Oleksandr Usyk: The Reigning King of Boxing’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings
In the world of boxing, where every punch can change the course of history, Oleksandr Usyk has once again proven why he is the undisputed king of the ring. On December 21, in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Usyk faced off against Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch. The stakes were high, and the expectations even higher, as fans and pundits alike wondered if Usyk could replicate his previous success against the formidable Fury.
Usyk’s unanimous decision victory over Fury was not just a win; it was a statement. A statement that solidified his No. 1 spot in the ESPN pound-for-pound men’s boxing rankings. The judges were unanimous in their decision, scoring the fight 116-112 in favor of Usyk. This victory was a follow-up to Usyk’s split decision win over Fury in May, and it left no room for doubt about who the superior fighter was on that night.
With a record of 23-0, including 14 knockouts, Usyk has climbed to the pinnacle of the boxing world. His first victory over Fury had already made him the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. Now, with this latest triumph, Usyk has cemented his legacy as the best heavyweight of his generation. His recent victories include two wins each against Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as a win against Daniel Dubois in his last five fights.
Despite the loss, Tyson Fury, with a record of 34-2-1 and 24 knockouts, remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division. While he may not be in the pound-for-pound top 10, Fury’s skills and resilience ensure that he can still challenge and defeat many other heavyweights in this tough division. After the fight, Fury expressed his belief that he had won, stating, “I thought I won that fight again. … I thought I’ve won both fights.” However, the judges’ decision was clear, with Usyk taking six of the last seven rounds.
Usyk, at 37, now stands at a crossroads with several intriguing options ahead. He could choose to rematch Dubois, who currently holds the IBF belt Usyk vacated before the Fury rematch, in a bid to regain his status as an undisputed champion. Alternatively, a trilogy fight with Fury could be on the cards. Usyk has even hinted at the possibility of moving down to cruiserweight, where he was the undisputed champion in 2018.
Meanwhile, the boxing world is abuzz with speculation about who could challenge Usyk for the top spot. Terence Crawford, ranked No. 2, is eyeing a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez in 2025. Naoya Inoue, sitting at No. 3, is set to return to the ring on January 24 against Sam Goodman. Both Crawford and Inoue have the opportunity to make a case for the top spot, but they will need to secure impressive victories against top-tier opponents.
- 1. OLEKSANDR USYK
RECORD: 23-0, 14 KOs
DIVISION: Heavyweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Tyson Fury, Dec. 21
NEXT FIGHT: TBA - 2. TERENCE CRAWFORD
RECORD: 40-0, 31 KOs
DIVISION: Junior middleweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Israil Madrimov, Aug. 3
NEXT FIGHT: TBA - 3. NAOYA INOUE
RECORD: 28-0, 25 KOs
DIVISION: Junior featherweight (undisputed champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (TKO7) Luis TJ Doheny, Sept. 3
NEXT FIGHT: Jan. 24 vs. Sam Goodman
The rest of the top 10 includes Artur Beterbiev, Canelo Alvarez, Dmitry Bivol, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and Junto Nakatani. Each of these fighters brings their own unique style and strengths to the ring, making the pound-for-pound rankings a dynamic and ever-evolving list.
Our panel of experts, including Mike Coppinger, Timothy Bradley, Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas, and others, have shared their votes, providing a comprehensive view of the current boxing landscape. The rankings are based on a descending points system, with a first-place vote awarding 10 points, a second-place vote awarding nine points, and so on. In the event of a tie, the fighter with the highest ranking and the most votes at that ranking takes precedence.
As we look ahead, the boxing world is filled with anticipation and excitement. Will Usyk continue to dominate, or will a new challenger rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world of boxing is as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
