Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian professional boxer and two-time undisputed world heavyweight champion, has named his top three current pound-for-pound fighters. He selected Terence Crawford, Canelo Álvarez, and Shakur Stevenson during a May 13, 2026, interview with DAZN, offering a unique perspective from one of boxing’s most decorated athletes.
Usyk’s full list included five fighters, with fellow heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury also making the cut. His insights come from a fighter who has achieved undisputed status across two different weight classes.
Usyk’s undisputed reign underscores his picks
The Ukrainian’s opinion carries significant weight, given his own remarkable trajectory in professional boxing. Oleksandr Usyk first secured a world title just under a decade ago, dethroning Krzysztof Glowacki for the WBO cruiserweight strap.
His ascent continued rapidly. Usyk cemented his status as the undisputed cruiserweight king in 2018, following impressive victories over Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev. This showcased his technical mastery and ring intelligence.
Moving up to heavyweight, Usyk once again climbed to the summit, first defeating Anthony Joshua and later securing undisputed status against Tyson Fury in 2024. His ability to unify every major title across two divisions makes him the flagship cruiserweight and heavyweight of his generation.
Terence Crawford’s historic five-division dominance
Leading Oleksandr Usyk’s personal pound-for-pound list is Terence Crawford, the undefeated American phenom with a pristine record of 42-0, including 31 knockouts. Crawford’s career is marked by his unprecedented achievement as a five-division champion, a testament to his versatility.
His most recent and perhaps most significant victory came on September 13, 2025, in Las Vegas, where he defeated Canelo Álvarez via a 12-round unanimous decision. This win solidified Crawford’s legacy, seeing him claim his third undisputed crown in a different division.
Usyk highlighted Crawford’s exceptional speed, impeccable timing, and agile footwork as key factors in his dominance. He noted how these attributes allowed Crawford to keep Álvarez guessing and effectively neutralize pressure with a consistent jab and clever movement.
While still at the peak of his powers, Crawford has stepped into retirement, adding a layer of bittersweet appreciation to Usyk’s high praise. His departure leaves a void at the very top of the pound-for-pound discussions, marking the end of an extraordinary run.
Canelo Álvarez’s enduring appeal and tactical adjustments
Next on Oleksandr Usyk’s elite list is Mexican boxing icon Canelo Álvarez, who boasts a professional record of 63-3-2 with 39 knockouts. Álvarez has long been considered one of the sport’s premier attractions, earning immense commercial success alongside his world titles.
His three career losses have come against a trio of “generationally talented fighters”: Floyd Mayweather Jr., Dmitry Bivol, and most recently, Crawford. These defeats underscore the high level of competition Álvarez has consistently sought throughout his career.
Canelo, who turns 36 in July 2026, continues to demonstrate an intelligent fighting style characterized by potent body-punching and sharp, accurate punches. He adeptly compensates for any perceived athletic shortcomings with small adjustments and tactical brilliance in the ring.
While still a dominant force, Álvarez appears to be nearing the end of his illustrious career. His potential retirement will mark the close of an era for one of boxing’s most recognizable figures, much like Crawford’s recent exit.
Shakur Stevenson’s unbeaten rise to championship status
Completing Oleksandr Usyk’s top three is the undefeated American southpaw Shakur Stevenson, with a record of 25-0 and 11 knockouts. At just 29 years old, Stevenson already holds The Ring junior welterweight championship and has claimed world titles in four different divisions.
Stevenson’s inclusion on such an exclusive list might surprise some, given his relatively shorter professional tenure compared to Crawford and Álvarez. However, his flawless record and divisional conquests speak volumes about his talent and potential.
Usyk clearly sees immense skill and future Hall of Fame potential in Stevenson, who continues to build a stellar career. His defensive prowess, technical precision, and ability to adapt make him a formidable presence in any weight class he competes in, promising a bright future for the sport.
The significance of a champion’s pound-for-pound rankings
When an active, undisputed champion like Oleksandr Usyk voices his opinion on the sport’s best, it resonates deeply within the boxing community. Usyk’s own journey, from unifying the cruiserweight division to achieving undisputed status in heavyweight, provides him with a unique vantage point.
His selections aren’t just arbitrary picks; they represent the analytical judgment of a fighter who understands the nuances of elite-level competition better than most. Such lists, while subjective, offer invaluable insight into the criteria that professional athletes value in their peers, shaping future debates.
Usyk’s full top five also included Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, further highlighting his respect for his heavyweight contemporaries. This acknowledges the competitive landscape at the top of the sport, even as he places others above them in the pound-for-pound discussion.
These rankings often ignite passionate debates among fans, but they also serve to celebrate the extraordinary talent within boxing. Usyk’s choices underscore the current strength and depth of the sport’s elite divisions, even with the looming retirements of some legends.
The landscape of pound-for-pound rankings is always fluid. With Terence Crawford already retired and Canelo Álvarez reportedly close to hanging up his gloves, new contenders will inevitably rise to challenge for supremacy. Shakur Stevenson, still young and undefeated, is clearly positioned to become a dominant force for years to come.
Usyk himself has been involved in high-profile events, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
His continued activity and pursuit of more titles will be crucial in solidifying his status as a long-term pound-for-pound king. The departure of established stars creates opportunities for others to step into the limelight, ensuring boxing’s elite ranks constantly evolve. This dynamism keeps fans engaged and anticipating new rivalries.
Ultimately, Usyk’s thoughtful enumeration offers a snapshot of current greatness from an expert source. It provides a benchmark against which future performances will be measured, and it anticipates the exciting shifts expected in boxing’s elite ranks over the next few years. Fans are keen to see who will emerge next.
