Usyk named the top five boxers of today
Oleksandr Usyk named five boxers whom he considers the best in modern professional boxing. The Ukrainian’s list includes Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury. Interestingly, Usyk has defeated the latter two twice.
The Ukrainian champion named his favorites in an interview with Jus Due Boxing. However, Usyk did not include himself or Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue—who is often cited as one of the top contenders for the title of best boxer regardless of weight class—on the list.
Who Does Usyk Consider the Best?
The Ukrainian named five boxers:
- Terence Crawford;
- Shakur Stevenson;
- Saul “Canelo” Alvarez;
- Anthony Joshua;
- Tyson Fury.
“That’s Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Saul Alvarez, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury,” Usyk said. The presence of Joshua and Fury on this list is particularly noteworthy. Usyk has defeated both British heavyweights twice. The Ukrainian first defeated Joshua in September 2021, claiming the WBA, IBF, and WBO championship belts. In the rematch in August 2022, Usyk again defeated the British boxer by unanimous decision.
Usyk fought Fury twice for the title of undisputed world champion. In May 2024, Usyk defeated the British boxer by split decision and became the undisputed heavyweight champion. In December of that same year, he won the rematch by a unanimous decision. It was these victories that made Usyk the undisputed world champion in two weight classes—cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Crawford and Alvarez are also on the list
Usyk singled out Terence Crawford and Saul Alvarez. Crawford has become the undisputed world champion in three weight classes during his career, and his victory over Alvarez in September 2025 was one of the most sensational of his career.
Shakur Stevenson—one of the most technically skilled American boxers of the new generation—also made the top five. He ranks among the leaders in the pound-for-pound rankings as well. Interestingly, Usyk did not include himself on the list, even though he is regularly featured in global P4P rankings. As of August 2026, various rankings continue to place the Ukrainian among the world’s best boxers.
Usyk is preparing for his next fight
The Ukrainian’s last bout took place on May 23, 2026. Usyk stepped into the ring against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven and secured a first-round victory. Afterward, the Ukrainian relinquished all his championship belts. However, he did not announce the end of his professional career.
Usyk has called his upcoming bout his “Last Dance.” This means he plans to step into the ring at least one more time. Recently, after a long hiatus, the boxer returned to training. Deontay Wilder is considered one of the most likely opponents for his final fight. However, the final details of the upcoming bout have yet to be officially confirmed, according to Jus Due Boxing.
Oleksandr Usyk has resumed training after a long break. The former undisputed world heavyweight champion posted a video from the gym with the brief caption: “Back to work.”
Oleksandr Usyk stated that his next fight could be the last of his professional career. The 39-year-old Ukrainian admitted that he is tired of constant training and wants to spend more time with his family.
