Shakur Stevenson Makes Boxing History
This past Saturday, Shakur Stevenson achieved a significant milestone in boxing history, becoming the 24th fighter to capture world titles in four different weight classes over the sport’s 150-year span. In a thrilling clash at Madison Square Garden that attracted a full house, Stevenson demonstrated his exceptional skill by overpowering Teofimo Lopez, the top contender at 140 pounds. Although the matchup was highly anticipated as a showcase of elite talent, it turned into a one-sided affair, highlighting the unique prowess that Stevenson possesses.
Impact on Rankings
The fight, which is likely to be remembered as one of the best performances of 2026, propelled Stevenson up on Uncrowned’s pound-for-pound rankings following his impressive showing. Long heralded as one of the brightest talents in boxing, Stevenson has faced challenges in enticing other leading fighters to compete against him. Lopez, holding titles in two divisions and recently recognized as a top-10 pound-for-pound fighter, was the first prominent opponent to step forward — and the results revealed why many shied away from facing Stevenson.
Terence Crawford, a former pound-for-pound champion who was in attendance, has recently announced his retirement. Consequently, the latest rankings reflect his withdrawal, presenting a new top contender in the pound-for-pound landscape. The Uncrowned panel, consisting of boxing experts who assess fighters based on a point system, have compiled new rankings for February 2026.
Top Contenders
Topping the list is Oleksandr Usyk, who regained the No. 1 spot after Crawford’s retirement. Usyk, who became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, has gained recognition for his ability to compete effectively across various weight classes. His previous victories, including a decisive knockout over Daniel Dubois, speak to his prowess and global journey as a fighter who has competed in title bouts across multiple countries. Usyk’s next fight remains unclear amid rumors of a potential matchup with Deontay Wilder.
Naoya Inoue, who has also made history by winning championships in multiple weight divisions, occupies the second position after a successful year with four wins, including significant outings against recognized competitors. Shakur Stevenson, now ranked third, made a notable leap following his emphatic victory over Lopez, which signaled his ascent in the boxing hierarchy. The 28-year-old showcased a diverse skill set in his recent bouts, embodying the versatility expected of an elite-level boxer. He now faces various intriguing possibilities for future matchups, potentially including high-stakes unification bouts or marquee fights against well-known adversaries.
Dmitry Bivol and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez round out the top five, with each fighter cementing their legacies through courage in the ring. Bivol, fresh off his successful reign at light heavyweight, is expected to return soon, while Rodriguez continues his pursuit of undisputed glory in the super flyweight division.
Women’s Boxing Rankings
In the women’s boxing rankings, Katie Taylor remains firmly established as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, with her extensive and impressive resume reflecting her skill and accomplishments. Following her recent victories, she further solidified her status. Claressa Shields and Gabriela Fundora follow in the subsequent positions, showcasing the depth and talent present in women’s boxing today.
The boxing community will be eagerly watching to see how these rankings evolve as fighters pursue their next challenges in the ring, making for an exciting year ahead in both men’s and women’s boxing.
