Males’s boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Shakur, ‘Bam’ Rodriguez transfer up after thrilling wins

Three fighters within the prime 10 have been in motion since our final rankings, and all three delivered thrilling performances.

Oleksander Usyk solidified his No. 1 spot with a one-sided demolition of Daniel Dubois of their rematch at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Usyk utilized stress for so long as the struggle lasted and dropped Dubois in Spherical 5 twice earlier than the struggle was stopped.

With the victory, Usyk turned a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and made a case for him to be the best fighter of the last 25 years.

Additionally on Saturday, at The Ford Middle at The Star in Frisco, Texas, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez dominated Phumelela Cafu in a 10th-round TKO victory to unify the WBC and WBO junior bantamweight titles.

“I felt prefer it was an excellent efficiency,” Rodriguez stated after the struggle. “In all probability my finest efficiency as much as at present, in opposition to my hardest opponent, my hardest struggle but. [Cafu was] quite a bit harder than I assumed he was going to be, however we bought the job accomplished it doesn’t matter what.”

He has been getting the job accomplished like that since 2022, when he gained the WBC junior bantamweight title. Since then, Rodriguez has a document of 7-0 with 5 KOs, all title fights. He strikes up one spot to No. 5 forward of Artur Beterbiev.

On July 12, Shakur Stevenson turned in a formidable grasp class in opposition to William Zepeda in a unanimous decision win at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. Stevenson, routinely criticized for his no-risk, defensive fashion, added some offense in opposition to Zepeda to win by scorecards of 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109. Stevenson outlanded the facility hitter Zepeda in complete punches (295 to 272) and in energy punches (199 to 153).

“He got here in, pushed me,” Stevenson stated of Zepeda after the struggle. “He pushed me to a different stage.

“On the finish of the day, I informed you all, no matter it takes to get the job accomplished, I bought canine in me. I am not a pet. I am not a poodle. I am a troublesome man, so I bought canine in me.”

Stevenson’s efficiency helped him transfer up three spots to No. 7.

Our panel of Andreas Hale, Timothy Bradley Jr., Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas, Nick Parkinson, Eric Raskin, Bernardo Osuna, Eric Woodyard, Bernardo Pilatti, Charles Moynihan, Salvador Rodriguez, Claudia Trejos, Jim Zirolli, Michael Mascaro, Aladdin Freeman, Victor Lopez and Damian Delgado Averhoff shares its votes.

Extra ESPN rankings: Divisional rankings and women’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Observe: Outcomes are by means of July 23.

1. OLEKSANDR USYK     Earlier rating: 1

RECORD: 24-0, 15 KOs
DIVISION: Heavyweight (undisputed champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (KO5) Daniel Dubois, July 19
NEXT FIGHT: TBA

Usyk is starting to stake his declare as the most effective heavyweight of this century with a definitive end of Dubois to grow to be the undisputed champion as soon as once more. There can be no controversy this time round as Usyk wiped Dubois out within the fifth spherical and took little harm. Joseph Parker is probably going the subsequent in line to get his shot, however with two wins apiece over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Dubois, there actually is not a lot left for Usyk to do other than lap the competitors. — Andreas Hale

2. NAOYA INOUE     Earlier rating: 2

RECORD: 30-0, 27 KOs
DIVISION: Junior featherweight (undisputed champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (TKO8) Ramon Cardenas, May 4
NEXT FIGHT: Sept. 14 vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev

It is uncommon to see a fighter who’s as dominant and thrilling as Inoue. His thrilling battle with Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas additional cemented the Japanese celebrity as must-see tv. He is already slotted in for a September showdown with Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Japan and will then make the transfer to featherweight or have interaction in an All-Japan showdown with fellow champion Junto Nakatani in 2026. — Hale

3. TERENCE CRAWFORD     Earlier rating: 3

RECORD: 40-0, 31 KOs
DIVISION: Junior middleweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Israil Madrimov, Aug. 3
NEXT FIGHT: Sept. 13 vs. Canelo Alvarez

The one true argument in opposition to Crawford being No. 1 is his lack of exercise. However his hiatus will lastly finish after a 12 months when he jumps as much as tremendous middleweight to problem Canelo Alvarez for the chance to grow to be the one boxer within the four-belt period to be undisputed in three weight lessons. It is obscene to assume that Crawford began his profession amassing titles at 135 kilos and can now try to dethrone the game’s largest star at 168 kilos. But when anyone can do it, it is “Bud.” — Hale

4. DMITRY BIVOL     Earlier rating: 4

RECORD: 24-1, 12 KOs
DIVISION: Mild heavyweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (MD12) Artur Beterbiev, Feb. 22
NEXT FIGHT: TBA

Bivol avenged his solely loss when he defeated Artur Beterbiev on Feb. 22 in a wonderful efficiency. He’ll keep away from David Benavidez (for now) as he’ll doubtless have interaction in a rubber match with Beterbiev for his subsequent struggle. Ought to he emerge victorious, a extremely anticipated showdown with “The Mexican Monster” might be on the menu for 2026. — Hale

5. JESSE RODRIGUEZ     Earlier rating: 6

RECORD: 22-0, 15 KOs
DIVISION: Junior bantamweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (TKO10) Phumelela Cafu, July 19
NEXT FIGHT: TBA

At 25, Rodriguez in some way manages to be underrated regardless of his pound-for-pound standing. He collected one more world title by thumping WBC titleholder Phumelele Cafu for a Tenth-round end. After we speak in regards to the smaller weight lessons, we regularly point out Inoue’s identify. However possibly we needs to be speaking much more about “Bam.” He’ll face WBA titleholder Fernando Martinez in November, which will probably be a chance to place his identify on the poll for fighter of the 12 months. — Hale

6. ARTUR BETERBIEV     Earlier rating: 5

RECORD: 21-1, 20 KOs
DIVISION: Mild heavyweight
LAST FIGHT: L (MD12) Dmitry Bivol, Feb. 22
NEXT FIGHT: TBA

Beterbiev suffered the one lack of his professional profession in a rematch with Dmitry Bivol on Feb. 22 however nonetheless made a terrific account of himself in opposition to a fellow pound-for-pound fighter. Contemplating the aggressive nature of each fights, it is sensible for the Russian to carry his spot on the P4P record. He’ll doubtless get an opportunity to avenge the blemish in a return bout later this 12 months. Though he has crossed into his 40s, Beterbiev nonetheless is acting at an elite stage. — Hale

7. SHAKUR STEVENSON     Earlier rating: 10

RECORD: 24-0, 11 KOs
DIVISION: Light-weight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) William Zepeda, July 12
NEXT FIGHT: TBA

Stevenson lastly bought the sort of opponent followers have been asking for, and as soon as once more, he got here out on prime, including a little bit extra aggression to his flawless tactical fashion. Stevenson dominated William Zepeda on July 12 in New York in an thrilling efficiency. As distinctive as Stevenson has been, the most important grievance he faces is that he virtually makes it look too simple contained in the squared circle and coasts to determination victories. He was presupposed to have his fingers full with a high-volume puncher in Zepeda, however he was capable of deal with every part Zepeda threw his manner. Stevenson used a jab to the physique, uppercuts and efficient mixture to sluggish Zepeda down and put any complaints about his lack of offense to relaxation. — Hale

8. CANELO ALVAREZ     Earlier rating: 7

RECORD: 63-2-2, 39 KOs
DIVISION: Tremendous middleweight (undisputed champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) William Scull, May 3
NEXT FIGHT: Sept. 13 vs. Terence Crawford

Boxing’s largest star underwhelmed in his most up-to-date outing in opposition to William Scull, regardless of once more changing into the undisputed champion at 168 kilos. Nonetheless, Canelo wanted to get that struggle out of the best way to arrange arguably the most important struggle of the 12 months when he accepts the problem of Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sept. 12. Latest opposition apart, Canelo has amassed a wonderful résumé and may have an opportunity so as to add one other future Corridor of Famer to his portfolio. — Hale

9. DAVID BENAVIDEZ     Earlier rating: 8

RECORD: 30-0, 24 KOs
DIVISION: Mild heavyweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) David Morrell, Feb. 1
NEXT FIGHT: Nov. 22 vs. Anthony Yarde

For no matter motive, no person needs to struggle Benavidez. He did every part he wanted to at 168 kilos however was unable to land a struggle with Canelo Alvarez. Now he finds himself in an analogous place at mild heavyweight as Dmitry Bivol vacated the WBC title so he might face Beterbiev in a rubber match, as an alternative of dealing with Benavidez. With wins over Caleb Plant, Demetrius Andrade and David Morrell on his résumé, it is solely a matter of time till “The Mexican Monster” will get to check himself in opposition to the most important names within the sport. However first, he’ll meet Anthony Yarde in November. The scary factor is that he’s solely 28 and hasn’t hit his bodily prime. — Hale

10. JUNTO NAKATANI     Earlier rating: 9

RECORD: 31-0, 24 KOs
DIVISION: Bantamweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (TKO6) Ryosuke Nishida, June 8
NEXT FIGHT: TBA

Japan’s different pound-for-pound fighter on this record unified the bantamweight titles on June 8 in opposition to IBF titleholder Ryosuke Nishida. “Large Bang” is thrilling to look at and has gained all 5 of his bantamweight fights by knockout since making the transfer from junior bantamweight final February. An eventual blockbuster showdown with countryman Naoya Inoue seems to be on the horizon in what can be the most important struggle within the historical past of Japan. — Hale

The components

The rankings are primarily based on a descending factors system, with a first-place vote awarding 10 factors, a second-place vote awarding 9 factors and so forth. A tie goes to the fighter with the best rating, then the one with probably the most votes at that rating.

Others receiving votes: Teofimo Lopez Jr. (5), Gervonta Davis (5), Janibek Alimkhanuly (1).

How our writers voted

Bradley: 1. Usyk, 2. Crawford, 3: Inoue, 4. Bivol, 5. Beterbiev, 6. Alvarez, 7. Nakatani, 8. Rodriguez, 9. Stevenson, 10. Benavidez

Hale: 1. Usyk, 2. Crawford, 3. Inoue, 4. Bivol, 5. Rodriguez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Alvarez, 8. Benavidez, 9. Stevenson, 10. Nakatani

Atlas: 1. Usyk, 2. Crawford, 3. Inoue, 4. Bivol, 5. Benavidez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Stevenson, 8. Rodriguez, 9. Nakatani, 10. Alvarez

Tessitore: 1. Usyk, 2. Crawford, 3. Inoue, 4. Beterbiev, 5. Bivol, 6. Rodriguez, 7. Nakatani, 8. Benavidez, 9. Stevenson, 10. Alvarez

Parkinson: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Crawford, 4. Bivol, 5. Beterbiev, 6. Rodriguez, 7. Alvarez, 8. Nakatani, 9. Stevenson, 10. Benavidez

Raskin: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Crawford, 4. Bivol, 5. Beterbiev, 6. Rodriguez, 7. Stevenson, 8. Benavidez, 9. Alvarez, 10. Nakatani

Osuna: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Crawford, 4. Bivol, 5. Rodriguez, 6. Stevenson, 7. Nakatani, 8. Beterbiev, 9. Alvarez, 10. Benavidez

Rodriguez: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Bivol, 4. Crawford, 5. Rodriguez, 6. Alvarez, 7. Beterbiev, 8. Nakatani, 9. Benavidez, 10. Stevenson

Trejos: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Crawford, 4. Bivol, 5. Rodriguez, 6. Stevenson, 7. Alvarez, 8. Benavidez, 9. Nakatani, 10. Beterbiev

Woodyard: 1. Usyk, 2. Crawford, 3. Inoue, 4. Bivol, 5. Alvarez, 6. Rodriguez, 7. Stevenson, 8. Benavidez, 9. Davis, 10. Beterbiev

Moynihan: 1. Usyk, 2. Crawford, 3. Inoue, 4. Bivol, 5. Alvarez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Stevenson, 8. Rodriguez, 9. Benavidez, 10. Davis

Pilatti: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Bivol, 4. Beterbiev, 5. Rodriguez, 6. Benavidez, 7. Stevenson, 8. Crawford, 9. Nakatani, 10. Alimkhanuly

Zirolli: 1. Usyk, 2. Crawford, 3. Inoue, 4. Stevenson, 5. Bivol, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Rodriguez, 8. Alvarez, 9. Lopez, 10. Nakatani

Mascaro: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Crawford, 4. Rodriguez, 5. Bivol, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Nakatani, 8. Benavidez, 9. Davis, 10. Lopez

Freeman: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Crawford, 4. Rodriguez, 5. Bivol, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Stevenson, 8. Nakatani, 9. Alvarez, 10. Lopez

Lopez: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Crawford, 4. Bivol, 5. Beterbiev, 6. Alvarez, 7. Rodriguez, 8. Benavidez, 9. Stevenson, 10. Nakatani

Delgado Averhof: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Bivol, 4. Crawford, 5. Rodriguez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Benavidez, 8. Stevenson, 9. Alvarez, 10. Lopez

ESPN consultants’ ballot

First place: Usyk (17)

Second place: Inoue (10), Crawford (7)

Third place: Inoue (7), Crawford (7), Bivol (3)

Fourth place: Bivol (10), Crawford (2), Rodriguez (2), Beterbiev (2), Stevenson (1)

Fifth place: Rodriguez (6), Bivol (4), Beterbiev (4), Alvarez (2), Benavidez (1)

Sixth place: Beterbiev (7), Rodriguez (4), Alvarez (3), Stevenson (2), Benavidez (1)

Seventh place: Stevenson (6), Nakatani (4), Alvarez (3), Rodriguez (2), Beterbiev (1), Benavidez (1)

Eighth place: Benavidez (7), Rodriguez (3), Nakatani (3), Crawford (1), Beterbiev (1), Stevenson (1), Alvarez (1)

Ninth place: Stevenson (5), Alvarez (4), Nakatani (3), Benavidez (2), Davis (2), Lopez (1)

Tenth place: Nakatani (4), Benavidez (3), Lopez (3), Beterbiev (2), Alvarez (2), Stevenson (1), Davis (1), Akhmadaliev (1)