Last updated on January 12th, 2025 at 01:27 pm

Pound-for-Pound (boxing P4P rankings) seek to grade the most skilled boxers in boxing, at any weight division, based on their ability, dominance, and accomplishments for any division. The criteria for inclusion typically involve:

Boxing P4P Rankings

• Dominance: Consistent victories over top-tier opponents.
• Versatility: Success in multiple weight classes.
• Skill Level: Technical proficiency, adaptability, and ring IQ.
• Achievements: Titles held, defenses made, and notable victories.

Rankings Breakdown: Rankings Breakdown:

Boxing P4P Rankings 2025

Oleksandr Usyk

So, Usyk’s placement at the top is well-justified. His back-to-back victories over Fury and also Anthony Joshua to unify the heavyweight titles cemented his status as one of the most dominant forces in boxing. His progression from cruiserweight, where he was also an undisputed champion, demonstrates his versatility and ability in different weight classes.

Terence Crawford

Crawford’s dominance in multiple weight classes, particularly his undisputed status at 140 lbs and current run at welterweight, solidifies his P4P standing. Besides, his ability to switch stances and outclass opponents has been remarkable. His next bout may strengthen still further his standing, particularly if he rises through the ranks and keeps winning.

Naoya Inoue

The Flash is also known as “The Monster” and already displayed overwhelming brutality and accuracy alike, achieving a position as the undisputed champion in bantamweight after moving up. Unification bouts and wins over super champions such as Nonito Donaire are crucial in his high ranking. His further success at junior featherweight will be a key to maintaining or upgrading his position.

Artur Beterbiev

Beterbiev’s rise is justified by his unbeaten record and his impressive stoppage victories, including unifying titles at light heavyweight. His power and relentless style make him a formidable opponent, but his age and potential future competition may impact his P4P status.

Canelo Alvarez

Canelo’s resume is arguably one of the most impressive, with titles in four weight classes. Especially, his strategic pairings and repeat victory over the best competition retain his P4P importance. His recent performances, while dominant, lacked the decisive victories seen earlier, which keeps him at this rank.

Dmitry Bivol

Bivol’s ascent in the rankings, especially following his win over Canelo Alvarez, demonstrates his technical proficiency and defensive excellence. His repeated performance in adverse conditions is reflected by his placement and seems to open the door to further advancement.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s dynamic style and willingness to take on tough opponents have earned him a spot in the top 10. His drop might be an indication of the level of the separation and the quality of the warriors within his proximity, but, he is a promising fighter with space to grow.

Gervonta Davis

Davis’s explosiveness and finishing capability in the ring earned him a loyal fanbase and a true P4P contender. His position will be based on his commitment to line up against some of the best boxers at the heavily ousted division, lightweight.

Shakur Stevenson

Stevenson’s technical brilliance and defensive prowess make him a standout in the lightweight division. His progression from the base of the pyramid and results against top-flight competition all indicate a belief that with more inside-the-winning pole he could advance even further.

Junto Nakatani

Nakatani’s entry to the P4P list contains his skill and recent record in the bantamweight category. As a latecomer, his future performances will play a decisive role in the validity of his ranking (i.e. staying current or moving up) in the long term.

Controversies and Omissions:

Controversial Inclusions/Exclusions: The absence of fighters like Devin Haney, who unified the lightweight division, could be considered contentious. His skill set and recent achievements merit consideration.

Suggested Additions: Haney’s uncontested supremacy at lightweight and strong hallmark of defensive record is a valid argument for his inclusion.

P4P Trends:

The list represents a trend towards lighter weight divisions and several bantamweight champions who went on to make an impact at the lightweight division and up also appear in the list.

There is a significant proportion of multi-division winners, which highlights the importance of being flexible.

Predictions:

Upcoming Changes: Usyk’s possible fight with Tyson Fury could greatly influence his P4P profile. Similarly, a next fight at a higher weight class could confirm or undermine his ranking, Crawford’s next fight in a higher weight class may confirm or negate his ranking.

Rising Stars: Athletes such as Devin Haney and potentially Jaron Ennis may also be able to get into the P4P list by performing well in upcoming fights.

How does the vote happen for the ESPN P4P Rankings?

ESPN P4P Rankings: The voting panel comprises writers who vote for the best fighters, in their opinion, regardless of weight category.

These are the ESPN writers who voted on the ESPN P4P Rankings: Atlas. Bradley. Coppinger. Tessitore. Parkinson. Raskin.Ward. Baby. Rothstein. Phelps. Rodriguez. Poncher. Osuna. Trejos. Woodyard. Dansby. Moynihan. Pilatti. Zirolli. Mascaro. Freeman.

Then there is the calculation of points in the ESPN P4P Rankings., which is based on a system of decreasing points. For example, the first-line vote gets 10 points, the second-line vote gets 9 points, and so on. The win goes to the fighter with the highest ranking, and then to the other one with the most votes in that ranking. That is the formula for voting for the ESPN P4P Rankings.

Ring Magazine Rankings Top 10 Best Boxers for Each Division

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