Terence Crawford Takes the Top Spot in Men’s Boxing Pound-for-Pound Rankings

In a significant shift within the boxing world, Terence Crawford has reclaimed the top position in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings following his recent victory over Canelo Alvarez. This victory not only solidifies Crawford’s status as a premier fighter but also raises questions about Canelo’s future in the sport.

Crawford’s Historic Victory

On September 13, 2025, Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) fought Canelo Alvarez (62-3-2, 39 KOs) in Las Vegas, where he emerged victorious by unanimous decision. This win was particularly noteworthy as Crawford moved up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship. The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113, but the scorecards do not reflect the dominance Crawford displayed throughout the fight.

With this victory, Crawford became the only male fighter in the four-belt era (which began in 2007) to achieve undisputed champion status in three different divisions: junior welterweight, welterweight, and now super middleweight. This accomplishment has led many to consider him one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

Canelo Alvarez’s Fall from Grace

Canelo Alvarez, previously regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, has now dropped two spots to No. 10 in the rankings after his defeat to Crawford. This loss marks Alvarez’s first since a decision setback against Dmitry Bivol in May 2022, when he attempted to capture the light heavyweight title. The defeat against Crawford raises concerns about Alvarez’s future in the sport, especially at the age of 35 and with a lengthy career that includes nearly 70 professional fights.

Naoya Inoue’s Continued Excellence

Despite a successful title defense against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Nagoya, Japan, Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) has slipped to No. 3 in the rankings. Inoue won by unanimous decision, but the rise of Crawford has overshadowed his achievements. Inoue’s next bout is scheduled for December 27 against David Picasso, and he is also anticipated to face Junto Nakatani in a highly awaited match in 2026.

The Rest of the Rankings

The latest rankings reflect a competitive landscape in boxing, with several fighters making their mark. Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), who held the No. 1 spot before Crawford’s victory, drops to No. 2 after a successful fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois in July. Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) remains at No. 4 after avenging his only loss against Beterbiev, while Jesse Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs) holds the No. 5 position after a TKO victory over Phumelela Cafu.

Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs), Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), and David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) follow, occupying the sixth through eighth spots, respectively. Junto Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs) holds the ninth position, while the aforementioned Canelo Alvarez rounds out the top ten.

Rankings Summary

The rankings are determined through a points system where first-place votes earn 10 points, second-place votes yield nine points, and so forth. Ties are resolved in favor of the fighter with the highest ranking, followed by the one with the most votes at that ranking.

Key Facts

– **Terence Crawford**: 42-0, 31 KOs; new No. 1 after defeating Canelo Alvarez.
– **Canelo Alvarez**: Drops to No. 10 after unanimous decision loss to Crawford.
– **Naoya Inoue**: 31-0, 27 KOs; now ranked No. 3 after defeating Akhmadaliev.
– **Oleksandr Usyk**: 24-0, 15 KOs; previously ranked No. 1, now No. 2.
– **Dmitry Bivol**: 24-1, 12 KOs; maintains No. 4 after avenging his loss to Beterbiev.

As the boxing landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Crawford’s victory and Canelo’s decline will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The upcoming fights, particularly those involving Inoue and the potential for a showdown between Crawford and other top contenders, promise to keep the excitement alive in the sport.

Source: www.espn.com