The 2025 Pound-for-Pound Boxing Rankings Where 'Canelo' Álvarez Is Not on Top
Mexican superstar Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez has been ranked just eighth in the latest The Ring pound-for-pound list, sparking debate among boxing fans and analysts worldwide.
Usyk Leads a Controversial Top 10 List
The 2025 Ring Rankings place Oleksandr Usyk at number one. The Ukrainian, current undisputed heavyweight champion, is now considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. This iconic list, compiled by The Ring magazine since 1925, includes fighters from the lightest to the heaviest weight classes.
However, Canelo Álvarez's placement at number eight has drawn criticism. Despite a quieter year in terms of major fights, many believe his multi-division dominance and career achievements should grant him a higher spot. While recent inactivity and a loss to Dmitry Bivol may factor in, the ranking still feels like a snub to one of boxing’s biggest global icons.
Here’s the full top 10:
- Oleksandr Usyk
- Naoya Inoue
- Terence Crawford
- Dmitry Bivol
- Artur Beterbiev
- Junto Nakatani
- Jesse "Bam" Rodríguez
- Canelo Álvarez
- Kenshiro Teraji
- Shakur Stevenson
Mixed Reactions From the Boxing World
The list has ignited strong opinions across the boxing community. Some experts argue that Canelo Álvarez's recent performances and level of opposition justify his drop, particularly after his loss to Bivol and a less competitive schedule. Others see it as a slight to his legacy, given his long reign at the top and multiple world titles across four weight classes.
Rising stars like Jesse "Bam" Rodríguez, now seventh, and Naoya Inoue, firmly holding the second spot, reflect a generational shift. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford remains in the top three thanks to dominant wins in multiple divisions.
Despite the ranking, Canelo Álvarez remains one of the sport’s most influential and marketable figures. Fans continue to speculate on his next move—perhaps a superfight with Crawford or a rematch with Bivol—that could propel him back up the pound-for-pound ladder.
The debate is far from over. What’s clear is that the pound-for-pound throne is no longer locked down—and the new generation of boxing talent is making its presence known.
