The Strongest Pound-for-Pound Boxer Is…?

Oleksandr Usyk 

Record: 22-0, 14 KOs

An Olympic gold medalist and the only undisputed champion in the cruiserweight division during the four-belt era before moving up to heavyweight, where he easily claimed the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titles in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua. The 37-year-old Ukrainian then defended his titles by outpointing Joshua again, maintaining his unbeaten record. In August, Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois after recovering from a controversial “low blow,” once again showcasing his skill and awkward style in the heavier divisions and holding firmly onto his undefeated record.

With high expectations from fans and experts alike, his points win over Fury following his return to the ring featured a dominant ninth round, proving that his strength has truly carried up to heavyweight – the definition of a pound-for-pound great. Currently ranked second, even Terence Crawford has admitted that Usyk deserves consideration for the top spot in the rankings. Usyk joins Crawford and the next fighter on this list as one of only three men to be undisputed in two weight classes in the four-belt era. A December rematch with Fury awaits him as he continues his path to domination, barring any unforeseen challenges.

It must be said that there is very little separating Usyk from the next two names on this list…

Terence Crawford 

Record: 41-0, 31 KOs

A four-division champion with one of boxing’s most impressive résumés, which only seems to improve. Six of the American’s last 12 opponents were unbeaten before facing him, and 11 were stopped by Crawford. Wins against big names like Kell Brook and Shawn Porter in 2020 and 2021 solidified his reputation on boxing’s hall of fame, especially with his victory over Porter, followed by a knockout win against David Avanesyan in December 2022.

The pinnacle came in July 2023 when Crawford took on Errol Spence Jr in what was dubbed the “fight of the decade.” His brilliant performance not only claimed three belts from Spence but also made Crawford the first undisputed champion in two weight classes – a feat unheard of in boxing history. After dominating super-lightweight in 2017, Crawford has since moved up to super-welterweight, where he outpointed Israil Madrimov in August, blending power and skill in a commanding win.

Naoya Inoue 

Record: 28-0, 25 KOs

A lesser-known name to casual fans, the Japanese fighter is packed with talent, even if he lacks some mainstream fame. Inoue boasts the second-highest knockout rate in the rankings, part of what makes him so exciting to watch – alongside his effortless evasiveness, brutal body shots, and lightning-fast strikes.

At 31, he defeated Paul Butler in December 2022 to become the undisputed bantamweight champion – and the first Asian boxer to hold four world titles in one division simultaneously – having previously held titles at light-flyweight and super-flyweight. However, he vacated his bantamweight belts in January 2023 to move up and challenge Stephen Fulton.