Upcoming Fight: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
On September 13, a highly-anticipated clash between two of boxing’s elite will unfold at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as Canelo Alvarez, the reigning super middleweight champion, takes on junior middleweight champion Terence Crawford, with the bout set to broadcast live via Netflix at 9 p.m. ET. Described by some as “the fight of the century,” this matchup has ignited considerable interest, prompting ESPN to compile a ranking of the 25 greatest boxers since the year 2000, evaluating where Alvarez and Crawford rank among them.
Ranking the Greatest Boxers
The list includes 17 retired boxers, 14 of whom are recognized by the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The remaining three, Gennadiy Golovkin, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Tyson Fury, are expected to be inducted when eligible. Notably, Manny Pacquiao, a distinguished member of this elite circle, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by fighting for a world title just months after his Hall of Fame induction.
The task of determining the top 25 fighters proved challenging, but a panel consisting of analysts like Andreas Hale and Mark Kriegel tackled the task with thoroughness. Among those recognized in this century are legends such as Floyd Mayweather and Oleksandr Usyk, alongside the anticipated combatants Canelo and Crawford.
Notable Boxers in the Rankings
Floyd Mayweather boasts an impressive record of 28-0 (10 KOs) from 2000-2017, earning recognition as a five-division world champion and a long-time holder of the pound-for-pound title. His induction into the Hall of Fame in 2021 solidified his legacy as one of the greatest boxers in history. His unmatched defensive skills and accuracy made him an almost impossible opponent, ending his career with an unblemished 50-0 record.
Manny Pacquiao‘s journey is noteworthy as well. An eight-division world champion with a record of 35-6-3, he is often regarded as one of boxing’s finest, especially after his remarkable comeback from a notable knockout loss. Still active at 46 years old, Pacquiao is determined to leave a lasting legacy as he fights in various weight classes.
Bernard Hopkins, who carved out an extraordinary career during the 2000s, is celebrated as the oldest world champion in boxing history, having set a record with his extensive title defenses before eventually retiring a revered figure.
The heavyweight division is well represented too, with Oleksandr Usyk, a two-time undisputed champion, known for his tactical prowess and ability to overcome elite competition like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford
Canelo Alvarez, now a four-weight champion and the only undisputed super middleweight champion, has faced some high-profile opponents and is recognized for his resilience and skill in the ring. His upcoming fight against Crawford provides an opportunity to further cement his already impressive legacy.
Terence Crawford emerged quietly on the professional scene and has since made headlines with a destructive defeat of Errol Spence Jr.. This battle marks Crawford’s chance to claim undisputed status in a third weight class while showcasing his relentless fighting spirit.
Conclusion
As the boxing world gears up for this monumental showdown, the ranking of fighters from the past two decades serves as a reminder of the sport’s rich history and the caliber of talent that continues to elevate the competition. Fighters like Gennady Golovkin, Andre Ward, and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, among many others, further illustrate the strength and depth of the sport in the 21st century.
