AI Names & Ranks 20 Greatest Boxers in the World Right Now

Today’s boxing world is in a fascinating place. While fans fondly remember legends like the Klitschko brothers and Floyd Mayweather, the sport has only more recently felt the dramatic retirement saga of Tyson Fury, whose multiple retirements have, so far, always turned out to be temporary, though, this one could finally be for good.

Behind and alongside these icons, a new generation of fighters have been quietly doing the work to emerge as the sport’s current stars. These boxers have trained, evolved, and competed at the highest level, building legacies of their own and becoming synonymous with modern boxing through a mix of skill, power, and sheer determination.

Ahead of this weekend’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Terence Crawford showdown in Las Vegas, arguably the biggest fight of 2025 so far, we consulted AI to rank the 20 best active boxers in the world right now. From heavyweights who dominate headlines to lighter divisions producing technical masterpieces, these fighters combine power, precision, and tactical brilliance. Each has carved out a unique space in the sport, whether through knockout power, defensive mastery, or the ability to adapt seamlessly mid-fight. This list celebrates skill, consistency, and that relentless winning mentality that defines greatness in modern boxing.

10

Shakur Stevenson

24-0

Shakur Stevenson has emerged as one of the most polished and technically gifted fighters in boxing today. At only 28, Stevenson is already an unbeaten, three-weight world champion and has consistently impressed with his defensive skills, sharp footwork, and precise punching. He has faced high-level opposition and showcased an ability to adapt mid-fight, making him a constant threat in the ring.

Stevenson’s style is elegant and measured, allowing him to control the pace while remaining dangerous at any moment. With an eye on forming his own legacy and a growing fan base, he is a star who continues to refine his craft and could soon contend with the very best across multiple divisions.

9

Kenshiro Teraji

25-2

Kenshiro Teraji is an elite fighter in the flyweight division, combining immence technique with a strong record. Known for his sharp combinations, excellent timing, and tactical intelligence, Teraji dominates opponents while maintaining a calm and calculated approach. His ability to read fights and adjust strategies mid-bout has earned him widespread respect in the boxing world.

Though competing in a lighter division, his skill set is comparable to larger fighters, showcasing the depth of talent at all levels of the sport. Despite losing his WBA and WBC flyweight titles to Ricardo Sandoval in July, the only unavenged loss of his professional career, Teraji’s trajectory suggests he will continue to build his reputation as one of the finest technicians in boxing today and will most likely be back in the title picture before too long.

8

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

63-2-2

Canelo remains one of boxing’s biggest names; a fighter who has maintained elite performance over years of high-profile battles. Having fought 67 times, a remarkable total in modern boxing, the Mexican’s longevity highlights his conditioning and durability. His record is filled with the sport’s biggest names, from a loss to Floyd Mayweather earlier in his career to his three battles with Gennady Golovkin, where he secured two wins and a draw against one of boxing’s all-time greats, and even his loss to Dmitry Bivol.

Unlike many who have been accused of avoiding tough fights, Canelo has consistently sought out the best competition, and this weekend he takes on Terence Crawford in what promises to be one of the biggest fights of 2025. Holding multiple unified titles in the super middleweight division, Canelo combines power, precision, and tactical awareness, with a status as both a champion in the ring and one of boxing’s most commercially significant figures.

7

Jesse “Bam” Rodríguez

22-0

Jesse “Bam” Rodríguez quickly rose through the super flyweight and flyweight ranks, earning recognition for his youth, speed, and dominance. In January 2022, at just 22 years old, he became the youngest active world champion when he won the first of his four world titles, a remarkable achievement that immediately put him on the boxing map.

Known for his rapid rise and technical skill, he excels in both offence and defence, often overwhelming opponents with precision and elite movement. Despite his youth, Rodriguez’s confidence and poise in the ring mark him as one of the sport’s next generation of stars. He is now set to put his own titles on the line against Fernando Martinez in November for a shot at the WBA super flyweight title. Fans and analysts are watching his career closely as he continues to climb the rankings and prove that he’s the “next best thing.”

6

Junto Nakatani

31-0

Junto Nakatani is one of boxing’s stars in the lower weight divisions. Undefeated and technically gifted, Nakatani impresses with his combination of speed, power, and ring intelligence. A four-time world title-holder, he currently holds the IBF and WBC bantamweight titles, underscoring his dominance and consistency at the top level. His ability to control pace and execute strategies with precision has marked him as a standout among emerging talents.

Considered one of the next generation’s top fighters, Nakatani continues to build momentum, gaining experience against increasingly challenging opponents. Looking ahead, a potential superfight against fellow Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue is anticipated for 2026 at the Tokyo Dome, which could draw massive crowds from Asian boxing fans. If he maintains his trajectory, Nakatani could become a dominant force across several weight classes and an influential figure in boxing’s future across the world, not just in Asia.

5

Artur Beterbiev

21-1

Artur Beterbiev is a feared light heavyweight with an undefeated record that stood until earlier this year. His reputation is built on knockout power, relentless pressure, and tactical precision. Widely regarded as one of the hardest hitters in modern boxing, he has dominated the division for years, finishing nearly every opponent inside the distance. What makes Beterbiev especially remarkable is his longevity, still performing at the very top of the sport at the age of 40.

Having never budged from the light heavyweight division, he became the first undisputed light heavyweight champion since Roy Jones Jr, when he beat Dimitry Bivol in November 2024. Fast-forward to February 2025, he suffered his first professional defeat in a rematch with Bivol, a bout many consider a Fight of the Year contender. That result has only increased anticipation for a potential trilogy fight, which would once again command attention across the boxing world and push Beterbiev’s legacy as one of the sport’s most enduring and dangerous champions even higher.

4

Dmitry Bivol

24-1

Dmitry Bivol has earned universal recognition as one of the most skilled light heavyweights in boxing today. Known for his defensive work, precise counterpunching, and ability to control the ring, he has repeatedly proven himself against top-tier opponents. His technical intelligence and consistency mark him as one of the most complete fighters in the sport.

He first gained global acclaim with his 2022 victory over Canelo, a fight that showcased his ability to rise to the occasion against one of boxing’s biggest names. Last year, he suffered his only defeat to Artur Beterbiev in a thrilling contest, but remarkably, just four months later, avenged the loss and became the undisputed light heavyweight champion. That resilience and adaptability underline why he is considered one of the pound-for-pound best.

While a trilogy fight with Beterbiev has already captured the imagination of fans, it will be on hold for now, with Beterbiev set to face Deon Nicholson in November. Until then, Bivol’s career continues to showcase the hallmarks of his style, precision, patience, and the ability to outthink and outlast the very best in the sport.

3

Terence Crawford

41-0

Terence Crawford is seen as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing today. Undefeated and versatile across multiple divisions, Crawford combines exceptional boxing IQ with athleticism, power, and precision. Known for his ability to adjust mid-fight and exploit opponents’ weaknesses, he has consistently dominated elite opposition.

In 2023, he booked his place in history by defeating Errol Spence Jr to become the undisputed welterweight champion, the first to achieve that since Zab Judah in 2006. This weekend, Crawford moves up in weight to challenge Canelo, a fight that represents one of the biggest tests of his career. Even if the result doesn’t go his way, it does nothing to diminish the quality of competitor Crawford is; his titles, victories over other top names, and consistent dominance in his own weight class prove he remains one of the very best in the sport at 37 years old. His adaptability, experience, and strategic brilliance make him a true standout among the current generation of fighters.

2

Naoya Inoue

30-0

Asian boxing hasn’t seen a sensation quite like Naoya Inoue since Manny Pacquiao, and it’s remarkable that such a star has emerged so quickly. Known as The Monster, Inoue has demonstrated time and time again, through his near-perfect undefeated record, that he is a generational talent. The undisputed super bantamweight champion is a phenomenon in the lower weight classes, combining precision, speed, and devastating knockout power.

His ability to finish fights quickly while maintaining technical excellence has earned him universal acclaim. Inoue’s performances in the lower weights are considered elite, with skill and power that rival fighters in heavier divisions. Continually setting the standard in his division, he remains one of the most respected, feared, and captivating active boxers in the sport today.

Looking ahead, a potential superfight against fellow Japanese superstar Junto Nakatani is anticipated for 2026, which is likely to be the biggest all-Asian boxing match in history.

1

Oleksandr Usyk

24-0

Oleksandr Usyk sits at the very top of the heavyweight division as the undisputed champion, and it’s hard to argue he isn’t boxing’s kingpin right now. His combination of technical brilliance, footwork, timing, and ring IQ makes him almost untouchable in the ring.

Over the past few years, Usyk has systematically dismantled what many see as the golden era of British boxing. He’s beaten Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury by unanimous decision and knocked out Daniel Dubois, all in just a few short years, and he did all three twice. Doing that requires not just skill, but supreme confidence, consistency, and the ability to adjust to every opponent, and Usyk has it all in enormous quantities.

At 38 years old, he continues to prove that experience, intelligence, and precision can outclass raw power. And of course, he keeps fans entertained with his trademark line, “I am feel” and various dances, showing that even the best can have a sense of humour.

Every time he steps into the ring, Usyk reminds the world why he is the pinnacle of modern boxing, and though many have speculated about his retirement following his latest flattening of Dubois, he has assured fans he still has at least another fight left before that becomes a possibility.