Full Breakdown
Oleksandr Usyk Ascends to No. 1 in Men's Pound-for-Pound Rankings Following Terence Crawford's Retirement
1/16/2026, 1:46:00 AM
Core Event: Usyk Takes the Top Spot
The recent retirement of Terence Crawford has led to a significant shift in the ESPN men's boxing pound-for-pound rankings, with Oleksandr Usyk now occupying the No. 1 position. Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, previously ranked second, solidified his status with a decisive fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois on July 19, 2025. This change marks a pivotal moment in the boxing landscape as Usyk, who turns 39 soon, continues to demonstrate elite performance levels.
Rankings Overview
Following Usyk's elevation, the updated rankings feature Naoya Inoue in the second position. Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion, recently secured a unanimous decision victory against David Picasso on December 27, 2025. His upcoming potential clash with Junto Nakatani in early 2026 could further impact his standing. The rest of the top five includes Dmitry Bivol, Jesse Rodriguez, and Artur Beterbiev, with Bivol currently recovering from surgery and expected to return in early 2026.
Current Top 10 Rankings
1. Oleksandr Usyk (Heavyweight, 24-0, 15 KOs)
2. Naoya Inoue (Junior Featherweight, 32-0, 27 KOs)
3. Dmitry Bivol (Light Heavyweight, 24-1, 12 KOs)
4. Jesse Rodriguez (Junior Bantamweight, 23-0, 16 KOs)
5. Artur Beterbiev (Light Heavyweight, 21-1, 20 KOs)
6. David Benavidez (Light Heavyweight, 31-0, 25 KOs)
7. Shakur Stevenson (Lightweight, 24-0, 11 KOs)
8. Devin Haney (Welterweight, 33-0, 15 KOs)
9. Junto Nakatani (Bantamweight, 32-0, 24 KOs)
10. Teofimo Lopez Jr. (Junior Welterweight, 22-1, 13 KOs)
Official Statements & Responses
ESPN's panel of boxing experts contributed to the rankings, with Usyk receiving the most first-place votes. The voting process utilized a points system, rewarding higher rankings with more points. Notably, the rankings reflect a consensus among experts, with Usyk and Inoue frequently appearing at the top.
Criticism & Opposition
While Usyk's rise has been celebrated, some analysts suggest that the gap between him and Inoue is narrow, indicating that a victory for Inoue over Nakatani could shift the rankings once again. Additionally, Bivol's recovery from surgery raises questions about his ability to maintain his position in the rankings.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Usyk is expected to seek a new opponent, with Deontay Wilder being a potential candidate despite Wilder's recent struggles in the ring. Meanwhile, Inoue's anticipated bout with Nakatani could be pivotal for both fighters' standings in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Verbatim Quotes
“The gap between Inoue and Usyk for the top spot is razor thin and a win over Nakatani would vault Inoue to the top of the list.” — ESPN Boxing Analyst
