The planet’s top boxers often debate repeatedly, discussing defeat, poor performance, or inactivity. However, assessing the top 9 pound-for-pound boxers in 2023 is straightforward. Various factors contribute to the final judgment, including fights held in the year, the calibre of opponents, performance quality, achievements, and overall skill.
In 2023, significant matchups occurred in the sport. While the heavyweight division may decline slightly, other pound-for-pound rankings exhibit notable potential. Below is our list of the Top 9 Pound-For-Pound Boxers in 2023.
9. Tyson Fury
As the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, it’s not right to exclude the Gypsy King from our list. A victory against Usyk would stand as one of his most significant accomplishments. However, Fury couldn’t progress in the rankings with only one fight in 2023 – a controversial win over MMA star and boxing debutant Francis Ngannou.
8. Shakur Stevenson
At only 26 years old, Stevenson holds titles in three divisions. He recently became the full WBC champion when Haney gave up the belt. Even though he hasn’t lost a match yet, Stevenson is looking for a well-known opponent to compete with fighters like Haney.
7. Artur Beterbiev
Beterbiev holds the unique title of boxing’s sole champion with a perfect 100% knockout ratio, securing all 19 of his victories within the distance. Despite seeming unbeatable, he faced a tough challenge from Londoner Anthony Yarde, 32, who took the Russian to round eight before losing. For Beterbiev, defeating Bivol would significantly boost his position in the rankings.
6. Canelo Alvarez – Super-Middleweight
Canelo Alvarez continues to showcase his professionalism and championship calibre, securing victories over England’s John Ryder and Jermell Charlo through unanimous decisions. As the undisputed super-middleweight world champion, he remains one of boxing’s biggest stars with unparalleled achievements despite some opinions of his decline. Nevertheless, he stands among the planet’s top-tier athletes.
5. Devin Haney
In 2023, Devin Haney received mixed reviews after winning against Vasiliy Lomachenko and Regis Prograis. He defended his lightweight world championship belts against Lomachenko, winning unanimously. Despite controversy, Haney moved up to the super-lightweight division to pursue a two-division world champion title. In another match, he dominated Prograis with a unanimous decision, bringing his record to 31-0 with 15 knockouts.
4. Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk stands among the world’s most skilled boxers, securing a spot in the top 10 pound-for-pound rankings. Currently holding the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight world titles, he gears up for a major showdown against Tyson Fury in February for the undisputed championship.
Before dominating the heavyweight scene, Usyk comfortably conquered the cruiserweight division, becoming undisputed. In 2023, his unbeaten record faced a serious threat when he battled Daniel Dubois in Poland. Though Dubois appeared to drop Usyk in the fifth round, the incident was deemed a ‘low blow.’ Usyk recovered and ultimately stopped Dubois in the ninth round, preserving his titles.
3. Dmitry Bivol
Facing Jermell Charlo, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez appeared invincible. However, in the bout against Dmitry Bivol on May 7th, 2022, Canelo experienced a different challenge.
Before the fight, questions arose about Bivol’s significance compared to Canelo’s previous opponents. Those familiar with Bivol’s strategic movements knew he offered more than just a powerful punch. The match turned into a chess game, frustrating Canelo as Bivol dictated the fight’s pace with his precise movements and angles. Despite Canelo’s attempts to adapt, Bivol stayed one step ahead, making it a challenging encounter.
2. Naoya Inoue
In the Land of the Rising Sun, the Monster is no longer Godzilla; it’s a different beast altogether, effortlessly defeating the lizard.
Naoya Inoue gained attention slowly, lacking American visibility. Román “Chocolito” Gonzalez ignored him until HBO’s StubHub Centre card in September 2017. Americans took notice then. The Monster’s speed, timing, and brutal body shots captivate boxing fans like an energy drink jolting them awake.
1. Terence Crawford
Fight enthusiasts got their anticipated showdown when Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. faced off. Expecting intense back-and-forth, toe-to-toe action, they witnessed a masterclass from “Bud.” Errol couldn’t counter, lacking adaptability, enduring Crawford’s relentless two-fisted assault. Despite being boxing’s boogeyman, Crawford eyes lucrative matchups, holding all the negotiation cards for whoever steps up.
FAQs
How do you find pound-for-pound boxing betting lines?
You can explore various online sportsbooks and betting platforms to find boxing betting lines. Many reputable bookmakers offer odds and betting lines for boxing matches. Additionally, sports news websites, forums, and dedicated betting platforms often provide information on upcoming fights along with associated betting odds.
What does “pound-for-pound” mean in boxing?
“Pound-for-pound” is a term used in boxing to compare fighters regardless of their weight class. It evaluates a boxer’s skill, technique, and overall ability in relation to other fighters, irrespective of their actual weight.
How is the pound-for-pound ranking determined?
Pound-for-pound rankings are subjective and vary among different boxing organizations, media outlets, and experts. They consider factors such as skill, achievements, and dominance in the ring.
Why is the pound-for-pound ranking important?
Pound-for-pound rankings help fans and experts assess a fighter’s overall skills and effectiveness, allowing for comparisons across weight divisions. It highlights fighters who excel in terms of technique, strategy, and overall boxing prowess.
Who is considered the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time?
This is a highly debated topic, and opinions vary. Some commonly mentioned names include Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. The designation of the greatest pound-for-pound boxer is subjective and often depends on personal preferences.