notable increase in output compared to his opponent. Bivol, at the age of 32, secured the win by two points on all three judges’ scorecards, although the margins could arguably have been more decisive.
This clinical performance significantly elevated Bivol’s profile, setting the stage for a potential rematch with Canelo in the future.
However, before that, Bivol faced the undefeated Gilberto Ramirez in November.
The Russian boxer demonstrated an aggressive and sharp performance, securing a victory on points and further solidifying his standing in our rankings.
Looking ahead, fans are eagerly anticipating a potential clash between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, a bout that holds the promise of being the fight of the decade for the undisputed light heavyweight champion.
As Bivol’s career continues to unfold, his strategic prowess and impressive victories position him as a compelling figure in the competitive landscape of professional boxing.
4. Canelo Alvarez
Division: super middleweight
Boxing record: (60-2-2, 39KOs)
Titles: WBC, WBO, WBA, IBF. (Super middleweight champion)
In the decade since his loss to Floyd Mayweather, Canelo Alvarez has become the face of boxing, securing victories against notable opponents like Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Gennadiy Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Billy Joe Saunders, Jermell Charlo, and more.
The 33-year-old’s exceptional counter-punching, agile head movement, and impressive bodywork make him a captivating fighter. While critics highlight the 2018 clenbuterol controversy and controversial scorecards in some of his wins, supporters emphasize Alvarez’s commendable activity level and his willingness to face formidable opponents.
In 2021, Alvarez achieved a historic feat, becoming boxing’s first undisputed super-middleweight champion with three stoppage victories.
However, in May 2022, he suffered only his second professional defeat, losing to unbeaten Russian Bivol. Although rebounding with a decisive win against Golovkin, Alvarez faced scrutiny.
Defending his super-middleweight belt against John Ryder and defeating the younger Charlo twin in September, Alvarez showcased his resilience and skill to retain his status in the boxing world.
3. Oleksandr Usyk
Division: heavyweight
Boxing record: (21-0-0, 14KOs)
Titles: WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO. (Heavyweight champion).
Oleksandr Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist, initially established himself as the sole undisputed cruiserweight champion during the four-belt era. His transition to the heavyweight division proved triumphant in 2021 when he convincingly outpointed Anthony Joshua to claim the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titles. The 36-year-old Ukrainian continued his dominance by securing another points victory over Joshua, maintaining his unbeaten record.
In August, Usyk showcased his technical prowess in a bout against Daniel Dubois, where he overcame a controversial ‘low blow’ to ultimately stop Dubois.
His proficiency and unorthodox style in the heavier weight classes have set him apart. As he gears up for an upcoming clash with Fury, the anticipation is heightened, as fans eagerly await a contest between two of the most formidable figures in the heavyweight division.
2. Terence Crawford
Division: welterweight
Boxing record: (40-0-0 31KOs)
Titles: WBO, WBC, WBA. (Unified welterweight champion)
Terence Crawford, a former undisputed welterweight champion, recently faced a setback as he was stripped of his IBF title, which was subsequently awarded to Jaron Enis.
Despite this, Crawford’s reputation in the sport remains stellar and continues to ascend.
Boasting one of the most impressive resumes in boxing, the American fighter has consistently improved his standing.
In his last 11 bouts, Crawford faced five undefeated opponents, all of whom succumbed to his prowess as he secured victories with an impressive knockout ratio.
Notable wins against well-known boxers, Kell Brook and Shawn Porter in 2020 and 2021, further elevated the 35-year-old’s profile. Crawford’s victory over David Avanesyan in December 2022 added another notable achievement to his illustrious career.
The pinnacle of Crawford’s recent accomplishments came in July, where he delivered a masterclass against Errol Spence Jr in what was touted as the fight of the decade.
Surpassing expectations, Crawford not only defeated Spence in the ninth round with three knockdowns but also claimed his rival’s three titles, achieving undisputed status.
This historic victory solidified Crawford’s place in boxing history as the first man to become undisputed champion in two weight classes, building on his earlier reign atop the super-lightweight division in 2017.
Given his remarkable achievements and exceptional performances, it’s succinct to declare that Crawford rightfully holds the top spot among the boxing pound-for-pound kings.
1. Naoya Inuoe
Division: Super bantamweight
Boxing record: (26-0, 23 KOs)
Titles: WBC and WBO super bantamweight and a four-division world champion.
Naoya Inoue, while not as widely recognized among casual fans, compensates for his lower profile with a remarkable display of skill and prowess in the boxing ring.
What might lack in name recognition, the Japanese boxer more than makes up for in talent, boasting the highest stoppage percentage among all fighters on this list.
Inoue’s allure lies in his seemingly effortless ability to evade opponents, his punishing body attack, and his intimidating level of output that makes him an exceptionally exciting athlete to watch.
In December, at the age of 30, Inoue secured a significant milestone by stopping Paul Butler and claiming the undisputed bantamweight championship.
This victory not only established him as the first Asian boxer to simultaneously hold four world titles in a single weight class but also added to his previous successes at light-flyweight and super-flyweight.
However, in a strategic move, Inoue chose to vacate his bantamweight titles in January, opting to move up and challenge Stephen Fulton.
In a compelling bout in July, Inoue demonstrated his prowess by dismantling Fulton, handing the American his first professional loss and securing the WBC and WBO super-bantamweight titles in the process.
This accomplishment elevated Inoue to the status of a four-weight world champion, earning him the moniker “Monster” and solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the diverse landscape of professional boxing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Fought Manny Pacquiao Four Times?
Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao engaged in their fourth encounter on December 8, 2012. Building on the narrative of their previous three bouts, where the Filipino emerged victorious twice and one match concluded in a draw, the stage was set for another compelling chapter in their rivalry. The venue for this significant fourth fight was the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How old was Ali when he Started Boxing?
Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali's journey into the world of boxing commenced during his formative years at the age of 12 when he initiated his training as an amateur boxer. At the tender age of 18, he achieved a significant milestone by clinching a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Following this triumph, Ali transitioned to the professional realm later that same year, marking the inception of his storied career in the boxing ring.
How Many Times did George Foreman Fight Ali?
Earning its place as one of the most iconic bouts in boxing history, the fight between Foreman and Ali was immortalized in the Oscar-winning documentary When We Were Kings. Despite the anticipation for a rematch between the two, it never materialized, primarily because Ali insisted on Foreman rehiring his trainer—an ultimatum that Foreman ultimately declined to fulfill.
What Weight was the Heaviest for Manny Pacquiao?
Manny Pacquiao initiated his professional boxing journey in the featherweight category, weighing in at 106 pounds. Throughout his illustrious and diverse career, he navigated through various weight classes, culminating in his remarkable presence as a welterweight, where he competed at 147 pounds. This trajectory showcases Pacquiao's versatility and adaptability across different weight divisions.
Conclusion
The boxing pound-for-pound rankings serve as a compelling narrative of skill, resilience, and legacy. From legends etching their names in history to emerging talents making waves, the list encapsulates the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
Each fighter’s journey, marked by victories, setbacks, and iconic moments, contributes to the rich tapestry of boxing history.
As we witness the ebb and flow of rankings, it becomes a testament to the enduring spirit of those who step into the ring, transcending weight classes and leaving an indelible mark on the sweet science.