Credit: ESPN

Boxing’s Top 100 Fighters: Usyk, Fury, and More

Boxing’s Heavyweight Showdown: Fury vs. Usyk in Riyadh

Boxing fans, brace yourselves for a colossal clash this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The stage is set for a rematch that promises to be nothing short of electrifying as Tyson Fury aims to reclaim his throne against Oleksandr Usyk. This bout is not just about the unified heavyweight championship; it’s about settling scores and solidifying legacies. The fight will be broadcasted at 2 p.m. ET on DAZN PPV, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

When Usyk triumphed over Fury via a split decision back in May, he didn’t just win a fight; he made history. Usyk became the undisputed champion in a second weight class, having already conquered the cruiserweight division. This victory catapulted him to the top of ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to his prowess and skill in the ring.

2024 has been a transformative year for boxing, largely due to the efforts of Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. His influence has been pivotal in unifying the sport’s often divisive factions, bringing fans the matchups they’ve longed for. As a result, ESPN’s ranking of the top 100 men’s fighters has seen significant shifts, with new faces like Daniel Dubois and Sebastian Fundora making their mark as first-time champions.

While these rankings are subjective, they consider a fighter’s accomplishments, current form, talent level, potential, and that all-important eye test. Some fighters just have that undeniable presence in the ring.

Editor’s note: To be eligible, boxers had to fight at least once in 2024 or, in rare instances, have a fight scheduled for 2025.

1. Oleksandr Usyk, 37, WBA/WBO/WBC heavyweight champion

Record: 22-0, 14 KOS
Last fight: May 18 – W, MD12 vs. Tyson Fury
Next fight: Dec. 21 vs. Fury
Previous ranking: No. 3

Usyk’s ascent to the top of the boxing world was cemented with his victory over Fury, a win that added the undisputed heavyweight champion title to his already impressive résumé. His ability to hurt Fury, particularly in Round 9 with a barrage of 14 unanswered punches, showcased his power and precision. If Usyk can maintain his undefeated streak against both Fury and Anthony Joshua, his legacy will be legendary. His knockout win over Daniel Dubois last summer has only added to his reputation, especially after Dubois stopped Joshua in September.

2. Naoya Inoue, 31, undisputed junior featherweight champion

Record: 28-0, 25 KOs
Last fight: Sept. 3 – W, TKO7 vs. TJ Doheny
Next fight: Jan. 24 vs. Sam Goodman
Previous ranking: No. 2

Known as “The Monster,” Inoue continues to dominate the 122-pound division. His blend of speed, power, and precision has earned him a place among boxing’s greats. Inoue plans to return to Las Vegas in 2025, with a potential matchup against Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome on the horizon.

3. Terence Crawford, 37, WBA junior middleweight champion

Record: 41-0, 31 KOs
Last fight: Aug. 3 – W, UD12 vs. Israil Madrimov
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 1

Crawford’s recent struggle against Madrimov has seen him slip from the top spot. Despite his greatness as a switch-hitter, his lack of activity has been a concern. With retirement on the horizon, Crawford’s dream fight with Canelo Alvarez could be his swan song.

4. Artur Beterbiev, 39, undisputed light heavyweight champion

Record: 21-0, 20 KOs
Last fight: Oct. 12 – W, MD12 vs. Dmitry Bivol
Next fight: Feb. 22 vs. Beterbiev
Previous ranking: No. 7

Beterbiev’s victory over Bivol solidified his status as an all-time great light heavyweight. Despite injuries, he continues to perform at an elite level, with his legacy as a first-ballot Hall of Famer secured.

5. Dmitry Bivol, 34, light heavyweight

Record: 23-1, 12 KOs
Last fight: Oct. 12 – L, MD12 vs. Artur Beterbiev
Next fight: Feb. 22 vs. Beterbiev
Previous ranking: No. 4

Bivol’s controversial loss to Beterbiev has set the stage for a rematch. A victory would mark his second win over a future Hall of Famer, following his 2022 triumph over Canelo Alvarez.

6. Canelo Alvarez, 34, WBA/WBC/WBO super middleweight champion

Record: 62-2-2, 39 KOs
Last fight: Sept. 14 – W, UD12 vs. Edgar Berlanga
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 5

Canelo remains boxing’s top attraction, but his 2024 campaign was underwhelming. With David Benavidez now at 175 pounds, a superfight with Terence Crawford is the only major bout on the horizon.

7. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, 24, WBC junior bantamweight champion

Record: 21-0, 14 KOs
Last fight: Nov. 9 – TKO3 vs. Pedro Guevara
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 11

Rodriguez has emerged as a formidable force at 115 pounds, with his 2024 campaign being his best yet. His knockout of Juan Francisco Estrada and subsequent victory over Guevara have solidified his status as a rising star.

8. Gervonta “Tank” Davis, 30, WBA lightweight champion

Record: 30-0, 28 KOs
Last fight: June 15 – W, KO8 vs. Frank Martin
Next fight: March 1 vs. Lamont Roach
Previous ranking: No. 8

Davis remains one of boxing’s most electrifying finishers, with his recent KO of Martin showcasing his power. A matchup with Ryan Garcia could further elevate his star power.

9. Junto Nakatani, 26, WBC bantamweight champion

Record: 29-0, 22 KOs
Last fight: – W, TKO6 vs. Petch CP Freshmart
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 18

Nakatani’s rise in the rankings has been meteoric, with his knockout power and punch variety making him a force to be reckoned with. A potential fight with Naoya Inoue could be the biggest in Japanese history.

10. Tyson Fury, 36, heavyweight

Record: 34-1-1, 24 KOs
Last fight: May 18 – L, SD12 vs. Oleksandr Usyk
Next fight: Dec. 21 vs. Usyk
Previous ranking: No. 10

Fury’s loss to Usyk was a rare setback, but he’s determined to reclaim his status as one of the best heavyweights ever. The rematch with Usyk is a chance for redemption and legacy enhancement.