The pound-for-pound argument is always a contentious issue in boxing circles and one where everyone has an opinion on it. We are no exception so here is our take.
- Vasyl Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs)
He turned pro in 2013 and proceeded to jump right into world class match-ups. The Ukrainian has since become a three-weight world champion presently looking to unify the current lightweight division to further add to his legacy.
Next Fight: ‘Hi-Tech’ puts the WBA (Super), WBO and The Ring lightweight titles on the line on August 31 in front of a capacity crowd at London’s O2 Arena against Luke Campbell for the vacant WBC strap. Barring an injury suffered during the bout, Loma’s hand speed, technique and footwork should prove far too much for Campbell to handle.
- Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs)
He’s the cash cow of boxing and no one else even comes close. His fights are a spectacle by themselves occurring only twice per year in May and September. Fans and detractors alike tune in just to see this superstar in some of the most exciting and competitive fights that the sport has to offer.
Next Fight: He’s rumored to possibly step into the ring against reigning WBO middleweight titlist Demetrius Andrade or square off with WBO 154-pound champ Jaime Munguia or possibly WBO light heavyweight ruler Sergey Kovalev.
- Terence Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs)
Ranking the best welterweights in the world can be tricky but “the Pride of Omaha” figures to be toward the top of that list in any configuration. The problem is that most of the other great fighters are signed to rival Premier Boxing Champions so we may never get clarity.
Next Fight: The dream fight is still Crawford vs Spence but Pacquiao has to figure into that equation somewhere, especially fresh off that spectacular win over previous unbeaten Thurman. We just don’t know how this one will shake out.
- Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KOs)
It’s been a long time since the Ukrainian knocked out Tony Bellew in their thrilling bout last November. He then pulled out of his much anticipated heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam in May with a biceps injury. We miss Usyk greatly and hope he does not begin to fall among these standings due to inactivity.
Next Fight: TBA
- Errol Spence Jr. (25-0, 21 KOs)
He’s coming off a destructive decision win over Mikey Garcia in March where he nearly shutout the previously unbeaten champion who moved up two weight divisions to take on the challenge. Of course Garcia was the naturally smaller man but the performance was no less impressive and keeps him within our top 5.
Next Fight: The high-pressure style of Porter and efficiency of Spence should make for a very exciting fight when the pair mix it up on September 28 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It will also bring the favored Spence once step closer toward division domination.
- Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs)
He turned back the clock in defeating a much younger, bigger and more powerful foe in previously unbeaten Keith Thurman. It’s hard to believe that he was considered washed up just two years ago and is now a top 10 fighter at age 40.
Next Fight: The Filipino legend will probably not fight again until 2020. Spence appears to be the obvious choice assuming that he gets past Shawn Porter in September.
- Naoya Inoue (18-0, 16 KOs)
We just can’t get enough of punchers like Japanese sensation and bona fide knockout artist Inoue. He’s a gifted fighter with speed, power and intelligence all combined into one lethal package. You have to go all the way back to 2016 to find an opponent that survived to see the final bell.
Next Fight: He’ll meet WBA world champion Nonito Donaire in a unification bout in the finals of the WBSS tournament on November 7.
- Gennady Golovkin (39-1-1, 35 KOs)
The former unified middleweight champion is supposedly done chasing Canelo for a third fight. A matchup between the two seemed logical for September but an agreement could not be reached. There are other credible middleweights under the DAZN/Matchroom boxing banner and Golovkin appears to be very much moving in that direction.
Next Fight: He’ll meet Brooklyn-based Ukrainian Sergiy Derevyanchenko on October 5 at Madison Square Garden for the vacant IBF middleweight crown.
- Mikey Garcia (39-1, 30 KOs)
Talks surfaced this summer that the former four division world champion is angling to sign with Matchroom Boxing USA for a multi-fight deal. That could be a huge deal for Garcia potentially pitting him against the winner of the WBSS 140 pound tournament or unified WBO and WBC light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez for another world title.
Next Fight: TBA
10. Sergey Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs)
“The Krusher” is back on this list after his thrilling 11th round knockout over Britain’s Anthony Yarde on August 24. Of course Yarde was inexperienced and perhaps out of his depth too but that does not negate his obvious talent [and bravery]. This follows his impressive rematch win over Eleider Alvarez six months earlier after being stopped in their first encounter.
Next Fight: The Russian could face Canelo next for what would be his biggest payday. However, it is probably more likely that Kovalev ends up facing one of the other 175-pound titlists for division supremacy.
Who makes your top 10? Let us know in the comment section below.
