Pound for Pound 2023

Men’s Pound for Pound Best in Boxing 2023

By Uppercut Magazine staff

(Photo by Al Applerose) 

For years the welterweight from Nebraska insisted he was the top in his weight class. Now, Terence Crawford proved he’s the best fighter in any weight division after his emphatic knockout win this last summer in Las Vegas.

It was an eye-opening moment for boxing.

Crawford now has the ability to move up a weight division or pick and choose the best money fight available. That’s what happens when you seek out the best and vanquish them with impunity.

Others to consider are Japan’s Naoya “Monster” Inoue whose knockout win over Stephen Fulton was a highlight reel for boxing lovers. And of course, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez showed that when others doubt his abilities and hunger he can turn on the engines and batter anyone standing in his way.

Lots of changes took place on this list including the removal of Tyson Fury after his disastrous performance against an MMA fighter recently. New faces include Teofimo Lopez whose victory over Josh Taylor was slightly unexpected to many. Devin Haney is another who may not win emphatically but continues to be undefeated.

Here is our official list for Uppercut Magazine:

Pound for Pound List

1. Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 Kos) – Now 36, the Omaha, Nebraska southpaw emphatically proved he is the best welterweight and fighter pound-for-pound today. His knockout win over Errol Spence was surprising considering it was thought to be an even fight. Crawford heads the class with his amazing performance that grabbed him the undisputed welterweight world championship.

2. Naoya Inoue (25-0, 22 Kos) – the Yokohama native is 30 and if he were heavier would be one of the most watched fighters in history. He has crackling power and quickness and the ability to dissect foes. All his skills are often overlooked because of his impressive knockouts. The Japanese wonder has only once been in a competitive fight. The Monster makes it look easy.

3. Saul Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 Kos) – Mexico’s Alvarez is 33 and though he lost to Dmitry Bivol in a light heavyweight match everyone loses. Despite fighting much taller foes the Guadalajara fighter has perhaps the best chin in boxing and almost super human strength. As a super middleweight he remains unbeatable and proved to the world against Jermell Charlo he is among the best of the best. In this publication’s opinion he is the greatest Mexican fighter in history.

4. Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 Kos) – small in stature the 29-year-old Tank Davis has impressive knockout power that seems to disguise the fact he has skills. Lots of skills. Almost every fight Davis shows another facet of his abilities despite always being the much shorter fighter. He is also one of the most popular fighters in the game. A showdown against one of the other champions means big money.

5. Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 Kos) – Ukraine’s Usyk is 36 and set to fight Tyson Fury. Or will he? After Fury’s horrible showing against an MMA fighter it seems likely Usyk will need to find another victim. Usyk has a lot going for him but age is not in his favor. Can he find someone to showcase his skills in another heavyweight world title match? 

6. Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 Kos) – the light heavyweight from Kyrgyzstan is 32, and his win over Canelo Alvarez back in May 2022 has not led to increased recognition. His only hope is to have a showdown with fellow light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev. A battle between these two would decide the best light heavyweight in the world. Otherwise, it’s like does anyone know when a tree falls in the forest?  

7. Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 Kos) – now 26 the electric super lightweight rises to the occasion against elite competition. His win over talented Josh Taylor proved his superior athleticism and boxing skills against undisputed Taylor. Can anybody beat Lopez when he’s at his best? The Brooklyn native has showmanship and performs well under pressure.  

8. Devin Haney (30-0, 15 Kos) – the undisputed lightweight champion is moving up and Regis Prograis is in the way. Haney has a lot going for him and despite an undefeated record continues to be underrated. Now he is moving up in weight and we shall see if he can handle the heavier super lightweight division. So far he’s proven his boxing skills are elite.

9. David Benavidez (27-0, 23 Kos) – the 26-year-old slugger showcased his boxing skills against talented Caleb Plant last March. It proved the Arizona native was more than just a puncher. Now he’s on to another test. This time he faces undefeated Demetrius Andrade in a battle between undefeated southpaws. The winner could possibly get a showdown with undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

10. Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 Kos) – the Houston fighter still remains the undisputed super welterweight champion and has plenty of talent. You have to give big credit to him for trying to usurp Canelo Alvarez who was simply too strong. Charlo has some big possibilities looming such as a possible showdown with Tim Tszyu. Its not over for the Houston-based champion.

11. Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 Kos) – Mexico’s Estrada is 33 and that’s old for his weight class. How much more does he have left in the gas tank remains to be seen. The young guns are coming, but Estrada’s skill level remains top notch. Is another showdown with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez too much to ask for?

12. Gennady Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 Kos) – At 41 years of age the middleweight remains dangerous for anyone not named Canelo Alvarez. No one else can claim they beat up GGG who has one of the best chins and can still knockout a mule if that’s legal. Never count out Golovkin.  

Honorable Mention

Tyson Fury, Shakur Stevenson, Vasyl Lomachenko, Stephen Fulton, Junto Nakatani, Regis Prograis, Tim Tszyu, Errol Spence Jr., Josh Taylor, Artur Beterbiev, Jermall Charlo.