Usyk is recognized as the best boxer in the world by ESPN
28 December 2024 02:29
The American edition of ESPN has published a ranking of the world’s best boxers, regardless of weight category. The top 10 is headed by Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Thus, the world heavyweight champion according to the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO Alexander Usik took the first position in the updated ranking.
It is noted that Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) rose to the top after his first victory over Fury, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. By winning the rematch, Usyk showed that he is also the best heavyweight of his generation. He has two victories against Fury and Anthony Joshua and one victory over Daniel Dubois in his last five fights.
The second line was taken by American boxer Terence Crawford, and the Japanese Naoya Inoue rounded out the top three.
It is noteworthy that Usyk remains the only representative of the super-heavyweight division on this list.
Top 10 of the P4P rankings according to ESPN:
- Oleksandr Usyk vs;
- Terence Crawford;
- Naoya Inoue;
- Artur Beterbiev;
- Saul Alvarez;
- Dmitry Bivol;
- Jesse Rodriguez;
- Gervonta Davis; Jervonta Davis;
- Shakur Stevenson;
- Zunto Nakatani.
On the night of December 22, the Ukrainian defeated the Briton by unanimous decision in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Following the 12 rounds, all three referees declared Usyk’s success: 116-112, 116-112, 116-112.
Currently, Usyk holds the WBC, WBA and WBO titles. The title of absolute world heavyweight champion was not at stake this time, as the Ukrainian boxer left the IBF belt vacant in June.
In addition, Usyk confirmed that he was ready to fight the British Daniel Dubois, who offered him a rematch for the world title immediately after his fight with Fury.
In the first meeting , Usyk won. Both boxers agreed to the rematch. According to Boxing Kingdom, Usyk will have the opportunity to earn much more money than he did in the first fight. For the rematch, Usyk will receive 60% of the total fee, and Fury will receive 40%. In the first fight, Tyson Fury received 2/3 of the total fee, and the Ukrainian boxer received the rest.
