Oleksandr Usyk has compiled a highly controversial list, ranking boxing’s top five pound-for-pound operators ahead of his eagerly awaited rematch with Tyson Fury.
The two-division undisputed king further cemented his greatness back in May, unifying all four major titles at heavyweight following an awe-inspiring clash with Tyson Fury.
Both combatants had their pockets of success, but Oleksandr Usyk was the one who ultimately enhanced his decorated legacy, edging a split decision after scoring a stunning ninth-round standing count.
In just nine days’ time, though, ‘The Gypsy King’ will be presented with an opportunity to exact revenge on his rival, as the pair lock horns, once again, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk’s top 5 includes Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue
Like with pretty much anything in boxing, the hotly debated topic of pound-for-pound rankings is immensely subjective.
But still, there are always two or three obvious choices while, at the same time, a plethora of elite level fighters will never even get a sniff.
Instead of sticking with the unwritten rules, though, Usyk has decided to rile up fans with his truly baffling selections.
Without the luxury of adding himself to the list, the Ukrainian went with four-division world champion Terence Crawford at number one – a widely accepted choice.
In a much bolder claim, however, super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez entered at number two, despite losing to former light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
And yet, perhaps the most puzzling entry is Anthony Joshua at number three, with the two-time heavyweight champion coming off a devastating fifth-round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois.
The rest of Usyk’s list consists of Fury at number four and undisputed super bantamweight king Naoya Inoue – a consensus top-three pound-for-pound star – at number five.
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Fans react to Oleksandr Usyk’s top 5 boxers list
Unsurprisingly, fans have largely responded to Usyk’s list with a mixture of confusion and frustration, expressing their conflicted emotion on social media.
That said, the more sceptical of fans have suggested that the 37-year-old has not, in fact, been 100 percent authentic.
It is within Usyk’s character, after all, to be somewhat playful with the truth.
One fan said: “Naaaa he’s got to be trolling.”
Another fan added: “Can’t get my head around the AJ shout.”
Someone else said: “Brainwashed unfortunately.”