Men’s boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Bivol and Beterbiev drop out, who takes their place?
Last year, a matchup of top-10 pound-for-pound boxers took place when Dmitry Bivol faced Artur Beterbiev in a rematch that Bivol won, securing the undisputed light heavyweight title. However, that fight occurred on February 22, 2025, and since then, both athletes have been inactive, rendering them ineligible for the ESPN rankings.
With two positions available, several newcomers have made their way into the rankings. Jaron “Boots” Ennis, who remains unbeaten and claimed the vacant WBA interim junior middleweight title with a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima in October, is now ranked No. 8. Vergil Ortiz Jr., another interim champion at 154 pounds, takes the No. 10 position after winning the WBC title with a second-round TKO against Erickson Lubin in November.
Another significant new champion did not make the top 10: Ryan Garcia defeated WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios with a commanding performance on February 21, but he did not receive sufficient support from voters to enter the rankings.
Our voting panel, which includes Andreas Hale, Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas, Nick Parkinson, Eric Raskin, James Regan, Bernardo Osuna, Eric Woodyard, Bernardo Pilatti, Charles Moynihan, Salvador Rodriguez, Jim Zirolli, Michael Mascaro, Aladdin Freeman, Victor Lopez, and Damian Delgado Averhoff, contributed their votes.
More ESPN rankings: Divisional rankings and women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Note: Results are through February 25, 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 being nearly 39 years old, he continues to perform at an elite level, as demonstrated by his decisive knockout victory in a rematch against Dubois last July. Usyk has triumphed over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois on two occasions each, and he is currently seeking a new opponent for his next bout. Initially, it seemed Usyk would face former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, but Wilder has since arranged a fight with Derek Chisora, leaving Usyk in search of an opponent. He may return this summer to face Andy Ruiz Jr. or could choose to defend against WBC No. 1 contender and interim titleholder Agit Kabayel. — 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: May 2 vs. Junto Nakatani
Inoue concluded his four-fight year in 2025 with a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Picasso. After maintaining an intense schedule that is uncommon for fighters of his caliber, Inoue will take a break before his highly anticipated match against fellow Japanese champion Junto Nakatani, reportedly scheduled for May 2 at Tokyo Dome. — Hale
3. JESSE RODRIGUEZ 
Previous ranking: 3
RECORD: 23-0, 16 KOs
DIVISION: Junior bantamweight (unified champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (KO10) Fernando Martinez, Nov. 22, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
“Bam” Rodriguez showcased his skills in a dominant performance against Martinez, adding the WBA title to his collection at junior bantamweight. His victory was not only decisive but also highlighted how effortlessly he controlled the fight. Martinez entered the bout undefeated but was made to look inexperienced as Rodriguez dictated the action before finishing in the 10th round. At 25, Rodriguez is the youngest fighter on the pound-for-pound list and has ample time to aim for the top position. He is recognized as one of the finest fighters globally and one of the most exciting to watch. — Hale
4. SHAKUR STEVENSON 
Previous ranking: 4
RECORD: 25-0, 11 KOs
DIVISION: Junior welterweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Teofimo Lopez Jr., Jan. 31
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Stevenson has risen on the pound-for-pound list after delivering a near shutout against Teofimo Lopez Jr. to secure a major world title in a fourth weight class. His victories are not just about winning; at 28, Stevenson is performing at an extraordinary level, dominating his opponents and conceding very few rounds against other world champions. He has numerous options ahead, whether he aims to unify titles at 140 or 135, or potentially move up to 147 pounds. He is on the verge of reaching the top position. — Hale
5. DAVID BENAVIDEZ 
Previous ranking: 7
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 challenge “Zurdo” Ramirez, the unified champion. This matchup is scheduled for Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, with Benavidez aiming to become a three-division champion. If victorious, he will have numerous options, including a potential return to light heavyweight for the right fight (Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol). “The Mexican Monster” is set for a significant 2026, given his exciting fighting style and a range of quality opponents. — Hale
6. 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: May 2 vs. Naoya Inoue
Despite narrowly securing a contentious victory over Hernandez, Nakatani has set up a potential all-Japanese clash with Naoya Inoue on May 2 at Tokyo Dome. Although his performance was not his best, a transition to a new weight class and a tougher-than-expected opponent likely contributed to the fight being more challenging than anticipated. Off nights can occur, and they are understandable. Although his reputation took a slight hit, Nakatani will have the chance to dispel any doubts by defeating Inoue. — Hale
7. DEVIN HANEY 
Previous ranking: 9
RECORD: 33-0, 1 NC, 15 KOs
DIVISION: Welterweight (champion)
LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Brian Norman Jr., Nov. 22, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Haney triumphed over the hardest hitter in the welterweight division with relative ease, dominating Norman to become WBO champion. Speculation regarding Haney’s decline following the Ryan Garcia fight was greatly exaggerated, and he silenced critics by skillfully outboxing a fighter known for his punching power. A three-division champion who recently turned 27, Haney makes the list due to his impressive skill set and instincts. — Hale
8. JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS 
Previous ranking: NR
RECORD: 35-0, 31 KOs
DIVISION: Interim junior middleweight champion
LAST FIGHT: W (TKO1) Uisma Lima, Oct. 11, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Ennis’ abilities are undeniable, as “Boots” has consistently overwhelmed his opponents since his debut a decade ago. The primary question has been the caliber of his opponents, as Ennis has yet to face a top-tier fighter. He has passed the eye test thus far and enters the pound-for-pound list due to his exceptional switch-hitting skills and boxing intelligence. He requires a significant test, and a long-anticipated matchup with Vergil Ortiz Jr. has been hinted at for several years. Just when it seemed imminent, legal complications have arisen between the two fighters, leaving the boxing community awaiting the resolution of this potential showdown. — Hale
9. CANELO ALVAREZ 
Previous ranking: 8
RECORD: 63-3-2, 39 KOs
DIVISION: Super middleweight
LAST FIGHT: L (UD12) Terence Crawford, Sept. 13, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Canelo has returned to the pound-for-pound rankings by default. Although he lost to Terence Crawford last September, there is no disgrace in being defeated by arguably the finest boxer of this generation. All attention will now be on Canelo’s next steps as he prepares to come back from elbow surgery in September. The super middleweight division is currently open, especially following Crawford’s retirement, and Canelo may seek to reclaim the titles he lost. — Hale
10. VERGIL ORTIZ JR. 
Previous ranking: NR
RECORD: 24-0, 22 KOs
DIVISION: Interim junior middleweight champion
LAST FIGHT: W (KO2) Erickson Lubin, Nov. 8, 2025
NEXT FIGHT: TBA
Ortiz has been a force, with nearly all of his victories coming by way of stoppage. Last year, he decisively defeated both Israil Madrimov and Erickson Lubin, demonstrating that he is among the top pound-for-pound fighters globally. He has yet to encounter a worthy opponent in the ring, but a potential clash with Jaron “Boots” Ennis would undoubtedly be one of the year’s most significant fights between two boxers with great promise. Unfortunately, Ortiz’s legal disputes with Golden Boy Promotions have hindered progress, which may keep him sidelined until those issues are resolved. — Hale
The formula
The rankings are determined by 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: Jai Opetaia (9), Oscar Collazo (7), Rafael Espinoza (5), Gervonta Davis (4), Abdullah Mason (3), Osleys Iglesias (2), Teofimo Lopez Jr. (2), Ryan Garcia (2), Raymond Muratalla (2), O’Shaquie Foster (2), Sebastian Fundora (1)
How our writers voted
Hale: 1. Usyk, 2. Stevenson, 3. Inoue, 4. Rodriguez, 5. Benavidez, 6. Haney, 7. Nakatani, 8. Ortiz, 9. Lopez, 10. Ennis
Atlas: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Rodriguez, 4. Stevenson, 5. Benavidez, 6. Haney, 7. Nakatani, 8. Davis, 9. Ennis, 10. Muratalla
Tessitore: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Rodriguez, 4. Stevenson, 5. Nakatani, 6. Benavidez, 7. Haney, 8. Opetaia, 9. Ennis, 10. Alvarez
Parkinson: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Stevenson, 4. Rodriguez, 5. Haney, 6. Benavidez, 7. Nakatani, 8. Opetaia, 9. Alvarez, 10. Garcia
Raskin: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Rodriguez, 4. Stevenson, 5. Benavidez, 6. Haney, 7. Alvarez, 8. Ortiz, 9. Nakatani, 10. Espinoza
Regan: 1. Usyk, 2. Inoue, 3. Stevenson, 4. Rodriguez, 5. Benavidez, 6. Haney, 7. Nakatani, 8. Ennis, 9
