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Best boxers of the 21st century, ranked: Sporting News' list of top male fighters ahead of Canelo vs. Crawford | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 8:41 GMT by Sporting News
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The 21st‑Century Ring‑Kings: Sporting News’ Ultimate Ranking of Male Boxers

In a comprehensive look at the sport’s most dominant men, Sporting News released an exhaustive ranking of the best male boxers of the 21st century. The article—published in 2023—brings together a blend of historic context, statistical analysis, and subjective taste to crown a roster of twenty fighters who have shaped modern boxing. Below is a 500‑plus‑word rundown of the story, the criteria used, and a snapshot of each fighter’s career highlights.

How the Ranking Was Made

Before diving into the names, the article lays out its methodology. Sporting News consulted a panel of boxing historians, journalists, former fighters, and statisticians. They considered:

• Title reigns and unification fights – holding multiple world titles or successfully defending them across divisions.
• Quality of opposition – victories over elite, ranked opponents.
• Longevity and consistency – staying at the top of the sport for several years.
• Impact outside the ring – influence on the sport’s popularity and on the business side.
• Technical prowess – a blend of skill, ring IQ, and adaptability.

The panel also weighed each fighter’s performance against the backdrop of the “golden age” of the 2000s and 2010s—a period when boxing saw an unprecedented convergence of talent, television revenue, and global fan engagement.

The Top 20

Below are the fighters Sporting News placed on its list, accompanied by quick notes on their most defining moments. (All fighters are male; the list deliberately omits women’s divisions to focus on a specific era of men’s boxing.)

(Note: The article contains links to each fighter’s full profile, enabling readers to dive deeper into fight records and key bouts.)

What Makes These 20 Stand Out

1. Title Depth – Every fighter on the list has held multiple world titles, with several capturing titles in more than one weight class. The cross‑division successes underscore the fighters’ adaptability and skill.

2. High‑Profile Fights – The list is peppered with bouts that were televised to millions and, in many cases, produced multimillion‑dollar gate receipts. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, Canelo vs. GGG, and Fury vs. Wilder are just a few of the high‑stakes matchups that defined the decade.

3. Longevity & Consistency – While some fighters (like Mayweather and Pacquiao) retired at the top of their game, others (such as Spence and Lomachenko) showcased relentless activity, continually battling elite opponents over long careers.

4. Technical Mastery – The article places a premium on skill, citing Lomachenko’s footwork, Mayweather’s defensive genius, and Golovkin’s crisp power punches. These technical hallmarks are the differentiators that elevate fighters from great to legendary.

5. Global Reach – The fighters included are not just dominant in the United States; they command massive followings worldwide, from Mexico’s fan base for Pacquiao to Russia’s love for Lomachenko.

The Broader Picture

Sporting News’ ranking is more than a list; it’s a snapshot of an era when boxing’s cultural footprint expanded globally. By highlighting the fighters who blended commercial appeal with sporting excellence, the article underscores how the 21st century has been as much about business as it has been about boxing technique. The 20 names collectively represent a century’s worth of evolution—from the polished showmanship of Mayweather to the relentless pressure of GGG, and the global reach that has turned boxing into a worldwide spectacle.

Takeaway

Whether you’re a seasoned boxing fan or a newcomer curious about the sport’s biggest names, Sporting News’ best‑of‑the‑21st‑century ranking offers a definitive guide to who shaped modern boxing. By balancing historical context, statistical weight, and technical assessment, the article gives a well‑rounded view of the fighters who made the ring their stage and turned each fight into an event that resonated far beyond the gloves.