The cruiserweight division, which links the light heavyweight and heavyweight classes, has produced famous competitors who have captivated crowds with their extraordinary skill and unrelenting will.
As we proceed to honoring the extraordinary accomplishments and illustrious careers of these legendary sportsmen, who have forever changed the course of cruiserweight boxing history and brought it to previously unheard-of heights of glory.
What is Cruiserweight Boxing?
Cruiserweight boxing requires combatants to weigh no more than 200 pounds. It is a division that sits between light heavyweight and heavyweight boxing.
This weight class, which dates back to the late 1970s, provides a platform for athletes who are too large for lesser divisions but are not quite heavyweight material.
The cruiserweight division is well-known for its unique combination of raw power, lightning speed, and finesse. It has seen many memorable bouts and has produced champions like Oleksandr Usyk, Mairis Briedis, David Haye, and Evander Holyfield, who are examples of the best in the division.
Ranking the Top 15 Best Cruiserweight Boxers Right Now
Below is the list of the top cruiserweight boxers:
15. Cheavon Clarke
In the last several years, Cheavon Clarke has become one of the top cruiserweight boxers, exhibiting incredible technique and tenacity in the ring.
Clarke has enthralled spectators across the globe with his potent blows and cunning techniques, establishing himself as a dominant contender in the cruiserweight class.
He is a dangerous opponent for anyone who dares to take on him because of his ability to blend strength, agility, and speed.
Among the greatest in the very competitive cruiserweight boxing scene is Clarke. Both spectators and other players respect him because of his stellar record and unwavering work ethic.
Cheavon Clarke is still a formidable fighter as long as he keeps improving and accepting new challenges.
14.Alexei Papin
In the cruiserweight boxing division, Alexei Papin is a fearsome force recognized for his exceptional talents and potent blows.
Papin’s stellar record has solidified his place among the world’s most epic cruiserweight boxers. He is a force to be reckoned with in the ring because of his agility, strategic aptitude, and relentless drive.
Whether he is launching vicious combos or deftly sidestepping his opponent’s blows, Papin never fails to wow audiences across the globe with his riveting performances.
He proves why he is regarded as one of the best cruiserweight boxers of his generation in each fight.
13. Joe Smith Jr
Joe Smith Jr.’s explosive power and unwavering drive have allowed him to leave a formidable impression in the cruiserweight division. He is regarded as one of the cruiserweight boxers with a great resume due to his aggressive fighting style and knockout power.
Smith has captured the attention of fans all over the world with his incredible journey in the ring, securing his place as one of the division’s most intriguing and gifted fighters.
As he keeps showcasing his abilities and moving up the ranks, cruiserweight boxing’s Joe Smith Jr. continues to be associated with brilliance.
12. Soslan Asbarov
Soslan Asbarov has enthralled spectators with his remarkable abilities in the ring. Asbarov has established himself as a fearsome opponent by dominating the cruiserweight division with a combination of power, speed, and tactical skill.
He is a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world because of his versatility and unwavering desire. Asbarov’s ascent to fame in the cruiserweight class demonstrates his skill and commitment, securing his position as one of the best cruiserweight boxers of his generation.
11.Ryan Rozicki
In cruiserweight boxing, Ryan Rozicki has created waves as he advances through the ranks and establishes himself as one of the greatest in the sport.
Canadian-born Rozicki has gained respect from both fans and experts because of his remarkable technique and strength in the ring.
In the cutthroat cruiserweight class, Rozicki is a force to be reckoned with thanks to his unwavering fighting style and impressive winning record.
10. Lawrence Okolie
A well-known name in the cruiserweight class, Lawrence Okolie has become a formidable opponent in British professional boxing. Admired for his massive frame and destructive strikes, Okolie has had an incredible rise through the ranks.
After making his professional debut in 2017, he quickly made a name for himself by winning the British cruiserweight title in just his first year of competition.
His fighting technique is a strong combination of strategic accuracy and raw strength that makes him a fearsome opponent in the squared circle. With his trajectory trending skyward.
9. Mateusz Masternak
A seasoned Polish boxer with over ten years of experience, Mateusz Masternak has established himself in the cruiserweight class. Admired for his technical skill and unflinching perseverance, Masternak has become a formidable opponent in the division.
He is well-known for his unwavering work ethic and versatility in combat, having faced off against some of the most tough opponents in the division.
Even though Masternak may not have won a significant world championship, his achievements in the sport and his standing as a fierce opponent solidified his place among the greatest cruiserweight boxers, garnering him tremendous acclaim in the boxing community.
8. Arsen Goulamirian
Arsen Goulamirian is a French powerhouse in the cruiserweight class known for his explosive punching ability and unwavering aggression.
His quick ascent to fame peaked in 2018 when he defeated Ryad Merhy to win the WBA (Regular) cruiserweight championship, displaying a masterful combination of strength and ability.
Goulamirian’s fighting strategy is centered on controlling the speed of the battle and overwhelming opponents with constant pressure and deadly combos.
Goulamirian is one of the world’s best cruiserweight boxers, and he has an outstanding record and a rising reputation. He is still dominating the boxing field.
7. Richard Riakporhe
Richard Riakporhe is the definition of perfection. He stands out in his class with an unmatched combination of strength and agility.
With his quick knockout victories since making his debut in 2018, Riakporhe has quickly gained recognition and established himself as a strong contender in the category.
His greatest accomplishment was in 2019 when he successfully won the WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight championship, solidifying his position as one of the top contenders.
The secret to Riakporhe’s skill is his skillful use of his physical qualities. He attacks with constant aggression, dominating opponents with powerful combos and devastating body strikes.
In addition, his ability to defend well gives him an additional degree of adaptability that helps him succeed even in the face of difficulty.
As he moves up the cruiserweight division ladder, Riakporhe is still a fascinating character who has the potential to fight for world titles and go down as one of the best in his weight class in boxing history.
6. Noel Gevor Mikaelyan
Noel Gevor, a German-Armenian cruiserweight boxer, has a long history in the sport; his father was both a trainer and an accomplished fighter. Gevor has received recognition for his technical expertise and strategic acumen since he entered the workforce in 2011.
With his powerful jab and outstanding defensive abilities, he has won regional titles and made it through challenging contests with ease.
Even though Gevor hasn’t yet won a significant world championship, his unwavering commitment and rigorous training regimen position him as one of the highly-rated cruiserweight boxers and hint at more notable accomplishments to come.
5. Badou Jack
Record: 28-3-3, 17 KO
Swedish boxer Badou Jack, who was born in Gambia, has established himself in several weight classes, most notably the super middleweight class.
His greatest accomplishment was winning the WBC title in 2015; this was followed by a unification of titles in 2017, which highlighted his technical skill and strong defense.
Although Jack hasn’t exclusively concentrated on the cruiserweight class, his sporadic forays into this area demonstrate his versatility. While he may not have held a significant cruiserweight title, his remarkable accomplishments and skill set have won him a great deal of respect in the boxing world.
4. Yuniel Dorticos
Dubbed “The KO Doctor,” Yuniel Dorticos is a well-known Cuban fighter who is explosive in the cruiserweight class. He represented Cuba at the 2008 Olympics, showcasing his talents in the global arena.
He was born on March 11, 1986. After making the switch to the professional ranks in 2009, Dorticos quickly became well-known for his unwavering aggression and impressive knockout record.
Despite losing to Murat Gassiev in the World Boxing Super Series finals in 2017, Dorticos gloriously bounced back, defeating Andrew Tabiti to win the IBF cruiserweight title in 2020.
Respected for his brutal knockout power and aggressive fighting style, Dorticos is still one of the top cruiserweight boxers, frightening opponents and cementing his place as a dangerous competitor in the world of boxing.
3. Chris Billiam-Smith
Record: 19-1, 13 KO
On January 10, 1990, Chris Billiam-Smith, a skilled British fighter who competes in the cruiserweight class, was born in Bournemouth, England.
When he entered the professional ring in 2017, he didn’t take long to make a lasting impression. His aggressive fighting style and deft combination make him an instant hit.
His remarkable perseverance enabled him to win important championships such as the Commonwealth cruiserweight championship in 2019, highlighting his growing stature in the category.
Because of Billam-Smith’s unwavering willingness to take on tough opponents and his unwavering quest for improvement, he is among the greatest cruiserweight boxers and is sure to win in the future, which has many excited about his steady rise up the cruiserweight rankings.
2. Mairis Briedis
Record: 28-2, 20 KO
Mairis Briedis, who was born in Riga, Latvia, on January 13, 1985, is regarded as a titan in the cruiserweight class because of his impressive resume and commanding appearance.
When Briedis started his professional career in 2009, his stunning knockout power and unwavering aggression quickly made him a household name in the boxing world.
After losing to Oleksandr Usyk in the 2017 World Boxing Super Series finals, Briedis showed incredible resiliency by coming back to win the coveted WBO cruiserweight title in 2019.
Briedis, who is well-regarded for his unwavering pressure tactics and flawless technical abilities, has earned a spot in the group of skilled and epic cruiserweight boxers.
His reputation as one of the division’s best champions is cemented by his skill at the trade and unyielding resolve. Boxing fans excitedly await more thrilling performances from Briedis as he continues to dazzle the ring with his unmatched talent, solidifying his legendary reputation in the cruiserweight division.
1. Jai Opetaia
Originating in Australia’s dynamic metropolis of Sydney, boxer Jai Opetaia made his boxing debut in 2014 and quickly became a rising star in the fiercely competitive cruiserweight class.
Equipped with lightning-fast reflexes, remarkable dexterity, and devastating knockout power, Opetaia has received tremendous praise for his exploits, which culminated in his WBO Oriental cruiserweight title win in 2019.
What sets Opetaia apart is how versatile he is in the ring, able to go between close-quarters fighting and keeping a distance with ease.
Opetaia’s trajectory not only guarantees continued success but also paves the way for a string of thrilling bouts that boxing fans around the world are anxiously anticipating, thanks to his youthful vigor and unrelenting passion for the sport.
Opetaia’s path embodies the pinnacle of greatness in the cruiserweight category as he continues to refine his craft and up his game, making an enduring impression on the sport’s storied past.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What Makes it a Cruiserweight?
In boxing, the 200-pound cruiserweight class acts as a bridge between the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. It takes its name from the second-largest ship in a World War I fleet, making it the second heaviest weight class.
In Boxing, How Many Ranks are There?
Professional boxing has seventeen weight divisions, each of which has five major championship belts awarded by boxing organizations like The Ring magazine, the World Boxing Association, the World Boxing Council, the International Boxing Federation, and the WBA.
What Distinguishes Heavyweight from Cruiserweight?
Because of their lesser weight, cruiserweight fighters usually show more quickness and agility than heavyweights when comparing fighting styles and strategies. They usually depend on speed and agility to outrun their opponents. On the other hand, heavyweight fighters prioritize knockout power and raw force in their fights due to their greater physical height and power.
In Boxing, How do You get Ranked?
A fighter's accomplishments inside their weight division determine their ranking. If a fighter announces that they want to move up to a different weight class, they won't be ranked in that new division until after they've participated in it, if their performance warrants it.
Jai Lost his Belt; Why?
Jai Opetaia lost his IBF cruiserweight title because he didn't follow the organization's rules and didn't defend against the top-ranked opponent. Rather, Opetaia will take on Ellis Zorro on Saturday in Riyadh on the undercard of Day of Reckoning, but the Ring magazine belt will be the sole prize up for grabs.
Conclusion
To sum up, the category of the best cruiserweight boxers has a long history of outstanding fighters, from the legendary Evander Holyfield to the skillful Oleksandr Usyk. With their incredible agility, technical mastery, and unrelenting resolve, these extraordinary athletes have fascinated onlookers.
Even though debates about who the ultimate standout is will undoubtedly continue, it is undeniable that each of these fighters has left a lasting impression on the annals of boxing history. Their accomplishments will keep motivating upcoming fighters as the cruiserweight class develops, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport for years to come.