Libra x Libra

Seeing as we did a Top 10 Marlins Prospects take earlier this week, to pretty good reviews might I add. Thought it to be fitting to do a little Son Los Marlins Boxing Top 10 Pound for Pound list. You read that right, so knuckle up.

Now, when speaking to any boxing fan or expert about a definition into the meaning of pound for pound, you'll always get a varying answer. I've always considered that being pound for pound number 1 means that you're the best in the world, regardless of weight class. For example, a Lightweight's gonna have a really tough time against a Heavyweight, but if you were to just take each Fighter's skill set into account, who would be the better Boxer if both were in the same Weight Division. 

Others take into effect how certain Champions are able to move up or down weight classes, while claiming numerous Titles. 

Also make allowances for a Fighter's popularity and how much interest they're garnering into their Bouts. It's tough to be great when nobody's ever heard of you.

We'll take it all into consideration. So now in the words of the legendary late referee Mills Lane, "Let's get it on" as it pertains to the list.

#1 Oleksandr Usyk 

When you come out the Victor of the biggest Heavyweight Fight in Boxing of the last 25 years, it's hard not to be the number 1 Pound for Pound Fighter in the World. Especially when you were the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion prior to becoming the first Undisputed Heavyweight Champ since Lennox Lewis. Roy Jones Jr. was the last of the lighter weight Champions to be able to move up to Heavyweight like this, and capture Boxing's biggest prize. This is the exact kind of company befitting for Usyk too. Whose quickly becoming a legend in the Sport.

#2 Terrance 'Bud' Crawford

Crawford was number 1 on my list and on many others as recently as last year. But such inactivity for the 4 Division World Champion since his epic Win over Eroll Spence, and at the almost age of 37, isn't beneficial to the Pound for Pound list. It takes nothing away however, from the skill of such a dynamic Boxer who can beat you many different ways, and as both Orthodox or Southpaw as he pleases.

#3 Naoya 'Monster' Inoue

Though the smallest Fighter on our List, Inoue may very well pack as hard a wallop in his fists as anybody in the Sport. They don't call him the "Monster" for nothing. The native of Japan is only the 3rd Boxer in History to capture the Title of Undisputed in multiple Weight Classes, joining the Gentlemen up top (Usyk & Crawford).

#4 Dmitry Bivol

The Russian Bivol busted onto the scene after a convincing Win over Boxing's top Draw Canelo Alvarez in May of 2022. While Bivol's skill set inside the Squared Circle is rather distinguished, the level of competition other than the Alvarez Fight, has really been unrecognizable. Could rank higher in my opinion with better Opposition.

#5 Tyson Fury

A Rematch for the Undisputed Heavyweight Belt awaits Fury in December, after an extremely close Decision this past summer did not go his way. But when you're all of 6 foot 9/close to 300 Pounds and move inside the Ropes the way Fury does, with that kind of In Ring I.Q. You're a still Top 5 Fighter in the world until proven otherwise.

#6 Saul 'Canelo' Alavarez

Canelo resumes to demonstrate he's much like wine in the Sport of Boxing, continuing to improve with age. Unfortunately you can make the argument that what has begun to deteriorate is the level of Opposition on the other side of the ring chosen by Alvarez. That aside, what is an extraordinary feat is the fact the power puncher Canelo, who once fought for the Welterweight Championship, would move all the way up to one day attain a Light Heavyweight crown, and everything in between.

#7 Vasiliy Lomachenko

Speaking of not skipping a beat, the 36 year old Lomachenko continues to marvel in the Ring. Claiming the IBF Lightweight Title with a dominant Knockout Win over George Kambosos in May. The absolutely superior footwork continues to be there for the 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist. While 2 controversial decisions against Teofimo Lopez & Devin Haney, aren't enough to knockdown Loma from a Pound for Pound discussion.

#8 Anthony Joshua

A bit of a redemption trail seems to be the path chosen by Joshua of late. It's a dangerous journey for anyone facing somebody whose been one of the more complete Heavyweights in the Division for such a long time now. 3 Straight K.O W's leads A.J into a September bout vs Daniel Dubois next month.

#9 Gervonta 'Tank' Davis

I feel Tank should be higher on this list. But whether it's countless arrests, rehydration clauses, his Management team avoiding big Fights in such a stacked Division in Boxing. I got Davis all the way down to 9, despite a ruthless/fan appealing style, great head movement, and absolute massive punching power.

#10 David Benavidez

A current Light Heavyweight and former Middleweight World Champion, the big bodied Benavidez continues to knock off competition. Be it Demetrius Andrade, Caleb Plant, or David Lemieux. Who knows, there's probably a reason or two Canelo has ducked Benavidez for a while now. Though I'd still give the edge to Canelo if the Bout ever happens, it's the kind of Fight the public wants. Now that's something Boxing can agree on, if not this list 😉.

#KeepPunching