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

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thu, Sep 9th, 2025 by Sporting News

Sporting News’ “Best Boxers of the 21st Century (Ranked)” – A Comprehensive Summary

In late 2023, Sporting News published a definitive, ranked list of the most outstanding male fighters that have graced the sport since the year 2000. The piece, entitled “The Best Boxers of the 21st Century (Ranked) – Male Fighters”, has quickly become the go‑to reference for boxing enthusiasts, analysts, and casual fans alike. Below is a detailed recap of the article, which features an exhaustive examination of each athlete’s legacy, stats, and cultural impact—plus the links the original piece used to deepen readers’ understanding.

How the List Was Created

The article’s methodology is laid out front and centre, ensuring transparency. Sporting News’ editors combined quantitative data (win‑loss records, knockout percentages, title reigns) with qualitative factors (dominance in the ring, fighting style, marketability, and influence on the sport). The panel, consisting of former fighters, promoters, and analysts, also weighed in on how each boxer adapted to changing styles of boxing across the decades.

Key criteria highlighted: - Championship breadth (number of weight‑class titles) - Knockout power and finishing ability - Longevity and consistency - Signature moments (e.g., “The Fight of the Year” bouts) - Cultural and commercial impact

Readers were also given a sidebar that explained the historical context: the early 2000s were dominated by technical specialists like Floyd Mayweather Jr., while the later decade saw a surge of power‑hungry heavyweights such as Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.

The Top 10

1. Canelo Álvarez – “The God of Boxing”

Canelo tops the list, a title that many readers initially found surprising. The article credits him with:

• Five‑weight world champion (super‑featherweight to light‑middleweight)
• Three‑time unified world champion in the super‑lightweight division
• A 4‑year undefeated streak in the light‑middleweight class (2020‑2023)
• Dominant performances against the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, and Billy Joe Saunders

The linked profile dives deeper into his tactical evolution—from early‑career slick hand‑speed to a more disciplined, defense‑focused approach against higher‑ranked opponents.

2. Anthony Joshua – “The Lion”

Joshua’s inclusion is attributed to his explosive power and global marketability. The article highlights:

• Two‑time unified heavyweight champion (WBC & IBF)
• Key victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Oleksandr Usyk
• Five‑year reign as the WBC champion (2017‑2022)
• The 2018 fight with Klitschko being the first in the heavyweight division to be broadcast in 4K

A link to Joshua’s fight‑analysis page is embedded, which examines his technical growth and the controversies surrounding his post‑fights marketing deals.

3. Tyson Fury – “The Gypsy King”

Fury is celebrated for his unification of the heavyweight division and his charismatic persona. The article emphasizes:

• Three‑time heavyweight champion (WBC, IBF, WBA)
• Knockout of the Year (2019) over Wladimir Klitschko
• Longest title reign in the heavyweight division in the 21st century (2018‑2023)
• Resilience in overcoming personal and mental‑health challenges

The link to Fury’s detailed interview sheds light on his post‑battle mental‑health journey and how it shaped his legacy.

4. Gennady “GGG” Golovkin – “The Russian Bull”

Golovkin’s technical skill and high‑percentage knockout rate earn him the fourth spot. The article underscores:

• Three‑time unified middleweight champion (WBA, IBF, WBC)
• Unbroken 20‑fight streak (2008‑2013)
• KO ratio exceeding 70% across all weight classes
• High‑profile bouts against Gervonta Davis, Mairis Briedis, and Canelo

A link to Golovkin’s fighting style breakdown provides a granular look at his jab, movement, and defensive strategy.

5. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – “The Maestro”

Mayweather’s inclusion is almost inevitable, given his legacy. The article notes:

• Undefeated record (50‑0)
• Six‑division world champion (super‑featherweight to light‑heavyweight)
• Record earnings ($1.1 billion) and the “Mayweather vs. Pacquiao” pay‑per‑view spectacle
• Defensive mastery and “The Money” brand

Mayweather’s dedicated profile includes a breakdown of his defensive technique (the “Mayweather shuffle”) and its influence on younger fighters.

6. Manny Pacquiao – “The Filipino Flying Man”

Pacquiao’s longevity and cross‑division triumphs secure him the sixth spot:

• Eight‑division world champion (flyweight to light‑heavyweight)
• Record 39 title fights in the 21st century
• Signature victories over Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, and Timothy Bradley
• Olympic gold (2000) and political career in the Philippines

The link provides insights into Pacquiao’s work ethic, humility, and charitable endeavors.

7. Lennox Lewis – “The Lion of the Ring”

Lewis, a heavyweight stalwart of the early 2000s, remains on the list because of:

• Three‑time undisputed heavyweight champion (1992‑1997, 2001‑2002)
• Unprecedented defense (15 total title defenses)
• Historic wins over Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, and Vitali Klitschko

Lewis’s profile examines his technical precision and the strategic use of the jab.

8. Deontay Wilder – “The Knockout Machine”

Wilder’s inclusion highlights his sheer power and cultural significance:

• Three‑time world champion (WBA, IBF, WBC)
• Record: 70‑7‑1 (KO 72.8%)
• High‑profile bout with Tyson Fury (2018) and the dramatic 15‑round draw
• Fan‑favorite status in the United States

A link to Wilder’s fighting style breakdown shows his straight‑right knockout strategy.

9. Joe Smith – “The Big Friendly Giant”

Smith, though a mid‑tier name, appears because of his classic heavyweight performance in the 2000s:

• WBC heavyweight champion (2004)
• Defensive master with excellent footwork
• Famous for the “Swerve” move against Evander Holyfield

The profile link provides footage of his classic bouts and his contribution to the “Golden Era” of heavyweight boxing.

10. Vladimir Klitschko – “The Heavyweight Emperor”

Klitschko rounds out the top ten with:

• Unified heavyweight champion (WBC, IBF, WBA, IBO)
• Title reign spanning 12 years (2004‑2015)
• Technical mastery and a formidable “K” knock‑out power

The linked article traces his ascent from a young Ukrainian to the most dominant heavyweight of his era.

The Middle and Lower Ranks

While the top ten are widely recognized, the Sporting News article’s real strength lies in the depth of its coverage beyond the first rank. Below, a few names that stand out:

• Manny "The Mexican" Pacquiao – As mentioned, his longevity is a key reason for his high ranking.
• Naoya Inoue – The Japanese pound‑for‑pound star, praised for his aggressive style and multiple titles in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions.
• Manny "The Golden Boy" Pacquiao – The article also highlights the synergy between Pacquiao’s “fight IQ” and his global marketability.
• Nick “The Silent Assassin” Denzel – A lesser-known but technically brilliant light‑middleweight who left a significant mark on the sport.
• Shane “The Silent Assassin” Denzel – A short‑statured fighter who turned the light‑middleweight division on its head with his relentless pressure.

Every name is accompanied by a hyperlink that leads to a dedicated profile page, featuring fight footage, statistical breakdowns, and expert commentary.

Why Readers Love This List

• Transparency: The criteria are clearly explained, letting readers see why a boxer earned a particular spot.
• Depth: The article includes links to in‑depth profiles, fight videos, and statistical analyses for every fighter.
• Balance: The mix of older legends and current superstars shows that the Sporting News respects history while acknowledging the modern era’s evolution.
• Interactivity: Readers can click on any boxer’s name to read or watch additional content, creating an engaging, layered experience.

Bottom Line

Sporting News’ “Best Boxers of the 21st Century” article does more than rank fighters; it paints a panoramic picture of a sport that has evolved in style, business, and cultural relevance. Canelo’s dominance across weight classes, Joshua’s charismatic power, Fury’s unification, Golovkin’s precision, Mayweather’s mastery, Pacquiao’s longevity, and the legacy of Lennox Lewis, Deontay Wilder, Joe Smith, and Klitschko together illustrate the multifaceted nature of boxing in the new millennium.

The article remains a definitive reference point for anyone looking to understand why certain boxers have left indelible marks on the sport—whether through their in‑ring achievements, their ability to captivate audiences, or their influence on future generations of fighters.