Oleksandr Usyk Reveals his Top 5 Best Boxers in the World
Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion and one of the most skilled fighters in boxing today, recently unveiled his list of the top five boxers in the world during an interview with DAZN. His selections highlight a mix of dominance, skill, and versatility across different weight classes, sparking debates among boxing fans and analysts.
Usyk’s Top 5 Boxers
When asked to identify the best fighters in boxing, Usyk’s list included the following names:
- Terrence Crawford
- Canelo Alvarez
- Anthony Joshua
- Tyson Fury
- Naoya Inoue
Each of these fighters represents excellence in the boxing world, but the list has prompted questions about Usyk’s selection criteria and the absence of other prominent boxers. Let’s examine why each fighter may have earned their spot on Usyk’s exclusive list.
Breaking Down Usyk’s Picks
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Terrence Crawford: Widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter, Crawford is the undisputed welterweight champion. His undefeated record, technical precision, and adaptability in the ring have solidified his place at the top of many rankings. Usyk’s inclusion of Crawford reflects recognition of his dominance and recent success, particularly his decisive win over Errol Spence Jr.
- Canelo Alvarez: A four-division world champion, Canelo is celebrated for his skill, power, and impressive track record. Despite recent challenges, including tough fights in higher weight classes, Canelo remains one of the most accomplished and marketable names in modern boxing. His consistent performances and boxing legacy make him an obvious choice for Usyk’s list.
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Anthony Joshua: Though he has faced setbacks, Joshua remains a former unified heavyweight champion and a major figure in the sport. His athleticism, knockout power, and ability to attract global attention may have factored into Usyk’s decision to include him. Joshua’s spot on the list signals Usyk’s respect for his capabilities as a fighter, even if recent losses have sparked debate.
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Tyson Fury: Known as the “Gypsy King,” Fury is arguably the most skilled heavyweight boxer of his era. His size, agility, and ring IQ have kept him undefeated, and he has consistently delivered dominant performances. Fury’s inclusion emphasizes Usyk’s acknowledgment of the elite talent in the heavyweight division.
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Naoya Inoue: Nicknamed “The Monster,” Inoue has emerged as one of the most dominant lower-weight fighters. A multi-division world champion, Inoue is revered for his power, precision, and technical mastery. Usyk’s recognition of Inoue highlights his appreciation for exceptional talent across all weight classes, not just the heavyweight category.
Mixed Reactions: Fans Debate the List
Usyk’s list has sparked heated discussions among boxing fans. While most agree with the inclusion of names like Terrence Crawford and Tyson Fury, others were surprised by omissions such as Gervonta Davis, Errol Spence Jr., or even Vasiliy Lomachenko, Usyk’s fellow Ukrainian and close friend.
The inclusion of Anthony Joshua has been particularly divisive. Critics argue that his recent performances do not justify his spot, while supporters point to his influence and potential to regain his former status. Meanwhile, Naoya Inoue’s presence on the list has been widely praised, as it shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked lowerweight divisions.
Conclusion
Oleksandr Usyk’s list of the top five boxers offers insight into what he values most in a fighter: dominance, versatility, and consistency at the highest levels of the sport. From Terrence Crawford’s technical brilliance to Tyson Fury’s heavyweight supremacy and Naoya Inoue’s explosive power, Usyk’s choices reflect his deep understanding of the boxing landscape.
Whether you agree with his picks or not, this list has reignited debates about the best fighters in the world today. Does your top 5 list align with Usyk’s, or do you have different choices? Either way, the discussion underscores the diversity of boxing talent and the passion it inspires among fans.
