DAZN News' Christopher Walker's pound-for-pound rankings - Rating the best boxers in the sport today

Opinion’s will always be split, but DAZN News' Christopher Walker  has taken on the task of ranking the world’s best fighters. 

List correct as of February 2, 2026

1. Oleksandr Usyk 

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

The Ukrainian wizard has long been a feature on boxing’s best lists, but his run at heavyweight means he takes top position on our chart. 

What else is left for Usyk to do? Numerous trilogy appointments await, but is there anyone out there who can end his run?

2. Naoya Inoue 

Is featherweight awaiting the man from Japan? 

Naoya Inoue has dominated multiple weight classes, and it remains unknown just how high he can go. 

3. Shakur Stevenson 

After starting 2026 with a big win over Teofimo Lopez, Shakur Stevenson takes a big jump.

Now the number one fighter at 140lbs, Stevenson has now reigned in four weight classes.

4. Jesse Rodriguez 

Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Blazing his way through the lower weight categories similar to Inoue, ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is on the verge of being America's biggest boxing star. 

The unbeaten Texan has made boxing look easy in recent years and numerous high-profile fights await the exciting youngster. 

5. Dmitry Bivol 

Holding wins over Canelo and Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol has proven his worth in recent years as one of the world’s best light-heavyweights. 

His rivalry with Beterbiev still has plenty of life left in it and the pair are expected to meet again in 2026. 

6. Artur Beterbiev 

Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The heavy-handed Artur Beterbiev proved his worth last year when he produced a stunning performance to get past his great rival, Bivol. 

Beterbiev was narrowly between in an immediate rematch, but a third meeting will either decide the better fighter or leave us wanting more. 

7. Junto Nakatani 

Another Japanese knockout artist similar to Inoue, Junto Nakatani has gone about his business largely in his homeland despite appearing to have major mainstream credentials. 

A big fight with Naoya Inoue beckons in 2026.

8. Devin Haney

There were some doubts surrounding Haney after flat performances against Ryan Garcia and Jose Ramirez.

A win over Brian Norman looked the part and Haney is now back in the mix for the biggest fights in 2026.

9. David Benavidez

The light-heavyweight star has contantly pursued big fights and after getting past Anthony Yarde in November, a move to cruiserweight looks next.

Benavidez has ticked every box so far in his career, but he needs that defining win to take him to the next level.

10. Canelo Alvarez 

The Mexican superstar has one of boxing’s best ever records, but September's loss to Terence Crawford may be hard to come back from. 

Canelo appears to have slowed down in recent fights, but there are enough high profile wins to keep him in the top ten despite facing a close call on being removed entirely.

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