Top 25 Boxers of the 21st Century: Canelo, Crawford, and Mayweather Lead the Pack

Explore the definitive ranking of the top 25 boxers of the 21st century, featuring legends like Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, and Floyd Mayweather.

The 21st century has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in boxing history, with fighters like Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, and Floyd Mayweather leading the charge. As we approach the highly anticipated showdown between Canelo and Crawford on September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, ESPN has compiled a list of the top 25 boxers since 2000. This list not only highlights the achievements of these legendary fighters but also sets the stage for what could be the fight of the century.

1. Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather, known as "Money," is arguably the greatest boxer of the 21st century. With an impeccable record of 50-0, Mayweather's defensive prowess and strategic brilliance have made him a boxing icon. His victories over Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, and Oscar De La Hoya solidify his place at the top of this list.

2. Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion, has left an indelible mark on the sport. His aggressive style and relentless pursuit of victory have earned him a spot among the greatest. Despite a recent draw against Mario Barrios, Pacquiao's legacy remains untarnished.

3. Bernard Hopkins

Bernard Hopkins, known as "The Alien," defied age and expectations to become the oldest world champion in boxing history. His 20 consecutive middleweight title defenses and victories over Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya cement his place in the annals of boxing history.

4. Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk has dominated the heavyweight division, becoming the undisputed champion twice. His victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have solidified his status as one of the best heavyweights of his generation.

5. Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez, the current undisputed super middleweight champion, has consistently proven himself against the best in the sport. His trilogy with Gennadiy Golovkin and his upcoming fight against Terence Crawford highlight his enduring legacy.

6. Andre Ward

Andre Ward retired undefeated, with world titles in both the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. His technical mastery and victories over Carl Froch and Sergey Kovalev make him one of the greatest of his era.

7. Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford, with an unblemished record of 41-0, has become the first male boxer to be undisputed in two weight classes. His upcoming fight against Canelo Alvarez could further cement his legacy.

8. Juan Manuel Marquez

Juan Manuel Marquez's knockout of Manny Pacquiao in their fourth fight is one of the most memorable moments in boxing history. His four-division world titles and victories over Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Diaz make him a legend.

9. Roy Jones Jr.

Roy Jones Jr., one of the most gifted athletes in boxing history, captured world titles in four weight classes. His victory over John Ruiz for the heavyweight title is a testament to his versatility and skill.

10. Naoya Inoue

Naoya Inoue, known as "The Monster," has dominated the lower weight classes with his speed and power. His undisputed titles in two weight classes and his upcoming fight against Junto Nakatani highlight his status as one of the best.

11. Gennadiy Golovkin

Gennadiy Golovkin, with his granite chin and knockout power, has been a mainstay in the middleweight division. His trilogy with Canelo Alvarez and his record of 20 consecutive title defenses make him a legend.

12. Joe Calzaghe

Joe Calzaghe retired undefeated, with a record of 46-0. His victories over Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins, and Roy Jones Jr. make him one of the greatest super middleweights of all time.

13. Erik Morales

Erik Morales, the first Mexican-born fighter to win titles in four weight classes, is known for his epic trilogy with Marco Antonio Barrera. His victories over Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera cement his legacy.

14. Vasiliy Lomachenko

Vasiliy Lomachenko, one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time, has won world titles in three weight classes. His technical brilliance and victories over Nicholas Walters and Guillermo Rigondeaux make him a legend.

15. Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya, known as the "Golden Boy," has won world titles in six weight classes. His victories over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and his status as one of the biggest stars in boxing history make him a legend.

16. Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez

Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez has brought attention to the lower weight classes with his crowd-pleasing style. His four-division world titles and victories over Juan Francisco Estrada make him a legend.

17. Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury, known as the "Gypsy King," has dominated the heavyweight division with his size and skill. His victories over Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder make him one of the best heavyweights of his era.

18. Miguel Cotto

Miguel Cotto, the first Puerto Rican boxer to win titles in four weight classes, is known for his powerful left hook. His victories over Shane Mosley and Sergio Martinez make him a legend.

19. Vitali Klitschko

Vitali Klitschko, known as "Dr. Ironfist," has dominated the heavyweight division with his powerful punches. His victories over Lennox Lewis and his status as one of the best heavyweights of his era make him a legend.

20. Marco Antonio Barrera

Marco Antonio Barrera, known for his epic trilogy with Erik Morales, has won world titles in three weight classes. His victories over Prince Naseem Hamed and Manny Pacquiao make him a legend.

21. Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor has raised the profile of women's boxing with her skill and determination. Her undisputed titles in two weight classes and her historic rivalry with Amanda Serrano make her a legend.

22. Wladimir Klitschko

Wladimir Klitschko, known for his jab-and-grab strategy, has dominated the heavyweight division. His victories over David Haye and Alexander Povetkin make him one of the best heavyweights of his era.

23. Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields, the most decorated athlete on this list, has won world titles in five weight classes. Her undisputed titles in three weight classes and her status as one of the best female boxers of all time make her a legend.

24. Ronald "Winky" Wright

Ronald "Winky" Wright, known for his defensive skills, has won world titles in the junior middleweight division. His victories over Shane Mosley and Felix Trinidad make him a legend.

25. Timothy Bradley Jr.

Timothy Bradley Jr., known for his will to win, has won world titles in two weight classes. His victories over Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez make him a legend.

This list not only celebrates the achievements of these legendary fighters but also sets the stage for the upcoming megafight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, which promises to be one of the most exciting bouts in recent memory.

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