Last updated on January 12th, 2025 at 01:39 pm
Undisputed Boxing Champions: Boxing’s world has been full of anticipation, as the four kings have come to the top of their weight classes.
This List during the 4 Belts Era comprises a list of boxers who have held the top four championship belts in the contemporary era of boxing, which is characterized by the existence of four main sanctioning organizations (PBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO).
List of undisputed boxing champions 4 belts
Men’s undisputed champions
Dates | Boxer | Division |
---|---|---|
Oct. 2024 | Artur Beterbiev | Light heavyweight |
May 2024-Jun. 2024 | Oleksandr Usyk | Heavyweight |
Dec. 2023 | Naoya Inoue | Junior featherweight |
Jul. 2023-Nov. 2023 | Terence Crawford | Welterweight |
Dec. 2022-Jan. 2023 | Naoya Inoue | Bantamweight |
Jun. 2022-Nov. 2023 | Devin Haney | Lightweight |
May 2022-Nov. 2023 | Jermell Charlo | Junior middleweight |
Nov. 2021-Jul. 2024 | Canelo Alvarez | Super middleweight |
May 2021-Jun. 2023 | Josh Taylor | Junior welterweight |
Jul. 2018-Jun. 2019 | Oleksandr Usyk | Cruiserweight |
Aug. 2017-Sept. 2017 | Terence Crawford | Junior welterweight |
Jul. 2005-Sept. 2007 | Jermain Taylor | Middleweight |
Women’s undisputed champions
Dates | Boxer | Division |
---|---|---|
Mar. 2024-Oct. 2024 | Seniesa Estrada | Strawweight |
Nov. 2023 | Katie Taylor | Junior welterweight |
Jul. 2023-Dec. 2023 | Savannah Marshall | Super middleweight |
Feb. 2023 | Alycia Baumgardner | Junior lightweight |
Feb. 2023-Dec. 2023 | Amanda Serrano | Featherweight |
Nov. 2022-Nov. 2023 | Chantelle Cameron | Junior welterweight |
Apr. 2022-Jul. 2023 | FranchΓ³n Crews-Dezurn | Super middleweight |
May 2021 | Claressa Shields | Junior middleweight |
Aug. 2020-Nov. 2022 | Jessica McCaskill | Welterweight |
Jun. 2019-Jan. 2024 | Katie Taylor | Lightweight |
Apr. 2019-2020 | Claressa Shields | Middleweight |
Sept. 2014-Aug. 2020 | Cecilia Brækhus | Welterweight |
Exploring the Landscape of Undisputed Boxing Champions
At first, Becoming an undisputed boxing champion is the pinnacle of achievement, demanding a fighter to unify the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles. So, in this analysis, weβll explore the current champions, examine their journey to glory, and discuss their lasting impact on the sport. Their paths to dominance reflect a combination of skill, resilience, and determination, while their influence extends far beyond the ring, shaping the future of boxing for years to come.
Who Rules the Divisions?
Not only Artur Beterbievβs dominance in the light heavyweight division but also Katie Taylorβs groundbreaking reign in womenβs lightweight boxing, these fighters have left an indelible mark by capturing every major belt. Consequently, their success symbolizes unparalleled mastery in their respective weight classes and underscores the immense significance of achieving the status of Undisputed Boxing Champions. As a result, they have redefined excellence within their divisions and set a new standard for future champions to aspire to.
Some notable undisputed boxing champions include:
- Artur Beterbiev (Light Heavyweight): Known for his ferocious power and technical precision, he solidified his status by overcoming elite competition.
- Naoya Inoue (Junior Featherweight and Bantamweight): A destructive force in the ring, Inoue has displayed surgical accuracy, securing undisputed crowns in two divisions.
- Katie Taylor (Lightweight): Her legacy is cemented through high-profile victories, including a landmark battle with Amanda Serrano.
How They Achieved Glory
Each Undisputed Boxing Champions journey has been unique:
- Defining Fights: Fighters like Terence Crawford unified titles by defeating high-caliber opponents, while others faced questions about the strength of their competition.
- Signature Moments: Naoya Inoueβs stoppage of Stephen Fulton showcased his dominance, while Canelo Alvarezβs super middleweight unification was marked by a string of commanding wins.
- Overcoming Challenges: Success often required navigating tricky negotiations and mandatory defenses, with some champions opting to face the toughest opponents to prove their mettle.
Impact on Boxing
Undisputed Boxing Champions serve as beacons of excellence, thus elevating their divisions and inspiring the next generation of fighters to push beyond their limits. As a result, they increase the sportβs visibility, attract global audiences, and generate excitement through compelling matchups and rivalries that captivate boxing fans worldwide. Consequently, these champions not only define their eras but also play a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of the sport.
For instance:
- Canelo Alvarez turned super middleweight into a marquee division, showcasing the sportβs appeal to both casual and hardcore fans.
- Katie Taylor has been pivotal in promoting womenβs boxing, turning previously overlooked divisions into major attractions.
Strength of Competition
The level of difficulty faced by champions during their unification process varies:
- Fighters like Oleksandr Usyk and Terence Crawford fought and defeated the best in their divisions, leaving no room for debate about their dominance.
- Others, like Jermell Charlo, also faced critics questioning whether their opposition matched the elite level.
Challenges to Staying Undisputed
Maintaining undisputed status is no easy task. Champions face multiple hurdles:
- Sanctioning Body Politics: Conflicting mandatory obligations often force champions to vacate belts.
- Busy Schedules: Balancing mandatory defenses and voluntary bouts across four organizations is also a logistical nightmare.
- Rising Contenders: Hungry challengers, such as Shakur Stevenson and David Benavidez, pose constant threats to current champions.
Controversies and Governing Body Conflicts
The road to unification is often bumpy due to disputes between boxingβs major organizations. Sanctioning bodies like the WBC and IBF sometimes clash over mandatory challengers, delaying or moreover preventing unification fights. So, these disputes can undermine the sportβs integrity, leaving fans frustrated.
The Road Ahead
The undisputed champion landscape is always evolving:
Upcoming Showdowns: Key fights, such as Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, could redefine the heavyweight hierarchy.
Potential Threats: Fighters like Devin Haney must fend off top contenders like Gervonta Davis.
The Four Major Sanctioning Bodies in Boxing
Besides all, Modern boxing includes 17 weight classes, each with its own set of rules and regulations. So, here are four major organizations:
- World Boxing Association (WBA)
- World Boxing Council (WBC)
- International Boxing Federation (IBF)
- World Boxing Organization (WBO)
Moreover, each of these organizations has its own set of rules and regulations and bestows world titles in the different weight classes.
These organizations are responsible for determining who holds the titles in each weight class and bestowing the belts accordingly.
In truth, keeping track of who holds each of the belts can be a daunting task. Especially when there are sometimes multiple champions in each organization due to interim and secondary belts. Additionally, some divisions may have different names depending on the sanctioning body, making it even more challenging to keep track of who holds the titles.
So, visit Ring Magazine Rankings to see the top 10 fighters in each division.
Check Boxing P4P Rankings to see who the best fighters are, regardless of weight class.
List of Boxing Champions
However, keeping track of boxing world champions can be a daunting task, with 17 weight classes and four major sanctioning bodies. So, the four main recognized sanctioning bodies in boxing are the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO, each issuing championship belts to fighters across weight divisions. Besides, it is important to note that there are sometimes multiple titlists in each organization because of interim and secondary belts, making it even more challenging to keep track of who holds each belt.
So, to make it easier for boxing fans, there are reference charts available that list who holds each title in the four organizations. For instance, DAZN provides a comprehensive list of the world boxing champions, including the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring titles, in every weight class
List of Heavyweight boxing champions (Unlimited)
The WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO heavyweight champions have consistently proven their worth by defending their titles against top-tier opponents; as a result, they have earned the respect and admiration of boxing fans worldwide. Furthermore, with the highly anticipated Usyk vs. Fury 1 already in the history books, boxing fans have witnessed a clash of immense talent that will be remembered for years to come. Consequently, the winner of this monumental rematch has officially been crowned the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, marking a historic moment in boxingβs heavyweight division and elevating the sport to new heights.
Oleksandr Usyk* | WBO |
Daniel Dubois | IBF |
Oleksandr Usyk** | WBA |
Oleksandr Usyk | WBC |
*Joseph Parker is the WBO interim heavyweight champion | **Kubrat Pulev is the WBA “regular” heavyweight champion
Cruiserweight Boxing (200 lbs.)
That is a very competitive situation for the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO cruiserweight boxing world champions.
Gilberto Ramirez | WBO |
Jai Opetaia | IBF |
Gilberto Ramirez | WBA |
Norair Mikaeljan | WBC |
Light heavyweight Boxing Champions (175 lbs.)
Both Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev are renowned for their powerful, hard-hitting styles. However, itβs Artur Beterbiev who rose above the competition to claim the prestigious title of light heavyweight boxing champion!
Artur Beterbiev | WBO |
Artur Beterbiev | IBF |
Artur Beterbiev | WBA |
Artur Beterbiev | WBC |
Super middleweight (168 lbs.)
In the super middleweight category (168 lbs.), Canelo Alvarez showcases dominance by holding the WBO, WBA, and WBC titles, while William Scull claims the IBF championship, with David Benavidez as the WBC interim champion, waiting in the wings.
Canelo Alvarez | WBO |
William Scull | IBF |
Canelo Alvarez | WBA |
Canelo Alvarez* | WBC |
*David Benavidez is the WBC interim super middleweight champion
Middleweight Boxing Champions (160 lbs.)
At 160 lbs., the middleweight division is ruled by Janibek Alimkhanuly, who carries both the WBO and IBF belts, while Erislandy Lara reigns as the WBA champion, and Carlos Adames controls the WBC title, adding depth to this competitive class.
Janibek Alimkhanuly | WBO |
Janibek Alimkhanuly | IBF |
Erislandy Lara | WBA |
Carlos Adames | WBC |
Junior middleweight (154 lbs.)
Junior middleweight (154 lbs.) features Sebastian Fundora as the WBO champion, Bakhram Murtazaliev as the IBF titleholder, and Terence Crawford, who holds the WBA crown while also being the WBC interim champion, maintaining intrigue in this division.
Sebastian Fundora* | WBO |
Bakhram Murtazaliev | IBF |
Terence Crawford** | WBA |
Sebastian Fundora*** | WBC |
*Terence Crawford is the WBO interim junior middleweight champion
**Jermell Charlo is the WBA junior middleweight champion in recess
***Vergil Ortiz Jr. is the WBC interim junior middleweight champion
Welterweight Boxing Champions (147 lbs.)
In welterweight (147 lbs.), Brian Norman Jr. stands at the top with the WBO title, moreover, Jaron Ennis rules as the IBF champion, Eimantas Stanionis claims the WBA belt, and Mario Barrios adds flair as the WBC titleholder.
Brian Norman Jr. | WBO |
Jaron Ennis | IBF |
Eimantas Stanionis | WBA |
Mario Barrios | WBC |
*Terence Crawford is the WBC welterweight champion in recess.
Junior welterweight (140 lbs.)
Teofimo Lopez Jr. leads the junior welterweight (140 lbs.) division as the WBO champion, while Richardson Hitchins holds the IBF title, Jose Valenzuela dominates with the WBA belt, and Alberto Puello rounds out the group with the WBC crown.
Teofimo Lopez Jr. | WBO |
Richardson Hitchins | IBF |
Jose Valenzuela | WBA |
Alberto Puello* | WBC |
*Devin Haney is the WBC junior welterweight champion in recess
Lightweight Boxing (135 lbs.)
The lightweight division (135 lbs.) sees Denys Berinchyk owning the WBO title, finally, Vasiliy Lomachenko excelling as the IBF champion, Gervonta Davis capturing the WBA belt, and Shakur Stevenson reigning as the WBC champion.
Denys Berinchyk | WBO |
Vasiliy Lomachenko | IBF |
Gervonta Davis | WBA |
Shakur Stevenson* | WBC |
*William Zepeda is the WBC interim junior welterweight champion
Junior lightweight Boxing Champions (130 lbs.)
At 130 lbs. in junior lightweight, Emanuel Navarrete takes charge as the WBO champion, then Anthony Cacace commands the IBF title, Lamont Roach leads with the WBA belt, and OβShaquie Foster shines as the WBC champion.
Emanuel Navarrete | WBO |
Anthony Cacace | IBF |
Lamont Roach* | WBA |
O’Shaquie Foster | WBC |
*Albert Batyrgaziev is the WBA interim junior lightweight champion
Featherweight Boxing Champions (126 lbs.)
So, featherweight (126 lbs.), Rafael Espinoza leads as the WBO champion, Angelo Leo claims the IBF title, Nick Ball is the WBA titleholder, and Brandon Figueroa proudly holds the WBC belt.
Rafael Espinoza | WBO |
Angelo Leo | IBF |
Nick Ball | WBA |
Brandon Figueroa* | WBC |
*Rey Vargas is the WBC featherweight champion in recess
Junior featherweight (122 lbs.)
So, here Naoya Inoue, at junior featherweight (122 lbs.), dominates the division by owning all four belts: WBO, IBF, WBA, and WBC, cementing his status as the undisputed champion.
Naoya Inoue | WBO |
Naoya Inoue | IBF |
Naoya Inoue | WBA |
Naoya Inoue | WBC |
Bantamweight (118 lbs.)
At 118 lbs. in bantamweight, Yoshiki Takei commands the WBO title, Ryosuke Nishida also holds the IBF belt, Seiya Tsutsumi reigns with the WBA crown, and Junto Nakatani takes charge as the WBC champion.
Yoshiki Takei | WBO |
Ryosuke Nishida | IBF |
Seiya Tsutsumi* | WBA |
Junto Nakatani | WBC |
Boxing News Magazine: The Punch Press
Junior bantamweight (115 lbs.)
The junior bantamweight division (115 lbs.) sees Phumelele Cafu reigning as the WBO champion, while the IBF title remains vacant, Fernando Martinez leads as the WBA titleholder, and Jesse Rodriguez controls the WBC belt.
Phumelele Cafu | WBO |
Vacant | IBF |
Fernando Martinez* | WBA |
Jesse Rodriguez* | WBC |
Flyweight (112 lbs.)
Then, Flyweight (112 lbs.) features Anthony Olascuaga as the WBO champion, Angel Ayala as the IBF titleholder, Seigo Yuri Akui ruling with the WBA crown, and Kenshiro Teraji leading the WBC division.
Anthony Olascuaga | WBO |
Angel Ayala | IBF |
Seigo Yuri Akui | WBA |
Kenshiro Teraji* | WBC |
*Galal Yafai is the WBC interim flyweight champion
Junior flyweight (108 lbs.)
As can be seen, In junior flyweight (108 lbs.), Shokichi Iwata dominates with the WBO title, Masamichi Yabuki holds the IBF belt, the WBA title remains unclaimed, and Petchmanee CP Freshmart leads with the WBC crown.
Shokichi Iwata | WBO |
Masamichi Yabuki | IBF |
Vacant | WBA |
Petchmanee CP Freshmart | WBC |
Strawweight (105 lbs.)
Finally, at strawweight (105 lbs.), Oscar Collazo impressively secures both the WBO and WBA titles, Pedro Taduran holds the IBF belt, and Melvin Jerusalem reigns as the WBC champion
Oscar Collazo | WBO |
Pedro Taduran | IBF |
Oscar Collazo | WBA |
Melvin Jerusalem | WBC |
FAQ
how many undisputed boxing champions are there?
Since the four-belt era began, there have been seven undisputed champions in men's boxing. These include Saul Canelo Alvarez in the super middleweight division, Terence Crawford in the junior welterweight division, Bernard Hopkins in the middleweight division, Jermain Taylor in the middleweight division, Jermain Taylor in the middleweight division, Oleksandr Usyk in the cruiserweight division, and Tyson Fury in the heavyweight division. Additionally, there have been eight women who have held all four versions of the belts and have been undisputed world champions, with Cecilia Brækhus and Claressa Shields being the only boxers, male or female, to have achieved this feat in two divisions. It is important to note that these undisputed champions have been recognized by the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), and International Boxing Federation (IBF), among other organizations.
Who is the youngest undisputed champion?
Devin Miles Haney, 24, is the youngest undisputed boxing champion.
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