21st century’s greatest boxers: from Mayweather to Canelo ranked

9. Juan Manuel Marquez

While the four-fight rivalry with Manny Pacquiao stands out as the defining chapter of his career, Marquez spent 21 years in the ring, cementing his status as a Mexican icon in modern boxing.

Known for his technical skill, Marquez had a sharp eye for counterpunching and was comfortable trading heavy shots when needed, which we saw plenty of times against Pacquiao.

The hard-hitting Mexican was never stopped in his career and holds the rare distinction of knocking out Pacquiao in their final meeting.

Across a career that stretched into 2014, he captured world titles across four different weight divisions.

8. Joe Calzaghe

Joe Calzaghe’s career started in the 20th century, but he made his name in the 21st, going from promising talent to one of boxing’s most respected champions.

Calzaghe was already a world champion at Super Middleweight by 2000, but few could have predicted he’d hold onto the title for another eight years before stepping away.

He didn’t just keep the belt, though. Calzaghe moved up to Light Heavyweight later in his career and took on legends like Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.

Over time, as injuries took their toll and his speed faded a bit, Calzaghe adapted. He leaned more on his sharp mind and ring intelligence to stay ahead of opponents.

He finished with an unbeaten record of 46-0 – not many can say they left the sport without a single loss.

7. Andre Ward

Andre Ward had an undefeated career, and his Super Middleweight title run was one of the best the division has seen in recent decades.

Ward was a highly skilled fighter who built a record of 32-0, outclassing opponents with technical ability rather than brute force.

After moving up in weight, he added the Light Heavyweight title to his accomplishments before stepping away from the sport. While there were questions about what more he could have achieved if he’d kept fighting, his impact on the era was already clear.

6. Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury might not have the typical look of a top-level athlete, but he’s firmly established himself as one of the heavyweight division’s most talented fighters.

His size alone is impressive—standing at six-foot-nine—and his movement and agility are what set him apart from others in his weight class.

Fury has a unique style that relies on movement and an ability to avoid big shots. His ring awareness allows him to stay a step ahead, making it difficult for opponents to land cleanly.

He also has the toughness to match. Throughout his career, he’s shown the resilience needed to beat fighters like Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora while holding onto the heavyweight title.

5. Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez has dropped down to fifth place in these rankings after his loss to Terence Crawford in their high-profile fight on September 13.

The Mexican fighter made his professional debut at just 15 years old and quickly built a reputation as one to watch. He went unbeaten for eight years, racking up a streak of 43 fights without a loss.

Even after more than two decades and 67 fights, he’s only lost three times and has never been knocked down, which speaks volumes about his durability.

Despite the defeat to Crawford, who hadn’t fought anywhere near Super Middleweight before, Canelo remains one of the most impressive fighters of the past quarter-century.

4. Terence Crawford

It’s hard to argue with a 42-0 record, and that’s just one of the reasons Terence Crawford is firmly in the conversation for best fighter of the century.

Nicknamed “Bud,” Crawford has made history by becoming the undisputed champion in three different weight classes and picking up world titles in four divisions overall.

Crawford started at Lightweight and eventually moved up to Light Middleweight, along the way stopping 31 opponents including notable names like Julius Indongo and Ricky Burns.

His win over Canelo Alvarez not only added another title to his collection but also made him boxing’s first-ever three-time undisputed champion across five weight classes. That achievement alone puts him among the very best this century has seen.

3. Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk’s path to the top began after the 2012 Olympic Games, and few fighters have made an impact quite like he has since turning professional.

The Ukrainian has yet to be beaten, first claiming world titles at Cruiserweight before moving up to Heavyweight, where he’s faced some of the sport’s biggest names.

Since making that move, Usyk has comfortably handled opponents like Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury, adding to his argument as one of the best Heavyweights in history.

Even with a resume like his, there are still two others from this era who have put together equally remarkable careers.

2. Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao sits second on the list, his numerous world title victories alone placing him among the elite fighters of the 21st century.

Pacquiao’s career began back in 1995, but it was the 2000s where he truly made his mark. Seven of his eight world titles came during that period, a record that still stands unmatched.

Pac-Man became known for his relentless approach and knockout power, delivering memorable finishes against the likes of Ricky Hatton and Erik Morales during high-profile title bouts.

Pacquiao ended his career with an impressive 62 wins and only eight defeats. Even at age 46, he went the distance with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, holding him to a draw over twelve rounds in Las Vegas.

His 2015 showdown with Floyd Mayweather remains the highest-grossing fight in boxing history, a testament to just how big a star Pacquiao was during his prime.

1. Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather’s 21st-century career speaks for itself, and his place at the top of this list isn’t much of a debate.

The former five-weight world champion is one of the most technically gifted boxers to ever step into a ring. His defensive skills and ring IQ made him nearly impossible to beat during his peak years.

Mayweather was known for rarely taking clean shots, and he often controlled fights without ever appearing rushed or under pressure.

He finished his professional career in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, surpassing Rocky Marciano’s long-standing mark by one victory.

Outside the ring, Mayweather became boxing’s biggest earner, pulling in over a billion dollars across major events that included names like Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, and Oscar De La Hoya.