Men’s boxing pound-for-pound list: Stevenson’s victory alters the top 10 standings
Shakur Stevenson outclassed Teofimo Lopez Jr. in a unanimous decision on January 31, securing his status as a four-division world champion. At just 28 years old, Stevenson, the current WBO junior welterweight titleholder, has competed for a world title in nine of his last ten fights.
Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) displayed his renowned defensive skills while effectively dictating the pace of the fight. He significantly outperformed Lopez in total punches (165 to 72), jabs (320 to 105), and power punches (60 to 40), leading to decisive scorecards of 119-109 from all judges.
“I informed everyone prior to the fight that they would recognize my jab as the best in boxing afterward,” Stevenson remarked post-fight. “I identified his weaknesses and took advantage. I felt stronger, quicker, more intelligent, and sharper.”
This win propels Stevenson up three positions, placing him at No. 4 in the rankings. Lopez falls out of the top 10, allowing Canelo Alvarez to re-enter at No. 10.
Our panel, consisting of Andreas Hale, Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas, Nick Parkinson, Eric Raskin, Bernardo Osuna, Eric Woodyard, Bernardo Pilatti, Charles Moynihan, Salvador Rodriguez, Jim Zirolli, Michael Mascaro, Aladdin Freeman, Victor Lopez, and Damian Delgado Averhoff, has submitted their votes.
More ESPN rankings: Divisional rankings and women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Note: Results are current as of February 5, 2026.
1. OLEKSANDR USYK 
Previous ranking: 1
RECORD: 24-0, 15 KOs
DIVISION: Heavyweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (KO5) Daniel Dubois, July 19, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
The retirement of Terence Crawford has propelled Usyk to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. Despite nearing 39 years of age, he continues to perform at an elite level, as demonstrated by his dominant knockout victory in a rematch against Dubois last July. He has triumphed over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois on two occasions each, and is now seeking a new opponent for his upcoming bout, likely targeting former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Although Wilder has a record of 2-4 in his last six fights, he remains one of the most formidable punchers in heavyweight boxing history, making him an intriguing matchup for Usyk to enhance his impressive legacy. — Andreas Hale
2. NAOYA INOUE 
Previous ranking: 2
RECORD: 32-0, 27 KOs
DIVISION: Junior featherweight (undisputed champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) David Picasso, Dec. 27, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Inoue concluded his 2025 campaign with a fourth victory, achieving a comprehensive unanimous decision over Picasso. The pace he has maintained is remarkable for a champion of his caliber. More significantly, he has set the stage for a significant clash with Junto Nakatani in early 2026. The margin between Inoue and Usyk for the top position is extremely narrow, and a win against Nakatani would elevate Inoue to the forefront. — Hale
3. JESSE RODRIGUEZ 
Previous ranking: 4
RECORD: 23-0, 16 KOs
DIVISION: Junior bantamweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (KO10) Fernando Martinez, Nov. 22, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
“Bam” Rodriguez executed a commanding performance against Martinez, adding the WBA title to his junior bantamweight accolades. His victory was not only significant in terms of the win but also in how effortlessly he achieved it. Martinez entered the bout undefeated but was made to appear inexperienced as Rodriguez controlled the fight before finishing in the 10th round. At 25, Rodriguez is the youngest competitor on the pound-for-pound list and has ample opportunity to ascend to the top. He is recognized as one of the finest fighters globally and is also among the most captivating to watch. — Hale
T-4. DMITRY BIVOL 
Previous ranking: 3
RECORD: 24-1, 12 KOs
DIVISION: Light heavyweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (MD12) Artur Beterbiev, Feb. 22, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Bivol has been inactive since his rematch victory over Beterbiev while recuperating from surgery for a herniated disk in his lower back. His manager, Vadim Kornilov, has indicated that Bivol is expected to return to the ring in early 2026, likely facing mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, before aiming for a rubber match with Beterbiev later this year. If the Beterbiev bout does not materialize, a potential clash with current WBC champion David Benavidez is also on the table. — Hale
T-4. SHAKUR STEVENSON 
Previous ranking: 7
RECORD: 25-0, 11 KOs
DIVISION: Junior welterweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Teofimo Lopez Jr., Jan. 31
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Stevenson ascends the pound-for-pound rankings following a near shutout against Teofimo Lopez Jr., capturing a major world title in a fourth weight class. His victories are not merely about winning; at 28, Stevenson is performing at an elevated level, thoroughly dominating his opponents and conceding very few rounds against fellow champions. He has numerous paths ahead, whether he aims to unify at 140 or 135, or potentially move up to 147 pounds. He is on the verge of claiming the top position. — Hale
6. ARTUR BETERBIEV 
Previous ranking: 5
RECORD: 21-1, 20 KOs
DIVISION: Light heavyweight
LAST FIGHT: L (MD12) Dmitry Bivol, Feb. 22, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Beterbiev was scheduled to make his return in November following his defeat to Bivol, but a matchup with Deon Nicholson was canceled, leaving the powerful Russian without a definitive next opponent. At 41, Beterbiev is nearing the conclusion of his career but still has several significant fight opportunities, including a rubber match with Bivol or an action-packed bout with WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez. He will likely require a preparatory fight first and aims to be back in the ring during the first half of 2026. — Hale
7. DAVID BENAVIDEZ 
Previous ranking: 6
RECORD: 31-0, 25 KOs
DIVISION: Light heavyweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (TKO7) Anthony Yarde, Nov. 22, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: May 2 vs. Gilberto Ramirez
After defeating Yarde in November, Benavidez announced his intention to move up to cruiserweight to face “Zurdo” Ramirez, the unified champion. This bout is scheduled for Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, with Benavidez aiming to become a three-division champion. Should he win, he will have numerous options available, including a return to light heavyweight for the right matchup (Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol). “The Mexican Monster” is set for a significant 2026, given his exciting fighting style and a variety of quality opponents. — Hale
8. JUNTO NAKATANI 
Previous ranking: 8
RECORD: 32-0, 24 KOs
DIVISION: Bantamweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Sebastian Hernandez, Dec. 27, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Despite narrowly securing a contentious victory over Hernandez, Nakatani has positioned himself for a potential all-Japanese clash with Naoya Inoue later this year. Although the performance was not his best, a transition to a new weight class and a tougher-than-anticipated opponent likely played a role in the fight’s outcome. Off nights can occur, and they are understandable. Nakatani will have the chance to dispel any doubts by defeating Inoue. — Hale
9. DEVIN HANEY 
Previous ranking: 9
RECORD: 33-0, 1 NC, 15 KOs
DIVISION: Welterweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Brian Norman Jr., Nov. 22
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Haney triumphed over the hardest hitter in the welterweight division with relative ease, dominating Norman to secure the WBO title. Speculation regarding Haney’s decline following the Ryan Garcia fight was greatly exaggerated, and he silenced critics by skillfully outboxing an opponent with greater punching power than Garcia. A three-division champion who has just turned 27, Haney makes the list due to his remarkable skill set and instincts. — Hale
10. CANELO ALVAREZ 
Previous ranking: NR
RECORD: 63-3-2, 39 KOs
DIVISION: Super middleweight
LAST FIGHT: L (UD12) Terence Crawford, Sept. 13, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Canelo re-enters the pound-for-pound rankings due to circumstances. Although he lost to Terence Crawford last September, there is no disgrace in falling to arguably the finest boxer of this generation. All attention will be on Canelo’s next steps as he prepares to return from elbow surgery in September. The super middleweight division is currently open following Crawford’s retirement, and Canelo may seek to reclaim the titles he previously held. — Hale
The formula
The rankings are determined using a descending points system, where a first-place vote grants 10 points, a second-place vote gives nine points, and so forth. In the event of a tie, the fighter with the higher ranking is favored, followed by the one with the most votes at that ranking.
Others receiving votes: Gervonta Davis (3), Jaron Ennis (3), Jai Opetaia (2), Vergil Ortiz Jr. (2), Teofimo Lopez Jr. (1), Oscar Collazo (1), Osleys Iglesias (1).
How our writers voted
Hale: 1. Usyk, 2. Stevenson, 3. Inoue, 4. Rodriguez, 5. Bivol, 6. Benavidez, 7. Beterbiev, 8. Haney, 9. Nakatani, 10. Ortiz
Atlas: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Bivol, 4. Rodriguez, 5. Stevenson, 6. Benavidez, 7. Beterbiev, 8. Haney, 9. Nakatani, 10. Davis
Tessitore: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Rodriguez, 4. Stevenson, 5. Nakatani, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Bivol, 8. Benavidez, 9. Haney, 10. Opetaia
Parkinson: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Stevenson, 4. Bivol, 5. Rodriguez, 6. Haney, 7. Benavidez, 8. Beterbiev, 9. Nakatani, 10. Opetaia
Raskin: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Rodriguez, 4. Stevenson, 5. Bivol, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Benavidez, 8. Haney, 9. Alvarez, 10. Ortiz
Osuna: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Rodriguez, 4. Bivol, 5. Stevenson, 6. Nakatani, 7. Beterbiev, 8. Benavidez, 9. Haney, 10. Ennis
Rodriguez: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Rodriguez,
