Full list of current men's boxing world champions including Usyk and Canelo

Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 12:25 GMT by Talksport
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Boxing is a complicated and convoluted sport with several world champions in each division. Most observers recognise that we are now in a four-belt era, with the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO all given cre

The world of professional boxing currently boasts a fascinating landscape of dominant champions, each representing different weight classes, styles, and narratives that captivate fans globally. This article focuses on three prominent figures: Oleksandr Usyk, Canelo Alvarez, and Gervonta Davis, analyzing their careers, strengths, weaknesses, and the challenges they face as they navigate the pinnacle of their sport. The piece aims to provide a snapshot of where these fighters stand in 2024 and what future matchups might be on the horizon.

Oleksandr Usyk: The Undisputed Cruiserweight King Turned Lightweight Threat

The article begins by highlighting Oleksandr Usyk’s remarkable career trajectory. Initially, he was an almost universally acknowledged phenomenon at cruiserweight, achieving the unprecedented feat of unifying all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) – a demonstration of dominance rarely seen in boxing. His amateur pedigree is also emphasized; Usyk represented Ukraine extensively, winning a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. This foundation provided him with exceptional technical skills, ring intelligence, and an unwavering composure that has served him well throughout his professional career.

Usyk’s transition to heavyweight was initially met with skepticism. The jump in weight class is significant, and many questioned whether he possessed the size and power to compete against the established giants of the division. However, Usyk silenced doubters by outboxing Anthony Joshua twice, first claiming the WBA, IBF, WBO, and *The Ring* titles via a unanimous decision in 2021, and then retaining them with another clear victory in 2022. These wins weren't simply about winning; they were masterclasses in boxing technique, showcasing Usyk’s ability to control distance, utilize footwork, and disrupt Joshua’s rhythm.

The article acknowledges that while Usyk possesses exceptional skill, his physical stature remains a point of discussion. He is smaller than most heavyweight contenders, relying on speed, agility, and technical proficiency rather than brute force. His recent fight against Tyson Fury, though resulting in a split decision loss for Usyk, further solidified his reputation as a highly skilled and competitive fighter even against the division’s biggest name. The article notes that Fury's size advantage was undeniable, but Usyk managed to land significant punches and demonstrate impressive resilience. A rematch with Fury is heavily implied as a potential future event, promising another compelling clash of styles and strategies. The piece suggests that Usyk's continued success hinges on maintaining his exceptional conditioning and continuing to exploit the weaknesses in his opponents’ defenses through intelligent boxing.

Canelo Alvarez: The Reigning Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion & Boxing's Biggest Star

Moving onto Canelo Alvarez, the article immediately establishes him as arguably the biggest star in modern boxing. His marketability, combined with a consistent record of impressive victories, has made him a global phenomenon. The piece details his journey through various weight classes – from light welterweight to super middleweight – demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. While he’s held titles across multiple divisions, it's at super middleweight (168 lbs) where he currently reigns supreme as the undisputed champion, holding the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts.

Canelo’s strengths are highlighted as being a potent combination of power, precision, and an increasingly refined defensive game. He is known for his devastating left hook and his ability to absorb punishment while simultaneously landing damaging blows. The article acknowledges that Canelo's early career was marked by periods of inconsistency, but he has matured significantly under the guidance of trainer Eddy Reynoso.

The piece touches upon some of Canelo’s notable victories, including those over Liam Smith, Miguel Cotto, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Sergey Kovalev, Callum Smith, and most recently, Dmitry Bivol (though acknowledging Bivol's victory in their first encounter). However, the article also mentions his defeat to Bivol as a significant setback, revealing a vulnerability against skilled boxers who can effectively counter his power. The rematch with Bivol, which Canelo won by unanimous decision, demonstrated his ability to learn and adapt, but it also underscored the challenges he faces against elite opposition.

The article emphasizes that Canelo’s future plans are constantly under scrutiny, with potential matchups against David Benavidez frequently discussed. Benavidez represents a significant challenge due to his size, power, and relentless pressure style – a stark contrast to Canelo's more measured approach. The piece suggests that the negotiations for this fight have been complex, largely driven by financial considerations and promotional rights. Canelo’s continued dominance depends on maintaining his physical conditioning and strategically selecting opponents who best suit his fighting style while also providing compelling narratives for fans.

Gervonta Davis: The "Tank" – Power, Controversy, and Untapped Potential

The article then shifts focus to Gervonta “Tank” Davis, a fighter known primarily for his explosive punching power and devastating knockout ability. Davis’s career has been marked by both spectacular victories and considerable controversy. He is considered one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing, regardless of weight class, possessing the ability to end fights with a single blow.

The piece details Davis's rise through the super featherweight division (130 lbs) and his subsequent move up to lightweight (135 lbs). He has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to dismantle opponents with brutal efficiency, often securing victories within the opening rounds. His power is frequently cited as his defining characteristic, but the article also acknowledges that he sometimes struggles against more technically proficient boxers who can avoid his reach and neutralize his offensive pressure.

The controversies surrounding Davis are addressed, including legal issues and personal conduct that have occasionally overshadowed his boxing achievements. These incidents have undoubtedly impacted his marketability and public perception, although they haven't diminished his drawing power within the sport. The article suggests that these off-ring issues represent a significant obstacle to him reaching his full potential and securing truly blockbuster fights.

The piece highlights Davis’s recent fight against Frank Martin as a relatively straightforward victory, but emphasizes that more significant challenges lie ahead. A highly anticipated matchup with Ryan Garcia has been a recurring topic of discussion, representing a stylistic clash between Davis's power and Garcia's speed and boxing skills. The article suggests that this fight would be a major event, regardless of the outcome, and could significantly elevate Davis’s profile if he emerges victorious. The piece concludes by suggesting that Gervonta Davis possesses immense talent but needs to address his personal issues and consistently demonstrate adaptability in the ring to truly establish himself as one of boxing's all-time greats.

Read the Full Talksport Article at:
[ https://talksport.com/boxing/1290750/boxing-world-champions-oleksandr-usyk-canelo-alvarez-gervonta-davis/ ]

N※N

Full list of current men's boxing world champions including Usyk and Canelo