Latest Shift in ESPN’s Pound-for-Pound Boxing Rankings

In a notable second consecutive month of significant changes, ESPN has overhauled its pound-for-pound boxing rankings. The shakeup comes after recent high-profile bouts that have reshaped the landscape for top fighters.

Key Highlights from the Latest Rankings

David Benavidez made headlines last month by replacing Junto Nakatani on the list following his impressive victory over David Morrell. However, Nakatani has re-established his presence within the rankings following Gervonta Davis’ unexpected performance, which ended in a draw against Lamont Roach on March 1. This outcome led to Davis, previously ranked No. 8, being omitted from the list for the first time in a considerable duration.

This month, Benavidez secures the No. 8 position, with Nakatani and Shakur Stevenson ranking just behind him. The top tier of the rankings also experienced a shift as Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev exchanged positions following Bivol’s decision victory on February 22.

Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Rankings

1. Oleksandr Usyk

   Record: 23-0, 14 KOs
   Division: Heavyweight (Unified Champion)
   Last Fight: W (UD12) Tyson Fury, Dec. 21
   Next Fight: TBA

   Usyk continues to dominate the heavyweight division, having secured victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois.

2. Naoya Inoue

   Record: 29-0, 26 KOs
   Division: Junior Featherweight (Undisputed Champion)
   Last Fight: W (KO4) Ye Joon Kim, Jan. 24
   Next Fight: May 4 vs. Ramon Cardenas

   Inoue prepares for his first U.S. fight since 2021, with a match scheduled against Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas.

3. Terence Crawford

   Record: 40-0, 31 KOs
   Division: Junior Middleweight (Champion)
   Last Fight: W (UD12) Israil Madrimov, Aug. 3
   Next Fight: TBA

   Crawford is set for a highly anticipated bout against Canelo Alvarez later this year.

4. Dmitry Bivol

   Record: 24-1, 12 KOs
   Division: Light Heavyweight (Undisputed Champion)
   Last Fight: W (MD12) Artur Beterbiev, Feb. 22
   Next Fight: TBA

   Bivol has firmed up his elite status following consecutive wins over top-tier competitors.

5. Artur Beterbiev

   Record: 21-1, 20 KOs
   Division: Light Heavyweight
   Last Fight: L (MD12) Dmitry Bivol, Feb. 22
   Next Fight: TBA

   Beterbiev suffered his first career loss but remains a formidable force in the ring.

6. Canelo Alvarez

   Record: 62-2-2, 39 KOs
   Division: Super Middleweight (Unified Champion)
   Last Fight: W (UD12) Edgar Berlanga, Sept. 14
   Next Fight: May 3 vs. William Scull

   Alvarez prepares for a title bout that could pave the way for a major matchup against Crawford.

7. Jesse Rodriguez

   Record: 21-0, 14 KOs
   Division: Junior Bantamweight (Champion)
   Last Fight: W (TKO3) Pedro Guevara, Nov. 9
   Next Fight: TBA

   Rodriguez is set to face Fernando Martinez in a highly anticipated unification match.

8. David Benavidez

   Record: 30-0, 24 KOs
   Division: Light Heavyweight (Interim Champion)
   Last Fight: W (UD12) David Morrell, Feb. 1
   Next Fight: TBA

   Benavidez’s recent victory has solidified his place in the rankings and positioned him for further title bouts.

9. Junto Nakatani

   Record: 30-0, 23 KOs
   Division: Bantamweight (Champion)
   Last Fight: W (KO3) David Cuellar Contreras, Feb. 24
   Next Fight: TBA

   Nakatani is poised for a title unification bout that could lead to a blockbuster showdown with Inoue.

10. Shakur Stevenson

    Record: 23-0, 11 KOs
    Division: Lightweight (Champion)
    Last Fight: W (TKO9) Josh Padley, Feb. 22
    Next Fight: TBA

    Stevenson is still looking to elevate his performance following a mixed last bout against Padley.

Voters and Ranking Methodology

The rankings reflect a collective assessment from ESPN’s panel of boxing experts, including analysts such as Mike Coppinger and Timothy Bradley Jr. The pound-for-pound scoring system awards points based on rankings received, with first-place votes garnering the most points.

Recent Trends

The latest updates illustrate the volatility and competitiveness within boxing, leading to varied opinions among analysts regarding fighter status. Notably, Gervonta Davis received votes from 18 panelists but fell out of the rankings following his disappointing draw.

Conclusion

The dynamic nature of boxing rankings reflects the ever-changing landscape of the sport, influenced by recent performances and upcoming matches. As fighters prepare for their next bouts, the rankings will continue to evolve, keeping fans and analysts alike engaged in the world of boxing.